Running an e-commerce business that imports products from overseas—especially from China—can be exciting, but also overwhelming. You may be asking: Do I really need a freight forwarder? As the owner of a freight forwarding company with over 12 years of experience, I’ve helped thousands of e-commerce sellers just like you—many starting out with this very question.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what a freight forwarder does, when you need one, and how choosing the right partner can simplify your logistics, save you money, and help you scale your business.
What does a freight forwarder actually do?
A freight forwarder is not a carrier—we don’t own ships or airplanes. Instead, we arrange and manage the shipping of your goods from suppliers to your door. Our job is to make the process smooth, affordable, and legally compliant.
Here’s what a good freight forwarder can handle for your e-commerce store:
- Booking space with shipping lines or air cargo
- Pickup from multiple suppliers
- Consolidation into one shipment
- Export declaration in China
- Customs clearance at the destination
- Duties and taxes (especially for DDP shipping)
- Final delivery to your warehouse or Amazon FBA center
You can think of us as your logistics manager in China.
Can’t I just ask my supplier to handle shipping?
Some suppliers offer to handle shipping—and that sounds easier, right? But here’s what most e-commerce sellers find out:
- Suppliers may choose the cheapest shipping method, not the most reliable
- You won’t know the actual shipping cost, and it may be marked up
- They don’t help with destination customs or taxes
- They don’t help you consolidation from different suppliers and provide customized shipping solution
- Tracking and communication is limited
- You can’t consolidate goods from multiple suppliers
- They don’t help to make the shipping docoments,book space
So while supplier shipping might be okay for small samples, once you start shipping real inventory, a freight forwarder offers better control and support.
Do I need a freight forwarder if I use Alibaba?
Yes, especially if:
- You’re ordering from multiple suppliers and want to consolidate shipments
- You need DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service
- You want transparent pricing and flexible options (air, sea, rail)
- You’re shipping large or heavy products
Alibaba shipping can be simplified with the help of an experienced forwarder.
Is using a freight forwarder expensive?
Actually, many of our e-commerce clients find that using a freight forwarder saves them money in the long run.
Here’s how:
- We help you choose the most cost-effective shipping method (based on size, urgency, and destination)
- You avoid delays and penalties from incorrect customs documentation
- You reduce warehousing costs by consolidating shipments
- We offer transparent quotes—no hidden fees
Plus, some forwarders (like us) offer free warehousing, free consolidation, and custom repacking—services that suppliers usually charge for.
When should I start using a freight forwarder?
If you’re just testing a product and ordering a few samples, you can rely on supplier shipping or express delivery.
But once you:
- Place bulk orders
- Work with multiple suppliers
- Need reliable door-to-door delivery
- Want to reduce shipping costs
- Want to Hands free Shipping
That’s when a freight forwarder becomes essential.
How do I choose the right freight forwarder?
Look for a company with:
- Experience in e-commerce and Amazon FBA shipping
- DDP shipping options to your destination country
- Clear communication (English-speaking team)
- Warehousing and consolidation in China
- Flexible pricing plans
Don’t just go with the cheapest—choose someone who understands your business and can grow with you.
Can a freight forwarder help me with Amazon FBA?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our clients are Amazon sellers. Here’s how we help:
- Pick up goods from one or multiple suppliers
- Label and repack according to FBA requirements
- Consolidate shipments to reduce cost
- Ship directly to Amazon fulfillment centers (with correct appointments)
- Provide full DDP delivery to Amazon FBA
Happy clients for our Amazon orders.
What are the risks of not using a freight forwarder?
Without a professional freight forwarder, you might face:
- Customs delays and unexpected charges
- Lost or damaged cargo with no claim support
- Poor packaging or improper labeling
- Lack of real-time tracking or updates
- Inability to ship to certain addresses (e.g., residential or FBA)
For growing e-commerce businesses, these risks can hurt your delivery times, cash flow, and customer trust.
Final Thoughts: Do you need a freight forwarder?
If your e-commerce business is scaling up, you’re sourcing from China, and you want to avoid logistics headaches, then yes—working with a reliable freight forwarder is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
You’ll save time, avoid stress, and be able to ship smarter.
Want help with your e-commerce shipping from China?
Contact DFH Logistics for a free, customized shipping plan based on your cargo, route, and delivery needs. No obligation—just practical advice from a team that’s been doing this for over 12years.
