China parcels: parcel broker or direct courier?
Choose a parcel broker when its complete quote, accepted contents and claim support suit your shipment. Book directly when the courier offers clearer control or support worth the cost. Before paying, identify the contracting provider, exclusions, compensation basis and eligible claimant. Ask Cambridge China Bridge to coordinate the factory details.
Choose the booking route around support
Ask the broker and courier to quote the same China collection address, packed goods and destination. Confirm that each offer covers collection in China, rather than a service starting at a depot elsewhere. Use our tracked post or courier guide for the wider transport comparison.
Choose the broker if its complete offer and written support arrangements suit your business. Choose direct booking if the courier's account access, collection arrangements or problem handling justify the cost. Test the contact channel before paying: ask who would investigate a missed collection or a parcel that stops moving.
Identify the provider behind the booking
Ask: which named business supplies my booked service, and which business physically carries the parcel? Match the contracting name across the checkout, booking confirmation, invoice and terms. A courier logo alone is insufficient. Ask whether the broker sells the service under its own terms or arranges a booking with the courier.
Save the applicable broker and carrier terms before payment. Ask which terms control if they differ, who holds the courier account and who can request an investigation. If the factory books, agree how it will share records and pursue problems. Do not assume that paying the factory for freight gives you access to its courier account.
Check prohibited contents and compensation exclusions
Ask for the prohibited and restricted contents lists for both the booking provider and the exact courier service. Separately request the list of goods accepted for carriage but excluded from loss or damage compensation. Describe the actual contents, including batteries, liquids, powders, food and fragile parts. Ask for written confirmation covering the route, packaging and proposed cover.
Dangerous goods must be packaged and labelled appropriately. Ask the provider to confirm how this is addressed for your shipment. Keep carriage acceptance separate from permission to import: use our UK import restrictions guide for that check. If the contents description or acceptance remains disputed, resolve it before dispatch.
Work through the compensation calculation
Ask what basic compensation and any paid additional cover actually provide. Request the valuation basis, maximum payment, excess, packaging conditions and exclusions for loss, damage and delay. Ask whether freight charges are refundable and whether replacement delivery or lost sales are excluded. Have the provider explain the outcome for your actual goods and invoice value.
Ask whether the additional product is insurance or a contractual compensation extension, who provides it and which document governs payment. Check whether proof of purchase, repair estimates or other evidence is needed. Compare the recoverable amount with the loss your business could carry. Our cargo insurance guide covers separate insurance and its claims checks.
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Assign responsibility for pursuing a claim
Before booking, record who may submit the claim, who gathers the factory evidence, who deals with the courier and who receives any payment. Ask whether the broker submits and follows up the claim or only forwards your message. If the factory holds the booking, obtain its written commitment to cooperate and pass on any compensation due to you.
Save the reporting deadlines and distinguish an initial damage notice from a complete claim. Agree a contact and escalation route if the claim stalls. Keep the booking terms, invoice, collection receipt, tracking, parcel photographs and damaged packaging. Report promptly through the stated channel and request a claim reference. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate factory documents and packing evidence with its staff in China.
Frequently asked questions
Is a parcel broker cheaper than booking directly?
Compare complete quotes for the same packed shipment and collection address. Include additional cover and conditional charges, then assess the written support and claim arrangements.
Who do I claim against if I use a parcel broker?
Check the named contracting provider and claim procedure before paying. Ask who may submit the claim and whether the broker pursues it. Do not rely on the courier logo to identify your claim contact.
Can accepted goods still be excluded from compensation?
Check carriage acceptance and compensation eligibility separately. Ask for written confirmation that your exact contents and packaging qualify for the cover you intend to buy.
Can I claim if my Chinese supplier booked the courier?
Ask whose account holds the booking and who the terms allow to claim. Agree that the supplier will submit or support the claim, share evidence and pass on compensation due to you.