When sourcing mobile phone LCD screens from China, many buyers focus heavily on pricing and quality checks. But here’s the truth most people learn the hard way: even perfect screens can turn into losses if shipping and domestic logistics go wrong. That’s exactly why Stage Three—Shipping and Domestic Logistics—is one of the most critical phases in the entire procurement process.
Think of this stage as the bridge between your supplier’s factory and the global market. If the bridge is shaky, everything on it is at risk.
Let’s break it down step by step, από booking space to final loading, using a practical, buyer-focused lens.
Understanding Stage Three in LCD Screen Procurement
Why Shipping and Domestic Logistics Matter
Οι οθόνες LCD είναι εύθραυστες, high-value, and sensitive to pressure, υγρασία, and mishandling. Stage Three is where these products move the most—and face the highest exposure to damage, delays, and unexpected costs.
This stage determines:
- Whether your delivery timeline is met
- Whether screens arrive intact
- Whether your landed cost stays under control
Εν συντομία, this is where profits are protected—or quietly leaked.
Common Risks in This Stage
- Missed vessel or flight due to late booking
- Incorrect documents causing customs delays
- Unexpected local charges inflating costs
- Physical damage during domestic transport
Τα καλά νέα? Every risk can be managed with the right process.
Overview of Domestic Logistics from Factory to Port
The Movement from Factory to Export Hub
Before your LCD screens ever leave China, they must travel from the factory to:
- A seaport (for sea freight), ή
- An airport cargo terminal (for air freight)
This “short” domestic journey involves multiple handovers—and each one matters.
Key Stakeholders Involved
- Supplier factory
- Freight forwarder
- Trucking company
- Warehouse operator
- Customs broker
Smooth coordination between these players is the backbone of Stage Three.
Βήμα 29 – Booking Shipping Space
Choosing Sea Freight or Air Freight
Your delivery deadline decides everything here:
- Sea freight: Cost-effective, slower, ideal for bulk LCD orders
- Air freight: Faster, more expensive, suitable for urgent or high-value shipments
Booking should be done well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Importance of Booking Confirmation
Once space is secured, you’ll receive a Booking Confirmation. This document confirms:
- Vessel or flight details
- Estimated departure date
- Cargo cut-off times
No confirmation = no guaranteed space.
Βήμα 30 – Cargo Pickup Arrangements
EXW vs FOB Responsibilities
Incoterms decide who does what:
- EXW: Buyer arranges pickup from the factory
- FOB: Supplier delivers goods to the export port
Knowing this upfront avoids last-minute chaos.
Working with Freight Forwarders
A reliable freight forwarder acts like your logistics quarterback—coordinating trucks, αποθήκες, and paperwork.
Βήμα 31 – Supervision During Loading
Verifying Quantity and Packaging
At pickup, someone must check:
- Carton quantity
- Packaging condition
- Label accuracy
This is your last chance to catch issues before export.
Photo Documentation as Evidence
Photos taken during loading serve as proof if disputes arise later. Think of them as your logistics insurance.
Βήμα 32 – Domestic Transportation in China
Road Transport as the Main Option
Most LCD shipments move by truck from factory to port or airport. Transit time may range from a few hours to several days.
Managing Transit Risks
- Use shock-resistant packaging
- Avoid unnecessary transshipment
- Track vehicles in real time
Fragile goods deserve cautious handling.
Βήμα 33 – Cargo Warehousing at Port or Airport
Handover Procedures
Upon arrival, goods are handed over to:
- Port warehouse, ή
- Airport cargo terminal
A formal receipt confirms custody transfer.
Warehouse Check-in Process
Warehouse staff verify:
- Carton count
- External condition
Any discrepancy is recorded immediately.
Βήμα 34 – Warehouse Cargo Counting & Measurement
Volume and Weight Verification
Warehouses measure:
- Actual weight
- Chargeable volume
This determines your final freight cost.
Importance of the Warehouse Receipt
The inbound receipt is a core logistics document—keep it on file.
Βήμα 35 – Verification of Shipping Documents
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill Draft Check
Check every detail carefully:
- Shipper & consignee names
- Product description
- Quantity and weight
A single typo can delay release at destination.
Avoiding Costly Documentation Errors
Always confirm drafts before final issuance. Corrections later cost time and money.
Βήμα 36 – Payment of Local Charges in China
Common Local Fees Explained
Typical charges include:
- Documentation fees
- Booking fees
- THC (Terminal Handling Charges)
These are unavoidable but manageable.
Cost Control Tips
- Request a fee breakdown upfront
- Avoid last-minute changes
Transparency saves budgets.
Βήμα 37 – Customs Declaration Authorization
Role of Customs Brokers
Licensed brokers handle export declarations on your behalf, ensuring compliance with Chinese regulations.
Exporter Name & Συμμόρφωση
The declaration is filed under the legal exporter’s name—accuracy is non-negotiable.
Βήμα 38 – Preparation of Export Customs Declaration
Required Core Documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Sales contract
These form the backbone of the declaration.
Accuracy in HS Codes and Declarations
Wrong HS codes can trigger inspections or fines. Precision here prevents headaches later.
Βήμα 39 – Submission of Customs Documents
Filing with China Customs
All documents are submitted electronically to customs for review.
Common Causes of Rejection
- Mismatch between invoice and packing list
- Incomplete declaration elements
Double-check before submission.
Βήμα 40 – Customs Review and Inspection
Document Review Process
Customs may:
- Approve directly, ή
- Select cargo for inspection
Both are normal.
Physical Inspection Scenarios
If selected, customs inspect cartons or samples. Once passed, cargo is cleared.
Βήμα 41 – Cargo Loading onto Vessel or Aircraft
Final Export Clearance
After customs release, cargo is officially cleared for export.
Official Start of International Shipping
Loading onto the vessel or aircraft marks the transition from domestic to international logistics.
Best Practices for a Smooth Stage Three Process
Communication & Tracking
Daily updates with your forwarder prevent surprises.
Partnering with Reliable Logistics Providers
Experienced partners reduce risks you didn’t even know existed.
Σύναψη
Stage Three isn’t just about moving boxes—it’s about protecting value. From booking space to final loading, every step impacts delivery time, κόστος, and product condition. When managed well, this stage turns complex logistics into a competitive advantage. When ignored, it quietly eats into margins.
Master Stage Three, and your LCD procurement process becomes not just smoother—but smarter.
Συχνές ερωτήσεις
1. Why is Stage Three critical in LCD screen procurement?
Because it directly affects delivery time, product safety, and total landed cost.
2. Is air freight better than sea freight for LCD screens?
Air freight is faster, sea freight is cheaper. The right choice depends on urgency and budget.
3. What documents are essential for export customs clearance?
Commercial invoice, packing list, and export declaration are mandatory.
4. How can buyers reduce damage risk during domestic transport?
Use reinforced packaging, supervise loading, and minimize handling points.
5. What’s the most common mistake in this stage?
Ignoring document accuracy—small errors cause big delays.
