Fundamentals of shipping, freight, and logistics explained clearly.
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The factory price is just the start. Once you add freight, import duty, insurance, customs brokerage, and handling, most importers underestimate their true cost by 30–50%. This guide walks through all 7 cost components with a full worked example from Shenzhen to Los Angeles.
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W/M stands for Weight or Measurement — the standard billing method for ocean LCL freight. Carriers charge per revenue ton, using whichever is greater: your cargo's actual weight in tonnes or its volume in CBM. If your 2 CBM cargo weighs 500 kg, you pay for 2 revenue tons, not 0.5.
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LCL and FCL are the two fundamental ocean freight modes. The decision between them isn't just about price per CBM — it's about hidden fees that routinely double the quoted LCL rate, transit time differences, and cargo risk that change the equation completely. This guide gives you the full cost picture and a clear decision framework.
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CBM — cubic meter — is the universal unit freight forwarders use to measure shipment volume. If you just saw "CBM" on a freight quote and don't know what it means, this guide explains the formula, why it directly affects your cost, and how to calculate it correctly before placing your next order.
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