Your Best FCA Freight Forwarder from China
Experienced FCA Shipping Ensures Efficient Deliveries
Our FCA Shipping Services from China to Your Destinations
DFH Logistics specializes in global FCA shipping from China. From pickups from Chinese suppliers to final deliveries, we provide efficient, reliable, one-stop logistics solutions.
Wherever your cargo is located, we can coordinate your suppliers and consolidate it for centralized shipping. Based on cargo types and your requirements, we can also arrange the most suitable shipping solutions to ensure smooth, effective deliveries.
We are not only your reliable freight forwarder but also your trustworthy logistics partner. We efficiently handle the complex shipping process under FCA Incoterms, ensuring you a hassle-free logistics experience. Together with DFH Logistics, let’s get your cargo shipped.
We pick up your products directly from your suppliers and deliver them safely to ports or airports, ready for shipping.
We handle complicated customs clearance in your destination, ensuring your cargo complies with import regulations and arrives smoothly.
One-stop shipping services from China to your hand. You can receive your cargo just at your door.
We gather your products from different factories and consolidate them. Thus, we reduce duplicate shipping procedures and save you costs.
We combine sea, air, railway, and other logistics options to offer the most suitable transportation plans.
Based on cargo types, budgets, and time requirements, we provide custom logistics solutions to optimize costs and transit efficiency.
In cooperation with international shipping companies, our logistics services cover major countries and regions worldwide.
We provide cargo insurance covering all risks during transportation. Even if accidents happen, your interests are better protected.
Why Choose Us for FCA Shipping from China
- We perform pre-shipment cargo inspections on your behalf, checking the condition and quantity of your products.
- We offer 15 days of free warehousing before shipment. You do not need to pay extra fees for cargo storage.
- Repackaging and labeling services are available. We strengthen your cargo protection and ensure it meets Amazon FBA requirements.
- We assist you in preparing documents. With extensive experience, we ensure all documents are valid and complete.
- We offer free consultation services. Whenever you need us, we are ready to help and solve your logistics problems.
What Is FCA Shipping?
FCA is an Incoterms. It means that when sellers deliver the cargo to buyers or buyers’ freight forwarders at named destinations, they have fulfilled their delivery obligation. Under FCA, sellers are responsible for cargo preparation, packaging, cargo deliveries to destinations in China, document preparation, and customs clearance in China.
After your cargo is delivered to your appointed carrier, you are responsible for the subsequent transportation and shipping costs. Customs clearance in destination countries is also your responsibility.
If you appoint DFH Logistics as your freight forwarder, we can handle all this work on your behalf. We are experienced in international freight transportation and diverse Incoterms, including FCA shipping, and ensure you a reliable, hassle-free shipping experience.
FCA vs FOB
| Items | FCA | FOB |
| Applicable shipping methods | Sea freight, air freight, railroad freight, truck freight. etc. | Only applicable for sea freight and inland waterway transport |
| Place of delivery | Named place (factories, warehouses, etc.) | On the shipping vessel |
| Export customs clearance | Seller’s responsibility | Seller’s responsibility |
| Loading responsibility | Arranged by buyers | Arranged by sellers, including loading cargo on board |
| Risk transfer | When cargo is handed to the designated carrier | When cargo is on board |
| Flexibility | Higher | Relatively lower |
The biggest difference lies in where sellers deliver the cargo and the extent of sellers’ responsibilities. FCA better meets the requirements for multi-transport shipping, cargo consolidation, and designated freight forwarders. Now, it is widely applied in global logistics.
FOB is more commonly used in traditional sea freight, especially in FCL shipping. If you prefer suppliers to handle port operations and cargo loading, FOB is recommended.
FCA vs EXW
| Items | FCA | EXW |
| Cargo pickup destinations | Named place (factory, warehouse, freight terminal, etc.) | Seller’s factory |
| Export customs clearance | Seller’s responsibility | Buyer’s responsibility |
| International shipping arrangements | Buyer’s responsibility | Buyer’s responsibility |
| Cargo pickup arrangements | Seller assists with pickups in China | Buyer arranges all cargo pickups |
| Risk transfer | When cargo is handed to the designated carrier | When cargo is picked up at factories |
| Operation complexity | Easier | Relatively complicated |
The major difference lies in how many procedures sellers are responsible for in China and whether export customs clearance is completed.
