As the founder of an international freight forwarding company with over 12 years of experience, I’ve worked closely with clients from all over the world who need reliable logistics solutions from China. One of the most common questions I hear is: “Can you recommend a good freight forwarder in Shanghai?”
Shanghai is not just China’s financial center—it’s also a global logistics hub. If you’re planning to ship from Shanghai, choosing the right freight forwarder can make or break your supply chain.
In this article, I’ll answer all the key questions importers typically ask when searching for a freight forwarder in Shanghai. My goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and in control of your shipping process.
Why choose a freight forwarder based in Shanghai?
Shanghai is home to the world’s busiest container port and a major international airport (PVG), which means faster transit times, lower shipping costs, and more carrier options. A local forwarder in Shanghai understands the city’s port operations, export rules, and customs procedures better than anyone.
Working with a freight forwarder located in Shanghai ensures:
- Faster space booking and container access
- Easier coordination with local suppliers
- Reduced inland transport fees
- Real-time local support during loading or export declaration
What services can a Shanghai freight forwarder provide?
Most experienced freight forwarders in Shanghai provide full end-to-end logistics support, including:
- Pickup from factories or suppliers across China
- Warehousing and cargo consolidation
- Sea freight (LCL/FCL), air freight, express courier
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) door-to-door shipping
- Export customs declaration
- Import clearance and tax payment in destination country
- Cargo insurance and shipping documentation
- Repacking, labeling, and quality checks
Depending on your business type—Amazon seller, retailer, manufacturer, or personal buyer—services can be tailored to fit your exact needs.
How to choose the right freight forwarder in Shanghai?
When selecting a freight forwarder in Shanghai, look for these key factors:
- Experience: At least 5+ years in the industry with Shanghai port operations
- Service scope: Can handle DDP, customs, multi-supplier consolidation, etc.
- Communication: Fast response time and clear updates
- Client reviews: Real testimonials or case studies
- Licenses & networks: Licensed NVOCC, WCA or FIATA membership
Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
“Can you show me a similar shipment you’ve handled?”
“Can I get a customized quote based on my current suppliers?”
Can a freight forwarder in Shanghai help with Amazon FBA shipping?
Yes. In fact, many freight forwarders in Shanghai specialize in Amazon FBA logistics. They understand how to prepare shipments according to Amazon’s strict labeling, packaging, and delivery requirements.
A Shanghai-based forwarder can:
- Collect goods from multiple suppliers
- Offer free storage and consolidation in their Shanghai warehouse
- Label and prep cartons per Amazon specs
- Ship directly to US, UK, EU Amazon fulfillment centers via DDP
- Provide tracking and delivery confirmations
If you’re an Amazon seller, this is one of the most valuable partnerships you can build.
What’s the typical cost of freight forwarding from Shanghai?
Costs vary depending on:
- Shipping method: Sea freight is cheaper than air or express
- Weight & volume: Heavier and bulkier items cost more
- Destination: Shipping to the USA, UK, EU, etc.
- Service level: Port-to-port vs door-to-door (DDP)
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Service Type | Price (Approx.) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $80–$200 per CBM | 25–35 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $1,200–$5,000/40ft HQ | 20–30 days |
| Air Freight | $5–$9 per kg | 5–10 days |
| Express Courier | $6–$10 per kg | 3–7 days |
| DDP Sea Shipping | $150–$280 per CBM | 25–35 days |
| DDP Air Shipping | $6–$12 per kg | 7–12 days |
A good forwarder will help you compare different shipping plans based on urgency and cost-efficiency.
Can Shanghai freight forwarders handle DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping?
Absolutely. Many importers prefer DDP shipping because it includes:
- Export customs in China
- International freight
- Import customs clearance at destination
- Duty and tax payment
- Final door delivery
This is especially useful if your buyers don’t have import licenses or tax IDs, or if you want a seamless solution with one invoice covering everything.
A professional Shanghai freight forwarder can handle DDP shipping to the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and more.
What’s the difference between using a Shanghai freight forwarder and a trading company?
Here’s the key difference:
- Freight forwarders specialize in transportation and logistics. Their focus is on moving your goods efficiently and legally across borders.
- Trading companies may offer forwarding as a side service but are mainly focused on buying/selling products.
If your main goal is fast, reliable, and cost-effective shipping—go with a dedicated Shanghai freight forwarder who lives and breathes logistics.
How can I work with a Shanghai freight forwarder if I have multiple suppliers?
Many importers source from 2–10 different suppliers in China. A good Shanghai-based freight forwarder can consolidate all these goods in one warehouse, saving you time and cost.
Here’s how it works:
- You ship all supplier goods to their Shanghai warehouse
- They inspect and photograph the items upon arrival
- They consolidate everything into one shipment
- They repackage if needed and prepare all shipping documents
- You get one invoice, one shipment, and one tracking number
All of these above are DFH Logistics daily work.
Final Thoughts: Should I hire a Shanghai freight forwarder?
If you’re sourcing from factories in or around Shanghai — or anywhere in mainland China — then yes, working with an experienced freight forwarder like us is the smartest move you can make.
At DFH Logistics, we’ve helped thousands of importers ship from every major city in China — not just Shanghai, but also Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Yiwu, Chengdu, Qingdao, and more.
As long as your supplier is located within mainland China, we can arrange the full export process for you.
What we offer:
- DDP door-to-door shipping to the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and beyond
- Consolidation from multiple Chinese suppliers into one shipment
- Export customs declaration for suppliers without export licenses
- Repacking, labeling, inspection, and real-time updates
- Tailored solutions based on your budget, cargo type, and delivery timeline
Contact DFH Logistics now for a free quote and personalized shipping plan.
Let our team simplify your logistics—so you can focus on growing your business.
