For Amazon sellers and importers sourcing from China, your freight forwarder is far more than a shipping vendor — they’re a core pillar of your supply chain. Partnering with an unqualified provider can lead to hidden fees, weeks of customs delays, rejected FBA shipments, and costly stockouts. With hundreds of forwarders competing online, it can be hard to separate seasoned experts from low-cost middlemen.

To help you vet providers confidently and avoid expensive missteps, we’ve compiled the 10 most critical questions to ask before booking your next shipment.

Trust starts with legitimacy. Verify that the forwarder holds formal qualifications such as an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) license for ocean freight, IATA accreditation for air freight, or membership in global logistics networks like WCA. Most importantly, ask how many years they have specialized in your exact trade lane — for example, China-to-US shipments. A provider with 5+ years of focused route experience has already navigated tariff changes, port congestion, and policy shifts, and will handle surprises far better than a generalist.

Low headline rates are the most common trap in international shipping. Many forwarders quote a cheap base rate, then pile on unexpected origin charges, destination handling fees, customs documentation costs, or storage fees after your cargo is already in transit. Always ask for a full DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) quote that itemizes every charge from factory pickup to final delivery. A transparent forwarder will clearly state what is included — and what is not — up front.

Customs is where most shipping delays and penalties happen. Ask whether the forwarder has an in-house customs brokerage team or outsources the work, and how much experience they have classifying products under the correct HS codes for your destination country. Find out their process for handling customs inspections, documentation errors, or tariff adjustments. A strong forwarder will proactively flag compliance risks before your cargo ships, not just react to problems at the border.

Standard freight forwarders often do not understand Amazon’s strict inbound requirements, which can result in rejected shipments, extra warehousing fees, or lost inventory. Confirm that the provider offers FBA-specific services: FNSKU labeling, carton and pallet compliance, Amazon delivery appointment booking, and direct delivery to major fulfillment centers. If they cannot explain the difference between LGB8 and FTW1 delivery rules, they are not the right fit for an FBA business.

A good forwarder does not push one-size-fits-all solutions. They should present multiple options tailored to your cargo weight, volume, and urgency — including FCL and LCL sea freight, economy and standard air freight, and express courier services. Ask if they support split shipment strategies, where you send a small urgent batch by air and the rest by sea. Flexibility here directly helps you balance cost and stockout risk.

Q4 holiday season brings port congestion, space shortages, and widespread rollovers — and smaller forwarders are often the first to get bumped by carriers. Ask about their carrier partnerships, whether they offer guaranteed space contracts during peak months, and what their average delay rate is in Q4. A reliable partner will have backup routing plans and clear communication policies if schedules shift.

There is nothing worse than sending a cargo inquiry and waiting days for a reply, or having no updates while your shipment is stuck in transit. Ask who your dedicated point of contact will be, what their average response time is on business days, and how you will receive status updates. Top forwarders provide online tracking portals and proactive milestone alerts, so you never have to chase down information.

Accidents happen — what matters is how they are resolved. Ask if cargo insurance is included in your rate or available as an add-on, what the coverage limits are, and what documentation is required to file a claim. Be wary of providers that only offer minimal coverage tied to freight cost, rather than the full declared value of your goods. A clear, fair claims policy is a strong sign of a trustworthy company.

Working with a forwarder that can handle more than just transport saves you time and reduces handoff errors. Ask if they offer supplier pickup from multiple factories, cargo consolidation, short-term warehousing, quality inspection support, or FBA prep and labeling at their domestic warehouse. One-stop service means fewer vendors to manage and fewer points of risk in your supply chain.

Case studies and client references are the best proof of real-world performance. Ask if they have worked with sellers in your product category and shipment size, and if they can share testimonials or success stories. If a forwarder cannot point to any relevant track record, you may be signing up to be their test case.

Choosing a freight forwarder is a long-term business decision, not just a price comparison. The cheapest quote often ends up costing far more when delays, fees, and lost inventory are factored in. The right partner will help you plan inventory, avoid risks, and scale smoothly.

At CDT Shipping, we’ve specialized in China-to-USA Amazon FBA logistics since 2014. We hold full NVOCC credentials, offer fully transparent all-in DDP pricing, and assign a dedicated account manager to every client. From factory pickup to FBA warehouse delivery, we handle every step so you can focus on growing your business.