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FAQs

Shipping & Inquiry FAQ

For: International Wholesale Buyers

Shipping Methods

Q1: What international shipping methods do you support?

We support four main shipping options, chosen based on cargo volume, timeline, and destination:

Q2: What's the difference between FCL and LCL? Which should I choose?

FCL: You occupy an entire container (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ). Charged per container, the more you ship, the better the unit cost. Typically faster and lower risk of damage.

LCL: Charged by actual volume (CBM) or weight, ideal for orders that don't fill a full container. However, it involves more handling, so transit time is slightly longer.

Recommendation: When your shipment exceeds 12–15 CBM, FCL is usually more cost-effective than LCL. Contact us for an assessment.

Q3: What delivery terms are available? What do "port-to-port" and "door-to-door" mean?

We support the following delivery terms:

DAP (Delivered at Place) means we deliver the goods to your named destination and bear all transport costs to that point, but import clearance and any applicable duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility. The buyer must handle customs formalities and unloading upon arrival.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means we handle both export and import clearance plus duties, all included in the quoted price, no extra action needed from the buyer.

Customs & Duties

Q4: Does the shipping cost include customs clearance and import duties?

It depends on the delivery terms:

EXW / FOB: Shipping does not include customs. Buyer arranges destination clearance and pays import duties.
CFR / CIF: Includes sea freight, excludes destination customs clearance and duties.
DAP: Delivered to your door, but import clearance and duties remain the buyer's responsibility.
DDP: All-inclusive, export + import clearance and duties are covered in our quote.
Learn more about some of the Incoterms listed above.
EXW (Ex Works) means we make the goods available at our factory or warehouse. The buyer is responsible for all costs and risks from that point onward, including loading, export clearance, international freight, insurance, import clearance, and any duties or taxes at destination.
FOB (Free On Board) means we deliver the goods to the port of shipment, clear them for export, and load them onto the vessel nominated by the buyer. Once the goods pass the ship's rail, risk transfers to the buyer, who then bears all sea freight, insurance, import clearance, and destination charges.
CFR (Cost and Freight) means we clear the goods for export and pay the ocean freight to the named destination port. However, risk transfers to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the origin port. The buyer must arrange insurance, handle import clearance, and cover unloading costs and duties at destination.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means we clear the goods for export, pay the ocean freight to the named destination port, and procure minimum marine insurance coverage for the buyer's risk during transit. Risk still transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board at the origin port. The buyer remains responsible for import clearance and any duties or taxes at destination.

Always check the Incoterms stated on your quotation.

Q5: Why does the shipping rate change between quotes?

International freight rates fluctuate due to several factors:

Market fluctuations on shipping lanes (especially sea freight capacity)
Bunker/fuel surcharge (BAF/FAF) adjustments
Seasonal peaks (e.g., pre-Chinese New Year, Christmas season)
Changes in destination port handling fees
Currency exchange rate shifts

Tip: Please confirm your order within 7 business days of receiving a quote, as rates may expire and require re-confirmation.

Inquiry Process

Q6: How do I request a shipping quote? What information do I need to provide?

Please provide the following details so we can give you an accurate quote:

Required Information

Product name / HS code (if known)
Estimated quantity, weight (KGS), volume (CBM)
Destination (country, city, or port)
Preferred delivery term (port-to-port / door-to-door)
Expected shipment date
Whether customs clearance service is required

Optional but Helpful

Import license status (if applicable)
Any special handling requirements at destination

Q7: How are large orders handled differently from small orders?

Q8: What threshold qualifies for a full container shipment?

As a general guide:

When your cargo reaches 15 CBM, we recommend evaluating a 20GP FCL (capacity ~25–28 CBM).
At 50 CBM+, a 40HQ FCL (capacity ~67–68 CBM) is typically the most cost-effective option.
FCL is charged at a flat container rate; the per-CBM cost is usually 20–35% lower than LCL at scale.

General Notes

Q9: Do you ship samples?

Yes. Samples are typically shipped via DHL / FedEx / UPS at the buyer's cost, or offset against the first bulk order (subject to agreement). Please indicate "Sample" when inquiring so we can route it through the correct channel.

Q10: How do I get in touch to start an inquiry or place an order?

Please reach out to our sales team via:

Email: info@jntco.com
WeChat: cnnbjt
Online Inquiry Form: GET IN TOUCH WITH US

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days.

Last Updated: 2026-05

For questions not covered here, please contact us directly.

Payment Terms FAQ

Q11: What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept the following payment methods:

Q12: What is the deposit structure? Is full prepayment required?

Our standard payment structure is as follows, subject to order value and business relationship:

New Customers

30% deposit upon order confirmation to start production/preparation
70% balance before shipment, prior to issuance of B/L or airway bill

Established / Long-term Partners

Negotiable 50/50 split (50% upon order, 50% before loading), or
L/C at sight arrangement available

A deposit is required for all first orders, no exceptions.

Q13: What banking details are needed for wire transfer? How do I confirm payment?

After order confirmation, we will send official banking details by email, including:

Beneficiary company name
Bank account number
Bank name and address
SWIFT / BIC code
Country of beneficiary bank

After payment, please:

Save your bank transfer receipt (SWIFT confirmation)
Email us a scanned copy for verification
We will confirm receipt within 1–2 business days after clearing

⚠️ Security Notice: Never wire funds to banking details received via unofficial channels (e.g., unfamiliar messaging accounts). When in doubt, verify directly by phone or official email.

Q14: Will exchange rate fluctuations affect my order amount?

Our quotes are denominated in USD as standard. Exchange rate risk on the buyer's end is the buyer's responsibility.

If your local currency depreciates significantly, we recommend:

Use your bank's forward exchange contract to lock in the rate early.
Pay the deposit promptly after quote confirmation to minimize exposure to rate movements.

If your question isn't covered above, please reach out to us directly.