Under FCA, sellers handle export procedures, and you deal with international shipping. Under EXW, you handle almost all shipping responsibilities in cargo deliveries. Thus, in practical international shipping, FCA is generally recommended.
FCA vs CPT
| Items | FCA | CPT |
| Export customs clearance | Seller’s responsibility | Seller’s responsibility |
| International shipping arrangements | Buyer’s responsibility | Seller’s responsibility |
| International shipping costs | Buyer’s responsibility | Seller’s responsibility |
| Import customs clearance | Buyer’s responsibility | Buyer’s responsibility |
| Risk transfer | When cargo is handed to the appointed carrier at the named place | When cargo is handed to the first carrier |
| Ideal for | Buyers who want to control the shipping process | Buyers who prefer sellers to arrange cargo transportation |
The major difference lies in who arranges global shipping and who pays for shipping costs. If you plan to choose a reliable freight, control shipping costs, and arrange logistics solutions yourself, FCA is recommended. If you want to reduce logistics coordination and let sellers handle transportation, CPT is more suitable.
Factors Affecting Shipping Cost under FCA
Cargo Type
Shipping costs are first affected by the cargo weight and volume. The heavier or larger the cargo, the bigger the loading space, and the higher the shipping costs. Over-dimensional, overweight cargo requires tailored logistics solutions, which increase transportation fees.
Various cargo types also charge you differently. Fragile products need additional protection, and cargo like batteries requires extra handling. These operations also increase shipping fees.
Pickup Location in China
If the pickup location is in coastal cities, the cost of pickups and consolidation is relatively lower. If the location is inland, you may need to pay higher fees for domestic pickups. DFH Logistics can assist you in communicating with suppliers to arrange a convenient pickup destination. Thus, we can save your shipping costs.
Destination Country and Port
The distance between China and your destination, the shipping route sources, and port fees differ greatly. For example, shipping to the West Coast of the USA is more cost-effective than to the East Coast.
Based on your destinations and shipping requirements, we can arrange the most suitable shipping route. You can have your cargo delivered at highly competitive prices, greatly saving your shipping costs under FCA.
Shipping Method
The most fundamental factor affecting shipping costs is the shipping method. Air freight costs more than railway and sea freight. Railway freight is more budget-friendly than air freight. Sea freight is most cost-effective and ideal for large bulk products. The multi-model transport feature variable costs for it combine multiple shipping methods.
Peak Seasons
The FCA shipping costs are influenced by market supply and demand. In peak seasons, such as Christmas or the Chinese Spring Festival, the loading space can be limited, and shipping fees will correspondingly increase. In off-seasons, the shipping prices are relatively stable and low.
Additional Fees
In addition to basic transportation fees, there are additional costs, such as import customs clearance fees, port handling charges, and consolidation fees. Variations in additional costs will also affect the overall shipping fees under FCA.
Although shipping costs are affected by various factors, DFH Logistics provides competitive logistics solutions tailored to your needs. We offer you transparent quotations without hidden fees, ensuring every cost is necessary and clearly accounted for.
Factors Affecting Shipping Time under FCA
Supplier Readiness
If cargo manufacturing is delayed, the packaging is undone, or the customs documents are not ready, your cargo pickup times will be affected. Then the entire shipping time will also be delayed.
DFH Logistics can closely coordinate with your Chinese suppliers. Even if the above situations occur, we monitor your suppliers’ status and pick up your cargo immediately, ensuring urgent, reliable deliveries.
Pickup Location
If your suppliers deliver your cargo to cities with harbors, airports, or major railway transit hubs, shipping in China is more efficient. And longer distances between pickup locations and ports can lead to longer transit times.
DFH Logistics is willing to negotiate with your suppliers for more convenient pickup destinations. Thus, the subsequent shipping time can be saved.
Customs Clearance
Sellers are generally responsible for export customs clearance under FCA, but the speed still affects the overall delivery time. If documents are incomplete or the cargo is inspected by China Customs, the shipping time will be extended.
As we are responsible for import customs clearance at destinations, DFH Logistics promises smooth, successful customs clearance for import. Your cargo will not be delayed at this procedure and will reach you on time.
Shipping Method
The shipping methods define the fundamental shipping time. Air freight is faster than railway and sea freight. Via the China-Europe Railway Express, we ensure stable train shipping schedules. And sea freight takes longer than railway shipping.
Under FCA, DFH Logistics arranges suitable logistics solutions for your cargo. Whether you prefer shipping by air, sea, or train, we offer transportation plans to deliver your cargo on time. Multimodal transport solutions are also available.
