Shipping From China to my Address

[jonnyl888]

Hi, I'm after some advice for purchasing products from 2 different suppliers China and shipping from a single container to the UK and delivered to my address. From Googling I've found the following:

1. I need a freight forwarder that can consolidate the items from the 2 suppliers.
2. They will handle the loading to a container at the port in China.
3. After export clearance, the container will be shipped to the destination port in the UK.
4. After customs clearance the container will be delivered to an address for unloading.

I'm waiting for some quotes to come back, but questions I currently have are:

What's the best way to be able to get the 2 suppliers to supply products to one location? FOB, EXW?

When it gets delivered to my address, how would I be able to unload it? We have a small shop with no loading dock. Can I rent a loading dock and warehouse facility?

Thanks

Jonny

 

[MOIC]

Are the 2 suppliers in the same Province?

What's the approximate CBM of each shipment?

 

[Mike Foulds]

Hi Jonny.

I work for a freight forwarder and we, like many others, could help you with this.

To answer your questions.

If you can get the suppliers to agree FOB terms, then it would make your life easier and simpler, as then you don't need to worry about getting good costs locally in China, as your shipper should be better placed to ensure what they pay is competitive.

They should also be able to deliver cargo to one location. We have partners in China with warehouses around the country, and reguarly consolidate cargo from 2 or 3 suppliers before shipping to the UK.

For arrival with you, as long as your products aren't too large, then you would normally be able to "handball" them, lifting them out and down to the ground, with 2 or 3 staff. You would normally have 2 or 3 hours to unload, and it could easily be done in this time.

If you prefered to receive via a warehouse, who would unload for you, this could also be done, and we have our own warehouse in Sunbury on Thames, and most forwarders would happily unload, palletise and deliver cargo to you on a call off basis if you required.

Hope this information helps, and would be happy to quote for these services if of interest.

Mike

 

[CHUKTC]

Jonny
It should be very straightforward to arrange this. Your chosen shipping agent should be able handle all this for you. Get a few quotes - don't just go with the cheapest - choose the one you feel will do the best job for you. Most factories will deliver to your shippers warehouse in China where they will consolidate the goods from different factories and then ship. Just make sure you specify your requirements for unloading to your shop. It will cost a little more than just turning up with a container which is probably not a good idea but they should be able to find a solution that works for you and quote you accordingly.
If you need more quotes let me know ([email protected]) it's something we do all the time and our warehouses in China are used to this. I will happily give you an all inclusive price.

 

[jonnyl888]

Thanks! I've reached out to a few freight forwarding companies. Should hopefully have a few quotes to compare soon.