Logistics & Shipping Coordination – From Factory Floor to Your Door
Getting your goods produced in China is only half the battle – moving them to your destination safely, on time, and without hidden costs is where many importers struggle. Logistics and shipping coordination require not just booking a container, but orchestrating a chain of events involving factories, freight forwarders, customs, and local carriers. Done right, it saves you money, reduces lead times, and prevents nasty surprises.
1) The Process of Logistics & Shipping Coordination
1. Production Readiness Check
Before we book anything, we confirm the factory’s real completion date and verify packaging, labeling, and documentation. If the goods are not export-ready (missing labels, incorrect pallet sizes, dangerous goods misclassification), delays and fines can occur later.
2. Mode of Transport Selection
We evaluate sea freight, air freight, rail, or multimodal solutions based on your deadlines, budget, and cargo type:
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL): Cost-effective for large shipments but longer transit time (20–45 days).
Air Freight: Fast (3–7 days) but more expensive, ideal for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
Rail Freight: Growing option for Europe–China trade, balancing speed and cost.
Courier/Express: For small urgent samples or parts.
3. Incoterms & Responsibilities
We help you select the right Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, etc.) to define who is responsible for each leg of the journey. This avoids confusion about costs, insurance, and risk transfer.
4. Booking & Coordination
We liaise with the freight forwarder to secure the best rates and space, especially during peak seasons like Chinese New Year or Golden Week. At the same time, we coordinate with the factory to ensure timely pickup.
5. Export Documentation
We ensure accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, HS codes, certificates of origin, and any necessary compliance documents (CE, RoHS, phytosanitary, etc.). Incorrect paperwork can hold shipments at customs for weeks.
6. Cargo Inspection & Loading Supervision (CLS)
Before sealing the container, we check that goods are properly packed, loaded in the correct order, and adequately secured to prevent damage in transit. Container condition, seal numbers, and load photos are documented.
7. Customs Clearance & Final Delivery
We coordinate with customs brokers in both China and the destination country to ensure smooth clearance. Once cleared, we arrange final delivery to your warehouse or distribution center.
2) Common Problems Without Proper Coordination
Port Congestion & Missed Sailings: Booking too late can push your shipment back by weeks.
Incorrect HS Codes: Leads to overpayment of duties or customs seizures.
Hidden Charges: Unclear Incoterms can result in unexpected port handling fees or demurrage.
Poor Packaging: Goods arrive damaged due to insufficient protection for sea or air transport.
Lack of Insurance: Many importers skip cargo insurance and bear the full loss if containers are damaged or lost.
3) How CBIC-Europe Manages Logistics for You
End-to-End Visibility: We track your shipment from factory release to final delivery.
Prevention of Bottlenecks: We plan around public holidays, peak season, and weather-related delays.
Cost Transparency: You receive a detailed breakdown of all freight and handling charges.
Global Network: We work with trusted forwarders and customs brokers who understand China–Europe trade specifics.
Risk Mitigation: We recommend and arrange appropriate cargo insurance to protect your investment.
4) With CBIC vs. Going Solo
Going Solo: You may rely entirely on the factory’s forwarder, who prioritizes cost savings over schedule reliability. You could face incomplete paperwork, missed sailings, and unexpected charges once the cargo arrives.
With CBIC-Europe: We coordinate all moving parts, keep you informed in real-time, and ensure your goods move efficiently through every stage. We negotiate better rates, anticipate delays, and fix issues before they snowball.
Efficient logistics and shipping coordination turn your finished goods into delivered goods – without stress, delays, or hidden costs. With CBIC-Europe, you gain a partner who ensures every container, pallet, or package arrives exactly as planned.
What Our Partners Say
CBIC helped us avoid expensive mistakes and made the entire process smooth from day one. Their local team in China was a game-changer.
We tried importing on our own before — it was chaos. With CBIC, everything is organized, transparent, and reliable. Now we can scale confidently.
We reduced lead times and costs by 25% thanks to their logistics optimization. CBIC is now our permanent import partner.
Their sourcing intelligence saved us weeks of research and negotiations. We now work with trusted suppliers we never would have found alone.
As a small business, I was hesitant to import from China. CBIC gave me the tools and confidence to succeed — and my first shipment arrived flawlessly