Shipping policy
1. Shipping Terms We Offer
We support the following Incoterms. You may choose the one that best fits your needs:
| Term | What We Cover | What You Cover |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Loading onto the vessel at the port of origin; export customs clearance | Ocean/air freight, insurance, import clearance, inland delivery |
| CIF | Freight and insurance to your destination port | Import customs clearance, duties, inland delivery |
| DDP | Everything — freight, insurance, import clearance, duties, and delivery to your specified address | Only receiving the goods |
For DDP shipments, we act as the importer of record where permitted. Please confirm your delivery address and any special access restrictions in advance.
2. Shipping Methods & Carriers
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Ocean Freight (FCL/LCL): Standard for bulk orders. We work with major carriers including Maersk, COSCO, and MSC. Full container load (FCL) is recommended for orders over 15 CBM. Less than container load (LCL) is available for smaller volumes.
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Air Freight: Available for urgent orders, samples, and spare parts. Faster but higher cost.
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Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Used for samples, documents, and small spare parts orders. Tracking number provided immediately upon dispatch.
Carrier selection is at our discretion based on route, cost, and availability, unless you specify a preferred carrier at the time of order.
3. Shipping Costs
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Shipping costs are quoted based on product volume/weight, destination, and selected Incoterms.
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All freight quotes are valid for [X] business days unless otherwise stated.
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For DDP shipments, the quoted price includes estimated duties and taxes. Any significant variance due to customs reclassification or regulatory changes will be communicated before shipment.
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You are responsible for any additional charges arising from incorrect delivery address information, refused delivery, or storage fees at destination if you fail to take delivery within the free period.
4. Order Processing & Lead Time
Our standard order-to-ship timeline:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Order confirmation & deposit received | Day 0 |
| Production | [X–Y] weeks (varies by product and quantity) |
| Quality inspection & documentation | [Z] business days after production |
| Container loading & departure | Within [W] days after inspection sign-off |
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Lead times begin only after receipt of your confirmed order and deposit.
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Custom/OEM orders may have longer lead times, which will be stated in your quotation.
5. Shipment Updates & Communication
We keep you informed at every key milestone — you do not need to chase us for updates.
You will receive notifications at these stages:
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Production start — confirmation that manufacturing has begun
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Quality inspection passed — inspection report and photos shared
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Container loading — packing list, loading photos, and container number provided
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Vessel departure — vessel name, estimated departure date, and expected arrival date
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Port arrival & customs status — updated as information becomes available from the carrier
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Final delivery (DDP only) — confirmation when goods are out for last-mile delivery
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Our system does not provide second-by-second live GPS tracking. We provide milestone-based updates based on carrier and customs information.
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Your dedicated logistics contact is available for any urgent questions between updates.
6. Packaging & Damage Prevention
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All products are packed in reinforced, moisture-proof, and shock-absorbent materials suitable for ocean and air transport.
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Lithium battery shipments comply with UN38.3, IMDG Code, and applicable dangerous goods regulations.
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Every container is inspected for seaworthiness before loading.
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Packaging photos are included in your shipment documentation.
7. Receiving & Inspection Upon Delivery
We strongly recommend the following upon receipt of goods:
Immediately upon delivery:
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Check the number of packages against the packing list
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Inspect the outer packaging for visible damage
Within [X] business days of delivery:
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Open all packages and inspect the products for concealed damage, missing items, or defects
How to report an issue:
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Take clear photos showing the damage, packaging condition, and labels
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Send the photos and a description to your account manager or through our support ticket system within the inspection window
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We will assess and resolve the issue — through replacement, repair, or credit — based on the circumstances
Claims submitted after the inspection window cannot be accepted.
8. Shipping Insurance
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Basic marine insurance is included in CIF and DDP shipments, covering total loss and general average.
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Additional all-risk insurance is available upon request at extra cost. We recommend all-risk coverage for high-value orders.
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For FOB shipments, we recommend you arrange your own insurance from the port of origin.
9. Customs & Import Compliance
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We provide all standard export documentation, including commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/airway bill.
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Certificate of origin, fumigation certificates, or other special documents can be provided upon request — please specify your needs when placing the order.
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Import duties, VAT, and any destination-specific fees are the buyer's responsibility under FOB and CIF terms. Under DDP, these are included in our quoted price.
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If customs clearance is delayed due to incomplete or inaccurate documentation provided by the buyer, any resulting storage or demurrage charges are the buyer's responsibility.
10. Delays & Force Majeure
We make every effort to meet estimated delivery dates. However, we are not liable for delays caused by:
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Severe weather, port congestion, or shipping line schedule changes
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Customs holds, inspections, or regulatory actions
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Force majeure events including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or government restrictions
In the event of a significant delay, we will notify you promptly and work with you to find the best solution — including alternative routing or partial shipments where feasible.
11. Contact for Logistics Inquiries
For any questions regarding shipping, tracking, or delivery:
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Your Account Manager — direct contact provided upon order confirmation
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Logistics Support Email: service@zodpower.com
We are continuously improving our logistics processes. Your feedback is always welcome.