When you use LinkoraeFreight USA's services, request a quote, or communicate with our team, we may collect the following categories of personal and business information:
Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
Effective: January 1, 20251 Information We Collect（信息收集）
- Contact Information: Full name, company name, email address, phone number, and WhatsApp contact.
- Shipment Details: Cargo description, declared value, weight, dimensions, origin address (China), and US destination address.
- Business Information: US Importer of Record (IOR) details, EIN/Tax ID number, US Customs broker credentials (if provided), and Amazon FBA seller account information.
- Payment Information: Invoice records and payment confirmation references. We do not store credit card data on our servers.
- Communications: Email correspondence, WhatsApp chat logs, and inquiry form submissions retained for service delivery and dispute resolution.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and website usage analytics collected via standard web tools for website improvement purposes only.
📌 Collection Method
Information is collected directly from you through our quote form, email, WhatsApp, and phone communication. We do not purchase or obtain personal data from third-party data brokers.
2 How We Use Your Information（信息使用）
All collected information is used solely for the purpose of providing freight forwarding and logistics services. Specifically, we use your data to:
- Prepare and deliver accurate DDP shipping quotations tailored to your cargo specifications.
- Coordinate pickup, warehousing, export customs clearance in China, ocean freight booking, and US import customs clearance.
- Prepare US Customs Entry documentation including CBP Form 7501, ISF 10+2 filing, and commercial invoices.
- Arrange last-mile delivery to the US destination address, Amazon FBA warehouses, or commercial/residential addresses.
- Communicate shipment status, tracking updates, and exception notifications throughout the transit.
- Issue invoices, process payments, and maintain financial records as required by Chinese and international accounting regulations.
- Respond to claims, disputes, and regulatory inquiries related to your shipment.
- Improve our service offerings and website functionality based on anonymized usage patterns.
⚠️ No Marketing Use
We do not use your personal information for unsolicited marketing, cold outreach, or any purpose unrelated to your active shipment or service inquiry. You may receive service updates and quotes only when you have initiated contact with us.
3 Third-Party Sharing（第三方共享）
LinkoraeFreight USA operates as a freight forwarder and must share certain information with third-party service partners to execute your shipment. All third parties are contractually obligated to use your data solely for the purpose of providing the relevant service.
| Third Party | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Carriers (e.g. COSCO, MSC, Evergreen) | Bill of Lading issuance and cargo transport | Shipper/consignee name, cargo description, container info |
| US Licensed Customs Broker | CBP Entry Filing, ISF 10+2 Submission | IOR details, cargo value, HS codes, commercial invoice |
| US Last-Mile Carriers (UPS, FedEx, local truckers) | Final delivery to destination address | Consignee name, delivery address, contact phone |
| Amazon FBA Receiving (if applicable) | FBA warehouse check-in and inventory receipt | ASINs, FBA shipment ID, delivery appointment info |
| China Export Customs Authorities | Export declaration compliance | Exporter identity, cargo description, declared value |
| US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) | Mandatory regulatory filing | Importer of Record, cargo details, entry value |
🔒 No Commercial Sale
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any marketing company, data aggregator, or commercial third party. Sharing is strictly limited to operational necessity for your shipment.
4 Data Retention & Your Rights（数据保留与您的权利）
We retain shipment records, invoices, and customs documentation for a minimum of 7 years in compliance with Chinese accounting regulations and international freight industry standards. Communication records are retained for 3 years for dispute resolution purposes.
You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data we hold (subject to legal retention obligations). To exercise these rights, contact us at support@linkorae.com.
Terms & Conditions
Service agreement, liability limits, compensation standards, and prohibited goods
Effective: January 1, 2025⚠️ Binding Agreement
By submitting a shipping inquiry, confirming a quotation, or making payment to LinkoraeFreight USA, the client (shipper/consignee) agrees to be fully bound by all terms and conditions set forth in this document. These terms govern all shipments arranged by LinkoraeFreight USA.
1 Transportation Liability（运输责任）
LinkoraeFreight USA acts as a licensed freight forwarder and arranges transportation, customs clearance, and delivery on behalf of clients. The following liability framework applies:
- Ocean Transit: LinkoraeFreight USA is not the ocean carrier and is not liable for vessel delays, port congestion, transshipment delays, or force majeure events during ocean transit. Ocean carrier liability is governed by the applicable Bill of Lading terms (subject to Hague-Visby Rules or COGSA).
