C&F agent info required

[wajidm]

I will be importing some goods after 8 to 10 weeks from China. Can anyone from their experience suggest a good C&F agent with whom you have worked before and found their qoutes and services satisfactory.

Any help on this is appreciated.

Regards,
Wajid

 

[PowerForwarding]

If moving under C&F terms it will depend on whoever the supplier arranges the shipping with their end so you won't really have choice in the matter. Your best bet would be to obtain FOB or ex-works terms and arrange that way so you can at least establish your costs prior to purchase.

 

[Import Expert]

Hi Wajid,

My strong advice would be to buy on FOB terms and get a quote from a UK forwarder for shipping to UK door. Firstly, it will work out a lot cheaper than using freight prepaid terms, but almost more importantly you have full control over who you use, rather than having to deal with an agent appointed by the shipper who will only be interested in what margin they can achieve, rather than repeat business from you, which in my eyes should always be the aim.

Kind regards,
Darren.

 

[Stefan R]

Based on C&F, CFR or CNF term, the shipping agent or forwarder is going to be appointed by the exporter, and shipping cost prepaid is needed which owns too much disadvantages compared with appointing forwarder by yourself.
But a coin has two sides, seeking a good forwarder may take you too much time and energy, so if you change the term with EXW or FOB, you should prepare for seeking a good forwarder.
Meanwhile, if you trusted your sellers or have a steady cooperation, leave them help finding suppliers would be great, after all, items would be arrived safely, and the cost is actually will be reasonable if your partner is wise enough.

 

[wajidm]

Thanks both.The price I got from the manufacturer is FOB and have started to look for Forwarding agent for some quotes to see who does best.

 

[40Footer]

Another alternative will be to have a registered import client account with a shipping firm from UK with presence in the seller's country i.e Maersk, Safmarine, FedEx, DHL or any good ones you come up with.

Depending on the weight and nature of the goods, you may import via sea (full or low container goods) or air (light weight, time sensitive, perishable goods), either way it gives you direct control of your shipment, and in most cases you only pay freight when goods arrive your destination.

Goods are either delivered to your address, you pick them up or you have your customs broker clear them.

Having an account directly with the carrier or shipping company as an import client gives you certain benefits, which are not limited to subsidised freight rates, demurrage free days, real time vessel or air cargo lines schedule, timely updates, and other concessions.