How to get a Chinese Shipping agent in 2023

Before taking your order, most China factories on Alibaba and other similar platforms will require you to have an international China shipping agent. As a result, it’s not surprising that importers look for the best shipping agent.

The purpose of this article is to discuss how to locate the best shipping agents in China. You will have enough information about this subject by the end of this article.

You can find the best China shipping agent, but before you hire them to transport your goods, keep the following in mind:

• They must be lawfully registered.
• They must have a user-friendly website on which everything must be clearly described.
• It’s ideal to inquire about the contentment of a few of his clients, and if feasible, to inquire about the company’s current state.

What is the role of a shipping agent?

Individuals or firms that plan transportation for individuals or companies and transfer goods from Chinese manufacturers to markets or final distribution sites are referred to as shipping agents. They may also be in charge of the following tasks:

• Packaging
• Labeling
• Documentation

Workflow of China’s shipping agents

From acquisition to client purchase, international logistics entails planning and monitoring the flow of commodities in a company’s supply chain.

The following diagram depicts the full process of how a China shipping agent works:

Shipping Agency vs. Freight Forwarder

Although all shipping agents are freight forwarders since the services they provide aid transportation, not all shipping agents are freight forwarders because they do not always supervise the full transportation process. Freight forwarders are also, on average, larger companies with greater resources than shipping agencies.

What services does a Chinese shipping agent offer?

Each China shipping agent offers a unique set of services. If you are seeking for the best Chinese shipping agent, they will be able to supply all of the services listed below, as well as possibly more.

Pick up 

A China shipping agent will pick up your products from the supplier’s warehouse and deliver them to the port.

Cargo inspection

You can also ask the China shipping agent to inspect the items to ensure that they satisfy your standards completely. You can tell them what you want in this case.

Safe storage facilities

Storage is also available through the China shipping agent. They may charge you fees and store your belongings in their warehouse. This service is usually provided for free.

Assist in arranging cargo insurance

What happens if your shipment goes missing at sea? Who will make up the difference? As a result, your Chinese shipping agent will also assist you in insuring your shipment.

As your ground team to solve any problems

They will deal with any concerns that may emerge because they are your local representatives.

Bundle Service

If you order items from multiple vendors, the agent will provide bundled services to help you get everything in order.

Prepare shipping documents

Preparing shipping documentation is a crucial and difficult process. It is not a difficult task for an experienced China shipping agent to prepare these documentation. These documents include the following:

• Bill of lading
• commercial invoice
• certified product
• Certificate of Origin
• Dangerous good condition etc.
• Pack the goods into the container

Customs Clearance

Indeed, Chinese shipping agents are well-versed in Chinese legislation and customs. They can rapidly clear customs because they are familiar with the procedure. They were able to save time throughout the process due to their knowledge. All operations are streamlined and performed swiftly and efficiently thanks to the experience of shipping agents in China. This can help you save a significant amount of time.

How can you prevent being taken advantage of by Chinese shipping agents?

Examine the Chinese shipping agency’s license.

Checking the licensing of the freight forwarder of your choice is the first and most evident step. However, you may overlook this step because it appears to be self-evident. No one will be held liable if the shipping agency does not have a license and something horrible occurs.

Check the review of previous or current clients.

Asking previous and current customers about the reliability and performance of the best Chinese shipping brokers is a great method to find out. They have first-hand knowledge and can provide you with all the information you require.

Conduct background checks with people around

If you can’t reach a client, ask around to see if anyone knows someone who works for the company or an agency who wants to work with you. You can also inquire about the company’s reputation by speaking with market participants. Word of mouth has a lot of power.

Check his professional email/company logo, website, and social media.

Take a look at how professional this firm is. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

Do they have a business email address?

Do they believe in a well-designed company logo?

What are your thoughts about this website?

Check out how they do on social media.

Conclusion

When looking for a China shipping agent for your company, you should first determine exactly what services you require, then compare different agents based on their services, fees, English skills, response time, and order fulfillment software and hardware to ensure order fulfillment in a timely manner.