How to compare freight quotes from China to Amazon FBA
Two quotes that look 30% apart often include different things. Ask every forwarder for the same itemised quote, then compare line by line.
1. Give every forwarder the same facts
- Supplier pickup address and cargo ready date
- Carton count, dimensions and gross weight (and CBM)
- HS code and product description, and whether it has batteries, liquids, or magnets
- Destination: the exact Amazon FBA warehouse code or your address, and the Incoterm you want (DDP or DAP)
- Mode: sea, air, rail, or express, and your deadline
2. Get these charges itemised in writing
| Charge | Ask |
|---|---|
| Base freight | Per kg / CBM / container rate, and what chargeable weight rules apply |
| Origin charges | Pickup, warehouse handling, export clearance, terminal handling |
| Fuel / peak-season surcharges | Which surcharges exist and when they change |
| Customs clearance | Broker fee and bond or ISF filing charges |
| Duties & import VAT/tax | Paid by you, or prepaid under DDP, and how it is calculated |
| Destination / FBA delivery | Delivery to the Amazon warehouse, appointments, palletizing, labeling |
| Insurance | Whether cargo insurance is included, its cost and what it covers |
| Storage, detention & demurrage | Free days and what happens after |
3. Questions that expose surprise fees
- Is this quote all-in to the FBA warehouse door? What is excluded?
- Who is the importer of record, and who pays duties and VAT?
- How long is the quote valid, and which surcharges can change before sailing?
- What happens if Amazon rejects or reschedules the appointment?
- Is cargo insurance included? What is the claim process?
- Can you share the company registration and references from other Amazon sellers?
4. Compare the same shipment
- Convert every quote to the same currency and the same Incoterm
- Compare total landed cost per unit, not just freight per kg or CBM
- Compare transit times as door-to-door, not port-to-port
- Check chargeable weight rules for air and express (volumetric versus actual)
5. Scam and red-flag checks
- The quote is far below every other and requires full prepayment
- Pressure to pay a personal account, or a different company name than the quote
- No company registration, no named contact, no physical address
- Vague all-in language with no itemised breakdown
This is general guidance, not legal or customs advice. Confirm duties and import rules with a licensed customs broker.
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