Do I need a freight forwarder

[mickyoung41]

Hi all,

I am thinking of importing childrens clothing and shoes from China, it will not be container loads just yet however the shipments will be too large for air freight via EMS etc.

Can I go the the port of entry with required documents and pick up the shipment myself or do I need to use a company for this.

The reason I ask is quite simple, I want to cut down on as many costs as possible.

Also what type of documents would I need, I would be using CIF from China.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks

Mick

 

[KWilding]

Hi Mick,

Firstly i would strongly recommend against importing a part container load (LCL) shipment from China under terms CIF, the reason for this is that under
normal pratice in China, the shipper will not actually pay the freight and also the shipper will be paid an incentive by the shipping company for giving him his business.

These two costs will be loaded onto your UK landed costs and will make shipping under CIF terms the most expensive option.

I would strongly recommend anybody importing from China to buy under terms FOB (Free On Board), you then appoint a freight forwarder to arrange the shipping from the port of loading in China to your door at a pre agreed rate
and you will not get any nasty surprises when you get the bill.

For importing clothing from China, you will require the following documents :-

1) Bill of Lading
2) Commercial Invoice
3) Packing List
4) Certificate of Origin for Textile Products
5) Also recommend you take out all risks marine cargo insurance as
goods shipped as part container load are at higher risk of damage.

For importing footwear from China, you will need items as listed above, except item 4.

I would also establish the what the uppers and soles of the footwear are made off to ensure you have taken into account any Duties payable and also possible Anti Dumping Duties on some footwear products from China.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

 

[CJSteele]

Hi Mick,

I agree with Kevin. I would add that in my experience, the cost of shipping is minor compared to the cost of the goods. If you really need to cut this cost, then your shipping company is not being honest (unlikely in my experience) or you need to review your business model (which is what I usually find with my own activities).

I hope that helps and good luck with the baby clothes.

Clint Steele
GetYourStuffMadeInChina.com

 

[kathyshu]

yes ,you do need a forwarder , you can check with your local forwarder, they will quote you the cost, and get the necessary documents for you.

 

[little princess]

Hi, mick

What kevin told you is really the truth. For LCL, there is high devanning fee at the destination port.

I'm Amy from China, I work as a freight forwarder in China.

If you do FOB terms, I would be glad to quote you the shipping charges for FOB China.
see what we can do additionally for you:
1. Check order number and follow up the delivery time with your manufacturer.
2. Pick up goods and arrange shipping schedule as per your request.
3. Professionally check documents for customs clearance in China.

4. Other destination service by our network at your destination. (Customs clearance, delivery, etc.)

Any other problems about shipping, I would be glad to help.

Amy
EMAIL:amy(at)yhcargo(dot)com
skype: dhj000228
Mobile:+0086 13989476598
tel: +0086 571-56859806

 

[fazz]

hi mick

if its a few hundred kg's or below go for Air freight and not ems, your supplier should be able to negotiate a good deal for you with their usual freight forwarders, plus an advantage of this is you get your goods very fast!

as kevin said do not accept any cif part container offers it proves very expensive in the end and you are literally held hostage for your goods

when you import anything, you can not just turn up at the shipping port or airport to pick up your goods with the documents

what you need is a good Clearing Agent/freight forwarder who know what they are doing

another thing, you will need to be registered to import and a good Agent will point you in the right direction

best thing would be to find a good freight forwarder/agent have a meeting with them tell them what your up to and ask them what you need to do, usually the people in this industry are very friendly and you shouldnt have any problems

 

[internetspaceships]

Freight forwarders make me chuckle.

Out of the three grand it costs to ship a 40ft container from the US to my warehouse the ship actually charges £400-£500. Aside from the haulage cost either end the rest is middlemens' fees.

 

[GGV Cargo]

Hi all,

I am thinking of importing childrens clothing and shoes from China, it will not be container loads just yet however the shipments will be too large for air freight via EMS etc.

Can I go the the port of entry with required documents and pick up the shipment myself or do I need to use a company for this.

The reason I ask is quite simple, I want to cut down on as many costs as possible.

Also what type of documents would I need, I would be using CIF from China.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks

Mick

hi,
since your anticipating shipment / consignment will not be container loads just, and you are thinking of cutting cost. Ok its good idea. but let me inform for that there a good number of Cargo flights out there to convene your shipment from anywhere to your destination. there is no limit as to the number of Killo they carry, more so what you're importing by your definition, could be tagged "personal effects" .
enjoy your world.
thanks,
Tayo George
Pre-shipmant Consultant
Geokaz global Ventures (Cargo and Freight forwarding expert)

 

[beatrice-sz]

a good forwarder will help you a lot.Wish you can find a trustable one.

 

[heller]

Hi all,

I am thinking of importing childrens clothing and shoes from China, it will not be container loads just yet however the shipments will be too large for air freight via EMS etc.

Can I go the the port of entry with required documents and pick up the shipment myself or do I need to use a company for this.

The reason I ask is quite simple, I want to cut down on as many costs as possible.

Also what type of documents would I need, I would be using CIF from China.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks

Mick

hi Mick,

I think you'd better point a forwarder who will help you do many thing such as arrange the shippment,documents,clearanc etc,it will be very simple and no risks.

 

[red-source]

Mick,

All of the above is true and good info... BUT to answer your actual question; Yes you can go and collect the goods yourself provided that you have pre-arranged clearence at the port and you have the relevant paperwork. I have collected quite a number of pallets myself from felixstowe...yes it saves a couple hundred quid probably but I was collecting as my customer was only a few minutes drive from the port.

 

[sophieyarui]

Dear friend,
Hi, how are you? Nice to contact you.
This is Sophie from YARUI INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING CO., LTD., China First Grade shipping agent with official NVOCC.
if your company import any goods from China, we can become your shipping agent and supply our best shipping service for you!
We usually handle the shippments from any China port to worldwide with best service and competitive price.
We hope we can build long-term business relation with you in the near future.
Business Field,
Sea Freight(20GP 40GP 40HQ...)
Air Freight services
LCL Consolidation
Customs declaration
Inland transport through trafic & Railway transport
Bonded warehouse
Insurance and relevant logistics general services
Bulk Carrier
Any inquiry about forwarding service from China to your port, please feel free to contact me.
I will reply ASAP. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,
Sophie Zheng
SHENZHEN YARUI INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING CO,LTD.
Add:Room1009,Block B,The Pacific Commerce Trade Bldg,No.4028,JiabinRoad,Luohu District,Shenzhen,China
Website: yaruichina
Phone: 13420930689
Tel: 0755-33040115
Skype: sophiezheng888

 

[tmears]

mickyoung41

My wife works for a forwarder, if you want any help let me know, i am sure we could collectively help you, well in other words i am sure my wife would be able to help you and answer any questions you have.

Tim

 

[GraemeL]

I am thinking of importing childrens clothing and shoes

Normally I would add the reminder that 20% VAT (plus duties) is payable before goods can be released from port - but I have not a clue if VAT is applicable on children's products.

 

[Kimmy Chen]

good forwarder: msn: jc-sales-11.live.cn

 

[Mr D]

Hopefully they sorted it out in last 6 years.