Cross-Border Logistics 101: The Ultimate Guide for E-Commerce Sellers

Understanding International Shipping Fundamentals

When expanding your e-commerce business globally, one critical question arises: How do I ship products from China overseas effectively? This guide breaks down cross-border logistics into actionable insights.

1. What is Cross-Border Logistics?

Cross-border logistics involves:
✔ First-mile transportation (from origin country via sea/air/land)
✔ Last-mile delivery (within destination country)

The 9-Step Journey:

  •   Export Customs Clearance

  •   Origin Warehouse Processing

  •   International Transportation

  •   Import Customs Clearance

  •   Destination Warehouse Storage

  •   Last-Mile Delivery

  •   Returns Management

  •   Duty/Tax Calculation

  •   End-to-End Tracking

2. Shipping Method Comparison

Container Selection Guide:

  •   FCL (Full Container Load):

▫  20'GP (33CBM), 40'GP (67CBM), 40'HQ (76CBM)

▫  Ideal for >20CBM shipments

  •   LCL (Less Container Load):

▫  Shared container space

▫  Cost-effective for <20CBM

3. Customs Compliance Essentials

Export Documentation:

  •   Commercial Invoice

  •   Packing List

  •   Export License (if applicable)

  •   Special Certificates (FDA, Fumigation, etc.)

U.S. Import Requirements:

Pro Tip: Amazon sellers must use their own Importer of Record (IOR) - never list Amazon as IOR.

4. Amazon Logistics Solutions

FBA vs. AGL Services

AGL Advantages:

  •   Real-time shipment tracking

  •   Automated customs documentation

  •   Dedicated U.S. West Coast flights

Why Choose Prosperity Group?

With 50+ years of U.S. customs expertise and bilingual Chinese teams, we provide:

 ✔ Door-to-door FBA prep
 ✔ Bond/POA processing
 ✔ Duty optimization
 ✔ 24/7 cargo monitoring