Why do different proxiesTransportation expensesWhy is there such a big difference in the quotes?

According to the latest 2025 customs statistics, trade disputes arising from improper freight allocation among Chinese exporters have risen by 23% year-on-year. The discrepancies in freight allocation mainly stem from the following factors:

• Trade termsCustoms inspection basis:: The division of responsibilities under FOB and CIF terms directly affects the proportion of cost allocation
• Differences in cargo characteristics: A 2024 export case from a chemical company shows that disputes over the allocation of surcharges for hazardous-goods transportation account for 17% of total costs.
• Components of Port Handling Charges: Allocation method for 18 routine surcharges such as THC (Terminal Handling Charge) and DOC (Documentation Fee)

What are the pros and cons of the five common freight cost allocation models?

By analyzing 200+ export cases over the past three years, we found that the mainstream allocation methods exhibit significant cost differences:

• Proportional Allocation Method
  • Pros: Facilitates accounting for multiple batches of goods
  • Risk: A textile company incurred a loss of RMB 56,000 due to an error in volumetric weight conversion.
• Lump-sum pricing model
  • Applicable scenarios: 2025 cross-border e-commerce small-package shipping
  • Note: The fuel surcharge adjustment mechanism must be clearly defined.

How to avoid freight disputes in the event of a return shipment?

A 2024 return-shipment case involving a machinery exporter shows that the absence of a return clause forced the company to bear an extra RMB 380,000 in costs. It is recommended that the contract explicitly state:

• Conditions Triggering Return Liability
• Calculation Benchmark Date for Storage Fees
• Port demurrage allocation ratio

How will the 2025 Customs Regulations affect freight cost allocation?

According to Customs General Administration Announcement No. 198, three changes require special attention:

• Declaration of the dutiable value: Transportation-related charges must be listed separately
• Cross-border e-commerce B2B: Confirmation of Segmented Transportation Costs Under Model 9810
• RCEP Origin: New Requirements for the Proportion of Freight Costs under the Cumulative Rules

3 Critical Questions You Must Ask When Negotiating with a Freight Forwarder

• Fee structure transparency:"Does your quotation include the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) charge?"
• Exchange rate fluctuation response:"Is there a foreign exchange hedging mechanism in place for the USD-denominated portion of the ocean freight?"
• Exception handling mechanism:"What is the threshold amount for demurrage charges that requires our confirmation?"

Specific recommendations :Against the backdrop of continued recovery in international trade in 2025, companies are advised to review their transportation contract terms every quarter, with particular attention to the latest fuel index adjustment mechanism released by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and to apply for third-party logistics audits when necessary.