- Cargo in Our Custody: LinkoraeFreight USA assumes limited liability for cargo while in our direct custody at our warehouse in Shenzhen. Maximum liability shall not exceed the declared cargo value or USD $500 per shipment, whichever is lower, unless additional cargo insurance is purchased.
- Last-Mile Delivery: Delivery liability is governed by the terms of the respective last-mile carrier (UPS, FedEx, local trucking company). LinkoraeFreight USA will assist clients in filing claims with carriers but cannot guarantee claim outcomes.
- Customs Clearance: LinkoraeFreight USA is not liable for delays, holds, examinations, or seizures initiated by US CBP, FDA, CPSC, or any other US regulatory agency acting within their lawful authority.
- Transit Time: All estimated transit times are estimates only and are not contractual guarantees. Delays due to weather, port congestion, vessel schedule changes, or customs examination are not compensable.
🚨 Force Majeure
LinkoraeFreight USA shall not be held liable for failure or delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, war, government actions, port strikes, vessel casualties, cyber attacks, or trade sanctions.
2 Compensation Standards（赔偿标准）
In the event of confirmed cargo loss or damage attributable to LinkoraeFreight USA's negligence, the following compensation framework applies. Clients are strongly advised to purchase marine cargo insurance for full value protection.
| Incident Type | Compensation Basis | Maximum Limit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss (in our custody) | Declared invoice value | USD $500 per shipment | Requires documented proof of value and loss |
| Partial Damage (in our custody) | Actual repair or replacement cost | USD $300 per shipment | Damage survey report required within 48h of delivery |
| Packing Damage (our packing service) | Actual repair cost of damaged outer packaging | USD $100 per piece | Photo evidence required; inner goods intact |
| Delay Penalty | Not compensable | — | Transit time estimates are non-binding |
| Customs Seizure | Not compensable (regulatory authority) | — | Client bears full responsibility for declaration accuracy |
| Ocean Transit Loss/Damage | Carrier's liability per B/L terms | Per carrier policy | Recommend marine cargo insurance |
💡 We Strongly Recommend Cargo Insurance
LinkoraeFreight USA's liability limits are intentionally conservative as per industry standard. For full cargo value protection covering ocean transit, all-risk damage, and theft, we strongly recommend purchasing All-Risk Marine Cargo Insurance. We can arrange this upon request — please inquire when booking.
3 Prohibited Goods & Shipper's Responsibility（禁运责任）
The following categories of goods are strictly prohibited from shipment through LinkoraeFreight USA under any circumstances. Attempting to ship prohibited items constitutes a material breach of our service agreement and the shipper bears full legal and financial responsibility for all resulting consequences.
- Weapons & Military Items: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, military equipment, and dual-use goods requiring export license without valid authorization.
- Controlled Substances: Narcotics, illicit drugs, and scheduled controlled substances under DEA jurisdiction.
- Counterfeit Goods: Products infringing on registered trademarks, patents, or copyrights. Includes fake branded goods and pirated media.
- Endangered Species: Wildlife products, ivory, and goods regulated under CITES convention.
- Undeclared Currency: Cash, negotiable instruments, or bearer bonds exceeding reporting thresholds without proper declaration.
- Hazardous Materials (Undeclared): IMDG-classified dangerous goods (flammable liquids, oxidizers, toxic substances) shipped without proper DG declaration, packing, and documentation.
- Perishables: Fresh food, live animals, and temperature-specialty regulated goods requiring controlled atmosphere — not within our service scope.
- High-Value Undeclared Items: Jewelry, gold, art, or items with declared value materially different from actual market value.
🚨 Shipper's Full Liability
If prohibited goods are discovered at any point in the shipment process, LinkoraeFreight USA reserves the right to immediately halt the shipment, abandon the cargo at the shipper's expense, and report to relevant authorities as required by law. The shipper shall bear 100% of all fines, seizure costs, legal fees, third-party penalties, and any other consequential losses arising from the prohibited goods, with no recourse against LinkoraeFreight USA.
