Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Plain Freight's China to USA DDP shipping service.
What does DDP mean and what exactly is included?
DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid. It means the price you receive covers everything: China warehouse pickup, air freight or sea LCL, US customs clearance, import duties, licensed broker coordination, HS code check, and US door delivery or Amazon FBA handoff. Nothing is billed at delivery. The number we quote is the final number.
Do I need my own customs broker?
No. Customs broker coordination is included in every DDP shipment. We work with a licensed US customs broker and handle the filing on your behalf. You do not need to find or manage a broker yourself.
Is the quoted price final? Can it change after I pay?
Yes, the price is final. We verify your HS code and review your commercial invoice before quoting, so the duty calculation is based on the actual rate for your product, not an estimate. There are no additional invoices after delivery.
What is the minimum shipment size?
We handle shipments from a single 100 g parcel upward. Samples, single high-value items, small B2B orders, and sub-pallet loads are the core use case.
What is the maximum shipment size?
Up to approximately 2,000 kg on the sea LCL service. Air small-parcel service is available now. Sea LCL is launching soon -- contact us if your shipment is over 150 kg and you want to discuss timing.
How long does shipping take?
Air small-parcel from China to a US door typically takes 5 to 10 business days after pickup. Sea LCL takes longer -- roughly 30 to 40 days door to door -- but costs significantly less per kilogram for heavier loads. We tell you estimated transit time before anything moves.
Do you handle Amazon FBA shipments?
Yes. We can deliver directly to an Amazon FBA fulfillment center as the final delivery point. Let us know the destination FBA warehouse in your quote request and we will include it in the door delivery.
What if customs holds my shipment?
Customs holds are uncommon but do happen. If your shipment is flagged for inspection or additional documentation, we manage the process with the broker -- filing additional paperwork, responding to CBP requests, and keeping you updated. This is part of the service.
What products can you not ship?
We do not handle hazardous materials, prohibited goods, or items requiring special import permits we are not licensed for. If you are unsure about your product, describe it in your quote request and we will confirm before accepting.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out the quote form on the homepage with your shipment weight, approximate dimensions, product description, origin city in China, and US delivery address. We will reply with a full DDP price, typically within a few hours.
How do I pay?
After you confirm the quote, we send a payment link. Payment is required before pickup is coordinated. We accept major credit cards and bank transfer.
Do you ship to all US states?
Yes, including Alaska and Hawaii. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii may carry a surcharge, which we will include in your quote.
Still have a question?
Email us at hello@plainfreight.com or fill out the quote form and ask in the notes field.