"500 cartons from China to Amazon FBA" is a useful starting point, but it leaves out details that can change both the price and the delivery plan. The assigned fulfillment center, packed dimensions, product type, pickup location, and import arrangements all matter.
Before comparing freight quotes, give each provider the same shipment information. You will get estimates that are easier to compare and fewer questions after booking.
1. Confirm the destination—or state your assumption
Share the destination country and Amazon fulfillment center code from your shipping plan. If Amazon has assigned inventory to multiple locations, list every destination and the quantity going to each one.
If the final assignment is still pending, say so. Ask the provider to identify the destination used for its estimate and to update the quote once your shipping plan is confirmed.
2. Measure the cargo after packing
Provide the number of cartons or pallets, plus their packed dimensions and gross weights. Product dimensions alone are not enough: outer cartons and pallets determine the space and handling the shipment needs.
If the factory changes the packing plan, send revised measurements before collection. Amazon says shipment details in the shipping plan must match the cargo sent, and accurate box weights and dimensions are required. Amazon shipping and routing requirements
3. Describe the products precisely
Send a clear description of each product, its quantity, declared value, and any available classification information. Flag batteries, liquids, magnets, or other features that may require additional review. "Accessories" is rarely enough information for a provider to assess an international shipment.
A freight forwarder or customs broker can help check the documents and import requirements for the destination market. Resolve those questions before relying on a final DDP price.
4. Give the pickup address and ready date
A quote should account for where the cargo starts, not just where it ends. Share the factory or warehouse address, contact details, collection hours, and the date the packed goods will be ready.
Also ask what the transit estimate measures: departure from China, arrival in the destination country, or delivery to the FBA warehouse. Those are different milestones.
5. Clarify the DDP and importer arrangements
Under the ICC's DDP rule, delivery is to a named destination, with the seller responsible for import clearance and applicable duties under that trade term. The named place and the agreed service scope should therefore appear clearly in the quote. ICC Incoterms® rules
DDP wording does not make Amazon the importer of record. Amazon says that you or your provider must arrange the exporter and importer roles for cross-border FBA inventory, and that Amazon will not pay customs duties or taxes on that inventory. Confirm the importer arrangement with your provider before shipping. Amazon Global Selling guidance
6. Check where the quoted service ends
Ask whether the price covers China pickup, export handling, international transport, customs clearance, destination trucking, and delivery coordination at the assigned FBA warehouse. If there are several warehouse destinations, request a breakdown for each one.
A "delivered" price is most useful when the quote also states its exclusions, assumptions, and any charges that could be revised.
A brief you can send with your quote request
Please quote shipping from [China pickup address] to [country and FBA warehouse code(s)]. The cargo will be ready on [date] and consists of [product description], packed in [carton/pallet count] with [dimensions and gross weights]. Its declared value is [amount and currency]. Please confirm the transport mode, estimated delivery milestone, importer arrangement, DDP scope, warehouse delivery arrangements, quote validity, and any excluded charges.
A reliable quote begins with reliable shipment details. Once the cargo and destination are clear, you can compare providers on the same basis—and make a better decision for your next FBA replenishment.
Share your cargo details and FBA destination with DartFBA for a shipment-specific quote with clear service scope.
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