Freight & Logistics FAQ

Freight & Logistics FAQ

Straight answers on sea and air freight, customs, and shipping to Syria, Lebanon, the Middle East, Africa and the USA -- from a China-based logistics partner who names names.

Category

Sea Freight

What is FCL?
FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire container, booked exclusively for your shipment. It suits larger volumes and offers more control over loading and routing.
What is LCL?
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods. It's cost-effective for smaller volumes that don't justify a full container.
When should I use FCL instead of LCL?
FCL generally makes sense once your volume approaches container capacity, or when you want to avoid consolidation handling and reduce the risk of damage. Our team can review your cargo volume and recommend the better fit.
What information is needed for a sea freight quote?
We typically need cargo description, weight and dimensions (or CBM), origin location in China, destination port or address, and any special requirements such as hazardous goods or oversized items.
Category

Air Freight

When should I use air freight?
Air freight suits urgent, high-value, or lighter shipments where speed matters more than per-kilo cost. We work with carriers including DHL, FedEx, UPS, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
What is the difference between air freight and express?
Air freight typically moves as cargo through an airline's freight system, often more economical for larger shipments. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) handle door-to-door delivery with integrated tracking, usually suited to smaller parcels and documents.
Category

China Pickup & Warehouse

Can you collect cargo from multiple suppliers?
Yes. We coordinate pickup from multiple factories or suppliers across China's major manufacturing regions and bring cargo together at our warehouse before export.
Can cargo be consolidated in China?
Yes. We offer warehousing, tally and container loading services at China's major ports, allowing goods from different sources to be consolidated into a single FCL or LCL shipment.
Can you arrange trucking?
Yes, we arrange domestic trucking within China to move cargo from factories or suppliers to our warehouse or directly to the port of loading.
Category

Customs & Documentation

What documents are normally required?
Typical documents include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and any destination-specific certificates. Requirements vary by product and destination country, so we confirm the exact list per shipment.
Can Everglow assist with export customs?
Yes, we handle export customs brokerage in China as part of our standard service, including preparing and filing the required declarations.
Can you help with battery or vehicle documentation?
Yes, we assist with export licenses and documentation for batteries, vehicles and steel products, which often require additional certifications before shipment.
Category

Syria

Can you ship from China to Latakia?
Yes. We hold VIP contract space with CMA CGM for direct sailings to Latakia and manage bookings on this lane regularly.
Can you arrange customs clearance in Syria?
We coordinate destination clearance support through our network, but final clearance is subject to local authorities and can never be guaranteed in advance.
Can you deliver cargo within Syria?
Yes, we offer door delivery within Syria, including cash-on-delivery collection where required.
Are transshipment routes available?
Yes. Alongside direct sailings, we maintain three transshipment paths via Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon, giving your cargo an alternative route if the direct lane is disrupted.
Category

Lebanon

Can you arrange sea and air freight?
Yes, we book both sea and air freight to Lebanon, and Lebanon also serves as one of our transshipment options for Syria-bound cargo.
Can special cargo be shipped?
Yes, including batteries, machinery and vehicles, with cash-on-delivery collection available as with our Syria service.
Category

Middle East

Can you arrange customs clearance in Saudi Arabia or UAE?
We support clearance-related documentation for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Oman, but final clearance outcomes depend on destination authorities and cannot be guaranteed.
Can you assist with SABER-related documentation?
Yes, we help prepare SABER-related documentation for shipments into Saudi Arabia as part of our destination compliance support.
Category

Africa

Which African markets do you support?
We support Sudan, Angola and Gabon, with documentation expertise covering ACD, CNCA and BIETC requirements for smoother customs processing.
Can you arrange FCL and air freight?
Yes, we book FCL, LCL and air freight to our supported African markets, along with breakbulk options for larger or irregular cargo.
Category

Special Cargo

Can you ship batteries?
Yes, we handle battery shipments and assist with the export documentation and licensing they require.
Can you ship machinery?
Yes, machinery shipments are booked regularly, including via breakbulk and RoRo services when standard containers aren't suitable.
Can you ship vehicles?
Yes, we ship vehicles and assist with the specific export documentation vehicles require.
Can you handle oversized cargo?
Yes, oversized and breakbulk cargo such as steel coils are handled through our breakbulk and RoRo booking services.
Category

Quotes

What information is required for a quote?
We generally need cargo type, weight and volume, origin and destination, preferred service (FCL, LCL, air, DDP), and any special handling or documentation needs.
Are freight rates fixed?
Rates are valid for a quoted period but are not permanently fixed. Ocean and air markets fluctuate, so we confirm current rates and space at time of booking.
Why can rates change?
Carrier surcharges, fuel adjustments, space availability, peak season demand and route disruptions can all affect rates between quoting and booking. We always disclose current conditions before you confirm.

Still Have a Question?

Send us your cargo and destination details and our logistics team will help review your requirements.

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