FAQ

With 40 years of experience in international freight forwarding, GMC provides one-stop ocean and air freight solutions, including customs clearance, cargo insurance, and door-to-door delivery. Known for our professional team, real-time tracking, and customized services, we are deeply trusted by numerous import and export clients. Whether it is general commercial cargo, special containers, heavy machinery, or sensitive goods like batteries, we tailor our solutions to meet your exact needs.

Absolutely! Utilizing our comprehensive global agent network, we seamlessly manage multi-country synchronized shipping, consolidated transshipment, and decoupled distribution to optimize your logistics efficiency and control costs. Whether your shipments are under FOB, CIF, DDP, or other Incoterms, we offer flexible, tailored service packages to meet your requirements.

Yes, we do! We provide real-time tracking for customs clearance, bills of lading (B/L), and vessel or flight schedules. Additionally, we offer scheduled cargo status updates tailored to your specific needs, keeping you informed of your transport progress at every stage and significantly reducing the risk of delays.

The export customs clearance process is typically handled by a customs broker, who submits the export declaration based on your Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Power of Attorney (POA). Once customs reviews and releases the shipment, loading or loading onto the aircraft will be arranged. GMC provides expert customs brokerage assistance to minimize the risk of documentation errors or customs delays.

We will actively assist you in filing an insurance claim and provide full support with the required documentation and procedures. GMC implements a rigorous internal Risk Management SOP to mitigate risks, respond swiftly to unexpected incidents, and fully protect your rights and interests.

Yes, absolutely! We are highly experienced with the export regulations for various special commodities, including lithium batteries, chemicals, temperature-controlled products, and oversized equipment. We can assist in obtaining necessary certifications, such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and UN numbers, and ensure compliant packaging and labeling for maximum safety. Furthermore, we partner with ocean and air carriers who possess extensive experience in handling dangerous goods, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination safely and compliantly.

Yes, we can! We assist with arranging transshipment at the port of destination, transit customs clearance, and subsequent multi-drop delivery. Whether you require a single destination setup or multi-point distribution—such as Amazon FBA tracking or multi-country split warehousing—we provide unified planning along with clear visibility and progress updates to optimize your overall logistics efficiency.

Absolutely! We offer a beginner-friendly, one-stop export agency service. From document preparation, customs clearance, and booking to delivery, cargo insurance, and real-time tracking, a dedicated specialist will guide you through every single step. Whether you are exporting for the very first time or looking to optimize your existing workflows, GMC provides expert consultation and full operational support to give you complete peace of mind.

Yes, we do! We offer comprehensive customs consultation services, including pre-screening of clearance documents, HS Code classification, Certificates of Origin, and commercial invoice formatting to ensure a smooth export workflow and avoid delays. Whether you are facing challenges with tariff classification or Free Trade Agreement (FTA) declarations, GMC’s dedicated specialists provide expert guidance and technical support.

We have a robust risk management and contingency process in place. In such events, we proactively notify and assist clients in adjusting their arrangements—such as rerouting, changing flights or ports, switching to alternative routes, or converting to air freight. Additionally, we coordinate closely with carriers and ports to minimize potential losses. With GMC's extensive experience and agility, we are your strongest backstop when facing unexpected situations.

Air freight offers fast transit times and high customs clearance efficiency, making it ideal for high-value and time-sensitive cargo. It significantly shortens delivery windows and enhances overall supply chain flexibility.

Air freight is subject to strict aviation safety regulations. Certain items—such as flammables, explosives, liquids, chemicals, and lithium batteries—are classified as restricted or prohibited goods. However, since requirements vary for each shipment, feasibility depends on the specific item, its packaging, and supporting documentation. We recommend providing your detailed cargo information so our team can verify its eligibility and offer the best logistics solutions.

Air freight is charged based on the Chargeable Weight, which is determined by comparing the Actual Weight against the Volumetric Weight (Dimensional Weight) and taking the higher of the two.

Volumetric Weight Formula: Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)

Example: > If a carton measures 100 × 80 × 60 cm, its volumetric weight is 80 kg. Even if the actual weight is only 50 kg, the shipment will still be billed based on the 80 kg volumetric weight.

Our primary focus is on B2B commercial cargo. However, if you have specific shipping requirements, please contact our customer service team. We will evaluate whether we can accommodate your request based on the nature of the goods and the destination.

Express couriers like DHL and FedEx are ideal for documents or small, urgent parcels, and typically offer all-inclusive package pricing. In contrast, standard air freight is designed for traditional commercial cargo, offering greater flexibility for large shipments along with integrated customs clearance and warehousing services. If your shipment exceeds 50 kg or requires formal customs entry, GMC's air freight solutions are much more cost-effective and practical.

Although the risk associated with air freight is relatively low, we highly recommend securing cargo insurance to protect against financial losses from transit damage, loss, or potential delays. GMC can fully assist you in arranging the appropriate insurance coverage for your goods.

Yes, products containing lithium batteries can be shipped by air, but they must strictly comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

The following documentation and requirements are required:

• MSDS (Safety Data Sheet / Material Safety Data Sheet)

• UN38.3 Test Report (Lithium Battery Testing)

• Proper Packaging and Labeling

Please provide your detailed cargo specifications in advance. Our team will assist you in evaluating shipping eligibility and guiding you through the necessary preparations.

Yes, we do! We provide flexible service modes tailored to your specific requirements:

• Airport-to-Airport: Our baseline service. Once the cargo arrives, the consignee is responsible for customs clearance and final pickup.

• Door-to-Airport / Airport-to-Door: We can arrange either the initial cargo pickup or the final delivery segment.

