Importing from China - Which port?

[ScottNelson&Co]

Hi

I'm looking to import some goods from china to the UK in a 40ft container.

They have asked for a destination port so they can quote me a CNF price.

Has anyone got a list or map of such ports?

I presume I will be able to get a logistics company to pick the goods up, so would it be of case of choosing the nearest one to my warehouse?


Thank you in advance, this is going to quickly become my new favourite forum.

 

[Vending Siting Services]

It all depends upon where you are based in the country. There are many docks around the UK. You should contact a shipping agent/freight forwarder who will be able to arrange the logistics for you, advise you of the most suitable vessel and port of embarkation and give you some competitive quotes.

Hope this helps.

Barbara

 

[ScottNelson&Co]

It all depends upon where you are based in the country. There are many docks around the UK. You should contact a shipping agent/freight forwarder who will be able to arrange the logistics for you, advise you of the most suitable vessel and port of embarkation and give you some competitive quotes.

Hope this helps.

Barbara

They offered my a CNF (cost and freight) price if I give them a destination port. I really only want a price at this stage and don't need a shipping agent for now.

I'm located in the west midlands, does anyone know of a near by commercial port which will accommodate a 40ft container shipment. I suppose any port will do, to give me an idea of the cost, as the price would not differ dramatically?

 

[Mister B]

I'm sure that a forwarder would give a precise port, but I would have thought that Felixstowe would probably be best. (Straight down the A14 and all that)

Out of interest though, why are you buying CIF and not FOB?

Mister B

 

[ScottNelson&Co]

I'm sure that a forwarder would give a precise port, but I would have thought that Felixstowe would probably be best. (Straight down the A14 and all that)

Out of interest though, why are you buying CIF and not FOB?

Mister B

It's my first time importing so I thought I would go for the "complete" package. Also I think I read somewhere that CNF can be cheaper as the manufactures will have contacts. As with anything in business, I've hit the bottom of a steep learning curve.

If I go with CIF, am I right in saying I wouldn't need a shipping agent, just a logistics company to deliver from the port to my warehouse?

Also I'm concerned with import tax, which I guess a shipping agent would deal with?

Many thanks for your experienced wisdom

 

[Independent Trader]

Most freight forwarders will not sort out your Duty codes, you need to check on the HMRC site, most people buy FOB as the supplier will add to the shipping cost, plus he will chose the slow boat and probably charge you at the 24 day cost.

You will need some one (freight forwarder) to enter the duty codes and pay the VAT to clear it through customs and then arrange UK haulage, so you might as well arrange the sea frieght too. You would be better off buying FOB and then finding a all in package, someone ot arrange Sea Frieght UK clearance and UK delivery.

 

[ScottNelson&Co]

You would be better off buying FOB and then finding a all in package, someone to arrange Sea Frieght UK clearance and UK delivery.

Thank you so much for your help. I'll be doing some research on freight forwarders and HMRC over the next few days.

I'm sure this game gets easier with experience. I might be naive 22 year old, but the potential profit margins for importing goods seems to be massive. In your experience is the market saturated for importing goods for resale?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

"You would be better off buying FOB and then finding a all in packag"

Not always right! Get both the FOB at CFR price, then you can make real comparisons!

 

[JoeHe]

You can tell you supplier where you located at, and let him/her communicated with the forwarder, most of the time, they'll provide one or two port near you.

Joe He ——from China
-------------------------
Sarine Perfections Bags Co., Ltd.
sarineyin at hotmail dot com / info at bagcn dot info ———— bags info
sourcing at bagcn dot info ——————sourcing from China

 

[sarah deng]

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(quote)
artyCupsUK;1298773]Hi

I'm looking to import some goods from china to the UK in a 40ft container.

.[/quote]

 

[Eastgate Global]

Hi
Cost in freight is not always the best option. I have an import/export company in Guangzhou, been living here 8 years almost. Ask for an FOB price, this is free onboard, all export taxes paid. Over the last year, quiete a few times i have recieved better quotes from forwarders in my clients own countries, this inlcudes UK.
Also, with Cost in Freight quotes, they can differ from month to month, depending on time of year, you maybe paying from a quote from the previous month, maybe when your goods aready the shipping fees went down, but you wont get this back from the factory.

Regards

Paul

 

[Tony Tsui]

may be you could select mearsk,CMA..

 

[Summer Li]

Please send your detailed address and post code to the supplier,once the supplier receive,they will send your address and post code to their logistic company and check the nearest port you will be,finally they can quote you C&F price!

 

[chase0683]

[FONT=arial, sans-serif]I know many Chinese suppliers, I hope to help you[/FONT]

 

[Cathy Duncan]

One of the good ideas is to personally visit China, research on their markets, make contacts with the dealers and suppliers. This will help you get the best of stuff at your desired rate.

 

[chinadreambox]

Find a professional shipping comapny is very important,u can get the professional advice from them,good luck .