What changes the cost?
- Final packed volume, gross weight and the size of each piece
- Pickup cities and the number of suppliers
- Ocean, air or an eligible European land route
- Extra packing, storage or inspection work
- Customs clearance, duties and taxes included in writing
- Postcode, vehicle access, appointment and unloading
An unpacked catalogue size is not final shipping data. Stronger packing can reduce risk but increase chargeable volume.
A common home-order example
A sofa from one supplier, cabinets from another and lighting from a third may first receive an estimated range. After all packages reach the warehouse, their actual measurements and weights are checked and the route can be priced from the working cargo data. Bringing the orders together is called multi-supplier consolidation.
How are the charges calculated?
A shipment can contain several charging methods. Ocean LCL may use chargeable volume, air may compare actual and volumetric weight, full containers use equipment and route, and pickup or specialist work may be charged by shipment. A written DDP quote can include China operations, loading, documents, international freight, named taxes, clearance and final delivery.
Shenzhen storage is free for days 1–14 from the first batch’s arrival and RMB 100 per shipment per calendar day from day 15. Paid QC, new wooden packing, special unloading and actual exception charges are listed separately. Freight quotations are normally valid for three days; any later change is confirmed in writing.
Written Quote & Change Policy
The initial estimate uses the information available before warehouse receipt. The written quote states its validity period, cargo basis, included and excluded services, customs and tax scope, delivery point, unloading boundary and responsibility endpoint. The standard freight quotation is normally valid for three days; the actual document controls.
After warehouse receipt, final packed dimensions, gross weight or required packing may differ from supplier data. Freight, fuel, capacity, peak-season conditions, exchange rate, route availability, customs requirements or delivery access can also change. Buildcargo explains the reason, likely cost or timing effect and available options, then confirms any revised scope or price in writing before the affected next step proceeds.
Evidence of the operating route
The completed U.S. furniture case, completed Canadian whole-household case and completed Spain doors-and-windows case through Rotterdam document different types of real handling and delivery work. They do not set the price for another shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a price before the furniture is packed?
Yes, an early range can be prepared from product links, supplier details and the destination postcode. The final cost still depends on the confirmed packed size and weight.
Does door-to-door always include duties and taxes?
No. They are included only when the written quote says so for the named destination.
Is unloading included?
Not by default. Vehicle unloading, carrying inside, stairs and installation must be confirmed separately.