4 Fee Schedule & Payment Terms（费用说明）
All quoted prices are DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing. The following fee principles apply to all shipments:
| Fee Category | Included in DDP Quote? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (LCL/FCL) | ✓ Included | Based on confirmed CBM/weight at booking |
| China Export Customs | ✓ Included | Standard export declaration fee |
| US Import Customs Duty & Tax | ✓ Included | Based on declared HS code; subject to Section 301 tariffs |
| US CBP Entry Filing Fee | ✓ Included | Standard formal or informal entry |
| ISF 10+2 Filing | ✓ Included | Mandatory pre-departure filing |
| US Last-Mile Delivery | ✓ Included | To single delivery address as quoted |
| Customs Exam Fees (CBP-initiated) | ✗ NOT Included | X-ray: ~$200–400; Physical exam: $500–1,500+; payable by client |
| Port Congestion / Demurrage | ✗ NOT Included | Charged at cost if exceeding standard free time |
| Liftgate / Up-Floor / White Glove | Quoted separately | Must be specified at time of booking |
| Remote Area Delivery Surcharge | Quoted separately | Applies to zip codes classified as remote by carrier |
| Re-delivery / Storage (failed delivery) | ✗ NOT Included | Charged at cost; client must ensure consignee availability |
💳 Payment Terms
Standard payment terms require full payment or confirmed deposit before cargo departs China. For established clients with approved credit terms, partial post-shipment payment may be arranged. All prices are quoted in USD. Bank wire transfer (T/T) is the preferred payment method. LinkoraeFreight USA reserves the right to hold delivery of cargo against unpaid outstanding invoices.
5 Governing Law & Dispute Resolution（适用法律与争议解决）
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China (for services performed in China) and applicable international freight conventions. Any dispute arising from these terms shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation within 30 days. If unresolved, disputes shall be referred to arbitration under the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) rules, with arbitration conducted in Shenzhen, China. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on both parties.
For US-side disputes related to last-mile delivery or US customs matters, the laws of the state of California shall apply, and both parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Los Angeles County, California.
Specialty Regulated Goods Disclaimer
Compliance declaration requirements and customs clearance risk disclosure
Effective: January 1, 2025🚨 Important — Read Before Shipping Specialty Regulated Goods
Shipping specialty regulated goods (personal care, electronic components, food, formulated goods, magnetic items, OTC supplements) from China to the USA involves inherent regulatory complexity. By choosing LinkoraeFreight USA's Specialty Regulated Cargo DDP service, the client acknowledges and accepts all risks disclosed in this section.
1 Specialty Regulated Goods Compliance Declaration（特殊受管控货物合规声明）
The following types of goods are classified as "specialty regulated" under our service framework due to heightened scrutiny from US regulatory agencies including US Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT):
| Goods Category | Governing Agency | Key Requirement | Client Obligation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Care & Beauty Products | FDA (FD&C Act) | Proper labeling, ingredient list, no prohibited substances | Provide full ingredient list; confirm no FDA-prohibited ingredients |
| Rechargeable Electronic Components (standalone) | DOT / IATA / IMDG | UN38.3 test certificate, proper DG classification | Provide UN38.3 test report; declare as DG if required |
| Electronics with Built-in Power Cells | DOT / CBP | Proper packing, labeling, watt-hour declaration | Confirm watt-hour rating; provide product specifications |
| Food & Dietary Supplements | FDA (Prior Notice required) | FDA Prior Notice filing before arrival; facility registration | Confirm facility FDA registration; allow prior notice filing time |
| OTC Medicines / Pharmaceuticals | FDA | FDA approval / registration required for commercial import | Provide FDA approval documentation; personal use quantities only for unapproved |
| Magnetic-field Products | IATA / IMDG / CBP | Magnetic field strength testing; may require DG declaration | Provide magnetic field test results; confirm packaging compliance |
| Liquids & Aerosols | CBP / DOT | Proper containment, leakproof packaging | Confirm packaging meets ASTM/ISTA standards |
| Powder Substances | CBP (heightened exam risk) | Full chemical composition declaration | Provide MSDS/SDS; declare exact chemical composition |
⚠️ Shipper's Declaration Responsibility
The client (shipper) is solely responsible for ensuring all product information provided to LinkoraeFreight USA is accurate, complete, and truthful. LinkoraeFreight USA prepares customs documentation based on information provided by the client. Any misdeclaration, omission, or misrepresentation of goods — whether intentional or unintentional — is the sole legal and financial responsibility of the client.