• Door-to-Door (DDU/DDP): The ultimate hassle-free solution, covering customs declaration, tax handling, and final delivery to the doorstep!

Please note that pricing and service availability vary by destination country. Feel free to contact us for a customized quote.

While air freight is highly efficient, the overall timeline must account for the entire logistics process:

• Asia to Asia: Approximately 1–3 days.

• Asia to Europe / North America: Approximately 3–7 days (including customs declaration and clearance).

Please note that timelines may be extended if shipments run through weekends or if the destination is in a remote area. We highly recommend factoring in a buffer period when planning your delivery schedules.

At GMC Logistics, we do more than simply transport cargo—we provide a comprehensive one-stop logistics solution. From quotation, order processing, warehousing, customs clearance, and flight arrangements to final delivery, our dedicated team manages every step with fast response times and flexible support.

Our key advantages include:

🔸 Efficient Operations
Our experienced team is familiar with the requirements of major international airports and airline operations, helping you reduce transit time and improve efficiency.

🔸 Tailor-Made Logistics Solutions
We customize transportation plans based on your industry, cargo characteristics, and delivery requirements to provide the most suitable routing and service options.

🔸 Professional Customs Clearance & Documentation
We handle complex import and export documentation accurately, minimizing the risk of customs inspections and shipment delays.

🔸 Door-to-Door DDU/DDP Services
Whether you're shipping to overseas retail stores or fulfilling cross-border e-commerce orders, we provide reliable end-to-end delivery, including the last mile.

🔸 Real-Time Shipment Tracking & Updates
Stay informed throughout the shipping process with timely status updates and shipment tracking for complete peace of mind.

Choose GMC Logistics for air freight services that are efficient, reliable, and worry-free.

Sea freight is ideal for large-volume, heavy, or non-urgent shipments, offering a more cost-effective transportation solution. Air freight, on the other hand, is best suited for lightweight, time-sensitive, or high-value cargo, providing significantly faster transit times at a higher shipping cost.

Sea freight is primarily divided into two shipping methods: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load).

✅ FCL (Full Container Load)

The entire container is exclusively used for a single customer's shipment. This option is ideal for larger cargo volumes or shipments that require a dedicated container.

✅ LCL (Less than Container Load)

Cargo from multiple customers is consolidated into the same container. This is a cost-effective solution for smaller shipments that do not require a full container.

If your shipment does not fill an entire container, LCL can help reduce transportation costs. At GMC Logistics, we evaluate your cargo volume, shipping requirements, and budget to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective shipping solution.

The most commonly used shipping containers are:

🔺 20-foot Container (20' GP)

Approximately 28 cubic meters (CBM) of capacity, with a payload of around 17,000–20,000 kg.

🔺 40-foot Container (40' GP)

Approximately 58 cubic meters (CBM) of capacity, with a payload of around 20,000–23,000 kg.

🔺 40-foot High Cube Container (40' HC)

Approximately 68 cubic meters (CBM) of capacity, with a payload of around 20,000–23,000 kg.

Please note that the actual loading capacity depends on the size, weight, shape, and packaging of your cargo. GMC Logistics can help determine the most suitable container type based on your shipment requirements.

Special containers are designed to accommodate cargo with unique transportation requirements, such as oversized dimensions, temperature-sensitive goods, or specialized loading and unloading needs.

Shipping Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo requires careful planning and advance preparation. To ensure a smooth shipping process, you should provide detailed cargo information, including dimensions, weight, and any special handling requirements, as early as possible.

Not always. The availability of Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo services depends on the destination country's port facilities, shipping routes, and local regulations.

Some ports may not have the equipment or infrastructure required to handle certain types of OOG shipments, while others may impose additional customs procedures, permits, or import restrictions.

Before arranging your shipment, GMC Logistics will verify the destination's requirements and assess the feasibility of your cargo, ensuring the most suitable shipping plan and compliance with all applicable regulations.

Transit times vary depending on the destination, carrier schedule, and shipping route. Typical ocean freight transit times are as follows:

🔸 Asia → U.S. West Coast: Approximately 14–20 days

🔸 Asia → U.S. East Coast: Approximately 25–35 days

🔸 Asia → Europe: Approximately 30–40 days

Please note that actual transit times may vary due to factors such as vessel schedules, seasonal demand, port congestion, customs clearance, and weather conditions.

GMC Logistics can help you select the most suitable shipping schedule and provide the latest transit time estimates based on your destination and shipping requirements.

Ocean freight quotes are calculated based on your origin and destination ports, container types (such as 20GP or 40HQ), loading/unloading conditions, and any special requirements (e.g., reefer containers or hazardous goods). Simply provide us with your cargo details, and we can deliver a tailored quote within the same day.

A standard quote typically includes:

Ocean Freight (Base Rate): The basic cost of shipping from port to port.

Terminal Handling Charges (THC): Fees charged by the harbor authorities for handling containers at the terminal.

Customs Clearance & Documentation Fees: Costs associated with processing export/import paperwork and legal compliance.

Pro Tip for Web Layout: You can explicitly list standard container sizes (like 20GP/40HQ) in a dropdown or tooltip on your website to make the inquiry process even smoother for your clients.

Yes, we highly recommend it. Because the liability limits of shipping lines and freight forwarders are restricted by international regulations, they rarely cover the actual, full value of your cargo.

To ensure complete financial protection, we strongly advise securing All-Risk Cargo Insurance. Our team can fully assist you with the insurance application process, minimizing your financial risk and mitigating the impact of any unforeseen accidents during transit.