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

I. City Overview

(I) Geographical Location

(II) Economic Characteristics

(III) Administrative Regions and Freight Relevance

• Qinzhou District: As one of the urban centers of Tianshui, Qinzhou District is a hub for commercial and industrial activities. It exports a variety of products, including machinery parts, electronic components, and some agricultural products. It imports high-tech products, advanced manufacturing equipment, and consumer goods to support local industries and meet the needs of the local population.
• Maiji District: Maiji District has a strong focus on manufacturing and logistics. It exports building materials, agricultural products, and some handicrafts. It imports raw materials for the manufacturing industry, such as metals and chemicals, as well as consumer goods and modern technologies.
• Qingshui County: Qingshui County is mainly an agricultural area, with a focus on the production of grains, fruits, and traditional Chinese medicine materials. It exports these agricultural products, while importing agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides to improve agricultural productivity.
• Qin’an County: Qin’an County is renowned for its apple production and has a certain development in the manufacturing sector. It exports apples, processed apple products, and some industrial products. It imports agricultural machinery, packaging materials, and some advanced technologies for the apple industry and manufacturing.
• Gangu County: Gangu County has a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. It exports agricultural products, building materials, and some handicrafts. It imports raw materials for manufacturing, consumer goods, and educational and medical supplies.
• Wushan County: Wushan County has a strong agricultural base and also some mining and manufacturing activities. It exports agricultural products, some mineral products, and handicrafts. It imports mining equipment, agricultural machinery, and consumer goods to support local industries.
• Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County: This county has a unique ethnic culture and a certain scale of agricultural and handicraft industries. It exports ethnic handicrafts, agricultural products, and some local specialties. It imports daily necessities, educational resources, and some cultural and religious supplies.

II. Key Freight Nodes

(I) Ports

(II) Airports

(III) Inland Transportation

1. Road Transportation: Tianshui has a 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 mountainous terrain in some areas may pose challenges to road transportation, such as narrow and winding roads and potential traffic disruptions during adverse weather conditions.
2. Railway Transportation: The railway network is a vital means of transporting large batches of goods in Tianshui. Existing railway lines enable the efficient transportation of 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 Tianshui with other regions and ports for seamless freight transfer. The continuous expansion and improvement of the railway network are further strengthening Tianshui’s position as a freight hub.

III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(I) Cost-related

1. FCL and LCL (Sea Freight)
   Sea freight costs for goods from Tianshui are determined by multiple factors. The long distance from the coastal ports is a major cost factor. Shipping from Tianshui (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 Tianshui to the port also contributes to the overall sea freight cost.

(II) Service-related

1. Import to Tianshui
   The import process to Tianshui 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 Tianshui 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 mountainous terrain 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 Tianshui-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 Tianshui 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 industrial equipment or construction materials for major projects in Tianshui, 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 mountainous terrain in Tianshui 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 Tianshui. 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 Tianshui may face challenges due to the relatively high cost and the need for specialized technology, but efforts are being made to improve the cold chain capabilities.
5. Warehousing / Storage
   There are various types of warehousing services available in Tianshui. 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 Tianshui 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 Tianshui meet the quality standards and regulatory requirements of the destination market. Professional inspection agencies in Tianshui 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 Tianshui 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 Tianshui need to be aware of the diverse packaging and labeling requirements of different countries and regions.
8. Pick-up and Distribution
   Logistics companies in Tianshui 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 Tianshui, 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 mountainous terrain may affect traffic conditions and the location of pick-up and delivery points, requiring logistics companies to optimize their routes.
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 Tianshui 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 Tianshui 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 Tianshui 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 Tianshui may result in higher DHL Express costs compared to more central locations, as the transportation distance to major DHL hubs may be longer.