Logistics Knowledge Basics

For your first shipment, start by creating an inventory list: count items in each category (clothing, bedding, books, daily essentials), and identify what must arrive urgently versus what can wait for the next batch. This list determines whether air or rail freight is suitable and how to pack your items.

Share a photo or text version of your inventory with your consultant for a more accurate quote than simply stating "two large suitcases." Clearly label items containing liquids, powders, batteries, or medications to confirm they are within the shippable scope.

Billable weight is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is estimated as (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000. Bulky, lightweight items like bedding and down jackets often have large volumes; compressing them into bags significantly reduces their billable weight.

Use sturdy 5-ply outer boxes when packing, ensuring no empty space inside. Label each box with its number and item category to facilitate counting upon arrival at the warehouse and subsequent verification.

For personal-use items, you generally need to provide an itemized list, the sender's identification details, and the recipient's address and phone number in Russian. It is recommended to include both the Cyrillic and Latin transliteration of the address to ensure successful delivery and contact.

Having all documents ready reduces the time needed for supplementary submissions at the port. Our consultant will provide a checklist based on your item types; simply prepare accordingly without needing to research the process yourself.

Most damage to fragile items comes from shifting inside the box, not external force. Wrap each item individually and secure it in place. Fill any remaining gaps with bubble wrap or foam peanuts so that shaking the box produces no sound.

Use 5-ply corrugated cardboard for the outer carton. Seal all six sides with tape and clearly mark "Fragile" and "This Way Up" labels. For multiple fragile items, pack them in separate boxes; avoid stacking heavy items on top of fragile ones in the same box.

Liquids must remain in their original packaging. Seal the bottle cap with PTFE tape, screw it tight, place it inside a sealed bag, and then put it together with absorbent material in a separate compartment. Position bottles upright to prevent leaks from contaminating other items if tipped over.

For powders, please seal the entire bag before placing it in a rigid container. Cosmetics and personal care items are restricted; confirm shipping options with your consultant prior to dispatch.

If packaging doesn't meet shipping requirements upon arrival at the warehouse, we will notify you to replace the outer box or add cushioning materials. We will proceed only after your confirmation, and material costs will be billed based on actual usage.

Pre-packaging in advance as described above avoids additional costs and time from re-packaging.

Personal item declarations typically require: an itemized list (name, quantity, approximate value), sender identification, and the recipient's Russian address and phone number. The more detailed the list, the faster customs verification will be.

Determining whether an item is for personal use depends on its quantity, value, and signs of wear. Quantities that clearly exceed reasonable personal limits may require declaration under alternative procedures.

Commercial goods require detailed declarations of value, purpose, and category. Samples must be marked as "not for sale." Retain proof of purchase or sourcing to provide at ports if requested.

Mixing personal items and commercial goods in the same shipment may trigger requests for additional documentation. We recommend shipping them separately or confirming the declaration method with your consultant before dispatch.

Incomplete addresses, unreachable phone numbers, overly vague item descriptions (e.g., "miscellaneous"), and mismatches between declared value and category are the most common reasons for additional document requests. Following your consultant's checklist item by item will help you avoid most follow-up processes.

Reference price is determined by three factors: transport mode (air, rail, or road), chargeable weight (the greater of actual or volumetric weight), and destination city (which affects delivery scope and distance).

The online quote on our platform estimates a price range based on these three variables and our internal shipping rates, helping you quickly assess your budget.

Line rates consist of a first-weight price and an additional weight rate, with a minimum charge. Documents are billed per piece, not by weight. Quotation results include the billing method for your verification.

Reference price does not include: destination duties and taxes, remote area surcharges, special handling fees for restricted items (batteries, liquids, powders, etc.), return or storage charges due to incorrect information, and additional services such as declared value protection or expedited shipping requested by you.

The consultant will inform you of and obtain your confirmation for any applicable fees prior to shipment.

Russian addresses are typically written in the order: Country, City/Region, Street and Building Number, Apartment/Room Number, Recipient Name, Postal Code, Phone Number. Chinese conventions list details from largest to smallest unit; reversing this order can lead to delivery errors.

For dormitory addresses in cities like Moscow, be sure to include the building number (корпус) and room number (квартира / комната), as these are the fields most commonly omitted.

Provide the address in both Cyrillic (original Russian) and Latin transliteration. Different systems have varying character support; having both versions prevents data loss due to encoding issues.

Please verify the ZIP code and phone number. It is recommended to provide a phone number you can answer during delivery hours.

For accuracy, send your advisor a screenshot of the address from your dorm registration or school email instead of typing it manually. Address verification is free; however, you are responsible for any return shipping and redelivery fees caused by incorrect entries.

Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to customs authorities upon entry or exit, followed by inspection and release. The review covers whether item attributes, quantities, and declared values match the manifest, and whether the items fall within prohibited or restricted categories.

Personal items and commercial goods have different review criteria, so the required documentation varies accordingly.

Customs conducts inspections of imported and exported items in accordance with the law as part of routine regulatory procedures; these cannot be avoided through service arrangements. Common triggers include discrepancies between declared information and actual goods, vague item descriptions, unusual valuations, or random system-based checks.

Additional documentation or clarification may be required during inspection. Processing time varies based on port workload; we will keep you updated on the status.

Accurate and detailed declarations are key to minimizing inspection delays: clearly specify item names, ensure quantities and values match the actual goods, and prepare all materials according to the list. Avoid underdeclaring value to save costs; if discrepancies are found, resolution will take significantly longer.