Diecast Car Wholesale Logistics: Production, Shipping & Lead Time Explained
Sourcing diecast cars wholesale from China requires not just finding the right product—but also managing production timelines, shipping methods, packaging, and compliance. For importers, e-commerce sellers, and distributors, mastering logistics is key to ensuring smooth and timely delivery.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about diecast car production time, shipping options, and lead time planning.
Production Lead Times
Lead time varies depending on whether you’re ordering stock items or custom-made OEM diecast models.
🏭 Stock Models (Ready-to-Ship)
✅ Production: Already completed
🗓 Lead Time: 3–7 days for packing and prep
Ideal for urgent replenishment or first-time trial orders
🧩 Made-to-Order / OEM Models
🔧 Mold & prototype: 7–15 days
🚀 Mass production: 25–40 days (depending on quantity and features)
📦 Packing & QC: 5–10 days
📦 Total production lead time: ~40–60 days
At TonySourcing, we help buyers streamline timelines with real-time production tracking, photo updates, and buffer planning.
Quality Control During Production
For every batch—especially OEM diecast cars—we recommend multi-stage quality checks:
1. Pre-Production Approval
Prototype sample review
Material, color, and printing confirmation
2. During Production (DPI)
Photo/video updates for assembly lines
Logo positioning, decals, parts movement check
3. Final QC
Third-party inspection
Drop test, paint adhesion, part alignment, packaging check
We work with trusted QC partners like SGS and AsiaInspection, or arrange in-house inspections based on your checklist.
Shipping Options
You can ship diecast cars by air, sea, or express courier, depending on your budget, timeline, and quantity.
✈ Air Freight
| Best for | 100–500 kg shipments / urgent stock |
|---|---|
| Speed | 5–10 days (door-to-airport or door-to-door) |
| Cost | Higher than sea, charged by weight/volume |
| Notes | Ideal for new product launches or samples |
🚢 Sea Freight
| Best for | Full containers (FCL) or LCL consolidation |
|---|---|
| Speed | 18–35 days (depending on destination) |
| Cost | Most economical for 1 CBM+ orders |
| Notes | Requires more documentation and planning |
📦 Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
| Best for | Samples or very small orders (<100kg) |
| Speed | 3–7 days |
| Cost | Highest per-unit |
💡 Tip: Diecast cars are heavy per volume (density cargo), so sea shipping offers the best cost-per-unit for bulk buyers.
Packing & Loading Tips for Bulk Orders
Diecast cars, especially metal-bodied models, need secure packaging to avoid paint scratches, dents, or box deformation.
Recommended Packing Guidelines:
Use individual blister or window boxes for each unit
Place inner cartons inside 5-ply export cartons
For large orders, use palletized loading for easier handling
Add foam inserts or separators for collector-grade 1:18 models
Container Suggestions
| Order Size (Units) | Suggested Container |
|---|---|
| <5,000 pcs (mixed) | LCL shipment |
| 8,000–12,000 pcs | 20ft FCL |
| 18,000–25,000 pcs | 40ft FCL |
We provide photos of packaging and loading for every bulk order before shipping.
Customs, HS Codes & Compliance
Understanding import regulations is critical to avoid customs delays or fines.
Common HS Code for Diecast Cars:
9503.00.0090 – “Toys; other toys, including die-cast models”
Compliance Documents We Provide:
✅ Commercial Invoice & Packing List
✅ Certificate of Origin (if required)
✅ EN71 / ASTM / CPSIA reports (for kids’ models)
✅ Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
✅ Factory audit certificate (on request)
Most of our diecast models comply with EN71 & ASTM F963 standards, making them ready for EU and US markets.
📦 Get a Shipping Estimate from Us (Free)
Need help planning your next diecast car shipment?
We offer door-to-door quotes including:
✅ Production lead time
✅ Shipping method recommendations
✅ HS code, duties, and compliance advice
✅ Container loading plans
📩 Click here to request a shipping estimate
Or email us at info@tonysourcing.com with your target country, quantity, and scale.
