For companies shipping goods out of China, understanding the full workflow of container trucking, terminal return, and customs clearance is essential.
This guide provides a clear explanation of each operational step, helping shippers, freight forwarders, and overseas buyers gain a complete view of how export logistics work in practice.

1. Container Trucking Dispatch and Cargo Loading

1. Receiving the Shipping Order (SO)

Once the customer provides the SO (Shipping Order)—commonly issued by a freight forwarder or its contracted warehouse—the trucking company uses the SO to generate the trucking order and arrange a vehicle.

2. Customer Provides Loading Details

The customer must share:

• The designated loading address

• Loading date and time

• On-site contact person

• Contact phone number

3. Picking Up the Empty Container

The trucker picks up the empty container on time and checks for any damage or contamination.
If the container needs repair or cleaning, the trucking company must immediately contact the carrier to avoid disputes after loading.
After pickup, the trucker sends the customer:

• Container information

• Container door photos

• Seal number

4. Loading Cargo and Applying the Seal

After the cargo is fully loaded at the appointed location, the trucker seals the container with the seal provided or approved by the customer.

5. Weighing Requirements

Most customers require weighing to ensure the accuracy of the packing list and VGM (Verified Gross Mass).
The trucking company must confirm with the customer whether weighing is required before proceeding.

2. Returning the Loaded (Full) Container to the Terminal

Process

Loaded container → Transport to terminal → Return full container (“return heavy”)

Returning the loaded container to the terminal means the cargo enters the port yard for storage prior to vessel loading.
This ensures that the container is protected while awaiting customs clearance or vessel departure.

Once the container arrives at the terminal:

• It is stored in the port yard

• Customs clearance procedures begin

• After clearance, the carrier arranges vessel loading and onward delivery to the destination port

3. Customs Declaration (Export Clearance)

Document Handover

After the full container is returned to the terminal, the customer provides all customs documents to the customs broker, including:

• Packing list

• Commercial invoice

• Sales contract

• SO information

• Container number and seal number

Online Customs Filing

The customs broker prepares the declaration documents based on all provided data and submits the export declaration via the customs system.

4. Customs Release or Inspection

After the declaration is submitted, two outcomes may occur:

1. Direct Release

Customs approves the documents and releases the shipment for export loading.

2. Inspection Then Release

Customs may select the shipment for inspection.
After inspection, the container is released unless discrepancies are found.

Situations Where Customs Will Not Release the Cargo

1. Declared Weight Does Not Match Actual Weight

This requires cancellation and re-declaration to correct the data.

2. Declared Information Does Not Match Actual Cargo

Examples:

• Product name mismatch

• Incorrect specifications

• Incorrect quantity

• Wrong brand or model

Customs may:

• Require cancellation and re-declaration (simple case), or

• Impose further investigation and temporarily hold the container (complex cases)

3. Declared Value Does Not Match Actual Value

Example:

• RMB price mistakenly declared as USD

• Declared value inconsistent with contract or invoice

This usually requires cancellation and re-declaration.

Conclusion

Understanding each step of the export trucking and customs process helps businesses avoid delays, reduce operational risks, and ensure smooth shipment handling.
For shippers working with China-based supply chains, clear documentation, timely communication, and accurate data submission are essential for seamless export operations.