The Definitive Guide to Import and Export Freight Services in Qingyang, Gansu, China

I. City Overview

(I) Geographical Location

(II) Economic Characteristics

(III) Administrative Regions and Freight Relevance

• Xifeng District: As the administrative, economic, and cultural center of Qingyang, Xifeng District is a hub for various economic activities. It exports a variety of products, including refined oil products, agricultural products, and some industrial goods. It imports high-tech products, advanced oil and gas exploration equipment, and consumer goods to support local industries and meet the needs of the local population. The district also serves as a distribution center for goods within Qingyang.
• Qingcheng County: Qingcheng County has a certain scale of oil and gas production and agricultural activities. It exports oil and gas-related products, as well as agricultural products such as grains and fruits. It imports oil and gas production equipment, agricultural machinery, and fertilizers to support local industries.
• Huan County: Huan County is rich in natural resources and has a strong agricultural base. It exports mineral products, agricultural products, and some handicrafts. It imports mining equipment, agricultural machinery, and consumer goods to drive local economic development.
• Huachi County: Huachi County is known for its oil and gas resources and agricultural production. It exports oil and gas products, agricultural products, and some industrial products. It imports advanced oil and gas exploration and production technologies, agricultural machinery, and consumer goods.
• Heshui County: Heshui County focuses on agriculture and some light industrial production. It exports agricultural products, handicrafts, and some light industrial products. It imports daily necessities, agricultural machinery, and some raw materials for light industries.
• Zhengning County: Zhengning County has a strong agricultural industry, with a focus on the production of grains, apples, and livestock. It exports these agricultural products, while importing agricultural machinery, veterinary drugs, and consumer goods to improve agricultural productivity and meet the needs of local residents.
• Ning County: Ning County has a diversified economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. It exports agricultural products, building materials, and some machinery parts. It imports raw materials for manufacturing, consumer goods, and educational and medical supplies.
• Zhenyuan County: Zhenyuan County has a certain development in the oil and gas industry and agriculture. It exports oil and gas products, agricultural products, and some local specialties. It imports oil and gas production equipment, agricultural machinery, and consumer goods to support local economic development.

II. Key Freight Nodes

(I) Ports

(II) Airports

(III) Inland Transportation

1. Road Transportation: Qingyang has a relatively well-developed road network. Expressways and provincial roads connect different administrative regions and neighboring cities. Road transportation is suitable for short-distance and small-to-medium batch cargo transportation, offering “door-to-door” services. There are numerous logistics companies operating in the area, providing reliable road transportation services for local businesses. However, the hilly terrain in some areas and adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and snow in certain seasons, may pose challenges to road transportation.
2. Railway Transportation: The railway network is a vital means of transporting large batches of goods in Qingyang. Existing railway lines enable the efficient transportation of oil and gas products, industrial products, agricultural products, and raw materials. Railway transportation is characterized by high efficiency, low cost, and relatively high punctuality, and it plays a key role in connecting Qingyang with other regions and ports for seamless freight transfer. The continuous expansion and improvement of the railway infrastructure are expected to further enhance Qingyang’s freight transportation capacity.

III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(I) Cost-related

1. FCL and LCL (Sea Freight)
   Sea freight costs for goods from Qingyang are influenced by multiple factors. The long distance from the coastal ports is a major cost factor. Shipping from Qingyang (via a nearby port) to a European port will be much more expensive compared to shipping to a nearby Asian port. Cargo weight and volume also have a direct impact on freight charges; heavier and bulkier cargo will result in higher costs. The bunker adjustment factor, which reflects fuel prices, and market fluctuations in the shipping industry also affect the final sea freight price. During periods of high fuel prices or high demand for shipping space, sea freight costs will increase significantly. Additionally, the cost of inland transportation from Qingyang to the port also contributes to the overall sea freight cost.

