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Just Imported My First Sea Shipment: Here's what that process looks like

biophase

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As promised:

Description Price
Ocean Freight $560.00
Customs Entry Service $95.00
ISF Filing for Customs $45.00
Transfer to Warehouse $375.00
Marine Insurance $100.00
Customs Duty $259.90
Total $1,434.90




All in less than $1200 from the factory in China to the warehouse in LA for a 20ft container before customs. 14 days on the ship, another few days for unloading at the port, and another couple days for pickup and final delivery.


That ocean freight price for a 20ft container seems cheap. I have one coming in next week, I'll have to compare my price. Does container shipping price vary by weight? I believe my container is about 14,000 lbs.
 
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Ronak

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That ocean freight price for a 20ft container seems cheap. I have one coming in next week, I'll have to compare my price. Does container shipping price vary by weight? I believe my container is about 14,000 lbs.

The actual ocean portion shouldn't, though maybe the land charges might...but 14k lbs doesn't seem excessive
 

AgainstAllOdds

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That ocean freight price for a 20ft container seems cheap. I have one coming in next week, I'll have to compare my price. Does container shipping price vary by weight? I believe my container is about 14,000 lbs.

Weight doesn't make a difference for the ocean portion. It can make a difference for the road portion if your shipment is too heavy.

I maxed out a container recently at 37,500 pounds (max weight varies state by state). Ocean freight same price. Trucking fee an extra $250 or so.

As promised:

Description Price
Ocean Freight $560.00
Customs Entry Service $95.00
ISF Filing for Customs $45.00
Transfer to Warehouse $375.00
Marine Insurance $100.00
Customs Duty $259.90
Total $1,434.90




All in less than $1200 from the factory in China to the warehouse in LA for a 20ft container before customs. 14 days on the ship, another few days for unloading at the port, and another couple days for pickup and final delivery.

Wow! $560 for ocean freight seems like a great price. Would you mind asking your agent the cost for a 20'GP from Shenzhen to Chicago?

Also: great job on taking action. It's always nice to see someone ask questions and then kick a$$.
 

ExCubeCommando

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Thank you AgainstAllOdds for valuable information!

After the February FLF summit, I'm still trying to 'find myself' regarding action taking.

There's a lot of opportunity to provide value when you can find products people want, and so I am trying to shift gears from what I've been trying to do for past couple of months - building an affiliate site (http://smallspacesmatter.com/ and another one about dash cameras).

After writing more content for the site during slow time from my regular business, I just stopped dead in my tracks for a couple days and didn't do anything. I guess I suddenly got tired of watching a ton of training videos about building affiliate sites, Google Analytics, Webmaster Tools, Keyword tools, etc, etc, etc. I think I need to abandon these ideas, and concentrate on things I should..namely figuring out how to produce value.

After moping around a couple days, I just came back here to refresh and recharge, so to speak. Oh, and Walter Hay, thank you for all the valuable information as well! I downloaded your 'Import from China" book yesterday, and got to though page 70 while bouncing back and forth to the forum reading updates here. (by the way Walter, PM me if you would....I didn't get a confirmation back when I signed up for updates).

Anyway, woke up at 4 this morning, and while enjoying a cup of coffee, and getting my mind geared up for the day, had to drop by and say thanks!

Mike
 
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Ronak

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Weight doesn't make a difference for the ocean portion. It can make a difference for the road portion if your shipment is too heavy.

I maxed out a container recently at 37,500 pounds (max weight varies state by state). Ocean freight same price. Trucking fee an extra $250 or so.



Wow! $560 for ocean freight seems like a great price. Would you mind asking your agent the cost for a 20'GP from Shenzhen to Chicago?

Also: great job on taking action. It's always nice to see someone ask questions and then kick a$$.

One thing that people may not realize is that these rates fluctuate throughout the year. I was lucky enough to catch some of the lowest rates in history on this last shipment. After July, ocean freight jumps due to Q4 demand-- this same shipment will cost me $1280 for Ocean Freight the next time around. Btw @AgainstAllOdds, rate for Chicago is $2640.
 

exclusives88

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This is from China -> Shenzhen Port -> NYC -> straight to my door. Cost was $1,880. Chargeable Weight of 2.733.

Now, I have these wood pallet pieces. How the heck do I throw these out? Is there a service where they pick this up from my front porch?

IMG_4949.JPG
 

InformationH

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Now, I have these wood pallet pieces. How the heck do I throw these out? Is there a service where they pick this up from my front porch?

View attachment 13093

Getting rid of pallets should be fairly easy if they're in good condition. Some places buy pallets. Plus many crsfty people look for pallets. Otherwise bad conditon pallets make great firewood
 
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petkovic

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BlakeIC

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This is from China -> Shenzhen Port -> NYC -> straight to my door. Cost was $1,880. Chargeable Weight of 2.733.

