The core steps of the delivery process
- Select the logistics mode
Direct mail mode: including international express delivery (such as DHL, UPS), postal small packages (suitable for low-value goods within 2kg), and dedicated line logistics (centralized transportation for specific countries, with high cost performance).
Overseas warehouse model: Goods are delivered in bulk to the target country’s warehouse in advance to achieve local rapid delivery (such as Amazon FBA warehouse or third-party overseas warehouse), which is particularly suitable for orders with high timeliness requirements and frequent returns and exchanges.
Re-export trade: Transshipment through a third country (such as Vietnam, Mexico), changing the origin label to avoid high tariffs (ensuring processing compliance). - Goods preparation and packaging
Product attribute confirmation: Check whether it belongs to sensitive goods (such as electrified, liquid, infringing goods, etc.), and select special logistics channels and submit relevant certificates (such as safety transportation certificates).
Packaging optimization: Simplify materials, reduce volumetric weight, and meet transportation standards. - Customs clearance and compliance
Document preparation: Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (such as Form A), product certifications (such as FCC, FDA), etc.
Tariff strategy: Declare value reasonably and use trade agreements or disassemble goods for shipment to lower tax rates (for example, splitting high-value goods into components). - Order processing and delivery
The timeliness requirements of the o platform: For instance, TikTok needs to process orders within 48 hours and deliver them to the consolidation warehouse within 72 hours. Using the ERP system for batch operations can enhance efficiency.
Last-mile delivery: It is completed through local express delivery (such as USPS, DHL) or card delivery. The overseas warehouse directly connects with the platform’s logistics waybill to achieve automated processing.
Second, strategies to deal with high tariffs and policy changes
- Overseas warehouse inventory: Before the tariff policy takes effect, goods are transported in bulk to overseas warehouses (such as the FTZ warehouse in the United States) in advance and cleared in batches to reduce costs.
- Supply chain diversification: Establish transfer warehouses in third-party countries and other places to diversify risks and take advantage of local low tax rates.
- DDP model: The seller bears the tariffs and maintains the terminal price competitiveness by optimizing the logistics plan (such as sea freight + overseas warehouse).
Iii. Cost Optimization and Efficiency Enhancement
- Logistics combination selection
For low-timeliness demands, choose sea freight; for high-timeliness demands, opt for air freight or express delivery.
Centralized purchasing and bulk shipping are carried out to reduce the unit freight cost. - Application of intelligent tools
Use AI to predict sales dynamics and replenish inventory to avoid overstocking.
The API integration of the logistics system (such as overseas warehouses and e-commerce platforms) enables automatic order pulling and waybill printing. - Cooperation and Negotiation
Establish long-term cooperation with outstanding freight forwarders to strive for better freight rates and shipping space. For instance, SmartDropping offers comprehensive and professional services such as label affixing, packaging, and shipping to China.
Iv. Special Scenario Handling
- Return and exchange management: Overseas warehouses offer services such as return inspection, label replacement, and secondary sales to reduce reverse logistics costs.
- Transportation of counterfeit goods: Choose dedicated line channels (such as the DHL dedicated line in Europe) to reduce the rate of customs clearance. It is necessary to balance costs and compliance risks.
Sum up
Cross-border e-commerce shipping needs to flexibly adjust strategies in combination with product attributes, market policies and logistics costs.
Overseas warehouses and re-export trade are effective means to deal with high tariffs, while compliance preparation and the application of intelligent tools are the keys to improving efficiency. It is recommended that sellers give priority to choosing experienced freight forwarders and continuously optimize the supply chain layout to cope with policy changes.
SmartDropping, a service provider specializing in purchasing, affixing orders and shipping on your behalf, is your preferred choice for fulfillment service agency in China! It’s worth knowing.