China Consolidation & Global Logistics Coordination

First establish what is being transported

A usable transport enquiry contains more than a product name. Logistics planning requires quantities, packed dimensions, weights, collection locations, readiness dates, destination and desired delivery conditions, among other details.

When several factories are involved, it must also be decided whether the goods will depart separately or first be brought together. Consolidation can affect the schedule, storage, inspection, liability and costs.

Packaging as part of the product specification

Good product quality is of little use if a fragile product, machine, component, electronic system or precision part is transported without sufficient protection. Packaging is therefore discussed in advance where necessary and included in an inspection.

This can include protection for corners and vulnerable surfaces, sensitivity to moisture, stackability, use of crates or pallets, marking by shipment, unit or component, and ease of identification on receipt and during further handling.

The delivery term determines more than the price

The selected Incoterm describes certain tasks, costs and transfers of risk between buyer and seller. It does not automatically determine every practical or legal responsibility. We therefore also discuss who:

1. Contracts the main transport.
2. Takes out transport insurance.
3. Supplies export documents.
4. Acts as the importer.
5. Handles the customs declaration and import duties.
6. Assesses product documentation for the destination market.
7. Organises unloading, internal transport, assembly, commissioning or installation.

CONSOO & CO does not automatically assume these roles.

Documents and goods description

The factory and logistics providers supply the documents that belong to their roles. CONSOO & CO helps coordinate the flow of documents and, within the agreed assignment, checks whether details in the quotation, packing list and logistics assignment are aligned.

Product classification, customs value and import formalities must be determined by the responsible importer and its customs or logistics specialist. A commercial product name is not always sufficient for this purpose.

From the factory to the agreed delivery point

The logistics route can include collection from one or more factories, temporary consolidation, export formalities, main transport, import formalities and delivery. For each link, it is recorded which party holds the assignment and where responsibility transfers.

The final metres matter too. Delivery to an address does not automatically include unloading, internal transport, unpacking, hoisting, assembly, commissioning or installation. The required service must be stated in the logistics assignment in advance.

Receipt and documentation of damage

On arrival, the recipient must inspect the visible condition, quantities and packaging in accordance with the instructions. Damage or missing goods must be reported to the correct contracting party promptly and with usable evidence.

Therefore retain packing lists, photographs of packaging and damage, freight or delivery documents and any reservations made on receipt. The applicable notification periods follow from the relevant agreements and transport rules.

What you receive

1. An overview of shipments, factories and readiness dates.
2. A coordinated packaging and loading enquiry.
3. A comparison or coordination of logistics proposals within the agreed scope.
4. An overview of roles, handover points and required documents.
5. Coordination with the selected logistics provider up to the agreed delivery point.

Frequently asked questions

Is CONSOO & CO the carrier or customs agent? No. Transport and customs activities are carried out by specialist providers. CONSOO & CO coordinates the agreed information and activities connected with their assignment.

Can goods from different factories be combined in one shipment? That depends on readiness dates, goods, locations, packaging, storage options and the selected logistics route. The effects on time, risk and costs must be compared in advance.

Is transport insurance automatically included? Not without confirmation. The policy or logistics agreement must state in advance who takes out the insurance, which value and risks are covered and which evidential requirements apply.

Related: combine logistics with supplier and factory sourcing in China, quality control and product inspection, or construction and interior sourcing from China.

Discuss your trade enquiry — clarify the route from factory to delivery point.