Now, I have these wood pallet pieces. How the heck do I throw these out? Is there a service where they pick this up from my front porch?

View attachment 13093
You could list them on the free section of craigslist and leave them out front at your place
 

jesset17

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Here is the quote for my first (potential) bulk shipment from China to Seattle Port. I will be using a customs broker to sort out the required forms and freight services. Does anything stand out as irregular, the $550 Continuous Bond fee does not appear to be a common charge for the others that have posted their costs. I am also still deciding to ship directly to Amazon FBA or to deliver to my house for better quality inspection and product control. Thanks!

Weight / dimensions for Product:
25 boxes, 13 kg each.
Each box: 51.9*40.7*36.9cm
CBM: 1.95
Total Gross Weight: 325 kg

Origin Fees:
$108.35
Ocean Freight: 146.25
Destination Fees: $250.20 ($33 in pallet fees)
Customs Fees/Forms: $1051.25 ($550 in continuous bond fee)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated total: $1,556.05
 
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AgainstAllOdds

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Here is the quote for my first (potential) bulk shipment from China to Seattle Port. I will be using a customs broker to sort out the required forms and freight services. Does anything stand out as irregular, the $550 Continuous Bond fee does not appear to be a common charge for the others that have posted their costs. I am also still deciding to ship directly to Amazon FBA or to deliver to my house for better quality inspection and product control. Thanks!

Weight / dimensions for Product:
25 boxes, 13 kg each.
Each box: 51.9*40.7*36.9cm
CBM: 1.95
Total Gross Weight: 325 kg

Origin Fees:
$108.35
Ocean Freight: 146.25
Destination Fees: $250.20 ($33 in pallet fees)
Customs Fees/Forms: $1051.25 ($550 in continuous bond fee)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated total: $1,556.05

Is the shipment going to Boise or just Seattle?

Because if it's just to Seattle, then you're paying too much per cbm. Also, I paid $450 for my continuous bond fee.

It might be worth shopping around. It won't save you a lot to start, but will save you a bunch long-term. Then again, I don't know how many freight forwarders there are in Boise.

Also: why are you getting a continuous bond for your first shipment? Will you be doing at least 4+ shipments this year? Because if not, then it's not worth paying for. My opinion: do one shipment. See how it goes. Then consider getting a bond.
 

jesset17

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The freight cost is to Seattle, forwarding to Amazon FBA or Boise is not listed in this quote but I have taken it into account for my total costs and profit margin calculations. My goal is to have more than 1 shipment over the 365 day period but you are probably right in seeing how the first shipment goes and progressing from there.

I am using a freight forwarder that is located in Seattle but will shop around for a better price while I am waiting for my second sample to arrive. Appreciate the advice.
 

TKDTyler

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This is from China -> Shenzhen Port -> NYC -> straight to my door. Cost was $1,880. Chargeable Weight of 2.733.

Now, I have these wood pallet pieces. How the heck do I throw these out? Is there a service where they pick this up from my front porch?

View attachment 13093
Behind Grocery Stores, supermarkets, malls, etc... often times there are piles of pallets from their shipments that will be thrown out. Find a spot thats local to you.

I just got my quotes comparing FCL to LCL for my holiday shipments.

LCL Rates
#1

Pieces: 2
CBM: 4.78
Kilos: 484
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66


OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 315.48
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 25.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 25.00
CLEAN TRUCK 12.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 15.00
IPI 210.32
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 50.00
Fuel 15.00
PCF 25.00
Doc fee 10.50
EXWORK 600.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 1403.30 Collect



#2

Pieces: 6
CBM: 13.15
Kilos: 1452
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66
OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 867.90
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 50.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 62.00
CLEAN TRUCK 33.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 52.00
IPI 578.60
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 75.00
Fuel 35.00
PCF 45.00
Doc fee 15.20
EXWORK 750.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 2,663.70 Collect


#3 (Combined LCL)

Pieces: 8
CBM: 19.16
Kilos: 1936
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66
OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 1264.56
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 65.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 83.00
CLEAN TRUCK 46.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 61.00
IPI 843.04
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 75.00
Fuel 38.32
PCF 45.00
Doc fee 15.20
EXWORK 983.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 3,619.12 Collect


FCL Rates
20’ Container = $1,710.00
40’ Container = $1,950.00
40HC Container = $1,950.00

Come to find out, I found I will save money and end up with a net positive by delaying my shipping by 2-3 weeks and combine all my holiday units as opposed to shipping 2x LCL and having products in the warehouse by October 1st.

*These quotes are only freight quotes and do not include transportation to my door or freight forwarder/broker fees.
 
