For many first-time importers or even seasoned creators launching Kickstarter or self-published book campaigns, shipping via ocean freight under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms may seem like a straightforward promise: we print your books, and in about 30 days, they arrive at your door.
But what does that "30 days" actually mean? And why do shipments sometimes take longer than expected?
Let’s break down the real journey your books take from our factory to your readers.
What Is DDP Shipping?
DDP means the seller (that’s us) handles everything: production, packaging, export customs, sea freight, import customs, duties, and final delivery to your door. For you, it's a hands-off process—no customs brokers, no tax surprises.
That’s the benefit. The challenge is: because we’re responsible for everything, every step in the chain matters. And not all of those steps are visible to you.
Why "30 Days" Isn't Always 30 Days?
When people talk about sea freight transit times, they usually mean the sailing time—the number of days the ship takes from Port A to Port B. For example, from Shanghai to Los Angeles, that’s typically about 18-30 days on water.
But before the ship sails, and after it arrives, there are many moving parts:
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the DDP Journey
- Production Time
Your books are printed, packed, and boxed at our factory—usually within 4–5 working days. - Truck to Logistics Warehouse
We send your cargo to our freight forwarder’s warehouse, depending on their location, this takes 2–3 days. - Transfer to Customs Warehouse
Freight forwarders consolidate shipments and deliver in batches. Depending on the schedule, it might take another 2–3 days. - Customs Waiting Time
Once your shipment arrives at the bonded warehouse, it must wait its turn to be cleared. Sometimes it's quick—2–3 days. But during busy seasons, it may take up to a week or longer. - Stuffing and Loading Into Container
After clearance, shipments are loaded into containers and then scheduled for vessel loading. This typically adds another 2–3 days. - Waiting for Vessel to Depart
Here's the tricky part: large container vessels—those carrying around 10,000 TEUs (20-foot containers)—don’t leave until they're at least 80% full. This scheduling is controlled by the shipping line, not customs or your forwarder. The waiting period can range from 2–7+ days depending on demand and port congestion. - On the Water (Sailing Time)
As mentioned, Shanghai to Los Angeles or Vancouver takes 18-30 days depending on the route and stops. - Destination Customs Clearance & Final Delivery
Upon arrival, the goods go through customs again. Under DDP, we handle duties, taxes, and last-mile delivery to your address. This final phase usually takes 3–7 days, depending on the country and location.
So How Long Does DDP Shipping Really Take?
When you add up all those steps, you can see why a "30-day" shipment might sometimes take 40–45 days—or why some orders arrive early while others seem delayed. It’s not just the ocean; it’s the entire system surrounding it.
Why We Usually Don’t Worry About It
Honestly, most customers who choose sea freight via DDP aren’t on tight deadlines. If time is critical (e.g., for an event or launch), they often choose express air freight. That’s why, until recently, we didn’t spell out every phase of the journey in detail.
But after a few recent customer questions, we realized how valuable it is to understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
Final Thought: DDP Can Still Be Smart — With Good Planning
If you're distributing books to both the US and Canada, you might even consider splitting your DDP shipments: send only the Canada-bound books to Canada, and send US-bound books directly to the US. That way, you avoid cross-border duties and save both time and cost.
Want to learn more or explore the right shipping plan for your project? We’re happy to help.
Let us take care of the printing and logistics — so you can focus on creating.