Are you overwhelmed by customs, taxes, and logistics coordination? Many importers struggle with these complex steps.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping simplifies international trade by letting the seller handle everything—freight, customs, duties, and delivery—so importers can focus on their business without legal or logistical stress.
When I first explored freight forwarding, I realized how many clients just wanted simplicity. They didn’t want to get tangled up in port procedures or compliance documentation. That’s why I made DDP shipping a key service at GeeseCargo—so buyers like you can ship from China to the U.S. easily and predictably.
What’s included in DDP shipping services?
Are you unsure what DDP really covers in a shipping quote? You’re not alone—many importers ask me this at trade shows or on Zoom calls.
DDP shipping covers everything from factory pickup in China to doorstep delivery in the destination country—including export clearance, international transport, import duties, and final-mile logistics.
Does DDP shipping cover all steps from China to the U.S.?
Yes, it does—and I’ll break it down.
When your goods are ready at the factory in China, we pick them up and bring them to the nearest major port. From there, our team handles export declarations with Chinese customs, loads the cargo onto an ocean or air carrier, and manages the overseas transport.
Once your shipment arrives in the U.S., our local partners take over. We prepay all import duties and taxes. We also clear your shipment through customs under our name, so you don’t need to worry about being an importer of record. Then we deliver the goods to your warehouse or 3PL.
This full-chain approach is what makes DDP so valuable. Instead of hiring multiple companies—freight forwarders, brokers, tax agents—you work with one provider who manages the entire process.
Is DDP available for both sea and air freight?
Absolutely. At GeeseCargo, we offer DDP via sea freight for large volume cargo and via air freight for faster delivery of smaller shipments.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Mode | Use Case | Delivery Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea DDP | Bulk cargo, low urgency | 25–35 days | Lower |
| Air DDP | Urgent or light goods | 7–12 days | Higher |
Each method still includes factory pickup, customs, duties, and last-mile delivery. The only difference is speed and cost.
How DDP reduces customs paperwork for importers
Do customs forms, HS codes, and import documents feel like a foreign language? You’re not alone—this is one of the most painful parts of importing for most buyers.
With DDP shipping, you don’t have to deal with any import customs paperwork. We manage everything, using our name and license, so you stay worry-free.
What paperwork does DDP eliminate for importers?
Let’s list what you normally deal with in a traditional CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) shipment:
- ISF filing
- Entry summary (CBP Form 7501)
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- HS Code classification
- Importer of Record registration
- Duties and tax calculations
- Port coordination
- Power of Attorney for brokers
Now compare that to DDP. In our case, none of this is handled by the importer. We file everything under our entity. You only receive tracking and delivery info.
The moment your goods leave China, your job is done. All backend communication with customs agents, port officials, and trucking companies is handled by our team.
What if there’s a customs hold?
Even if U.S. Customs holds a container for inspection, we’re responsible. That includes document revisions, any reclassifications, and storage charges if they apply. You won’t receive a single email from CBP—we shield you from it all.
This is especially valuable for buyers who don’t have full-time logistics staff or compliance knowledge. By using DDP, they avoid legal missteps and costly delays.
No need for import licenses or tax handling
Have you ever wondered if you need to register as an importer in the U.S.? Or been afraid of IRS paperwork tied to foreign purchases?
With DDP shipping, you don’t need an import license or tax registration. Everything is handled legally under our broker or company credentials.
Do U.S. buyers need an import license for DDP?
No. We act as the importer of record in the U.S. That means our name and our EIN number are used for the customs entry.
This is incredibly helpful for small business owners or solo entrepreneurs. Registering as an importer can take weeks and might involve bonding and compliance audits.
We eliminate that barrier. When you choose DDP from GeeseCargo, we take on that legal responsibility.
Who pays the taxes, and how are they handled?
We pay all import taxes and duties upfront and include them in your all-in DDP quote. This means:
- No surprise IRS letters
- No duty reimbursement requests
- No filing for tax refunds or exemptions
Here's a basic breakdown of what's covered in our DDP tax handling:
| Tax Type | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| U.S. Import Duties | Paid by GeeseCargo |
| Customs Processing Fee | Paid by GeeseCargo |
| Local Sales Tax | N/A (Importer pays) |
If you’re shipping to a warehouse in a state with no sales tax nexus, you may owe zero tax beyond the duty itself.
We’ll also help you estimate total landed cost before you ship, so your financial team can plan ahead.
When DDP is ideal for first-time or small importers
Are you just getting started with international sourcing? Then you’ve likely felt overwhelmed by the jargon, acronyms, and compliance risks.
DDP shipping is the easiest, safest, and most beginner-friendly way to import goods from China. It simplifies every step, even for buyers with zero logistics experience.
Why is DDP perfect for first-time buyers?
When I started working with small brands in the U.S., I noticed they often abandoned importing because they hit walls like:
- Freight forwarders asking them to handle customs
- Confusing Incoterms
- Hidden destination charges
- Bond requirements they didn’t understand
DDP solves all of that. We use our license, our agents, and our brokers. We remove surprise fees. And we speak plain English—not shipping slang.
In fact, some of our clients never even log in to a freight system. They send a product link or PO to our WeChat, and we handle the rest.
If you’re used to buying on Alibaba and receiving courier packages, DDP feels just as simple—but works for pallets and containers.
Can small businesses afford DDP?
Yes. DDP isn’t just for big importers. We ship everything from one carton to one container under DDP.
In fact, here’s a real example from a client last month:
| Product | Shipment Size | DDP Cost to LA | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga Pants | 350kg | $980 USD | 12 days |
| Custom Packaging | 1.2cbm | $410 USD | 30 days |
These rates included door delivery, customs, and tax. No extra steps needed. The buyer just received a tracking code and a delivery photo.
This convenience gives smaller companies a chance to compete with bigger retailers—without hiring a full logistics team.
Conclusion
DDP shipping makes global trade easier by removing customs, taxes, and paperwork from your plate. It's the most importer-friendly way to move goods from China to the U.S.—especially for growing brands, first-timers, and companies without freight experience.
