Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Plain Freight's China to USA DDP shipping service.
What does DDP mean and what exactly is included?
DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid. It means the price you receive covers everything: China warehouse pickup, air freight or sea LCL, US customs clearance, import duties, licensed broker coordination, HS code check, and US door delivery or Amazon FBA handoff. Nothing is billed at delivery. The number we quote is the final number.
Do I need my own customs broker?
No. Customs broker coordination is included in every DDP shipment. We work with a licensed US customs broker and handle the filing on your behalf. You do not need to find or manage a broker yourself.
Is the quoted price final? Can it change after I pay?
Yes, the price is final. We verify your HS code and review your commercial invoice before quoting, so the duty calculation is based on the actual rate for your product, not an estimate. There are no additional invoices after delivery.
What is the minimum shipment size?
We handle shipments from a single 100 g parcel upward. Samples, single high-value items, small B2B orders, and sub-pallet loads are the core use case.
What is the maximum shipment size?
Up to approximately 2,000 kg on the sea LCL service. Air small-parcel service is available now. Sea LCL is launching soon -- contact us if your shipment is over 150 kg and you want to discuss timing.
How long does shipping take?
Air small-parcel from China to a US door typically takes 5 to 10 business days after pickup. Sea LCL takes longer -- roughly 30 to 40 days door to door -- but costs significantly less per kilogram for heavier loads. We tell you estimated transit time before anything moves.
Do you handle Amazon FBA shipments?
Yes. We can deliver directly to an Amazon FBA fulfillment center as the final delivery point. Let us know the destination FBA warehouse in your quote request and we will include it in the door delivery.
What if customs holds my shipment?
Customs holds are uncommon but do happen. If your shipment is flagged for inspection or additional documentation, we manage the process with the broker -- filing additional paperwork, responding to CBP requests, and keeping you updated. This is part of the service.
What products can you not ship?
We do not handle hazardous materials, prohibited goods, or items requiring special import permits we are not licensed for. If you are unsure about your product, describe it in your quote request and we will confirm before accepting.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out the quote form on the homepage with your shipment weight, approximate dimensions, product description, origin city in China, and US delivery address. We will reply with a full DDP price, typically within a few hours.
How do I pay?
After you confirm the quote, we send a payment link. Payment is required before pickup is coordinated. We accept major credit cards and bank transfer.
Do you ship to all US states?
Yes, including Alaska and Hawaii. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii may carry a surcharge, which we will include in your quote.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Once your shipment moves, we share tracking details so you can follow the cargo from pickup through US customs clearance and final delivery. For air freight, tracking updates are available from airline departure through last-mile delivery. For sea LCL, we provide vessel name, estimated arrival date, and broker status updates through the clearance process.
What documents do I need to provide?
For most shipments, you need a commercial invoice showing the product description, quantity, unit value, and total declared value in USD; a packing list with the gross and net weight and dimensions of each carton; and your supplier's name and address in China. If your goods are regulated by CPSC, FDA, or another US agency, you may also need a certificate of conformity or prior notice. We review your documents before pickup and flag any gaps before anything moves.
Is cargo insurance included?
Basic liability coverage is included with the freight service. If you want all-risk cargo insurance that covers loss and physical damage in transit, we can arrange it for an additional fee. For high-value shipments we recommend purchasing additional coverage. Let us know when you request a quote and we will include the insurance option.
What if my goods arrive damaged?
If goods arrive visibly damaged, note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing and photograph the packaging and cargo. Report it to us immediately and we will open a claim with the carrier. If you have cargo insurance, we handle the claim paperwork. The sooner damage is reported, the stronger the claim.
Do I need to know my HS code?
You do not need to find it yourself. We determine the correct HTS code from your product description and commercial invoice as part of the quote process. We use the code to calculate your exact duty rate before confirming the price. If the HS code changes on review, we tell you before accepting the shipment.
Do my products need US labeling before they ship?
Some products require labeling before they can be imported, such as country-of-origin marks, FCC IDs for electronics, or CPSC-required warnings for children's products. Labeling requirements depend on the product category and HS code. We flag known labeling requirements during the document review, but confirming compliance with your supplier before shipment is your responsibility. If you are unsure whether your product needs pre-shipment labeling, ask us when you request a quote.
Do you handle formal entry customs clearance?
Yes. Shipments over 800 USD in value require a formal customs entry in the US. We coordinate formal entry through a licensed customs broker for all DDP shipments regardless of value. The broker files the entry, pays duties on your behalf, and handles any CBP examination requests. You do not need a separate broker relationship.
What is the difference between your service and a standard freight forwarder?
A standard freight forwarder arranges the physical movement of cargo but typically leaves customs clearance, duty payment, and broker management to you. Our DDP service bundles freight, customs coordination, duty payment, and door delivery into one price and one contact. You do not manage a broker, chase duty invoices, or coordinate handoffs between a freight agent and a customs agent. Everything is in the one quoted price.
Do you handle TikTok Shop shipments from China?
Yes, for the import model -- where you ship inventory from China to a US warehouse or 3PL and then fulfill TikTok Shop orders domestically. We quote DDP to your US warehouse address the same as any other shipment. Note that TikTok Shop's cross-border direct-mail model (shipping from a China warehouse directly to TikTok customers) uses TikTok's own approved carrier whitelist and is a separate system we are not part of. If you are importing stock to the US to fulfil TikTok Shop orders, we handle that.
Can you ship to a Shopify warehouse or 3PL address?
Yes. The delivery address can be any US address: your own warehouse, a third-party logistics provider (3PL), or a prep center. Just include the full address in your quote request. DDP pricing covers delivery to the door of your chosen facility.
What are the current US import duty rates for goods from China in 2026?
After the November 2025 US-China trade truce, Section 301 tariff rates stabilized. Most consumer goods from China now carry a combined import duty of 20 to 30 percent, which is lower than the peak rates from 2024. The exact rate depends on your product's HTS code. We look up the current rate for your specific product as part of the quoting process, so the duty cost is included in the DDP price we quote you.
Still have a question?
Email us at hello@plainfreight.com, call +1 (310) 883-0853, or fill out the quote form and ask in the notes field.