# Guides for every stage of a Cainiao shipment

Start with the guide that matches your shipment.

Updated November 2, 2026

**On this page**

[JD.com to US](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html) [Pinduoduo to US](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html) [Shipping methods](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#shipping) [Warehouse](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#warehouse) [Consolidation](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#consolidation) [Repacking](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#repacking) [Tracking](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#tracking) [Problems & customs](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#problems) [FAQ](https://cainiaohelp.com/guides.html#faq)

## Before you buy, confirm three things

1. Each item can ship on your route, and your address is within its delivery area.
2. The route’s price, billing rules, estimated delivery and tax handling.
3. The China warehouse address assigned to that route.

Check them in CAINIAO App or with official support. Calculators and examples on this site are estimates; the order in the app shows the final charge.

## Find a shipping example for your shopping platform

Choose the platform you shop on for ordering, warehouse delivery, parcel registration and consolidation steps. These examples use the US.

[Taobao to US](https://cainiaohelp.com/taobao-us.html) [JD.com to US](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html) [Pinduoduo to US](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html)

## JD.com to the USA: a six-step consolidation example

Buy one item of clothing and one towel from a JD.com store, register the actual domestic parcels and consolidate them for US delivery.

- [Read guide](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html)
1. [Confirm items, the US route and its warehouse before buying](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-before-buying)
2. [Copy your assigned China warehouse address to JD.com](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-warehouse-address)
3. [Pay for the goods and wait for seller dispatch](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-order)
4. [Check or register each domestic parcel by tracking number](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-register-parcels)
5. [Check every warehouse arrival, weight and storage term](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-warehouse-arrival)
6. [Consolidate, enter your US address, pay shipping and track delivery](https://cainiaohelp.com/jd-us.html#jd-international-shipping)

## Pinduoduo to the USA: a six-step consolidation example

Buy towels and storage pouches from two Pinduoduo stores, account for their actual tracking numbers and send the checked-in parcels together to the US.

- [Read guide](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html)
1. [Confirm items, the US route and its warehouse before buying](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-before-buying)
2. [Copy your assigned China warehouse address to Pinduoduo](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-warehouse-address)
3. [Pay for the goods and wait for seller dispatch](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-order)
4. [Check or register each domestic parcel by tracking number](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-register-parcels)
5. [Check every warehouse arrival, weight and storage term](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-warehouse-arrival)
6. [Consolidate, enter your US address, pay shipping and track delivery](https://cainiaohelp.com/pinduoduo-us.html#pinduoduo-international-shipping)

## Cainiao shipping methods

Choose based on the seller's offered service, expected delivery window, and the tracking detail you need. Keep the order confirmation and tracking number before the parcel leaves the seller.

- Compare the delivery stage and expected handoff, not just the service name.
- Check the destination address and contact details before dispatch.
- Save the first status update so later changes are easier to compare.

### Which route should you compare?

Compare only routes offered for your actual items and address. Air and sea labels alone do not determine the price or delivery date.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns.

| Your priority | What to check | Next step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A delivery deadline | The route’s current estimate, when the estimate starts, and any stated delivery commitment. | Compare the available air and sea options against your deadline, allowing for warehouse handling and customs. Do not assume an estimate is a guarantee. |
| Large or lightweight parcels | Measured packed dimensions, actual weight, the route’s divisor, minimum charge and extra fees. | Compare the full air and sea quotes for the same items and destination; use the calculators with each route’s own billing rules. |
| Items with unclear acceptance | The exact product, materials and features, such as a battery, liquid or food content. | Check the selected route’s restrictions before buying. A route that accepts another parcel may not accept yours. |
| Ready to choose and pay | Route, warehouse, delivery address, total quote, import-charge handling and expected delivery. | Select a route only after those details are clear. If the option or warehouse is missing, confirm with official support first. |

This table is planning advice, not a route quote or delivery promise. The official consolidation site provides service, price and timing information; the selected order determines availability and charges.