Destination Country
The farther the shipping distance, the longer the shipping time generally. Besides, the efficiency of port handling, customs clearance, and infrastructure also affects transit times. As DFH Logistics takes all these elements into account when designing shipping plans, you do not have to worry about it.
Cargo Type
Special cargo generally requires more inspections and operational procedures. For batteries, over-dimensional cargo, or high-value products, additional checks and shipping plans add to transportation times. It is recommended to plan schedules in advance when transporting these goods to ensure on-time deliveries.
Force Majeure
During peak seasons, the loading space will be limited, and port congestion may occur. Under these circumstances, your cargo may need to wait longer for shipments. Common peak seasons include the Chinese Spring Festival, Christmas, and the year-end buying peak.
Other unforeseeable factors, like extreme weather conditions or international conflicts, may result in extended shipping times.
DFH Logistics closely monitors the international logistics conditions. When accidents occur, we can quickly respond and better protect your cargo and interests. Even in the case of force majeure, we minimize your financial losses under FCA.
Route Arrangement
Some products require transshipment or route deviation. And it will cause a longer shipping time. As we are familiar with various transportation routes, we ensure your cargo reaches you within the estimated time.
How Much Does FCA Shipping Take?
| Shipping Mode | Estimated Rate |
| Express | From USD 8–18/kg |
| Air Freight to Airport | From USD 4–8/kg |
| Air Freight DDP | From USD 6–12/kg |
| LCL Sea Freight | From USD 60–180/CBM |
| FCL Sea Freight | From USD 1,500–6,000/container |
| Railway Freight | From USD 2–5/kg |
| Truck Freight | From USD 0.8–3/kg |
These prices are only for reference. For detailed information, you can contact DFH Logistics. Based on your cargo and requirements, we offer the most suitable and price-competitive shipping plans under FCA.
How Long Does FCA Shipping Cost?
| Shipping Modes | The USA | Canada | Europe (Including the UK) | Southeast Asia | Australia | South Africa |
| Express | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 2-4 days | 3-5 days | 3-7 days |
| Air Freight to Airport | 2-5 days | 2-5 days | 2-5 days | 1-2 days | 2-5 days | 3-5 days |
| Air Freight DDP | 7-10 days | 7-12 days | 7-12 days | 2-4 days | 4-12 days | 12-20 days |
| Sea Freight | 20-35 days | 20-45 days | 35-55 days | 10-18 days | 30-45 days | 50-60 days |
| Railway Freight | N/A | N/A | 30-35 days | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Truck Freight | N/A | N/A | 20-28 days | N/A | N/A | N/A |
As many factors can affect FCA shipping, the transit times shown are for reference only. For detailed transportation times and shipping plans, please contact DFH Logistics for consultation.
Documents Required under FCA
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Proof of export clearance
- Certificate of origin (if required)
- Insurance certificate (if purchased)
- Import compliance documents
DFH Logistics ensures a smooth, successful customs clearance for your imports. We can prepare correct and sufficient documents, and the customs will not delay your cargo.
Cargo Allowed in FCA Shipping
- General cargo: clothes, furniture, machinery components, electronic products without batteries, daily necessities, industrial parts, etc.
- Heavy and oversized cargo: construction machinery, industrial equipment, steel structural components, etc.
- Consolidated cargo: small-batch orders, Amazon FBA shipments, orders from trading companies, etc.
- Air freight cargo: high-value and small products, urgent orders, etc.
- Sensitive cargo with required documents and certificates: batteries, magnetic products, liquid cargo, etc.
Cargo Restricted in FCA Shipping
- Illegal and prohibited goods: illegal drugs, weapons, ammunition, explosives, etc.
- Dangerous goods: corrosive chemicals, toxic substances, non-compliant industrial hazardous materials, etc.
- Non-compliant lithium batteries: batteries without required certification, untested lithium batteries, batteries without proper packaging, high-power or damaged batteries, etc.
- Live animals and biological materials: human tissues or blood samples, unauthorized biological materials, etc.
- Counterfeit goods: counterfeit products, unauthorized branded goods, products infringing intellectual property rights, etc.
Attempting to ship restricted cargo can result in wasted time and additional costs. So, it is important to identify what can be shipped and what cannot. DFH Logistics can assess whether your cargo complies with shipping requirements. Then you will not have to worry about wasted shipments.
