As long as you provide us with a genuine and valid bank SWIFT MT103 wire transfer message (receipt) within the payment deadline specified in the contract, we will reserve the vehicle and continue with the port operations, even if the funds are held up in the intermediary bank for several days.

Comparing quotes properly means comparing the same thing: 1. Normalize the scope: some quotes include inland transport, export clearance, inspection and ocean freight, others are FOB only. Ask each exporter for a line-item breakdown so you can compare like with like. 2. Check what is excluded: port charges at destination, customs duties, homologation and registration are almost always on you. Get a written list of everything NOT included. 3. Look beyond the number: a quote 10-15% below the market usually means the car has an issue (accident history, rolled-back mileage, pending lien) or the exporter plans to cut corners on inspection and loading. 4. Verify the exporter: business license, export qualification, recent shipment records, and references from buyers in your region. A realistic quote from a verifiable exporter is worth more than a bargain that turns into a dispute. Always pay against milestones with inspection before balance payment.

Timing your shipment can save both money and weeks of waiting. Several predictable patterns affect routes from China. Peak season surcharges: January through March, before Chinese New Year, exporters rush to ship, so container and RoRo space tightens and rates rise 20-50%. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead during this window. After the holiday (usually February), factories and ports restart gradually, causing 2-3 weeks of backlog. Weather effects: Typhoon season (July-September) can delay departures from southern Chinese ports like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Winter fog and ice affect northern ports like Dalian and Tianjin, slowing loading operations. Destination-side factors: Monsoon seasons can slow port operations in South and Southeast Asia. Holiday periods at destination (e.g., Ramadan in the Gulf, year-end holidays elsewhere) reduce customs staffing and extend clearance times. Practical advice: ask your forwarder for rate calendars, avoid booking right before major Chinese holidays, and build 1-2 weeks of buffer into delivery promises to your customers. Flexible departure ports (Shanghai vs. Ningbo vs. Shenzhen) can also help you find available space.