Shanghai Warehouse: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

If you’re importing from Shanghai China, probably, you need a Shanghai warehouse.

A reason why this guide will help you find the best Shanghai warehouse before shipping from China.

So, before looking for a China warehouse, read this guide.

Where is Shanghai Warehouse?

Shanghai Warehouse

Shanghai warehouse strategically places itself right on the Yangtze River Delta.

The fact that it is near the delta places it in a better position to serve as China`s logistics and distribution center.

Moreover, Shanghai has an advanced economy owing to its port services in China.

Additionally, the port of Shanghai holds as the largest in the world.

Warehousing is thus vast in Shanghai with a hold of the two largest ports in the city.

You can locate warehouses in the following regions in Shanghai;

• Kangqiao
• Songjiang
• Qingpu
• Debao road
• Yangshan FTPA
• Shanghai WGQ
• SJEPZ

What Kind of Services does Shanghai Warehouse have?

Just like any other warehouse, Shanghai warehouses come with a range of services.

Apart from the normal storage services from the warehouses, there are other services as well including;

Order Fulfillment

Order fulfillment services range from processing services, all the way to packaging and labelling services.

Opting for this package allows you enough time to concentrate on other important functions while your cargo is undergoing final touches.

Inventory Control Services

This applies to small business owners.

The warehouses provide spaces that allow you to attain inventory services.

Trans Loading

Majorly involves providing transport means for goods from one end to another.

For example, when ready to make your shipment, the warehouse can provide transport services to your final destination.

Packing

Some Shanghai warehouses offer packing services to their client’s merchandise.

Additionally, you can also send in your packing requirements for them to make the packages.

Processing Goods

Shanghai warehouses are spacious enough to allow for goods to undergo processing before final delivery to you.

Fulfillment Services

These services entail entrusting the warehouse to make purchases from online e-commerce platforms.

This service is most sought by clients who are less aware of how to conduct the purchases.

Cross Docking

Cross-docking involves moving merchandise from one manufacturing center to a strategically placed distribution center.

This is because the distribution centers are near the consumer who wishes to use the products.

Once the goods arrive from the manufacturing centers, they undergo a process of breaking down into smaller shipments.

This service comes in handy to manufacturers with financial constraints.

Additionally, it serves manufacturers who intend to merge their merchandise as well as unloading them.

Receipt of Goods

Shanghai warehouse guarantees that all operations within the warehouse will be legible to receipts.

Picking

Shanghai warehouses offer to pick your merchandise from the designated place, of course at a fee.

Maintenance Services

There might be a need to store some goods in the warehouse for a long time.

Shanghai warehouse offers maintenance services to those goods to ensure they are in perfect condition

Monitoring of Goods

Shanghai warehouse through tracking technology, promise to keep track and monitor your goods.

This is until they reach your final destination.

Shipment of Goods

After choosing the mode of shipping the client wants, the warehouse comes in handy to ensure the goods are on board.

Contract Warehousing

Contract warehousing entails offering the warehouse storage facilities to you under a defined contract.

Some businesses require this space for processing among other activities.

Shanghai warehouse is not limited to making these contract warehousing services if in need of one.

What are the Features of Shanghai Warehouse?

The common features of Shanghai warehouses include:

Well Trained Staff

Most of the warehouses in Shanghai have enough staff to help around with the cargo.

If you visit most Shanghai warehouse websites, they have a description of the number of employees in the warehouse.

Safety Protocols

Most of the staff are aware of safety protocols when handling cargo in the warehouse.

Security

All warehouses have security measures in place to help carry out the warehouse services.

The measures range from installing security cameras to employing security personal.

Most warehouses in Shanghai are quite busy hence the need for extra security to help keep track of things.

Right Hardware and Software

Shanghai Warehouse Automation

For hardware, machinery to help carry the cargo to their designated spaces is usually in place.

Additionally, there is machinery that comes in handy in the packing and labeling processes.

For the software, they come in handy in keeping records and inventory of the activities in the warehouses.

Most warehouses in Shanghai have put in place computer programs that are rooted in the services carried out in the warehouses.

Proximity to Markets

Shanghai is the fifth-largest metropolitan in the world.

Its position along the delta places it at a strategic position that creates a market for the warehouses in the region.

