Shipping & logistics coordination
We coordinate your shipment end to end, from the factory gate in China to your warehouse in Türkiye
Yeni İpekyolu coordinates the supplier, forwarder and customs broker for your shipments from China to Türkiye. We help choose the right delivery terms, get documents prepared in full and track your cargo until arrival.
Logistics coordination from China to Türkiye: from Incoterms to customs documents
EXW, FOB or CIF? How delivery terms affect cost and control
Most quotes from Chinese suppliers are given on FOB (free on board) or EXW (ex works) terms; some suppliers also offer CIF or CFR. These abbreviations determine at which point responsibility and cost pass from the supplier to you. Under EXW almost everything, including transport within China and export customs, falls on the buyer. Under FOB the supplier loads the goods onto the vessel at the Chinese port, and you arrange freight and insurance. Under CIF freight and insurance are arranged by the supplier, but charges at the destination port remain with you.
A common trap Turkish buyers fall into is attractive-looking CIF quotes coming with unexpected local charges at the destination port. When freight is arranged by a forwarder chosen by the supplier, you have less control over the cost items at arrival. Buying on FOB terms and arranging freight with a forwarder of your own choice usually offers advantages in terms of both transparency and control. At Yeni İpekyolu we review the supplier's quote from a delivery-terms perspective with you, making the total cost and the division of responsibility visible.
Sea, air and rail: which route for which cargo?
Most cargo from China to Türkiye moves by sea, either as full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL). Major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are linked to Türkiye's main ports by regular services. Sea freight is the most economical option for bulky, non-urgent cargo. Air freight is preferred for samples and high-value or urgent goods. In recent years rail connections from China towards Europe and Türkiye have also become an alternative; since their availability and transit time vary by route and period, we assess current options together with the forwarder.
When choosing the right route you need to look not only at the freight rate but also at total transit time, your sales calendar and the nature of the product. For example, for a lot that must arrive for the season, a faster but more expensive option may be more profitable overall. Demand for containers and vessel space rises in the period before Chinese New Year, so booking early matters at that time. At Yeni İpekyolu we share the shipment date with the forwarder in advance using information from production follow-up, minimising problems in securing space.
Documents and customs: most problems are prevented before reaching port
A large share of customs delays in Türkiye result from inconsistencies in documents prepared in China: the product description on the invoice not matching the packing list, missing origin information, wrong weights or the absence of conformity documents required for the product. We obtain drafts of documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and, where needed, the certificate of origin from the supplier before loading, and have them checked by sharing them with your customs broker in Türkiye. We confirm together which documents your product needs and the current rules.
Another critical point of coordination is that documents and payments move in the correct order. When and under which condition the original bill of lading or telex release instruction is issued is directly tied to the balance payment. We clarify the sequence between balance, quality control approval and document release and follow it up with the supplier in Chinese. After your cargo departs we monitor updates from the forwarder and pass on the estimated arrival date and any changes to you in Turkish.
Who needs logistics coordination?
Companies importing for the first time
Incoterms, bills of lading and customs documents can be confusing on a first import. We explain the process step by step and bring the right parties together.
Buyers consolidating cargo from several suppliers
We coordinate gathering goods from factories in different cities into one warehouse and shipping them in the same container. We ensure document consistency.
Those with their own forwarder who need support on the China side
While you keep working with your current forwarder, we follow up communication with the supplier in Chinese, the loading date and document preparation. We close the gaps between the parties.
Tasks we take on in shipment coordination
Delivery terms and cost analysis
We review the supplier's quote under terms such as EXW, FOB and CIF and clarify which cost belongs to whom. If needed we discuss changing the delivery terms with the supplier.
Forwarder selection and quote comparison
We help you collect and compare forwarder quotes for sea, air or rail options suited to your cargo. We pay attention to transparency of destination charges.
Loading date and warehouse coordination
We align the booking date with the end of production and follow up that the supplier delivers the goods to the warehouse or port on time. If needed we add loading supervision.
Checking document drafts
We review invoice, packing list and bill of lading drafts before loading and share them with your customs broker. We have inconsistencies corrected by the supplier in Chinese.
Payment and document sequence
We clarify and follow the sequence between the balance payment and original documents or telex release. We plan this step in connection with the quality control approval.
In-transit tracking and arrival updates
Once the cargo departs we monitor updates from the forwarder and notify you of the estimated arrival and any changes. We keep information flowing to your customs broker.
Service summary and requirements
| Origin points | Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou ports and Yiwu warehouses |
|---|---|
| How we work | Coordination with licensed forwarders and your customs brokers |
| Pricing | Coordination quote based on number and scope of shipments |
| Service languages | Turkish · Chinese · English |
| Cities served | Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Yiwu · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Beijing (coordinated from our Istanbul office) |
The final price and timeline depend on the scope; we send you a clear quote promptly.
What you need to provide
- Proforma invoice and the supplier's delivery terms
- Product description, HS code (if known), volume and weight
- Importing company and customs broker details in Türkiye
- Contact details of your forwarder, if you have one
- Target arrival date and delivery address
Steps of logistics coordination
- 1
Cargo and destination details
We gather the product, volume, weight, destination port or warehouse and desired arrival date. We assess delivery terms and transport mode together.
- 2
Forwarder and booking
We plan the booking with your chosen forwarder according to the production calendar. We pass loading details on to the supplier in Chinese.
- 3
Document preparation and checks
We obtain document drafts, check them with your customs broker and get corrections completed. We identify any additional documents needed in advance.
- 4
Loading and departure
We follow the loading and supervise it on site if needed. We complete the payment and document release sequence with the supplier.
- 5
Transit and arrival follow-up
We track your cargo in transit and keep you updated until arrival. During customs clearance we obtain any Chinese documents or explanations needed from the supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Are you a freight company?
No, the transport is carried out by licensed forwarders. We take on coordination between the supplier, forwarder and customs broker and handle communication and document follow-up on the China side.
Should I choose FOB or EXW?
In most cases FOB is more practical because transport within China and export customs stay with the supplier. EXW can make sense when you consolidate cargo from several suppliers or want to separate out the factory price; we assess your situation together.
When does an LCL shipment make sense?
If your cargo does not fill a container, LCL is an economical option. However, transit time can be longer due to transshipment and consolidation, which should be considered for urgent cargo.
Which documents are needed at customs?
Typically the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading are the core documents; depending on the product, a certificate of origin or conformity documents may also be required. We confirm product-specific requirements with your customs broker according to current rules.
What is a telex release?
It is an instruction to the carrier to release the cargo at the destination port instead of physically sending the original bill of lading. The supplier usually gives this instruction after receiving the balance payment; we follow the sequence.
Should I take out insurance?
Cargo insurance is recommended, especially for valuable or fragile goods. On FOB purchases the insurance is arranged on your side; we help you assess options through your forwarder or insurance agent.
How does Chinese New Year affect shipping?
Before the holiday, demand for containers and vessel space rises, and port-related services may slow down during it. We recommend booking early and planning production around this calendar.
Tell us what you need in China
Our consultant reviews your needs for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
