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

[AgainstAllOdds]

I appreciate you sharing your experience. It sounds much easier than I was expecting.
I'm doing my homework for my card game I'll be importing in a few months.
I have to estimate my product dimensions because it hasn't been manufactured yet, but I have a pretty good idea of what they'll be.
I'll have 400 boxes that are approximately 9x6x20", which is about 7cbm and 10,500 lbs.
I want to ship directly from the US port to Amazon's warehouse and I assume that's possible as long as I set it up with Amazon ahead of time.

Using some rough math based on your experience, I'm expecting to spend around:

• $1,850 for shipping
• $350 in fees
• $485 in duties (per government website)
• $2,685 total

Does that sound about right in terms of shipping and fees?
Should I contact the local freight forwarders months in advance, or is this something I should wait until a couple weeks prior?

Thanks again for breaking it down. Helped a lot!

Did you include the trucking cost? Because if not, you're missing the trucking fee from the port to Amazon's warehouse. That will cost you about $400 to $700.

Also, if you're going straight to California, then your expenses will be lower than to Chicago. So the shipping costs might be less.

Plan for $3,500. Hope for $3,000. Unless you included the fee. Then subtract $700 from those numbers.

 

[Ronak]

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

 

[ExCubeCommando]

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]

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.

 

[petkovic]

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

Knock yourself out:
https://de.pinterest.com/101woonideeen/101-diy-pallet-furniture/

... and congrats on your shipment!

 

[BlakeIC]

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]

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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[jesset17]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Veloman]

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

 

[Parks]

This thread is amazing. Just now coming across it. Have to bump it up because people need to see this.

 

[RicardoGrande]

This thread is amazing. Just now coming across it. Have to bump it up because people need to see this.

This.
I had been looking for a fastlaner's specific journey with getting a container over and dealing with the forwarders for awhile and hadn't yet seen this thread.

I am a bit jealous though, because it looks like all in all his shipment was about 1300$, whereas it seems to be 15,000$+ at the moment. This isn't including the fact it could climb higher depending on how china handles their oncoming energy and production crunch.

 

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[Walter Hay]

The former member who started this thread quit the forum nearly 18 months ago, so you won't be getting answers from him.

If anyone has questions about product sourcing and importing, I suggest you post your questions on my AMA.
GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

As I have done for 7 years I will provide accurate and helpful answers.

Walter

 

[Ramble On]

One thing to check is the specific type of delivery truck it will come on. On a recent shipment I received (two pallets), I specified a truck with a lift gate so that it could be delivered to my residential address. I assumed this would be a box truck, kind of like what Lowe's uses to deliver appliances and stuff.

Turned out that it was a 53 foot semi with a lift gate...and at the last second they called me letting me know they couldn't take that truck into my little neighborhood (turns were too tight, trees too low, etc.). So I had to have them drop it at a different location nearby and bring it to my house in 4 trips with a packed Honda Civic

Good to know. I also had it in my mind that it would be a box truck. I will definitely have to clarify this with them.

 

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[BlakeIC]

You probably did not have an order that weighed over 100 lbs. my orders weigh over 10,000 lbs so you can't really send it by air.

Ahh totally makes sense

 

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[caezlar]

Chinese next spring festival is start from Feb -02 to Feb-15.

Perfect timing, thank you!

I was just analyzing if it was worth it to take the sea-route, was having difficulties with getting a feel for how much CBM/cost is.

My forwarder estimated 2000$ Door to door (Shenzen-Washington) for 5 CBM, which I though was too expensive. Knowing that you guys have similair costs is a good insight.

Don't forget the chinese holidays,most factories stop producing between 10-20th of January, and stop sending a few days after. Best time to re-order is NOW!

 

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[caezlar]

Most Chinese companies are honest,

 

[AgainstAllOdds]

Congrats!

I am in the middle of comparing suppliers for the product I plan to import. I have started to factor in freight cost in my cost calculation.

Just curious, by looking at your pics, the total volume seems to be way larger than 1.49 cbm. Are you sure it is not a typo?

Thanks.

Not a typo. Cubic meters are huge. 1.49cbm = 52.62 cubic feet.

 

[Vincent Law]

Lads,

Great thread. Really helps to see the specifics shown like this. Kind of soothes the jitters for first-timers.

But I have a question, sorry to derail, but since we're waiting for Againstallodds to report back...

Anyone with any experience importing from Russia?