- [CAINIAO official consolidation: services, prices and timing](https://shipping.conso.cainiao.com/)

[Shipping cost calculator](https://cainiaohelp.com/tools.html#shipping-cost) [Shipping resources by destination](https://cainiaohelp.com/countries.html)

## Using a warehouse

Warehouse services can receive parcels, hold them for consolidation, and prepare a combined shipment. Check the warehouse's current address format, intake requirements, and handling instructions before sending a parcel.

- Use the recipient ID or reference required by the warehouse.
- Keep each inbound tracking number until the parcel appears in the warehouse record.
- Review the declaration and packaging choices before the final shipment.

### Taobao order or CAINIAO app: which workflow applies?

Start with the service selected for this shipment. Do not assume that addresses or parcel records transfer between services.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns.

| Check | Official consolidation selected in a Taobao order | Warehouse forwarding arranged in CAINIAO app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Warehouse address | Use the warehouse and recipient details shown for that order’s selected shipping service. | Copy the warehouse address and your recipient reference from the app for the selected destination and service. |
| Parcel record | Check the order’s logistics or consolidation page for the parcel linked to that service. | Check the parcel list for the selected app service; follow its instructions for adding an inbound tracking number if required. |
| Shipping payment | Review the amount, included charges and payment instructions in that order’s official service flow. | Review the quote, included charges and payment instructions in the selected app service. |
| Where to ask for help | Open the official support channel shown in the order’s shipping or consolidation service. | Use official support within the app service handling the shipment; provide its order and tracking details. |

The official app listing describes warehouse addresses and parcel consolidation. The table’s checks are CainiaoHelp planning advice, not official processing deadlines or service guarantees. Follow the terms shown for your order.

- [CAINIAO app: official developer description](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cainiao.cnintl4android&hl=en_US)

### Delivered to the warehouse but not listed?

Carrier delivery and a warehouse parcel record are different records. Match the evidence before requesting a check.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns.

| Situation | What to check | Next step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tracking says delivered; parcel is absent | Match the inbound tracking number, delivery time and proof of delivery with the warehouse address and recipient reference. | Send these details and the order record to the original service’s official support for an intake check. Follow any instructions shown for that shipment. |
| Recipient reference missing or incorrect | Compare the shipping label with the recipient name, ID or reference required by the selected warehouse service. | Ask the original service’s official support how to identify the parcel. Keep the seller’s order and tracking evidence ready. |
| Address or service does not match | Compare the label and warehouse address with the exact service selected in the order or app. | Ask the seller and original service’s official support what options are available before arranging a return or redirection. Do not assume another service can claim it. |

The official app listing describes warehouse addresses and parcel consolidation. The table’s checks are CainiaoHelp planning advice, not official processing deadlines or service guarantees. Follow the terms shown for your order.

- [CAINIAO app: official developer description](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cainiao.cnintl4android&hl=en_US)

## Consolidating packages

Consolidation combines several received parcels into one outgoing package. It can reduce repeated handling, but the combined size, weight, and destination rules still affect the final charge.

- Check receipt of every parcel you intend to include before requesting consolidation.
- Compare the separate and consolidated prices with your actual rate.
- Ask for a photo or weight confirmation if that service is available.

### Should you consolidate now?

Use the parcel records and current quote for your selected service. Consolidation is a choice to compare, not a promise of savings.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns.

| Situation | Check before deciding | Next step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| An intended parcel is missing | Check whether it is still in transit or delivered but absent from the warehouse record; review any storage deadline in the service terms. | Check intake with the original service before including that parcel in your plan. Compare waiting with sending the available parcels separately. |
| All intended parcels are listed | Confirm item declarations, destination, packing choices and any available measured weight and dimensions. | Request or review the consolidated quote, including packing, handling and any additional charges. |
| A parcel may be oversized or restricted | Check the selected route’s item restrictions, size limits and extra charges with official support. | Confirm eligibility and packing options before requesting consolidation; combining parcels does not remove restrictions. |
| Both shipping totals are available | Use the same currency, parcels, destination and service scope; include packing, handling, surcharges and applicable taxes. | Compare both totals with the savings calculator. For example, an assumed CNY 80 separate total versus CNY 100 consolidated costs CNY 20 more, not less. |

The official app listing describes warehouse addresses and parcel consolidation. The table’s checks are CainiaoHelp planning advice, not official processing deadlines or service guarantees. Follow the terms shown for your order.

