Sea freight shipping is cheapest and the most popular shipping method from China for big orders. However, there are complex issues involved such as shipping terms, payment terms, customs clearance and so on.

Partis involved

It is also the Sea freight shipping process. From the simple chart, we can easily find which party is involved. 

Seller (Shipper) and Buyer (Consignee)--- All this information must be correct, which are printed on a very important document, namely bill of lading. Buyers need use the bill of lading to claim cargos.

Freight forwarder--- They work like a chain, connecting sellers/consigners, the customs and carriers. They will do series of work, to arrange container trucking, contact with shipping lines for vessel space, make documentation to clear the China cusotms. For sellers, their job is not finished till cargos arrive in the destination port. 

In China some large companies have forwarding departments, but most small and medium-sized enterprises don't have. Paid service from forwarding companies is a must. If you have acquaintant Chinese forwarders, they can give big help. Otherwise, let your suppliers do the job, who usually have long-term cooperationship forwarders. One more thing to be noted is that veteran frowarders probably have good connection with the customs, shipping lines. If some unexpected problems happen, this may help you save tons of money.