Storage Space

With the vast market in Shanghai, the warehouses in this region make a good investment in the sizes.

This allows for the warehouses to accommodate all-size cargos.

Delivery and Customer Care Services

This includes transport as well as tracking services to allow clients to be aware of the whereabouts of their cargo.

Emergency Control

Last but not least, all warehouses in Shanghai have emergency protocols in place to help control their activities.

Accidents are inevitable sometimes, it is only wise to plan and set up an emergency control plan in the warehouses.

Why should I Warehouse in Shanghai?

Shanghai holds as the Urban center with a vast global economy.

In fact, income levels are slightly higher than China`s national average.

Opting to a warehouse in China guarantees you good returns as an owner.

Shanghai port holds to be the busiest port in the world, hence the availability of customers.

The rising consumption levels in Shanghai create a suitable environment for warehousing set up in the region.

What are the Main Products Handled at Shanghai Warehouse?

Shanghai warehouses deal with a vast range of goods and services.

This owes to the different businesses people are seeking the warehouse services.

However, it is important to ensure that the products you deal with are legal.

If at all you are dealing with dangerous goods, ensure you attain the right certifications to allow you to make shipments.

Some of the dangerous goods include:

• flammable
• corrosive
• oxidizing
• explosive
• combustible
• water-reactive

The above classifications are considered to cause harm to people and the environment.

As a result, various government bodies get involved in the process of inspection of goods in warehouses.

In the case of acquiring such products, ensure you accompany them with legal certifications and documents.

The legal goods acceptable in most shanghai warehouses include all other goods provided they have been approved.

It is not advisable to store perishable goods in warehouses.

This mostly encompasses edible and agricultural products.

Can Shanghai Warehouse Pick up my Order from the Supplier?

Yes, warehouses in Shanghai have put in place service providers to help pick orders from the supplier.

However, this service comes with an additional cost to it.

What is the Shanghai Warehouse Fulfilment Procedure?

The customer makes known his order to the warehouse management.

Afterward, the warehouse, on behalf of the customer, receives the goods

Processing of the goods takes place and delivery plans underway in order to reach the customer.

Additionally, in case of returns, there is a process in place to take account of the goods on return.

What is the Order Fulfilment Turnaround Time at Shanghai Warehouse?

It all depends on how big your order is.

That is how long it will take for the processing service to be done.

However, most Shanghai warehouses are efficient enough to deliver your goods on time.

Additionally, it is important to keep in touch with the warehouse management to keep close updates.

Moreover, the tracking systems in place can help you track your orders and keep you informed.

Where are Shanghai Warehouse Pick-up Service Areas in China?

Shanghai warehouses have connections with different truck providers in the city.

As a result, the warehouses are readily in a position of ensuring requests for pickup of cargos are met efficiently.

Liaise with any warehouse of your choice in Shanghai and they will highlight the pickup areas available to you.

Is Shanghai Warehouse Secure?

Yes, the Shanghai warehouse is safe for your cargo.

The following measures are put in place to ensure your cargo is safe and sound:

First, the Shanghai warehouse determines which type of cargo they are dealing with.

This is efficient because it allows the handling of fragile goods with care.

Shanghai warehouse provides adequate space for your goods, hence less interference from other goods.

The warehouse has equipped itself with the necessary hardware machines to handle your goods.

There are adequate scales for obtaining the right weight for your goods.

This provides further information on how to handle your goods.

The warehouse has enough skilled manpower to deal with your goods.

Moreover, there is a warehouse management system in place to help keep records and account for your cargo.

There is an inventory that upholds accuracy and provides adequate control of your goods.

Furthermore, cleanliness is held at high standards hence prevents dirt from interfering with the safety of your goods.

The warehouses make use of CCTV cameras.

This helps for easier monitoring of goods in the warehouse.

There are motion detectors in place to help detect any movement in the warehouse at hours outside business hours.

The warehouse also has environmental controls and sensors to ensure that the warehouse is able to detect odd temperatures.

For example, in case of fires, the sensors are able to send an alarm to warn of impending fire breakout.

Does Shanghai Warehouse Provide Insurance on the Products in Storage?

Yes, one of the requirements before opening up a warehouse is to have an insurance in place for the goods.

This comes in handy especially when goods are majorly under exposure of inevitable damages and accidents.

