Importing from China to UK

[DWWADA]

Hello,

I'm importing some goods via sea from China to the UK. I'm confused about the whole "forwarding" companies as I'm worried about using certain ones because I've heard about "Port sharks" (I think they're called)

Couldn't I just go to Felixstowe port myself and collect the goods or?
I just don't want to incur all these hidden charges which I've read about. My supplier from China has given me a $330 shipping cost but I don't know if this includes anything on my end when it arrives in the UK.

I will happily use a forwarding company if you can give me advice and reassure me through the process to make a smooth deal. Please message me or provide your advice below I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Scuba Guy]

I can recommend a few companies in Felixstowe who may be able to help if you like.

 

[DWWADA]

I can recommend a few companies in Felixstowe who may be able to help if you like.

Sure! If they're reputable.

 

[Mr D]

Could you handle the paperwork, the collection of the container (and disposal afterwards) and so on?
Use the professional people - saves you time and money.

Hidden charges often you become liable for before the container is here. Cheap shipping - like any business the sender may well be recouping costs plus extra in other ways. Bit like a cheap airline or a cheap garage for mot etc.

 

[DWWADA]

Could you handle the paperwork, the collection of the container (and disposal afterwards) and so on?
Use the professional people - saves you time and money.

Hidden charges often you become liable for before the container is here. Cheap shipping - like any business the sender may well be recouping costs plus extra in other ways. Bit like a cheap airline or a cheap garage for mot etc.

What freight companies do you suggest and how do I organise it? Do they speak with my supplier or?

 

[Mr D]

You speak to a freight company.
Get them to deal with supplier if that's needed.

I have heard good things about Shapiro - not cheap mind, but the couple of times problems have occurred they have sorted out quickly.

There's another one in Midlands somewhere, they emailed me last year about getting my business but didn't operate in the port I was using.
Will see if I can find the email later. Good quote for a port I could have used, just not ideal for my partners.

 

[Yorkshire R]

has anyone done it themselves ? shipping from China to UK, handling everything themselves ?

 

[Vickyjin]

Import goods from China to Uk, the seller quotated you shipping cost USD330, this should be the CNF term price. After goods arrived to your desitination port, you might have to pay for the clearing costs which is different according to different customs policy.
However, you can use your own forwarding company, try to contact your local forwarding company and they will hand everything for you. Say they will contact your China supplier, and asked them to send goods to named wearhouse to arrange the shippment and while the goods arrive to your desinitation port, they will handle the clearing things for you, this is also workable.

 

[Mike Foulds]

Hello,

I'm importing some goods via sea from China to the UK. I'm confused about the whole "forwarding" companies as I'm worried about using certain ones because I've heard about "Port sharks" (I think they're called)

Couldn't I just go to Felixstowe port myself and collect the goods or?
I just don't want to incur all these hidden charges which I've read about. My supplier from China has given me a $330 shipping cost but I don't know if this includes anything on my end when it arrives in the UK.

I will happily use a forwarding company if you can give me advice and reassure me through the process to make a smooth deal. Please message me or provide your advice below I'd really appreciate it.

Hi Dwwada.

I work for a forwarder, based in LHR. I understand your concern, and the fact that you don't want to get "taken".

I would suggest that you would be best working through a forwarder for a few reasons:

1) You won't be able to do the customs clearance yourself, it would have to be done by a company with recognised software and access to the customs system. This has to happen BEFORE collection.

2) The goods will arrive at a warehouse, and be unpacked. Their charges will need to be paid prior to collection. Most forwarders have accounts with the various warehouses, meaning they can handle this and not risk delays.

3) Whilst this warehouse won't be in the port (They are normally in the are surrounding), they still have strict security, and may require certain PPE, etc. Rather than risk being turned away, a forwarder will be able to organise an approved haulier to bring the cargo to your door, rather than risking you being turned away.

I would be happy to arrange the cargo for you, or can make some recommendations as to those whom I think may be able to help.

Hope that helps.

 

[MOIC]

Before you arrange shipping, ensure you have done the following:

1. Due diligence on the supplier. (They may not be who you think they are)

2. Received confirmed samples which have been agreed by you and the supplier. (Often samples can be different to the production that eventually gets sent)

3. Had the shipment fully checked before you have parted with any balance payment. (Better to be safe and ensure random samples are checked and packaging is correct)

4. Check if the products need to be certified to import/sell in UK. (Your supplier will not tell you and probably won't care).

5. Received written quotes for a door to door delivery. (Choose the one that ticks all your boxes).

Good luck.

 

[Red Wood]

The solution is simple;

Contact one of the large freight forwarders. DHL Global, K&N e.t.c

Ask to be quoted an all in price. Then all you will need to pay on top is any applicable duty and VAT. Simple.

 

[CHUKTC]

Unfortunately I don't think its quite as simple as red wood suggests. Sure you can do it that way but at a cost. Like most businesses I assume you wish to control shipping costs.
Assuming its and LCL load (part container) it is very important NOT to ship CIF - you are likely to end up with heavy UK port charges (which you will not know until the goods arrive).
My advice is Purchase the goods FOB and then employ the services of a company to organise shipping, UK port and customs charges, unpacking of container and delivery to your UK address. Get an inclusive price (remember to ask about insurance if you need it as normally only very basic cover is included). Get a few quotes - prices can vary enormously!
Finally as MyOcffice says before you even place an order 1. do your due diligence on your supplier, Do you know who they really are? Are they a factory - how do you know? Dont rely on what they tell you - get it independently verified. 2. check your goods comply with UK regulations 3. negotiate payment terms 4. get samples if appropriate 5. inspect goods BEFORE making final payment and shipping.

 

[Red Wood]

@CHUKTC . I disagree, it really isn't a dark art as it can first be seen as for new importers.

Obviously trade on FOB terms, that's a given as you've said, atleast until you are experienced and understand the shipping process and/or have contacts for inland transport for your particular suppliers country.

Re: LCL, we get a flat cube rate door>door, excluding Vat and duty obviously. We pay vat and duty on arrival and the shipping charges later when they become due.

The big forwarders really do make it a breeze, and pricing wise they are very good with us. Maybe because we regularly import from different parts of the world so that may have an impact on our experience, however if we can do it and we are a small fish in the grand scheme of things, other also can =]

Essentially, ask your forwarder for an ALL INCLUSIVE CUBE rate if you don't have enough product for FCL. Then there are no surprises as you will know exactly what it will cost based on the c.b.m provided to you by your supplier.

 

[Charlie Gr]

@RedWood,

I completely agree that working with big forwarders makes the whole end to end flow super smooth.

But wrt rates directly doing to these biggies might not be a good idea, unless you have really good volumes, as rates will be quite expensive.

This is where freight forwarders come in picture. They have great rates (because of volumes) and also choice of multiple big companies + will support on documentation as well...

 

[Red Wood]

@RedWood,

I completely agree that working with big forwarders makes the whole end to end flow super smooth.

But wrt rates directly doing to these biggies might not be a good idea, unless you have really good volumes, as rates will be quite expensive.

This is where freight forwarders come in picture. They have great rates (because of volumes) and also choice of multiple big companies + will support on documentation as well...

DHL Global are a freight forwarder...?

I have found independent and small freight forwarders over the years far more expensive. DHL and KN are always fighting for people's business, predominantly on price.

The Large Freight forwarders have far superior volumes than the small independents. the ship owners like OCL, HL, CS do them the sweetest deals, surely.

Regarding documentation, we do very little other than provide BL and PI and confirm com codes. They take care of everything else.