Walter! I love your Gold Threads. I have almost finished devouring them all. Do you have any experience shipping out of Russia? With the rouble so weak now, I feel that I can make a killing on this apparel line I am designing.

(Or anyone else's input for that matter!)

 

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[Vincent Law]

I have not imported from Russia, but I know the process is very similar to buying from any exporting country. I also know that finding suppliers there is not easy.

One of the official government websites can be used if you are very patient, but the best way is to contact your local Russian trade consul, (provided that is not a euphemism for local spy chief.) I can PM the best govt site link if you enjoy beating your head against a wall.

One reason I never persevered with Russia is that prices have never seemed very competitive. Even with the Ruble as low as it is currently, exporters appear to be quoting what I consider to be retail prices.

You could also find that red tape is a major obstacle, and that is partly due to sanctions.

If you get started and need help, let me know. I will do my best to help, even if it is a learning process for me.

Walter

At the risk of derailing, I'll continue.

Yeah, I was thinking of going to the Customs agent or w/e at the embassy and asking what things are sanctioned now or not.

My designs for these sweats/shirts are not done yet. But I've got a finished hat product design.

The two places I visited sell for about 200 roubles a hat, (2.5 dollars) which I thought was pricey. (but again, no real clue)

Friday, I'm off to check another factory where I think the prices are lower.

Shipping is 1000 roubles (15 dollars) because the first order will be less than 10 kg. Air mail.

I plan to sell at about 20-25 $ per hat. But I haven't checked what the customs duties or tariffs/sanctions cost. Dont really know how to either except maybe meeting with the customs guy.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

(Also I would love to buy your book, but I'm abroad now and don't have that many dollars left!)

 

[Vincent Law]

Walter

I will make an appointment and go to the US consulate. I assume that its all I need to do to meet with the Ministry of Econ Dev.

What is Intrade and why do I need it?

Do you know a database with general prices compared for certain goods- like apparel?

Sorry for the spoon-feeding questions. But I am a newb at this, I'd rather raise some eyebrows and get answers than bite my tongue and fake my comprehension.

 

[Malcolm_X]

hm, that's a lot higher than I'd expect..
Thanks for sharing.

 

[downpaymentblues]

I'm from Germany and these were my costs:

Ocean Freight: 145 USD
Terminal Handling Charge in Hamburg: 285 EUR
Customs Clearance: 50 EUR
Handling: 40 EUR
Door to Door fee: 110 EUR
+ Duty & Taxes

I am a bit confused (and really new to the topic). Did you arrange everything by yourself? Or is all of this of this handled by a courier, if your supplier commisions e.g. DHL?

 

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[AgainstAllOdds]

Did you not have any unloading or warehousing fees?

Is the FOB charge for the rail portion to Chicago?

I'm in the process of setting up a shipment now, and getting ridiculous quotes like $700+ just to unload and truck the goods from the port to a warehouse 50 miles away.

The supplier's forwarder from China is some small time operation filled with negative reviews for their U.S office...

Are your quotes $700 to unload in the U.S. and transport? Or are those quotes for China?

Because for the U.S., that's around the going market rate for a container. $400 is closer to the low end for a container of goods.

And the costs I posted were all my costs. The FOB charge was the paperwork + delivery for the shipment within China. My purchase terms were EXW, so I had to pay those costs. However, I recommend that you get FOB prices so that you don't have to deal with that.

 

[Ronak]

LA-Chicago is included in the Ocean Freight cost. It is a "hell of a deal", and an incredible eye opener. Once you realize how much money you can save by shipping by sea, you'll change your entire outlook and business plan.

And I don't specify what warehouse. I specify Chicago. Then the freight forwarder handles the rest. Having control over which warehouse the shipment goes to is not that significant once you start paying trucks to deliver your shipments. I live and do business in the city. All warehouses are in the suburbs. So it's the same difference for me regardless.

Lastly, the warehouse does NOT charge you separately. You usually have 7 days to pick up your shipment. Storage is 100% free. After that, there's a small charge per day.

** The only unpredictable cost is the pallet fee at the warehouse. If you're taking the shipment with the warehouse's pallets, then expect to pay a fee of about $25 per pallet. Not a lot. But bring cash in case you don't have pallets to exchange. If you have pallets to exchange, then no fee.

I always assumed I'd have the factory palletize the shipment at origin...any thoughts on why 1 vs the other?

 

[jesset17]

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]

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!

 

[Impingement]

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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[Alexo]

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.