How Do I Make a Claim for lost Cargo at Shanghai Warehouse?

The best way to claim for a lost cargo is first by notifying the Warehouse management.

Chances are the cargo is just at the warehouse or still in shipment.

Moreover, the warehouse tracking services will make it easier to find the claimed lost cargo.

Always confirm with the warehouse before making reports.

How Do you Calculate Storage Space per Cargo?

Shanghai Warehouse Space

There are three ways in which you can calculate the space for storage for your cargo. They include;

1) Measuring in Cubic Meters (Foot)

To calculate this, you will need to take measurements for your cargo.

Thus the length, width and height of the good.

In most cases, the results appear in decimal places.

It matters how the warehouse conducts its rounding off to the nearest whole inch.

Afterwards, you use the measurements to determine the charges of Shanghai Warehousing.

2) Measuring in Pallets

The average pallet size is 64 cubic feet.

When it comes to the use of fulfilment, the average size is 56 cubic feet or measure 42’’ by 48’’ by 48’’.

The pallet method also has a charge applicable to itself payable on the warehouse terms.

3) Measuring by SKU

Last but not least, SKU is another method for measuring the size of cargo.

SKU means Stock Keeping Unit.

This method to an extent is the same as the pallet measuring design.

In most cases, you use SKU alongside the pallet measuring technique.

Here, you consider one pallet as one SKU.

For example, if you have 10 pallets, they will be treated the same ways as 10 pallets.

Which is the Most Suitable Shipping Methods for Cargo in Shanghai Warehouse?

There are two main shipping methods for cargo in China, which include:

By Sea

Sea shipping can adequately serve international shipping.

It is also a cost-friendly, convenient and reliable means of shipping.

By Air

Air freightis the fastest international shipping method in the market today.

Shanghai warehouse also has this offer on the table.

However, you ought to understand that airfreight will be a little costly compared to the sea shipping.

Can Shanghai Warehouse Help to Source goods from Alibaba and other Chine E-commerce Sites?

Yes, effective communication with the Shanghai Warehouse management can allow to you to source products.

This applies to even other e-commerce business not only Alibaba.

This saves the hustle of finding goods for your business hence allow you enough time to deal with other issues.

When you source through Shanghai warehouse, there is guarantee you will attain quality products at an affordable price.

This is because most have good negotiation skills.

If you find it hard to get goods with the e-commerce, Shanghai warehouse management teams are in place to help you.

Apart from the Initial Quote for Shanghai Warehousing, are there Other Additional or Hidden Charges?

The normal quotation will highlight for you the price for the space for your cargo.

Any additional services to your cargo such as packaging and labelling will also be included.

Additionally, in case of the warehouse sourcing products for you from e-commerce platforms, there will be charges attached.

For any delivery activities made by the warehouse, the costs will be included in the quotation as well.

All other activities aside from packing and labeling subjected to your cargo with your permission as well is charged.

There are no hidden charges per say, the quotation is mostly clear and straight to the point.

There is also room for negotiation.

How can my Customers Track their Orders from Shanghai Warehouse?

Shanghai warehouse has a system in place to help you keep track of your merchandise.

The systems are in place to allow for proper monitoring of your cargo before and even after delivery.

Immediately the cargo kicks off a journey, the system quickly notifies the warehouse.

The tracking also serves as an advantage to the warehouse when it comes to taking account of the inventory.

Shanghai warehouse puts in place the use of barcodes and RFID technology, both active and passive.

What is the Processing Time for Incoming Stock at Shanghai Warehouse?

Once the warehouse management system records the arrival of the incoming stock, processing begins immediately.

However, on busy season, they follow a certain procedure to ensure everyone is efficiently served.

Nonetheless, it should not take a lot of time, since on such occasions there are additional staff to help.

Do I need a Freight Forwarder when Shipping Inventory from Shanghai Warehouse?

A freight forwarder helps you cut costs you would incur with your freight hence the need to have one.

They come in handy especially if you want to make deliveries for your inventory to your choice of preference.

You might not necessarily need a freight forwarder.

However, to save you time if you are in a hurry, freight forwarders guarantee delivery.

Is there a Minimum Order Quantity to Shanghai Warehouse Packaging Service?

Shanghai Warehouse Packaging

Yes, some warehouses in Shanghai have a definition of the minimum amount of package to receive.

