Computer servers are an important part of modern information technology infrastructure. They are used to store, process and manage data and support various applications and services.

This guide details how to import and ship computer servers from China to your country. I hope it will help you.

Introduction to computer servers

Computer servers are high-performance computer equipment that is specifically used to provide computing services. They consist of key components such as processors (CPU), hard disks, memory, and system buses. They are similar to general computer architectures, but have higher requirements in terms of processing power, stability, reliability, security, scalability, and manageability. Servers can perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to storing and transmitting homepages, providing email services, and supporting the operation of various application software.

What are the computer parts?

Computer servers have many similarities with regular computers in terms of hardware composition. The main components include:

• Chassis: The outer shell that holds and protects all the components inside the server.
• Display: A monitor or display is the primary display device on a computer. In the past, only one monitor was needed for daily computing. However, today most people use more than one monitor at their desk or terminal.
• Keyboard and mouse: Input devices used to send instructions to the computer.
• Motherboard: The core component that connects various components and controls the flow of data.
• Memory: A device that temporarily stores data and speeds up computer processing.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the central brain of the computer, from which every single process and executable command on the computer originates.
• Graphics card: An output device that processes images and videos.
• Sound card: Processes the input and output of audio data.
• Hard disk: A device that stores data for a long time, divided into mechanical hard disks (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and solid-state hybrid drives (SSHDs).
• Power supply: Converts AC power into DC power to power various computer components.

What are the brands of servers?

There are many brands in the server market, some of the well-known brands include:

• Dell
• HPE
• IBM
• Huawei
• Sugon
• Inspur

Places where computer servers are used

• Data centers: used to provide large-scale computing and storage services.
• Corporate offices: support internal networks and application services.
• Scientific research institutions: perform high-performance computing tasks and data analysis.
• Cloud service providers: provide cloud computing and storage services.

What are the common classifications of computer servers?

Servers can be classified in many different ways. Here are several common classification methods and their detailed descriptions:

Classification by purpose

• Specialized servers: such as storage servers, database servers, Web servers, etc. These servers are optimized and configured for specific application requirements to provide efficient and stable services.
• General servers: These servers have no specific application restrictions and can be flexibly configured to support a variety of different applications and services. They are usually highly scalable and customizable to meet the needs of different users.

Classification by hardware structure

• Tower server: The appearance is similar to a large PC, with good heat dissipation and expansion performance, suitable for small businesses or individual users.
• Rack-mounted server: The design is compact, occupies a small space, and is easy to manage and deploy in a unified manner in a data center or computer room. It is suitable for large enterprises or scenarios that require high-density deployment.
• Blade server: Multiple server blades are installed in a chassis to share power, cooling system and network resources, improve space utilization and reduce energy consumption. It is suitable for large data centers or fields that require large-scale computing.

Why import computer servers from China?

As one of the world’s largest computer hardware production bases, China has a mature industrial chain and rich production experience. Importing computer servers from China has the following advantages:

High cost performance: Chinese-made servers are relatively more competitive in price while maintaining high quality.

Complete variety: There are a wide variety of server brands and models in the Chinese market to meet different needs.

Short delivery time: China has a complete logistics system that can quickly respond to customer needs and shorten delivery time.

Technical support: Chinese server manufacturers provide a full range of technical support and after-sales service to ensure that customers can use it without worries.

How to import computer servers from China?

Choosing suppliers
Online platforms: Find suitable suppliers through platforms such as Alibaba and Global Sources.
On-site inspections: Attend electronic product exhibitions in China and negotiate directly with manufacturers.

Confirming orders and contracts
Negotiating prices and terms: Confirm product specifications, prices, delivery time and other details with suppliers.
Signing contracts: Ensure that the contract terms are clear and protect the rights and interests of both parties.

Payment and logistics
Payment methods: Usually payment is made by telegraphic transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C) and other methods.
Choosing a logistics company: Choose a suitable logistics company based on the type of goods and urgency.

Customs declaration documents for importing computer servers from China

• Packing list: Detailed list of the packing of the server and its accessories.
• Invoice: The original invoice or commercial invoice for purchasing the server.
• Contract: The purchase contract signed by the buyer and seller.
• Import and export rights: The importer must have the right to import and export or entrust a qualified agency to handle it.
• Letter of entrustment for inspection and customs declaration: If you entrust an agency to handle the inspection and customs declaration procedures, you must provide a letter of entrustment.

How To Ship computer servers From China To Your Country

• Choose the appropriate transportation method: Choose the appropriate transportation method, such as sea transportation, air transportation or land transportation, based on factors such as the quantity, volume and transportation time of the goods.
• Arrange transportation and insurance: Negotiate with Chinese suppliers to arrange transportation and insurance of goods.
• Track the status of goods: Through the tracking system of China Freight Forwarding Company, you can know the transportation status of goods in real time.
• Customs clearance and delivery: After the goods arrive at the destination country, customs clearance and delivery procedures must be carried out in accordance with local customs regulations.

Choose the appropriate shipping method (such as sea shipping, air shipping, etc.) to ship computer servers from China to your country. When choosing a transportation company, you can consider its transportation experience, service quality, price and other factors. Shipping companies usually provide a series of services such as door-to-door pickup, packaging, customs clearance, transportation and door-to-door delivery to reduce your burden.

Price Of Shipping computer servers From China

Estimating computer servers shipping costs requires considering a variety of factors. Size, weight, destination, shipping method, and additional services like insurance or expedited shipping all affect the final cost. It is crucial to get accurate shipping quotes from different carriers or shipping companies to compare prices and services.

In 2024, the sea freight from major ports in China (such as Shanghai and Tianjin) to the West Coast of the United States (such as Los Angeles) will be approximately US$100 to US$250/ton. For specific prices, please consult Linkshare.

As a rough estimate, shipping a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. West Coast costs between $2,500 and $4,000. For the U.S. East Coast, costs may increase by $3,000 to $4,500 due to longer shipping distances.

Precautions for shipping calculator servers from China

Packaging and marking

Shockproof packaging: The server contains delicate electronic components inside, and needs to be packaged with shockproof materials, such as foam, air cushion film, etc., to reduce vibration and impact during transportation.
Moisture-proof and dust-proof: The server is sensitive to humidity and dust, so the packaging material should have certain moisture-proof and dust-proof properties, and a desiccant can be placed inside the packaging.
Clear marking: The name, quantity, weight, size, destination, and any special precautions such as “fragile” and “do not press” should be clearly marked on the outside of the package.

Transport temperature and humidity control

Constant temperature transportation: For high-end servers, especially those containing special materials (such as liquid cooling systems), constant temperature transportation may be required to prevent performance degradation or damage caused by temperature changes.
Humidity control: In a humid environment, the electronic components inside the server are easily affected by moisture, so the inside of the package needs to be kept dry during transportation.

Safe fixing

Stable loading: In a transport vehicle (such as a container), the server should be firmly fixed to prevent tipping or collision due to movement or bumps during transportation.
Separation protection: If multiple servers are transported at the same time, they should be separated by partitions or foam pads to reduce friction and collision between them.

Transportation tracking and monitoring

Logistics tracking: Use a reliable logistics service provider and obtain a transportation tracking number to understand the transportation status and estimated arrival time of the goods in real time.

In short, importing and shipping computer servers from China is a complex process involving many links and details. Through careful planning and preparation, as well as choosing reliable logistics service providers and suppliers, you can ensure that the goods arrive at the destination safely and smoothly, and provide customers with high-quality computer server solutions.