Many importers face a common issue: the supplier in China cannot arrange shipping or refuses to handle logistics. This can happen due to lack of experience, limited export capability, or high freight complexity. The good news is that this problem is very common and easy to solve with the right approach.
This guide explains why suppliers cannot arrange shipping and what you should do instead.
1. Understand Why the Supplier Cannot Ship
Suppliers may refuse or fail to arrange shipping for several reasons:
- They are only a factory, not a logistics provider
- Lack of export license or experience
- No cooperation with freight forwarders
- Small order size not worth handling logistics
- Complex customs requirements for your product
- Risk avoidance for international shipping responsibility
Understanding the reason helps you choose the right solution.
2. Use a Third-Party Freight Forwarder in China
The most effective solution is to hire an independent freight forwarder.
A freight forwarder can:
- Pick up goods directly from supplier
- Handle export declaration
- Book shipping space (sea, air, or express)
- Manage customs clearance
- Deliver to destination country
This removes the burden from your supplier completely.
3. Switch to EXW or FOB Terms
If your supplier cannot arrange shipping, change trade terms:
- EXW (Ex Works): You handle all shipping from factory
- FOB (Free on Board): Supplier delivers goods to port, forwarder handles shipping
FOB is usually the best balance between cost and control.
4. Consolidate Multiple Suppliers into One Shipment
If you buy from multiple suppliers in China:
- Use a warehouse or consolidation service
- Combine goods into one shipment
- Reduce cost and simplify logistics
This is especially useful for small or mixed orders.
5. Arrange Inland Pickup in China
Even if suppliers don’t ship internationally, they usually can:
- Prepare goods for pickup
- Deliver to a local warehouse or port agent
Your freight forwarder can arrange trucking from factory to port or airport.
6. Avoid Relying Only on Supplier Logistics
Relying on supplier shipping often leads to:
- Higher freight cost
- Limited carrier options
- Poor communication
- No control over shipping schedule
Using your own logistics partner gives you full control and transparency.
7. Work with Experienced China Freight Forwarders
A professional forwarder can handle:
- Export documentation
- Customs declaration in China
- Carrier negotiation
- Door-to-door delivery
- Multi-supplier consolidation
This is the most stable long-term solution for importers.
8. Communicate Clear Shipping Instructions
Always provide clear instructions to suppliers:
- Ready date for goods
- Pickup address and contact
- Packing requirements
- Labeling instructions
- Delivery deadline
This reduces confusion and delays.
FAQ
Q1: Why does my supplier refuse to arrange shipping?
Most suppliers are factories, not logistics companies, and may lack export experience or freight partnerships.
Q2: Can I arrange shipping if the supplier doesn’t?
Yes. You can hire a freight forwarder in China to handle pickup, export, and international shipping.
Q3: Is EXW or FOB better if supplier cannot ship?
FOB is usually better because the supplier handles local port delivery while you control international shipping.
Q4: Will using my own forwarder increase cost?
Not necessarily. In many cases, independent forwarders offer better rates than supplier-arranged shipping.
Q5: Can one forwarder handle multiple suppliers?
Yes. Freight forwarders can consolidate goods from multiple factories into one shipment to save cost and simplify logistics.