(II) Service-related

1. Import to Qingyang
   The import process to Qingyang involves several steps. First, goods arrive at the port (either a sea port or a port in a neighboring region). At the port, customs declaration and inspection procedures are carried out. After passing customs, the goods are transported to Qingyang via road or railway. It is crucial to comply with relevant import regulations, such as product quality standards, safety regulations, and import duty requirements. The unique geographical conditions during inland transportation may require special handling to ensure the safe arrival of goods.
2. FBA Amazon
   For FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) services related to Qingyang-based products, specific procedures need to be followed. Products must meet Amazon’s requirements for preparation, including proper labeling, packaging, and quality control. Shipping arrangements should be made to ensure timely delivery to Amazon’s distribution centers. Warehousing in Amazon’s facilities also has specific rules and fees. The relatively remote location of Qingyang may pose challenges in terms of transportation time and cost to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, which need to be carefully considered in the shipping plan.
3. Project Cargo Transportation
   Project cargo transportation, such as the transportation of large oil and gas exploration equipment or construction materials for major projects in Qingyang, requires special handling. Specialized transportation companies need to develop customized transportation plans, taking into account factors such as the size, weight, and fragility of the cargo. Permits may be necessary for transporting oversized or overweight cargo on roads and railways. The hilly terrain in Qingyang may complicate the transportation of project cargo, and additional safety measures may be required.
4. Cold Chain Export
   Cold chain export is crucial for products such as fresh agricultural products, some pharmaceuticals, and certain food products in Qingyang. It requires strict temperature-controlled transportation and storage facilities, including refrigerated trucks, containers, and warehouses. Monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the products maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the transportation process to guarantee product quality and safety. The development of cold chain infrastructure in Qingyang may face challenges due to the relatively high cost and the need for specialized technology, but local efforts are being made to improve the cold chain capabilities to meet the export needs.
5. Warehousing / Storage
   There are various types of warehousing services available in Qingyang. General warehousing is suitable for most non-perishable goods, providing storage space for inventory management. Cold storage is designed for perishable items, maintaining the required temperature to preserve product quality. Bonded warehousing is provided for goods that are in the process of import or export and need to be stored under customs supervision. Each type of warehousing has different service scopes and charges, depending on factors such as location, storage capacity, and additional services. The location of warehouses in Qingyang may be influenced by factors such as proximity to transportation hubs and industrial areas.
6. Pre-shipment Inspection / Quality Control
   Pre-shipment inspection is essential to ensure that exported products from Qingyang meet the quality standards and regulatory requirements of the destination market. Professional inspection agencies in Qingyang can conduct inspections on various aspects of the products, including quality, safety, and compliance with international standards. This helps to avoid potential issues during customs clearance and ensures customer satisfaction. Local businesses in Qingyang need to work closely with inspection agencies to ensure the quality of their products.
7. Labeling / Repackaging
   Proper labeling and repackaging may be required according to international trade regulations and the specific requirements of different customers. Labels need to include essential information such as product name, origin, ingredients, usage instructions, and safety warnings. Repackaging may be necessary to protect the product during transportation, meet the packaging standards of the destination market, or enhance the product’s marketability. Businesses in Qingyang need to be aware of the diverse packaging and labeling requirements of different countries and regions.
8. Pick-up and Distribution
   Logistics companies in Qingyang offer pick-up and distribution services to ensure the smooth flow of goods. They can pick up goods from factories, warehouses, or other sources and distribute them to various destinations, whether it is within Qingyang, to other domestic locations, or to ports for international shipping. The efficiency of these services depends on factors such as traffic conditions, the location of pick-up and delivery points, and the logistics company’s operational capabilities. The hilly terrain and weather conditions in Qingyang may affect traffic conditions and the location of pick-up and delivery points, requiring logistics companies to optimize their routes and operations.
9. Insurance
   Cargo insurance is important to protect the interests of shippers and consignees in case of losses during transportation. Different types of insurance policies are available, such as all-risks insurance, which covers a wide range of potential losses, and specific-risks insurance, which focuses on particular risks. The insurance premium is calculated based on factors such as the value of the goods, the transportation route, the mode of transportation, and the type of insurance coverage. Businesses in Qingyang need to carefully assess their insurance needs and choose the appropriate insurance policy to safeguard their goods during transportation.
10. Export License / Certificate of Origin
    The application and issuance of export licenses and certificates of origin are important procedures for international trade. Export licenses are required for certain types of goods, especially those that are subject to export control or restricted. The certificate of origin indicates the country or region of origin of the goods and is often required for customs clearance and to determine the applicable tariff rates. The application process for these documents follows specific regulations and requires the submission of relevant documentation. Local businesses in Qingyang need to be familiar with the application procedures for export licenses and certificates of origin to ensure the legal and smooth export of their products.
11. DHL Express Costs Calculation
    DHL Express costs for shipping from Qingyang are calculated based on factors such as the weight and volume of the package, the destination, and the service type selected. The weight and volume of the package determine the basic freight charge. The destination affects the cost due to differences in transportation distance and service availability. Different service types, such as express delivery, standard delivery, and economy delivery, have different price ranges. The relatively remote location of Qingyang may result in higher DHL Express costs compared to more central locations, as the transportation distance to major DHL hubs may be longer.