General Import and Export Freight Service Guide for Mianyang, Sichuan, China
I. City Introduction
1.1 Geographical Location
Mianyang is located in the northwestern part of Sichuan Basin, China. It serves as a significant transportation and economic hub in northern Sichuan. The city is crisscrossed by a network of expressways, national highways, and railways. Expressways like the Chengdu – Mianyang – Leshan Expressway connect Mianyang to the provincial capital Chengdu and other major cities, facilitating the rapid movement of goods. The Baoji – Chengdu Railway and the Mianyang – Suining Railway pass through the city, enabling seamless long – distance transportation both within Sichuan and across the country. This advantageous location positions Mianyang as a key link in the regional logistics network, facilitating import and export activities.
1.2 Economic Characteristics
Mianyang has a diversified economic structure. It is a well – known high – tech industrial base in China, with a focus on the electronic information, aerospace, and new energy industries. Many leading high – tech enterprises are based here, engaging in the research, development, and production of products such as semiconductors, electronic components, and new – energy vehicles. The agricultural sector also plays an important role, with the production of grains, oilseeds, and fruits like citrus and kiwifruit. In recent years, the city has been actively promoting the development of the modern service industry, including logistics, e – commerce, and finance. These economic activities generate a substantial demand for import and export freight services, from the transportation of high – tech equipment and components to agricultural products.
1.3 Administrative Divisions and Freight – related Areas
Mianyang has 3 districts, 5 counties, and 1 county – level city under its jurisdiction.
- Fucheng District: As the core urban area, Fucheng District is a commercial and financial center. It is often involved in the import and export of high – value consumer goods, electronic products, and commercial products. Many trading companies and logistics service providers are located here, handling a large volume of small – batch, high – value freight.
- Youxian District: Youxian District focuses on industrial development, especially in the manufacturing and processing sectors. It is a major source of freight for industrial products such as machinery parts, building materials, and processed agricultural products. The district’s industrial parks are home to numerous factories, contributing to the city’s export volume.
- Anzhou District: Anzhou District is more involved in the development of the agricultural and light – industrial sectors. It is responsible for the transportation of agricultural products, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and processed food products. The district also has some light – industrial enterprises that export products like textiles and handicrafts.
- Santai County, Yanting County, Zitong County, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, and Pingwu County: These counties are rich in agricultural and natural resources. They are important areas for the production and export of agricultural products such as grains, oilseeds, and tea. In addition, they also export some local – specialty products and handicrafts. For example, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County is known for its unique Qiang – style handicrafts, which are exported to various regions.
- Jiangyou City: Jiangyou City has a relatively comprehensive industrial system, with industries ranging from machinery manufacturing to food processing. It is a significant exporter of industrial products, including mechanical equipment, and food products like pickled vegetables and preserved fruits.
II. Port and Airport Information
2.1 Ports
Since Mianyang is an inland city, it mainly depends on ports in coastal areas for sea freight. Ports in the Yangtze River Delta, such as Shanghai Port and Ningbo – Zhoushan Port, and ports in the Pearl River Delta, like Shenzhen Port, are the main choices. These ports are equipped with advanced container handling facilities, large – scale storage yards, and a wide range of international shipping routes. Goods from Mianyang are first transported to these ports by railway or highway. The Baoji – Chengdu Railway and expressways play a crucial role in this transportation process. In addition, Mianyang is also exploring the development of inland waterway transportation along the Fu River, aiming to connect with ports in the Yangtze River system to enhance its freight – transportation capacity.
2.2 Airports
Mianyang Nanjiao Airport provides both domestic and international air – freight services. It has direct flights to major domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and also operates some international charter flights. For more extensive international air – freight needs, it often relies on transfer at larger international airports in Chengdu, such as Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. These Chengdu – based airports have a vast network of international routes and can handle a large volume of cargo, which is essential for Mianyang’s international trade.
2.3 Inland Transportation
Road transportation is the most common mode for short – distance and small – batch cargo transportation within Mianyang and its surrounding areas. The city has a well – developed expressway and national – highway network, allowing trucks to provide door – to – door services. This is especially convenient for the transportation of agricultural products, small – scale industrial products, and express – delivery items. Railway transportation is crucial for long – distance and large – volume cargo. The Baoji – Chengdu Railway and other railway lines passing through Mianyang enable the transportation of large – scale industrial products, raw materials, and agricultural products to other parts of China. The city is also continuously improving its railway – transportation infrastructure to enhance its freight – carrying capacity.
III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3.1 Cost – related
3.1.1 FCL (Full Container Load)
When exporting by FCL from Mianyang, the basic ocean freight is mainly determined by the destination port. Shipping to Southeast Asian ports is generally more cost – effective than to European or American ports. Port handling fees vary according to the container type and size. A 40 – foot container usually incurs higher handling fees than a 20 – foot container. Documentation fees cover the preparation of shipping documents such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists. Surcharges like the bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and currency adjustment factor (CAF) can significantly affect the total cost. The BAF is closely related to oil prices, and the CAF is influenced by exchange rate fluctuations.
3.1.2 LCL (Less than Container Load)
The cost of LCL sea freight is calculated based on the volume or weight of the goods for the basic freight. LCL service fees include the cost of cargo consolidation and de – consolidation at the origin and destination ports. When the goods are stored in the warehouse for consolidation or de – consolidation, storage fees will be charged. The longer the storage time, the higher the storage fees. Different freight forwarders may have different charging standards, so it is necessary to compare and choose carefully according to the specific needs.
3.2 Process – related
3.2.1 Export Process
Exporters in Mianyang first sign a trade contract with foreign customers, clearly defining product details, quantity, price, and delivery time. Then, they prepare relevant documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declaration forms. Next, the goods are transported to the designated port, either an inland transfer point or a coastal port. At the port, they undergo customs declaration and inspection procedures. Once the customs inspection is passed, the goods can be loaded onto the ship or train. After loading, the exporter should promptly send a shipping notice to the customer and provide the bill of lading and other relevant documents to ensure smooth delivery at the destination port.
3.2.2 Import Process
For imports, the enterprise first signs a purchase contract with the foreign supplier and arranges payment. Before the goods arrive at the port, the enterprise needs to declare to the customs and submit relevant documents, such as the import customs declaration form, bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. The customs will inspect the goods and levy relevant duties and taxes. After the enterprise pays the taxes, it can pick up the goods. If the goods need to go through inspection and quarantine procedures, these must be completed before pickup to ensure compliance with domestic standards.
3.3 Customs Clearance – related
The customs clearance of import and export goods in Mianyang is carried out by the Mianyang Customs. Enterprises must truthfully declare the information of the goods, including the name, quantity, value, and place of origin. They also need to prepare relevant certificates, such as certificates of origin and quality inspection certificates, to cooperate with the customs inspection. For special goods, such as high – tech products, animal and plant products, and hazardous chemicals, additional approval procedures are required. For example, high – tech products may need to provide technology – related certificates, and animal and plant products need to provide quarantine certificates.