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Ronak

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Here is the quote for my first (potential) bulk shipment from China to Seattle Port. I will be using a customs broker to sort out the required forms and freight services. Does anything stand out as irregular, the $550 Continuous Bond fee does not appear to be a common charge for the others that have posted their costs. I am also still deciding to ship directly to Amazon FBA or to deliver to my house for better quality inspection and product control. Thanks!

Weight / dimensions for Product:
25 boxes, 13 kg each.
Each box: 51.9*40.7*36.9cm
CBM: 1.95
Total Gross Weight: 325 kg

Origin Fees:
$108.35
Ocean Freight: 146.25
Destination Fees: $250.20 ($33 in pallet fees)
Customs Fees/Forms: $1051.25 ($550 in continuous bond fee)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated total: $1,556.05


bonds4customs.com has continuous bonds for $259/year. I use them and they are legit, and at their price, if you do more than 2 shipments a year, it pays for itself.

What other customs fees are they charging, typical customs clearance is $150 or so, not sure where the other $300+ is coming from.
 

Ronak

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Behind Grocery Stores, supermarkets, malls, etc... often times there are piles of pallets from their shipments that will be thrown out. Find a spot thats local to you.

I just got my quotes comparing FCL to LCL for my holiday shipments.

LCL Rates
#1

Pieces: 2
CBM: 4.78
Kilos: 484
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66


OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 315.48
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 25.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 25.00
CLEAN TRUCK 12.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 15.00
IPI 210.32
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 50.00
Fuel 15.00
PCF 25.00
Doc fee 10.50
EXWORK 600.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 1403.30 Collect



#2

Pieces: 6
CBM: 13.15
Kilos: 1452
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66
OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 867.90
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 50.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 62.00
CLEAN TRUCK 33.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 52.00
IPI 578.60
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 75.00
Fuel 35.00
PCF 45.00
Doc fee 15.20
EXWORK 750.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 2,663.70 Collect


#3 (Combined LCL)

Pieces: 8
CBM: 19.16
Kilos: 1936
Rate Per CBM: 66
Rate Per 1000kg: 66
OCEAN FREIGHT IMPORT 1264.56
CHASSIS SURCHARGE 65.00
DOCUMENT CHARGE 50.00
PIER PASS 83.00
CLEAN TRUCK 46.00
CHASSIS SPLIT FEE 61.00
IPI 843.04
FORKLIFT: 50.00
RECEIVING: 75.00
Fuel 38.32
PCF 45.00
Doc fee 15.20
EXWORK 983.00 <----------Can be reduced if your supplier delivers cargo to agent

Total($-USD) 3,619.12 Collect


FCL Rates
20’ Container = $1,710.00
40’ Container = $1,950.00
40HC Container = $1,950.00

Come to find out, I found I will save money and end up with a net positive by delaying my shipping by 2-3 weeks and combine all my holiday units as opposed to shipping 2x LCL and having products in the warehouse by October 1st.

*These quotes are only freight quotes and do not include transportation to my door or freight forwarder/broker fees.




This is not surprising, however, make sure you book and reserve your space now for 2-3 weeks out, the 7th largest ocean shipper just declared bankruptcy, which has severely reduced capacity, and everyone will be scrambling for space, not to mention the higher rates post October. Some forwarders will allow you to lock in today's rates for future shipments as well.
 

jesset17

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bonds4customs.com has continuous bonds for $259/year. I use them and they are legit, and at their price, if you do more than 2 shipments a year, it pays for itself.

What other customs fees are they charging, typical customs clearance is $150 or so, not sure where the other $300+ is coming from.

I sent you a PM with all the details. Appreciate the feedback and if you can spot anything that a novice (myself) would normally not know.
 
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exclusives88

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The freight forwarders are taking forever to respond. Thought I'd post it up here and see if anyone has a response.

I have two cargo from different locations
2.75 CBM in Jinxong
3.3 CBM in Shenzhen

They are far from each other but is it better to consolidate them? Supplier in Jinxong quoted $210 to ship to Shenzhen...

Do I have them ship it to the supplier in Shenzhen? Or some type of warehouse at the port so they can hold it for XX days (once the products in Shenzhen are produced)?

Thanks!
 

AgainstAllOdds

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The freight forwarders are taking forever to respond. Thought I'd post it up here and see if anyone has a response.

I have two cargo from different locations
2.75 CBM in Jinxong
3.3 CBM in Shenzhen

They are far from each other but is it better to consolidate them? Supplier in Jinxong quoted $210 to ship to Shenzhen...

Do I have them ship it to the supplier in Shenzhen? Or some type of warehouse at the port so they can hold it for XX days (once the products in Shenzhen are produced)?

Thanks!

They ship it to your freight forwarder's warehouse. And your freight forwarder is supposed to handle all of that.

