DDP Shipping & US Freight — Frequently Asked Questions

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller/forwarder is responsible for all costs and risks of delivering goods to the buyer's door: pickup, export customs, ocean or air freight, AMS/ISF filing, import customs clearance, duties and taxes, and last-mile delivery. You pay one all-inclusive price — no hidden fees at destination.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) requires the buyer to pay import duties and taxes at destination. DDP includes all duties and taxes in the quoted price. DDP is more convenient for importers who want a predictable final cost — especially for first-time importers or small businesses without a US customs broker.

Yes. DDP is a recognized Incoterms 2020 arrangement. Importers remain the importer of record on customs documents, and our licensed customs brokers handle clearance with full compliance. We recommend using a dedicated US broker (like us) to avoid ISF penalties and misclassification.

A typical 40HQ FCL door-to-door DDP shipment costs roughly $3,500–$5,500, depending on origin port, destination, cargo weight/volume, and current freight rates. This includes ocean freight, AMS/ISF, import duties and taxes, and delivery to your door. Request a quote for an exact figure for your shipment.

Published sea freight rates usually cover only ocean transport. DDP pricing bundles everything: pickup, export clearance, ocean/air freight, AMS/ISF filing, import customs, duties & taxes, and final-mile delivery. You avoid surprise damage deposits, storage fees, or customs broker charges that often appear later.

No. Our DDP quote is all-inclusive and itemized upon request. If duties/taxes change due to tariff policy mid-shipment, we notify you before shipment. What we quote is what you pay — verified by thousands of shipments.

West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach): 12–15 days from Shenzhen/Shanghai/Ningbo. East Coast (New York, Savannah): 20–25 days. Inland points add 3–7 days by rail or truck from the port. Air freight is 5–7 days door to door.

5–7 days door to door for most shipments, including customs clearance. For urgent or time-sensitive cargo, air DDP is the fastest option — ideal for restocking, samples, and high-value goods.

ISF (Importer Security Filing, a.k.a. 10+2) must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded on a vessel bound for the USA. Missing it can result in penalties up to $5,000+. As part of our DDP service, our broker files ISF for you — always on time.

Section 301 tariffs apply to many categories of Chinese goods. Our customs brokers classify your goods correctly (using the right HTS code) and include applicable duties and tariffs in your DDP quote. We monitor tariff policy changes and adjust quotes transparently.

Yes. We handle sensitive cargo including lithium batteries, cosmetics, liquids, powders, and other special items via compliant air and sea channels. Note that all shipments must comply with US federal regulations. Contact us to confirm your specific product is shippable and get a compliant quote.

Yes. We deliver to all major US FBA centers (ONT8, LAX9, PHX3, CMH2, MDW2, etc.) with FBA-appointment handling and proper carton labeling. Transit 12–15 days (West Coast) / 20–25 days (East Coast) — all-inclusive DDP pricing.

Typically: commercial invoice, packing list, and the cargo details (dimensions, weight, HS code if you have it). Our team prepares the rest — ISF, bill of lading, customs documents, and arrival notice. If you don't know the HS code, we help classify it correctly.

Check three things: (1) licensed credentials — NVOCC license, FIATA, WCA membership; (2) direct carrier contracts with major ocean lines; (3) transparent all-in pricing with no hidden fees. We are a licensed forwarder (NVOCC + FIATA + WCA) with direct contracts with Maersk, MSC, COSCO, CMA CGM, and more.

Yes. We provide tracking updates at every milestone: pickup, export customs, loaded on vessel, arrival, import clearance, and delivery. You can also reach your dedicated account manager 7×24 via phone.

All shipments can be covered by cargo insurance. In the unlikely event of damage, we handle the claim process with the carrier and insurer on your behalf. DDP pricing can include insurance — just ask when requesting a quote.