Frequently asked international shipping questions
Answers about freight calculation, volumetric weight, cargo categories, tax, customs, packing and parcel consolidation.
How to Ship Parcels from China: A Complete Consolidation Guide
What information is needed for international consolidation?
Normally the recipient details, destination and postcode, exact item names and quantities, declared value, final weight and dimensions are required. Special cargo may need additional documents.
Related guide →Why can the warehouse quote differ from the early estimate?
An early estimate may use actual weight only. The warehouse uses final packed dimensions, cargo classification and applicable surcharges.
Related guide →Should every group of parcels be consolidated into one carton?
Not always. Consolidation can reduce repeated minimum charges, but fragile, liquid or incompatible items may be safer in separate cartons.
Related guide →Volumetric Weight, Actual Weight and Chargeable Weight Explained
Do all routes use a divisor of 6000?
No. The divisor and rounding rules vary by carrier and route. Always use the rule shown for the selected channel.
Related guide →Should I measure the product or the carton?
Measure the maximum outside length, width and height of the final packed parcel.
Related guide →What can I do when volumetric weight is much higher?
Review redundant packaging, compression and parcel splitting, then compare the complete cost because extra cartons may introduce additional minimum charges.
Related guide →General, Battery and Sensitive Cargo Classification
Are all cosmetics sensitive cargo?
Many liquid, paste and powder cosmetics require a sensitive route. Solid products still need route-specific review.
Related guide →Can a mobile phone ship as general cargo?
Normally no. A phone contains a lithium battery and should use a route that accepts installed batteries.
Related guide →How is a mixed general-and-sensitive parcel handled?
The complete parcel normally follows the highest restriction level, or the items can be split and shipped separately.
Related guide →DDP, DAP, Duties and Tax-Included Shipping Explained
Does tax included guarantee no extra charge?
No. Coverage depends on the route, commodity, declared value and compliance. Inspection or exceptional handling may create separate costs.
Related guide →Should the declared value be as low as possible?
No. The value should be truthful and reasonable. Obvious under-declaration can lead to reassessment, penalties or return.
Related guide →Should I reconfirm a route marked tax included?
Yes. The database reflects the current channel setting, but the goods must still meet that route’s tax-included conditions.
Related guide →International Shipping Prohibited and Restricted Items Guide
Can power banks be shipped internationally?
Standalone power banks are more restricted than batteries installed in equipment. Availability requires a route-specific review of destination, quantity and battery data.
Related guide →Is all food prohibited?
No, but packaging, ingredients, quantities and quarantine rules vary greatly by country and route. Every item needs confirmation.
Related guide →If an item shipped before, is it still accepted now?
Not necessarily. Carrier, airline and destination rules change, so acceptance must be checked against the current standard.
Related guide →International Parcel Packing, Consolidation and Reinforcement Guide
Does vacuum compression always save money?
It often helps with bulky textiles, but the route minimum, rounding rule and final dimensions still determine the saving.
Related guide →Is a thicker carton always safer?
No. Carton strength, internal cushioning and load structure matter. Excess packaging also increases weight and volume.
Related guide →Why is an oversize surcharge charged on a light parcel?
Routes can set thresholds for the longest side, second-longest side, girth or piece weight, independent of total weight.
Related guide →Cross-border E-commerce Parcel Shipping Guide
How do e-commerce parcels differ from personal consolidation?
E-commerce parcel services focus on individual orders, batch dispatch and marketplace delivery; consolidation focuses on warehouse intake, repacking and combined shipment.
Related guide →Is the lowest quote always the best route?
No. Compare consistency, tracking, coverage, customs, returns and after-sales response.
Related guide →Why maintain separate prices for consolidation and e-commerce?
The services have different billing structures, volumes, declarations and operating targets. Separate databases reduce incorrect route use.
Related guide →Taobao Shopping and International Student Consolidation Guide
Can parcels from Taobao, JD, Pinduoduo, Douyin and other platforms be consolidated together?
Normally yes. Orders from Taobao, Tmall, JD, Pinduoduo, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, WeChat stores, Dewu and Vipshop can usually be consolidated when they reach the same Haibei warehouse with the correct user identifier. Cargo type, fragility, dimensions, weight and packing safety still determine whether cartons should be combined or split.
Check the freight after consolidation →Can I dispatch before all parcels arrive?
Yes, but separate dispatches may repeat minimum freight, handling and delivery costs.
Compare dispatch freight →Can an international parcel be delivered to a dormitory?
It depends on campus or building rules. Confirm recipient formatting, reception hours, size limits and signature requirements.
Check whether the delivery address is remote →