- [CAINIAO app: official developer description](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cainiao.cnintl4android&hl=en_US)

[Consolidation savings calculator](https://cainiaohelp.com/tools.html#savings)

## Repacking a parcel

Repacking may reduce unused box volume. Protect fragile items first; a smaller carton is only useful when it still keeps the contents safe.

- Remove only outer packaging that is not needed for protection.
- Ask whether an item needs extra cushioning before repacking.
- Recheck the new dimensions using the tools page.

[Volumetric weight calculator](https://cainiaohelp.com/tools.html#volumetric) [Package dimensions calculator](https://cainiaohelp.com/tools.html#dimensions)

## Reading tracking updates

Tracking normally moves through acceptance, export or transit, local handoff, and delivery. A status can remain unchanged while a parcel is between scans, so compare the latest event, its location, and the expected delivery window.

- Use the tracking number from the seller or shipment confirmation.
- Check for a local-carrier handoff after arrival in the destination region.
- If an update requests information, respond through the seller or delivery contact shown in the official notice.

These are common examples, not a Cainiao status glossary. Wording varies by carrier; use the original tracking event and instructions from the carrier handling your parcel.

Scroll horizontally if needed to see the next steps.

| Common status example | What it means | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shipment information received / Label Created | An electronic shipment record exists. It does not confirm that the carrier has the parcel. | Ask the seller or sender to confirm handover. Have your order number and tracking number ready. |
| Collected / received by carrier | The carrier has recorded receipt of the parcel; this is different from a label being created. | Check the next tracking event. If the handover details do not match, contact the sender with the tracking number and handover receipt, if available. |
| In transit | The parcel is progressing through the delivery network. Updates may be spaced apart between facilities. | Check the carrier’s latest estimate and notices. If that estimate passes or an issue is shown, contact the carrier or sender with the tracking number and last event. |
| Clearance delay | Customs clearance is incomplete. Missing or incorrect documents are among the possible causes. | Ask the carrier or its customs agent what is needed. Keep the tracking number, invoice and item details ready; submit documents only through a verified official channel. |
| Out for delivery | The parcel has been assigned to the final delivery run. Check the carrier’s delivery updates. | Follow any delivery instructions. For an address or access issue, contact the final-mile carrier with the tracking number, delivery address and relevant instructions. |
| Delivered, but not received | Tracking records a completed delivery, but you cannot locate the parcel. The record needs checking. | Check the delivery location, proof of delivery and household or reception desk. If still missing, contact the final-mile carrier and seller with the tracking number, delivery record and order details. |

### Official tracking and status help

- [Cainiao official tracking](https://global.cainiao.com/)
- [UPS tracking status guide](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status)
- [FedEx: clearance delay](https://www.fedex.com/en-ca/contact-us/faq/track-packages/package-status/clearance-delay.html)
- [FedEx: delivered but missing](https://www.fedex.com/en-ca/contact-us/faq/claims-and-issues/can-not-find-package.html)

CainiaoHelp cannot access shipment records or open carrier cases. Use the carrier named in your tracking result, and contact the seller or shipping provider for order or forwarding questions.

## Item restrictions, delivery problems and customs

Before buying, check both the selected route’s acceptance rules and the destination’s import requirements. If a parcel is delayed, keep the latest tracking event, order details and any official notice for the service handling it.

- Check whether the parcel is awaiting a local handoff or recipient action.
- Do not share payment or identity details through an unverified message.
- For a missing parcel, ask the seller for the shipment record and follow the marketplace's order-protection process.

