YIWA Logistics

Category: News

  • How to compare air freight and sea freight for your next shipment

    Choosing between air and sea freight is one of the most important cost decisions an importer makes.

    Air freight is fast (typically 3-7 business days) and best for urgent, high-value, or low-volume cargo. The trade-off is a higher cost per kilogram, and carriers charge on the greater of actual or volumetric weight.

    Sea freight is far more cost-effective for bulk and heavy shipments, but it is slower (25-40 days depending on port and season). LCL (less than container load) suits smaller volumes, while FCL (full container load) is ideal once you can fill a 20ft or 40ft container.

    Before you decide, compare the total landed cost, not just the freight quote. Factor in duties, inspection, handling, and local delivery. For time-sensitive restocks, the extra air cost can be worth it; for planned inventory, sea freight usually wins.

  • Five supplier checks to complete before sending a deposit

    Paying a deposit to a supplier you have not verified is the single biggest risk in importing.

    1. Confirm the business license and registration details match the company you are talking to.
    2. Ask for real factory photos or arrange a factory visit for larger orders.
    3. Order and inspect a sample before committing to a bulk run.
    4. Verify production capacity and lead time against your required quantity.
    5. Agree clear payment terms and use traceable payment methods.

    A short verification workflow up front saves weeks of disputes later. When in doubt, our team can complete supplier verification and QC on your behalf before any money moves.

  • What importers should include in a realistic landed-cost estimate

    A realistic landed-cost estimate is the difference between a profitable import and a surprise loss.

    Start with the product cost per unit and multiply by quantity. Then add freight (air or sea), export handling, insurance, customs duty and taxes, inspection fees, port handling, and final-mile delivery to your city.

    Many first-time importers only budget for the product and freight, then get caught out by duty and local charges. Use our CBM and MOQ calculators to model volume and per-unit cost, and always keep a 20-30% buffer for exchange-rate movement and unforeseen fees.