2 Customs Examination & Seizure Risk Disclosure（清关风险提示）
All shipments entering the United States are subject to CBP authority and may be selected for examination at any time. Specialty regulated goods face statistically higher examination rates. The following risk scenarios apply and are explicitly excluded from LinkoraeFreight USA's liability:
- Document Hold: CBP requests additional documentation (FDA certificates, lab test reports, import permits). Processing time: 3–15 business days. Storage fees during hold period are payable by the client.
- X-Ray / Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII): Random or targeted non-destructive scanning. Typically adds 2–5 business days to clearance time. Exam fee ~USD $200–400, payable by client.
- Physical Examination (Intensive Exam / CET): Full physical devanning and inspection. Adds 5–15 business days. Exam fee USD $500–1,500+, plus re-stuffing fee. Payable by client.
- FDA Detention / Refusal of Admission: FDA may detain goods pending testing or refuse admission if products do not meet US standards. Destruction or re-export costs are entirely the client's responsibility. LinkoraeFreight USA will assist with coordination but cannot prevent or reverse regulatory decisions.
- CBP Seizure for Misdeclaration: If CBP determines goods were materially misdeclared, the entire shipment may be seized and forfeited. The client bears all resulting fines, penalties, and legal costs.
- CPSC Import Alert: Products on active CPSC or FDA Import Alert lists are subject to automatic detention. Clients must confirm their products are not on any active alert list before shipping.
✅ How We Minimize Your Risk
LinkoraeFreight USA employs experienced US-licensed customs brokers with specialized knowledge of specialty regulated goods regulations. We proactively review your product documentation before shipment, advise on HS code classification, ensure all required FDA filings are completed on time, and flag potential compliance issues before cargo departs China — significantly reducing clearance risk compared to general freight forwarders.
Oversized Cargo Notice
Dimension thresholds, surcharges, packing requirements, and delivery limitations
Effective: January 1, 20251 Oversized & Heavyweight Thresholds（超大件尺寸标准）
LinkoraeFreight USA defines "oversized" and "heavyweight" cargo as any shipment exceeding the standard thresholds below. Oversized cargo requires special handling, dedicated container booking, and custom wooden crating — all of which must be arranged and quoted prior to shipment booking.
| Category | Threshold | Special Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LCL Piece Weight | Single piece > 500 kg | Wooden pallet + strapping; crane loading may apply |
| Oversized LCL Piece (Length) | Longest dimension > 300 cm | Requires special LCL slot or FCL; surcharge applies |
| Oversized LCL Piece (Height) | Height > 220 cm | Open-top container or flat rack may be required |
| Heavyweight FCL | 20ft container > 24 tons net | Axle weight permits required for US trucking |
| Extra Heavy Machinery | Single piece > 10 tons | Flat rack or breakbulk; heavy lift crane; permit trucking |
| Personal Moving / Full Household | Any volume, mixed goods | Custom crating per item; full FCL recommended |
📐 Measurement Method
All dimensions are measured as the outermost dimensions of packed/crated cargo. Measurements taken by LinkoraeFreight USA or our warehouse at time of receipt shall be the governing measurement for all billing and booking purposes. Clients may request re-measurement within 24 hours of receipt confirmation.
2 Surcharges & Additional Fees（附加费说明）
The following surcharges apply specifically to oversized and heavyweight shipments and are additional to the base DDP ocean freight rate. All surcharges will be clearly itemized in the written quotation provided prior to shipment confirmation.
| Surcharge Type | Trigger Condition | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Wooden Crating | Fragile, irregular, or machinery requiring custom frame | USD $80–800+ depending on size and complexity |
| Heavy Lift Crane Fee | Single piece > 3 tons at origin or destination | USD $200–2,000+ depending on equipment |
| Open-Top / Flat Rack Premium | Cargo exceeding standard container height | USD $300–1,500 over standard rate |
| US Axle Weight Permit | Cargo exceeding legal axle weight limits | USD $150–500 per state crossed |
| Liftgate Service | Delivery to address without loading dock | USD $75–200 per delivery |
| Inside/Up-Floor Delivery | Client requires items moved inside building | USD $150–500+ depending on floors and weight |
| White Glove Assembly | Furniture or equipment requiring assembly | USD $200–800+ per shipment |
| Remote Area Delivery Surcharge | Delivery to carrier-designated remote zip code | USD $50–250 depending on carrier and zip code |
| Residential Delivery Surcharge | Delivery to residential (non-commercial) address | USD $50–150 per delivery |
| Failed Delivery / Re-delivery | Consignee unavailable; appointment missed | USD $75–200 per attempt |
⚠️ Quote Validity & Surcharge Changes
All quotations are valid for 7 calendar days from the date of issue. Carrier surcharge changes, port fee adjustments, and fuel surcharge fluctuations after the quote validity period will be reflected in revised pricing. Clients are advised to confirm bookings promptly to lock in quoted rates.
