Choosing the right shipping agent (freight forwarder) is a critical step for anyone importing goods from China. A shipping agent does far more than just transport products from China to Thailand—their scope of service varies significantly. This includes freight calculation methods, cargo pickup, consolidation, international transit, customs clearance, cargo insurance, and final-distance delivery.
The most common mistake beginners make is choosing solely based on the lowest price. This article outlines 10 essential factors to check before selecting a Chinese shipping agent to help you compare your options effectively.
10 Essential Things to Check Before Choosing a Chinese Shipping Agent
Before committing to a service, look beyond the base freight cost. Different providers offer varying calculation methods, scopes of service, and additional fees. Checking these details upfront ensures accurate comparisons and prevents unexpected costs later.
1. Types of Accepted Goods
Check whether the agent can handle your specific products, especially restricted or special items like food, cosmetics, batteries, chemical substances, or goods requiring specific import licenses and certifications.2. Shipping Methods
Review the available transport modes—such as land, sea, or air freight—and choose the option that best fits your product type, volume, budget, and required timeline.3. Freight Rates
Do not focus only on whether the per-kilogram rate is cheap or expensive. Compare what services are included in that price, as a lower per-kilogram rate often comes with hidden add-ons.4. Freight Calculation Methods
Clarify whether charges are based on actual weight (KG), volumetric weight/volume (CBM), or alternative metrics. Ask specifically how they handle heavy-but-compact items versus light-but-bulky cargo.5. Additional Costs
Inquire about extra charges beyond standard transport, such as pickup fees, warehouse storage fees, consolidation fees, documentation fees, customs clearance, duties/taxes, and local delivery fees within Thailand.6. Warehouse Facilities in China
If you source products from multiple factories, select an agent with a warehouse in China capable of receiving and consolidating shipments from different suppliers.7. Customs Clearance and Tax Services
Ask if the agent provides customs clearance services, whether the quoted price includes duties and taxes, and if any supplementary import charges apply.8. Cargo Insurance and Claim Conditions
Verify if insurance or loss/damage coverage is provided. Determine the timeframe for submitting claims in cases of loss or damage, along with the required supporting evidence.9. Transit Time and Countdown Triggers
Ask for exact delivery timelines, and most importantly, when the countdown begins (e.g., upon arrival at the Chinese warehouse, departure from China, or dispatch from the supplier). Standards vary by carrier.10. Reliability and After-Sales Support
Assess whether the agent offers accessible contact channels, real-time tracking systems, dedicated customer support for issue resolution, and clear liability/claim policies.
| Items | Shipping A | Shipping B | Shipping C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freight Rate | 45 THB / kg. | 50 THB / kg | 55 THB / kg |
| Cargo Pickup Fee | Excluded | Included | Included |
| Warehousing / Consolidation | Excluded | Included | Included |
| Customs / Taxes | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Cargo Insurance | ไม่มี | มี | มี |
| Final Delivery | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Approx. Total Cost | ??? | ??? | ??? |
