I've recently started import business and don't know much about import freight forwarding methods. Could anyone share what methods are available? Hoping for detailed explanations of each method's characteristics and applicable scenarios, so I can choose the most suitable forwarding method based on my cargo situation and needs to better develop my import business.
I plan to import specialty foods from abroad. Since I have no experience, I don't know how to find a professional, reliable and reasonably priced import agency company abroad. The best answer suggests finding through industry exhibitions, online searches, consulting with peers or industry associations, etc. At the same time, check the company's qualifications and reputation, and clarify details such as the service process and charging standards when communicating. Learn from multiple channels and make multiple comparisons.
I want to know about the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics. I have never been in contact with import customs clearance before and have no idea about the cost calculation standards and the impact of trade terms. The best answer points out that the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics are affected by factors such as the cargo value, import volume, trade terms, and port miscellaneous fees. The tariff is about 6.5% and the VAT is 13%. The agency customs clearance service fee of Zhongshitong is roughly 2000 - 5000 yuan. The accurate cost needs to be calculated based on the actual situation.
I have consigned imported foods such as Italian pasta, Korean instant noodles, and Russian chocolate, but I don't know how to cook them to make them delicious. I hope to get some cooking experience. The best answer said that different types of imported foods have different cooking methods. For example, when cooking Italian pasta, add salt and olive oil, and pair it with classic tomato meat sauce; Korean instant noodles can be cooked with cheese, luncheon meat, etc. to make budae jjigae; Russian chocolate is suitable for making cakes, etc. It emphasizes that it is important to understand the characteristics of the food and combine the ingredients reasonably.
I'm confused about the payment matters for goods imported by our company through an agency. I don't know to whom to pay, what payment methods are available, and what precautions should be taken. The best answer points out that generally, payment is made to the agent. Common payment methods include bank telegraphic transfer, letter of credit, etc. It also emphasizes that before making the payment, one should check the contract terms and execute the payment process in accordance with the contract, which can effectively avoid disputes.
Want to know about Zhanjiang import agency customs clearance costs? Our company has goods to import to Zhanjiang but doesn't know the fee standards. The best answer indicates fees vary based on goods type, value, clearance volume, etc. Zhongshitong's standard import agency customs clearance fee is approximately 500-2000 RMB per shipment, with additional costs for special regulatory requirements. Providing specific goods information is recommended for accurate estimation.
The company has engaged an import agent for import business but is unsure how to pay the agent, inquiring about payment methods, their pros and cons, and the timing of payments. The best answer suggests that payment methods include wire transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C), and collection, with T/T being fast but requiring accurate information, L/C being secure but involving cumbersome procedures, and collection being high-risk due to reliance on commercial credit. For payment timing, a 30% - 50% deposit can be paid in advance, with the balance paid after the goods arrive and pass inspection.
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Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The main common methods of import freight forwarding include the following. Sea freight forwarding, the most commonly used method, suitable for large-volume cargo transportation, featuring large capacity and low cost but longer transit time, ideal for bulk goods without urgent time requirements like ores and building materials. Air freight forwarding offers fast speed for high-value, time-sensitive goods like electronics and perishables, though at higher cost. Rail transport forwarding provides high safety and minimal weather impact, suitable for inland cargo with substantial volume, such as goods transported via China-Europe freight trains. Road transport forwarding offers flexibility with door-to-door service, ideal for short-distance, small-batch shipments like border trade goods. International express forwarding is convenient and efficient with door service, but relatively expensive, suitable for small packages and documents.
Different methods have their own advantages and disadvantages - choose based on actual cargo needs.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Multimodal transport forwarding is also common, combining multiple transportation methods to leverage their respective advantages, such as sea-land combined transport, suitable for long-distance shipments with complex logistics that can reduce risks from multiple handling and improve efficiency.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
LCL (Less than Container Load) forwarding applies when cargo volume doesn't fill a whole container, combining multiple shippers' goods into one container to reduce costs, suitable for SMEs with small shipments.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
FCL (Full Container Load) forwarding is used when cargo fills a whole container, reducing damage risks during transit, more suitable for goods requiring high integrity.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Door-to-door forwarding means shippers only provide cargo information while forwarders handle the entire process from pickup to delivery, suitable for clients unfamiliar with logistics who want hassle-free service.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Port-to-port forwarding means forwarders only transport goods between ports, with subsequent customs clearance and pickup arranged by shippers, suitable for those with customs clearance capabilities and local logistics resources.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Bonded zone forwarding allows goods to enter bonded areas first, enjoying tax deferral policies, suitable for goods needing delayed tariff payment or further processing, facilitating flexible distribution and sales.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Customs clearance forwarding specializes in import/export clearance procedures, helping shippers handle complex customs and inspection formalities, suitable for those unfamiliar with clearance processes.