3 US Last-Mile Delivery Limitations（派送限制说明）
Oversized and heavyweight cargo faces specific delivery limitations within the United States that clients must acknowledge prior to booking. Please review and confirm the following with your receiving party before shipment:
- Curbside Delivery Default: Standard delivery for oversized freight is curbside (placed at the end of the driveway or nearest accessible point). Inside delivery, up-floor service, and white glove assembly are premium add-on services that must be pre-arranged and paid.
- Truck Access Requirements: A standard 53-foot tractor-trailer must be able to access the delivery address. Locations with low clearances, narrow streets, weight-restricted roads, or private road restrictions may require shuttle delivery at additional cost. Clients must disclose access restrictions at time of booking.
- Delivery Appointment: Oversized freight deliveries require a confirmed appointment. Consignee must be present to receive and sign. Missed appointments incur re-delivery and storage fees at the client's expense.
- Amazon FBA Receiving Hours: FBA delivery appointments must be scheduled through the Amazon Seller Central portal. LinkoraeFreight USA will provide ASN (Advance Shipment Notice) details to facilitate booking. Delivery outside FBA receiving windows cannot be accommodated.
- Freight Claim Window: Any visible damage must be noted on the delivery receipt (POD) at time of delivery. Hidden damage must be reported in writing to LinkoraeFreight USA within 5 business days of delivery. Claims submitted after this period may not be eligible for compensation.
- Oversized Delivery to NYC / Urban Dense Areas: Delivery to Manhattan, downtown Chicago, downtown San Francisco, and other high-density urban areas involves significant additional cost and complexity (truck size restrictions, permit requirements, loading zone availability). These must be pre-quoted and cannot be added to standard DDP pricing after booking.
✅ Best Practice Checklist Before Booking
Before booking oversized cargo shipment, please confirm: (1) Exact packed dimensions and weight per piece; (2) Delivery address type (residential / commercial / warehouse / FBA); (3) Truck access availability at delivery address; (4) Whether inside delivery, liftgate, or assembly is needed; (5) Any time-critical delivery windows or appointment requirements; (6) Whether cargo insurance is desired for full value protection. Providing complete information upfront ensures accurate pricing and prevents costly surprises.
4 Damage Disclaimer for Oversized Goods（超大件破损免责说明）
Despite our professional custom crating and expert loading procedures, the nature of oversized and heavyweight cargo means that certain types of damage are not preventable and are explicitly excluded from LinkoraeFreight USA's liability:
- Pre-existing Damage: Any damage present before cargo entered LinkoraeFreight USA's custody. Clients must document cargo condition with photos and written confirmation before handover.
- Inherent Vice: Damage caused by the inherent nature of the goods (e.g., machinery with pre-existing mechanical issues, fragile stone or glass cracking due to material properties under normal transit vibration).
- Improper Client Packing: Damage resulting from client-supplied packaging deemed inadequate for ocean transit. LinkoraeFreight USA will advise on packing standards; if client declines recommended packing upgrades, LinkoraeFreight USA is not liable for resulting damage.
- Surface Scratches & Minor Cosmetic Damage: Minor surface scratches, paint scuffs, or cosmetic marks to exterior crating that do not affect the integrity or functionality of the goods inside are not compensable under standard terms.
- Settling & Vibration: Natural settling or vibration-induced minor displacement of components during ocean transit, within engineering tolerance specifications of the equipment.
📸 Documentation Recommendation
LinkoraeFreight USA strongly recommends that clients photograph all cargo before handover, document the condition of all high-value pieces, and retain original purchase invoices. These records are essential for insurance claims and dispute resolution. Upon request, our Shenzhen warehouse team can provide pre-shipment condition photos at no additional charge.
Questions About These Policies?
Our compliance team is available to clarify any aspect of these policies, provide guidance on your specific cargo type, or assist with documentation requirements. We respond to all compliance inquiries within 24 business hours.