For AGV forklifts and warehouse automation systems, logistics costs are no longer just about ocean freight. Today, sophisticated importers are comparing tariffs, customs risks, and battery compliance as part of their total landed cost.
Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the seller is responsible for export, freight, and duties. However, many buyers misunderstand the final stage:
What's Included: Factory pickup, international freight, customs clearance, duties/tariffs, and delivery truck to your warehouse door.
What's NOT Included: Large AGV units often require crane/forklift unloading or rigging services at your site. These are usually considered "special handling" and are outside standard DDP terms.
💡 Pro Tip for AGV Buyers:
Always confirm: "Is unloading included?" and "Who provides the equipment for offloading?" Some importers only discover these exclusions after the container reaches the destination terminal.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) often looks cheaper because the initial quote is lower, but it shifts the customs burden to you.
You have an experienced local customs broker.
You want full transparency on Section 301 tariff payments.
You want better control over audit documentation.
This is your first turnkey automation project.
You want a fixed, predictable landed cost.
You want the supplier to handle battery compliance.
For high-value AGV imports, never approve a DDP shipment without checking the broker's credentials. Warning signs include extremely low DDP pricing or a refusal to disclose the broker's identity.
What Experienced Importers Check:
U.S. customs broker name and license number.
Previous experience handling industrial machinery and Lithium Battery scrutiny.
Sample CBP 7501 forms and Importer-of-record (IOR) structure.
Planning a project for the US or Singapore? Let us help you model the real landed cost before you sign the contract.
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