FedEx and UPS both technically prohibit shipping consumer fireworks through their regular ground services. They’re classified as hazardous materials (UN0336 for 1.4G) and neither carrier accepts them for standard ground shipment. If you get caught they’ll either refuse the package or blacklist you.

For 1.4G you need to use a hazmat-certified freight carrier. There’s actually a good breakdown in the Transport section here on the site that goes through carrier options. Might save you some trial and error.

1.3G is a whole other ballgame – that requires DOT hazmat endorsement, proper placarding, the whole thing. Stick with 1.4G unless youve got the licensing sorted.

If your buddy is close enough driving might honestly be easier than dealing with shipping headaches lol.

Good question Danny. Most Chinese manufacturers include FOB (Free On Board) pricing which covers getting the container to the port of departure. So they handle inland trucking from the factory to whatever port you’re shipping from – usually Shanghai, Ningbo, or Yantian.

But you gotta confirm that in your quote. Some smaller factories will quote you EXW (Ex Works) which means you’re on the hook for pickup and delivery to the port yourself. That can get complicated if you don’t have a freight forwarder set up over there.

From what I know of the suppliers that work with US importers, most of the established ones include FOB in their pricing. There’s been discussion in the forums about sourcing from China if you search around – some good info buried in the older threads.