As the founder of an international logistics company with over 12 years of hands-on experience, I’ve worked with thousands of clients—from small business owners to large corporations—who rely on reliable freight forwarding to move goods from China to destinations worldwide. One of the most common questions I get is: “How do I find a reliable freight forwarder companies in China?”
In this article, I’ll answer that question in full, based on my years of industry experience. Whether you’re new to international shipping or looking to switch freight partners, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why do I need a freight forwarder in China?
When you import from China, managing logistics on your own can be overwhelming. A local freight forwarder acts as your logistics partner on the ground. They help coordinate everything from picking up goods at your suppliers to booking space on vessels, handling customs clearance, and arranging final delivery.
Without a trusted forwarder, you risk delays, miscommunication with suppliers, and overpaying for logistics.
If you want a clear explanation of how freight forwarding works, read this full breakdown on why you need a freight forwarder.
What services should a reliable freight forwarder offer?
A good freight forwarder in China should be more than just a transport broker. They should act like your extended logistics department. Look for services like:
- Supplier pickup and warehousing
- Cargo consolidation and repacking
- Air, sea, express, rail, and DDP shipping
- Export customs declaration and paperwork
- Import customs clearance, duties, and tax handling
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Bilingual customer support
The more comprehensive their services, the fewer problems you’ll face during shipping.
How can I verify if a freight forwarder is trustworthy?
You can start by checking these:
- Business license & certifications (like NVOCC, FMC if shipping to the U.S.)
- Years in business – More than 5 years is ideal
- Physical address in China – A real warehouse or office
- Client reviews and case studies – Check platforms like Alibaba, Google, or third-party websites
- Quick, professional communication – Do they answer your emails clearly and promptly?
Don’t hesitate to ask for customer references or a video call to verify their legitimacy.
Where can I search for freight forwarders in China?
Here are the most common ways to search:
- Google Search: Keywords like “freight forwarder in China” or “China shipping agent”
- Alibaba or Made-in-China: Some suppliers offer forwarding or partner with logistics providers
- Freight marketplaces: Like Freightos, Shippo, or Flexport
- Industry forums: Reddit (r/FulfillmentByAmazon), Quora, or LinkedIn groups
- Social Media Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and so on
- Recommendations: Ask other importers or business owners
- DFH Logistics: Contact DFH Logistics directly
But remember, not all forwarders found online are reliable. Vet them carefully before proceeding.
What questions should I ask before choosing a freight forwarder?
To assess reliability, here are some smart questions to ask:
- Do you offer door-to-door or DDP service to my country?
- Can you help consolidate goods from multiple suppliers?
- How do you handle customs clearance and import duties?
- Do you provide shipment tracking and regular updates?
- Can I visit your warehouse in China (or see photos/videos)?
- What’s your claim process if my goods are lost or damaged?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Are there any hidden fees?
- Can you show your business license?
- Can we get compensation if goods are damaged or lost during shipping?
- Can you show some client cases from our country?
Their answers will reveal how professional and transparent they are.
Should I choose a freight forwarder near my supplier?
Not necessarily. While having a forwarder close to your supplier may help reduce pickup costs, it’s more important to choose a forwarder with:
- Strong experience with your destination country
- Reliable consolidation, warehousing, and customs knowledge
- Competitive rates across multiple transport options
Many top forwarders (including my company) have partner networks covering all major cities in China—so even if your suppliers are spread out, they can be served efficiently.
Can I use my supplier’s freight forwarder?
Yes, but be cautious. Some suppliers may add hidden margins to the freight quote, or prioritize their convenience over your delivery schedule. If you want more control over the shipping process and better visibility, it’s best to choose your own independent forwarder.
Meanwhile, if something bad happens during the transit, they will have to ask their freight forwarder and then reply to you. That wastes time and creates confusion.
A forwarder who works for you will always put your interests first.
What are signs of a bad freight forwarder?
Be alert to these red flags:
- No official company website or license info
- Vague pricing with no breakdown
- Slow or poor communication
- No tracking updates after shipment
- Unwillingness to share client reviews or case studies
If something feels off or too good to be true, it usually is.
How do I compare shipping quotes from different forwarders?
When comparing quotes, don’t just look at the total price. Consider:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Transit Time | Is it suitable for your timeline? |
| Shipping Method | Express, air, sea, or DDP? |
| Services Included | Pickup, customs, duties, delivery? |
| Hidden Fees | Any charges not mentioned upfront? |
| Insurance | Is it included or optional? |
| Payment Terms | Is a deposit required? Balance on delivery? |
A slightly higher quote from a reliable partner often saves you more money in the long run.
Why do experienced importers work with DFH Logistics?
At DFH Logistics, we’ve helped over 20,000 clients successfully ship from China to over 60 countries since 2013. Our clients come back to us because:
- We’re transparent with pricing
- We tailor shipping plans to your needs
- We handle all steps from pickup to final delivery
- We simplify the process with DDP, insurance, labeling, and more
- Our communication is fast and clear
Whether you’re just starting or already experienced, we act like your in-house logistics team in China.
Ready to find your freight forwarding partner?
If you’re serious about importing from China and want a professional, stress-free logistics experience, take the time to find the right freight forwarder.
And if you’d like help comparing shipping options or need a personalized quote, contact DFH Logistics—we’d be happy to assist at any time.
