Cross-Border Shipping & Logistics Guide

1. Price Explanation

Cross-border logistics costs consist of basic shipping fees, surcharges, and other expenses. Fabulk uses USD as the quotation currency to minimize exchange rate fluctuations.

Basic Shipping Fee

Calculated based on transport mode and weight/volume (whichever is greater):

• Ocean Freight: By volume (CBM) or weight (tons). Routes and distances affect cost (e.g., US West Coast is cheaper than East Coast).
• Air Freight: Actual weight vs. volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ 6000). Affected by fuel prices and seasons.
• Land Transport: Based on tonnage and distance (e.g., China-Europe Railway Express).
• Express (FedEx/UPS/DHL): Actual weight vs. volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ 5000).
• Postal Services: Charged by actual weight only; no volume factor.

Surcharges & Additional Fees

Quotation Terms & Tax Thresholds

• DDP (Tax Included): All destination taxes/fees included. Saves 10–20% in tariffs via Fabulk.
• DDU (Tax Not Included): Destination taxes paid by recipient upon arrival.

⚠️ US Tariff Update (Feb 24, 2026): A 10% temporary tariff applies to most global goods (planned increase to 15%). Total tariff ≈ Basic + Section 301 + Temporary Tariff.

2. Channel Description

Billing Method & Volumetric Weight

Billing weight = Max(Actual Weight, Volumetric Weight). Air/Sea/Rail/Truck typically use ÷6000; International Express uses ÷5000; Postal uses actual weight only.

Size/Weight Limits (Examples)

• Germany UPS: No surcharge if longest side ≤100cm, second side ≤76cm, chargeable weight ≤30kg.
• US UPS: No surcharge if longest side ≤120cm, second side ≤76cm, chargeable weight ≤22.5kg.

Delivery Timeframes & Routes

Last-mile express generally arrives within 1–3 working days after pickup. For example, UPS Germany delivers to neighboring countries (PL/CZ/NL/BE) in 1–2 days; IT/ES/PT may take an additional 1–2 days. Electrical products to Europe typically depart from HK/KR and clear customs via UK/NL/BE/CZ.

Restricted & Undeliverable Addresses

US UPS covers 48 states but generally excludes P.O. Boxes, military addresses, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, and parts of Alaska. Commonly rejected items include liquids, powders, explosives, counterfeit brands, controlled knives, food, and pharmaceuticals. Special goods require customer service confirmation and dedicated logistics routes.

3. Operational Requirements

System Ordering & Documentation

We recommend placing orders via TMS/WMS systems. If ordering manually, provide complete invoices and packing lists including weight, value, SKU quantity, declared value, and HS CODE to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Product Certification

• EU: CE marking required on products, manuals, and packaging for electronics, appliances, lighting, medical devices, etc.
• US: FDA, FCC, Bluetooth, HDMI, Lacey Act, DOT certifications as applicable.

Packaging & Labeling

Goods must be packed in clean, sturdy cartons. Battery items require battery labels. Amazon FBA shipments: >15kg needs "Heavy Package" label; 22.5–30kg needs "Team Lift" label.

Declared Value Rules

Do not underdeclare or conceal value. Amazon goods: normally 20–30% of sales price. Postal: single package <€22. Express: high-value items have minimum declaration thresholds (e.g., phones ≥$50).

4. Compensation Explanation

Claims Process & Timeline

For lost packages, customers must assist in holding logistics providers accountable; we will arrange reshipment. Required documentation includes claim forms, proof of short delivery, product links, and purchase value.

• Claims Window: Typically 30–40 days after shipment.
• Tracking Stalls: If no update in 7–15 working days, provide backend screenshot promptly. No investigation after 15 days without evidence.
• Postal Investigations: Can take 2 weeks to 3 months.