Chinese Freight Forwarders

[Skating122]

Has anyone used local Chinese freight forwarding companies on FOB terms to import goods into the UK ?

I want to import some goods from China to Southampton and will be picking up the goods myself, but the UK forwarders can be a bit pricey, so I am wondering whether a forwarder in China will be cheaper.

I am not entirely sure whether they will be able to deal with all the relevant issues on the UK side, but it would be good to hear from anyone who has used a Chinese forwarder and what their experience was.

 

[MOIC]

A UK forwarder has to be used on the UK side.

A China Shipping agent can arrange your goods to the UK port and cover all costs, but they will need to employ a UK forwarder to handle the UK clearance and delivery.

Check customs clearance procedures before you decide to do it all yourself. You may be surprised at what is involved and what you need to do. Collecting your goods from the port is not a simple procedure and can take 2 to 3 days to arrange from start to finish.

It’s not the same as collecting from an airport for air cargo, which has a different procedure.

If it’s LCL (loose cargo load), you are referring to, then be aware there will be additional costs, apart from what your China supplier or agent will quote.

My advice is to get quotes in writing to include details what the quote includes and what it doesn’t.

Your other option is to send your goods by train (product dependent), which can arrive at your door, all costs included. This a China agent can arrange.

If you want further advice or assistance, feel free to discuss.

 

[Skating122]

Thanks for the response. What additional costs are attributed to LCL ?

 

[MOIC]

A China supplier will quote you the freight cost arriving at a UK port, either Felixstowe (mostly) or Southampton.

From that point your are reliant on the charges a UK forwarder will charge for the following:

1. Tipping (Unloading the container)
2. Clearing your goods with HMRC (Paperwork & Payments)
3. Warehousing
4. Delivery to your door.

The freight cost a China supplier will quote you for an LCL shipment will be very cheap. Your main cost will be once it arrives in the UK and your UK forwarder (which you have no control who it will be) carries out the work above.

You have 2 options:

a. Use a UK forwarder to quote you door to door. (From the China factory to your delivered address in UK)

b. Use rail shipping, instead of sea shipping. The timelines are similar and rail shipping can work out cheaper. Some products cannot be sent by train, so enquiring first is your first step.

If you need any advice on shipping from China, feel free to ask.

Ron

 

[CHUKTC]

If its a full container you are shipping Southampton is feasible but for part loads its much more likely to be shipped to Felixstowe so bear this in mind if collecting yourself. As stated Chinese agents can't arrange UK port clearance so will ave to rely on the services of a UK agent and those costs can be high for part loads as alluded to above. Air freight or rail may be a better option depending on the nature of your cargo if not FCL.

Best advice get a few quotes don't rely on one and make sure you are comparing like with like and ALL costs are included. It's really surprising how much costs can differ!

 

[Superintlshipp]

Absolutely, using a local Chinese freight forwarder can often be more cost-effective compared to UK forwarders, especially when you're opting for FOB (Free on Board) terms.

At Super International Shipping, we specialize in providing comprehensive freight forwarding services from China to destinations worldwide, including Southampton. Our experienced team ensures that all aspects of your shipping requirements are meticulously managed from the point of origin to the destination.

Dealing with the relevant issues on the UK side is part of our expertise. We can coordinate with local UK agents to ensure that your goods are received smoothly and assist with customs clearance and any other necessary paperwork.

We have successfully assisted many clients with their imports from China to the UK, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on service quality. Our clients value our commitment to providing personalized services,

 

[Aaron_tyz]

Has anyone used local Chinese freight forwarding companies on FOB terms to import goods into the UK ?

I want to import some goods from China to Southampton and will be picking up the goods myself, but the UK forwarders can be a bit pricey, so I am wondering whether a forwarder in China will be cheaper.

I am not entirely sure whether they will be able to deal with all the relevant issues on the UK side, but it would be good to hear from anyone who has used a Chinese forwarder and what their experience was.

Freight forwarders in China are usually around a third cheaper than in the UK, but you have to speak Chinese. And customs clearance you have to be done by a British company. They usually only do CIF