# China Logistics Planning: From Factory Pickup to Final Delivery International logistics works best when every handoff is planned before cargo is ready. A production finish date alone does not tell you when goods can be collected, loaded, cleared for export, booked on a vessel or delivered to a warehouse. Use this guide to map the shipment milestones and information your team should confirm. ## 1. Confirm the shipping plan and responsibilities Start with the agreed delivery scope and Incoterms® rule in the sales contract. Confirm who arranges pickup, export formalities, main carriage, insurance, import clearance and final delivery. The named rule and place matter; do not assume that a short label such as “FOB” or “door delivery” answers every operational question. Ask your logistics provider to state included services and charges in writing. ## 2. Collect accurate cargo details Before requesting a booking, gather the commodity description, number of cartons or pallets, packed dimensions, gross weight, cargo-ready date, origin and destination. Note whether goods are stackable, fragile, oversized, regulated, temperature-sensitive or otherwise need special handling. Clearly label estimates and update them when final packing data is available. These details help a provider compare FCL, LCL, air or express options. Ask for an itemized quote and estimated milestones; the total cost can include handling and delivery charges in addition to the main freight amount. ## 3. Set a quality and release checkpoint Agree when the goods will be ready for inspection and who may approve dispatch. If you require a sample inspection, factory audit or container loading supervision, arrange the scope and timing before production finishes. Leave room for corrective work if findings need to be resolved. Make sure the final shipment quantity and packaging match the approved order. ## 4. Prepare shipping documents The exact documents depend on the goods, route, service and destination. Common shipment records may include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and export declarations, while product-specific certificates or permits may also apply. Confirm requirements with the responsible customs broker, carrier and destination authority. Keep product descriptions and quantities consistent across the purchase order, invoice, packing list and transport instructions. ## 5. Coordinate pickup, consolidation and departure Confirm the pickup address, warehouse receiving window, loading date, cargo cut-off and contact person. For consolidated cargo, check the consolidation schedule and how late-arriving cargo is handled. For a full container, confirm loading responsibilities, container condition, seal recording and final gross weight process where applicable. Ask for a clear update if production misses a milestone. ## 6. Track the shipment through arrival and delivery Ask which event updates you will receive: pickup, warehouse receipt, export release, departure, transshipment if any, arrival, import clearance and final delivery. Estimated transit time generally does not include every production, customs or warehouse delay, so use milestone dates instead of relying on one broad estimate. Confirm who will contact you if a vessel schedule or route changes. ## 7. Close out the shipment After delivery, compare received quantities and visible condition with the packing list and inspection records. Record any discrepancy promptly and keep photos, delivery notes, transport documents and correspondence together. Use recurring issues to update packaging instructions, supplier milestones and future freight plans. ## Logistics planning checklist - Written responsibilities, route and delivery scope. - Accurate packed dimensions, weight and cargo-ready date. - Agreed inspection and shipment-release process. - Document requirements confirmed for the product and destination. - Pickup, consolidation and cargo cut-off dates. - Named contacts for each handoff and exception. - Tracking milestones and delivery confirmation process. ## Make every handoff visible A predictable shipment depends on shared information among buyer, supplier, warehouse and freight provider. IHRACHANE coordinates product sourcing, China warehousing, quality checks and international freight options. [View shipping partner information](https://www.ihrachane.com/shipping-partners) or [discuss your shipment plan](https://www.ihrachane.com/sourcing#contact).