### Can this particular item be shipped?

Check the exact item before it is sent to a warehouse. These steps are planning guidance, not approval to carry or import a product.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns.

| Check | What to check | Next step |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Identify the item | Product link, materials, quantity and features such as batteries, liquids, powders, food or magnets. | Give this information to official support for the selected service; a broad name such as “accessory” is not enough. |
| Check the selected route | Destination, air/sea option and the matching warehouse; review the route’s restriction lookup. | For US shipments, use the official US restriction lookup below. Its US results do not establish acceptance for another country or route. |
| Check destination import requirements | Use the destination’s customs resources to check prohibited or restricted goods and any permit requirements. | Open the destination resources below and confirm how the carrier handles declaration and import charges. Carrier acceptance does not replace import checks. |
| An answer is still unclear | Save the product details and the official response for the actual route. | Pause the purchase or warehouse shipment and ask official support to resolve the uncertainty. Do not treat a seller’s willingness to ship as route approval. |

The official US lookup is scoped to US service. For other destinations use the destination resources and selected service. This table does not create a universal prohibited-goods list or guarantee customs clearance.

- [CAINIAO official consolidation: services, prices and timing](https://shipping.conso.cainiao.com/)
- [CAINIAO official US restriction lookup — US shipments only](https://lite.conso.cainiao.com/cn-global/tmw-unify-h5-miniprogram/index.html?__webview_options__=fullScreen%3DYES#/embargo?areaCode=228&source=cainiaoPc)

[Destination import and service resources](https://cainiaohelp.com/countries.html)

## Frequently asked questions

Direct answers to what shippers ask most. These points hold for freight services generally; the exact divisor, rate, and terms come from the service handling your shipment.

**Does CAINIAO consolidation still ship to the US in 2026?**

Yes. As of November 2026, CAINIAO App consolidation to the US works normally, with parcels from Taobao, Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo. Some older articles say official consolidation to the US was suspended in 2025; check your items, route and warehouse address in the app before buying.

**How do I use a CAINIAO promo code, and does it stack with coupons?**

Use the official CAINIAO code for your destination: USGIFT (US), CAGIFT (Canada), AUGIFT (Australia), MYGIFT (Malaysia), THGIFT (Thailand) or JPGIFT (Japan). Enter it in the promo code field when you pay for shipping in CAINIAO App for an extra 10–20% off. It stacks with coupons for a bigger discount; the amount shown at checkout applies.

**How is volumetric weight calculated?**

Multiply length, width and height in centimetres, then divide by the divisor your service uses. A 50 × 40 × 30 cm box divided by 5000 gives 12 kg. The divisor is set by the service handling the shipment, so use the figure quoted for your parcel rather than assuming 5000.

**What is chargeable weight?**

Chargeable weight is whichever is greater: the parcel's actual weight on the scale, or its volumetric weight. A 3 kg parcel measuring 50 × 40 × 30 cm is charged as 12 kg at divisor 5000, because its size rather than its mass decides the price.

**Does consolidation always save money?**

No. Consolidation removes the repeated per-parcel charges, but the combined box still pays on its own chargeable weight. Merging several bulky, light items can produce a box whose volumetric weight costs more than shipping the parcels separately. Compare both quotes before deciding.

**Why has my tracking status not changed for days?**

Tracking updates when a parcel is scanned, and scans happen at handover points rather than continuously. Long gaps are normal during export processing and international transit. Compare the latest event and its location against the expected delivery window before treating a quiet period as a problem.

**How can I reduce my shipping cost?**

Reduce volume. Because the charge follows the greater of actual and volumetric weight, removing unused space in the box often lowers the price more than removing weight does. Repack only as far as the contents stay protected.

**What should I do if a parcel is held at customs?**

Start with the latest tracking event and your order details, and respond only through the seller or the delivery contact named in the official notice. Do not send payment or identity details through an unverified message.

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Unofficial shipping guide. CainiaoHelp is not affiliated with Cainiao or the shopping platforms.