However, most of them are flexible to receive packages of any size and quantity.

Does Shanghai Warehouse Provide Packaging Materials for Custom Packaging Service?

Yes, custom packaging is available at a minimum quantity.

Moreover, you are allowed to provide your own packaging materials if need be.

What is API Integration of Shanghai Warehouse Management System?

API is an application installed in a warehouse management system to help in the management of data.

The API allows for easier retrieval of data even from external sources.

The Shanghai warehouse management system integrates this application in its system to help in the inventory control.

It guarantees safety of information like databases and source codes as you make attempts to communicate with other applications.

It serves as a friendly application especially to the Shanghai warehouse management system.

How does Shanghai Warehouse Manage Business Peaks?

Business peaks are very common in Shanghai and as a result, the warehouses have measures in place to help them.

Customer satisfaction is a core activity entailing shanghai warehouse.

To counter these, the warehouse employ additional staff to help during the season.

All of whom are under close watch and supervision from leaders and the management team of the warehouse.

How does Shanghai Warehouse Fulfil Orders to Amazon FBA Centers?

Shanghai warehouse undergoes a process in order to make a fulfillment order to the FBA centers.

First, the warehouse sends the goods to Amazon fulfillment center.

The FBA Amazon staff receives the merchandise and allows for the supplier to track the goods through their systems.

Afterwards, the order is made from the Amazon website.

After the goods have been sold, Amazon staff picks and then makes packages of the goods.

After the packaging the shipping process begins.

Which Incoterms does Shanghai Warehouse support for Orders Shipping from China?

The common incoterms you can use to ship from China include:

Ex Works (EXW)

This is where the seller delivers the goods to your designated destination.

This in most cases is a region near your premises, usually a factory, or a warehouse.

From there henceforth, you take the responsibility of transporting the goods to the required destination.

Free Carrier (FCA)

The seller delivers the goods to the final destination of the buyers.

However, any damages exposed to the goods along the way are the buyer’s responsibility.

Carriage Paid To (CPT)

This incoterm underlies the seller making the final delivery of the merchandise up to where the buyer wants to receive them from.

The costs of handling the merchandise up to final destination is the responsibility of the seller.

Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP)

The terms are the same as those for CPT.

However, insurance covers any damage and loss of property.

However, the buyer should cater for the insurance on the minimum cover of the insurance.

Delivered at Place (DAP)

The seller makes a point to deliver the goods to the stated destination port.

The seller bears all risks of the cargo until unloaded.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

In this Incoterm, the seller delivers the goods to your chosen destination.

The seller then follows up on the import custom clearances and ensure they are ready to be unloaded.

All the risks pertaining the shipping and custom clearance procedures alongside duty payments are taken care of by the seller.

Free on Board (FOB)

The seller delivers the goods on a vessel of the buyer`s choice.

Risks of the cargo commence upon the loading of the cargo on to the vessel.

Cost and Freight

The seller purchases the needs of the buyer and ensures loading of the merchandise to the desired shipping vessel.

However, the buyer bears the charges of purchasing and loading the goods onto the ship.

Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF)

The seller bears responsibility until the goods are onboard the means of transport.

Afterwards, the risks of the goods transfer to the buyer.

The seller is usually the one responsible for costs of getting the cargo to the shipping vessel.

Free Alongside Ship

Once the cargo boards the ship, the seller considers the goods are delivered.

The buyer makes known the vessel to use for shipment to the seller.

Once the goods are alongside the ship, the buyer bears all risks of loss and damages exposed to his cargo.

Can Shanghai Warehouse Assist in Export and Import Clearance?

Yes, there are custom clearance procedures that one must follow in order to complete the process of shipping from Shanghai warehouse.

Together with a freight forwarder, the warehouse management will assist you in the clearance of your cargo.

What is the Cost of Shanghai Warehouse Service?

Shanghai Warehouse New Trend

Normally, the cost of seeking warehouse services in Shanghai amounts to 43.4 Yuan per square meter of space.

However, due to the busy nature of Shanghai, the prices are bound to change following the demand in the market.

The prices are calculated based on the amount of space your cargo occupies in the warehouse.

At SourcingWise, we help you find the best Shanghai warehouse at competitive rates.

Talk to us for all your importing needs from China.