If you want, send me a message with your name and email, and I'll introduce you to my freight forwarder who is based out of Shenzhen.
 

Impingement

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They ship it to your freight forwarder's warehouse. And your freight forwarder is supposed to handle all of that.

If you want, send me a message with your name and email, and I'll introduce you to my freight forwarder who is based out of Shenzhen.

They ship it to your freight forwarder's warehouse. And your freight forwarder is supposed to handle all of that.

If you want, send me a message with your name and email, and I'll introduce you to my freight forwarder who is based out of Shenzhen.

Hey AgainstAllOdds - your thread was great reading and very helpful!!

Unfortunately, have not been able to find a reliable forwarder. Would you be able to introduce me to your forwarder? Would really appreciate it!!!
 
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Was looking for this info! Thanks very much for sharing your experience and all the comments, this is very helpful!

Can you guys recommend a good customs broker? Working on a product from China to US Amazon fulfillment center.
 

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Do you use them by any chance? Just wondering if anyone on here uses them and what the service and fees are like.
I have never used them, but I know a number of Fastlane members that have, and their reports are positive.

While you are on their site, I suggest you have a look at their Sitemap page. It contains links to sub pages (including testimonials) that can provide you with an enormous amount of help even if you don't use their services. Highly educational.

Walter
 

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I have never used them, but I know a number of Fastlane members that have, and their reports are positive.

While you are on their site, I suggest you have a look at their Sitemap page. It contains links to sub pages (including testimonials) that can provide you with an enormous amount of help even if you don't use their services. Highly educational.

Walter

Thanks Walter I really appreciate it!
 
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Thanks for this info! I am going to be trying my first import from China via sea in a couple of months. I have already gotten two quotes and the numbers look pretty similar to yours. Currently I am importing everything from the UK via air. Obviously hoping to reduce costs bringing it direct from the factory in China.

My shipment will come into Dallas which about a 3 hour drive from me. Given this I had them give me a quote to truck it to my location. One thing I learned during the process was to make sure the quote included delivery by a truck with a lift gate. I don't have a loading dock. I could just see an 18 wheeler pulling up to my house looking for a loading dock. That would have been interesting!
Hi Ramble, Thanks for the ideas. How did you research who's producing what in China? Totally random example: I go to Walmart and see a bicycle helmet and I think I can use the product/process in my business. Who do I talk to? Thanks, Greg
 

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Great thread, thanks AgainstAllOdds!
I am preparing to place my first purchase from a Chinese manufacturer and this info certainly helps.
 

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Great thread, thanks AgainstAllOdds!
I am preparing to place my first purchase from a Chinese manufacturer and this info certainly helps.
Fast-forward almost 2 years since my last post on this thread...
The China trade war tariffs affected me directly, to the tune of almost 15% of the total transaction, straight out of my pocket. But overall I had a positive experience dealing w/ my manufacturer and transport. The language barrier and time difference was not too bad once I got used to it. I think the bottom line, thankfully, is that the Chinese manufacturers will continue to be very accommodating as long as they need us more than we need them.
Good work Velo,
Greg
 
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Fast-forward almost 2 years since my last post on this thread...
The China trade war tariffs affected me directly, to the tune of almost 15% of the total transaction, straight out of my pocket. But overall I had a positive experience dealing w/ my manufacturer and transport. The language barrier and time difference was not too bad once I got used to it. I think the bottom line, thankfully, is that the Chinese manufacturers will continue to be very accommodating as long as they need us more than we need them.
Good work Velo,
Greg
I agree that Chinese manufacturers will be easier to deal with under current circumstances, and while you have had a satisfactory experience with your supplier, that extra cost can hurt.

You might try bargaining them down, because they currently need more business to keep their machinery running. If that fails, you might do better to search in other countries for similar products.

Members have reported buying in places other than China at 1/2 the price and much better quality.

Walter
EDIT: I should have reminded readers that the tariff is charged on the total shipment value, including freight and insurance, so 10% tariff can add more than 10% to your cost, as @ Wolfman found.
 
Last edited:

AgainstAllOdds

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I agree that Chinese manufacturers will be easier to deal with under current circumstances, and while you have had a satisfactory experience with your supplier, that extra cost can hurt.

You might try bargaining them down, because they currently need more business to keep their machinery running. If that fails, you might do better to search in other countries for similar products.

Members have reported buying in places other than China at 1/2 the price and much better quality.

Walter
EDIT: I should have reminded readers that the tariff is charged on the total shipment value, including freight and insurance, so 10% tariff can add more than 10% to your cost, as @ Wolfman found.

China devalued their currency recently.

I only source a fraction of my product from China, but fully intend to restructure my pricing on those products.

Why's the price this when the exchange rate is this?

It's not a 1:1 correlation on production price, but a good opportunity for negotiation.
 

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