Questions we get a lot

Mostly manufacturers and larger importers: companies that ship at least a few containers a month from China or Vietnam, often including parts for assembly in North America. We're not a good fit for small parcel, e-commerce fulfillment or one-off personal moves.

No hard minimum. In practice our service makes the most sense from about two containers a month, or regular LCL. If you're smaller, we'll tell you honestly and may point you to someone better suited.

Most clients have their first shipment moving within two weeks. We start with one lane as a pilot, then move others over once you're happy. See your first 30 days.

Usually very little. Our origin team introduces themselves, confirms pickup details and document requirements, and handles the rest. If your suppliers currently choose the forwarder (CIF/DDP terms), you may want to move to FOB or FCA so you control the freight. We can help with that conversation.

For ocean FCL, two to three weeks before cargo-ready outside peak season, four to six weeks in August–October and before Lunar New Year. For air, a few days is usually enough, except in Q4.

At minimum a commercial invoice and packing list from the supplier. For customs we'll also need a power of attorney and bond details the first time. Some products need extra documents (battery test reports, FCC or CPSC certificates). We'll tell you exactly what, per product, during onboarding.

Yes, it's one of the main things we do. See Component & Production Logistics and buyer's consolidation on the ocean freight page.

Rolled cargo (bumped to a later sailing) is common in peak season. Contract clients have protected allocations, which cuts it down a lot. If it does happen, you'll hear from your planner that day with options: the next sailing, an alternative carrier, or splitting part of the shipment to air.

Please do. Our Chicago and Toronto warehouses, and our Shenzhen consolidation operation, are open to clients with a few days' notice.

Yes. We have licensed customs brokers on staff in the US (Chicago) and Canada (Mississauga). Customs is done in-house, not subcontracted.

The importer of record, usually you. We can pay on your behalf and invoice you, or you can pay directly through ACH (US periodic monthly statement) or CARM (Canada). Most clients use the periodic monthly statement, which gives up to about six weeks of float on duty.

Yes. We identify which of your parts are affected, track any exclusions and their expiry dates, and model what changes in sourcing or assembly location would do to your duty bill. Tariffs have changed often since 2025, so we review client libraries whenever a new action is announced.

The Importer Security Filing (ISF, or "10+2") is data US Customs requires at least 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded in the foreign port. Late or inaccurate ISFs can lead to holds and penalties. We file ours at least 72 hours before loading.

Yes. Since opening in Toronto in September 2026, we route China–Canada freight through Vancouver, Prince Rupert or Montreal, with Canadian customs cleared by our own brokers. Read about the Toronto office.

Yes, as a non-resident importer (NRI). We'll help you register for a CBSA business number and CARM, and act as your broker.

Yes, daily truckload between Chicago and Mississauga, and other lanes on request. See US–Canada Cross-Border.

One invoice per shipment, broken down by freight, origin charges, destination charges, customs and duty. Enterprise clients can move to consolidated weekly or monthly billing. Standard terms are net 30 after credit approval.

Our quotes list every charge we expect, including origin and destination fees, with any variable charges (like demurrage if free time is exceeded) called out separately. If something unexpected comes up, you'll hear about it before it's invoiced.

Note any damage on the delivery receipt and send photos to [email protected] within three days. If you bought cargo insurance through us, we manage the claim end to end. Without insurance, carrier liability is limited by international conventions and often far less than the cargo's value, which is why we recommend insurance for most shipments.

Yes. We are a licensed ocean transportation intermediary (NVOCC and freight forwarder) with the required bond, and carry cargo legal liability, general liability and errors & omissions insurance. Certificates are available on request.