Cargo facts
- Exact product name and intended use
- Photos, quantity, value and HS code if known
- Packed dimensions, gross weight and CBM
- Battery, liquid, powder, magnet, gas or temperature limits
Before pickup is booked
Check the cargo once. Avoid preventable surprises later.
Use this checklist to prepare a complete inquiry, confirm responsibility at each handoff and keep the evidence needed through delivery.
Pre-shipment cargo checklist
Eight checks before your freight leaves China.
Not every shipment needs the same service, but every quotation needs accurate cargo and delivery facts.
Packing
- Inner protection, carton strength and edge protection
- Pallet, wooden case or frame requirements
- Stacking limits and loading direction
- Knock-down or space-saving option where suitable
Supplier and pickup
- Supplier address and cargo-ready date
- Contact person and pickup hours
- Factory inspection or production follow-up needs
- Loading photos or supervision requirements
Commercial documents
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Buyer, seller and importer information
- Brand, model, material and country of origin
- Licenses, certificates or product reports where required
Route and deadline
- Destination port, city, warehouse or full address
- Required arrival date and acceptable range
- Ocean, air, express or split-shipment options
- Peak-season or inventory deadline constraints
Insurance and evidence
- Declared cargo value and preferred coverage
- Pre-shipment condition and packing photos
- Loading, seal and handoff records
- Claim notification and document responsibilities
Destination delivery
- Business, residence, FBA or third-party warehouse
- Appointment, liftgate, upstairs or inside delivery
- Forklift, crane or unloading access
- Pallet return, remote area and waiting-time limits
Final approval
- Scope, rate validity and excluded charges
- Payment terms and operating timeline
- Confirmed packing, documents and insurance
- Named contact for every important handoff
What you receive before booking
A shipment plan you can check, compare and approve.
The quote should make the next decision easier—not leave key details for later.
Comparable options
Mode, scope, estimated timing and key exclusions shown side by side.
Total-cost visibility
Origin, freight, destination and special-handling items separated clearly.
Cargo readiness
Dimensions, weight, packing, value, documents and carrier acceptance checked.
Named handoffs
Supplier, warehouse, carrier, customs and delivery responsibilities mapped before pickup.
Evidence plan
Photos, loading records and delivery notes captured where they protect you.
Exception response
If the plan changes, receive the reason, impact and next workable option.
Delivery fit
FBA, appointments, liftgate, upstairs handling, pallet return and access limits confirmed.
Improvement record
Lessons on damage, space, time and supplier performance improve the next shipment.
For a faster first reply
Send the six essentials.
Product photos, packed dimensions, gross weight, supplier location, destination and required date let us begin comparing workable options.
Decision summary
What to verify before acting on “Check the cargo once. Avoid preventable surprises later.”
| Decision | Evidence to request | What the answer changes |
|---|---|---|
| Can the cargo and supplier meet the plan? | Product specification, packed dimensions, weight, value, supplier location and readiness date. | Feasible modes, pickup plan and quotation scope. |
| Where can loss, delay or rejection occur? | Packing photos, declarations, test documents, labels, access limits and handling points. | Carrier acceptance, insurance, packaging and delivery controls. |
| Who owns each handoff? | Named supplier, warehouse, forwarder, customs and consignee responsibilities. | Milestones, evidence capture and exception response. |
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Buyer questions
Questions buyers ask before signing off a shipment
Short answers to the questions that usually remain after the first review. Final requirements still depend on the actual cargo, supplier, carrier and destination.
Who should own the final pre-shipment release?
Name one decision owner who confirms product acceptance, packing, quantities, documents, carrier acceptance and delivery assumptions before pickup—not several parties assuming another has checked.
What should stop a shipment even when the vessel or flight cutoff is close?
Stop when cargo identity, critical quality, dangerous-goods acceptance, packing integrity, quantity or required documents remain materially uncertain. A missed cutoff is usually cheaper than an unaccepted or failed shipment.
Which photographs are most useful at release?
Capture labeled product and lots, internal protection, closed cartons or crates, dimensions and weight, pallet restraint, marks, loading position and seal, tied to the order and date.