How is the cost calculated for tile transshipment trade via a third country? Does anyone have insights?
I’d like to understand the cost structure for tile transshipment trade via a third country. Our company is in the tile export business and recently considered using transshipment trade via a third country to bypass certain trade barriers. However, we’re unclear about the cost standards. Is it calculated based on the quantity, weight, or value of the tiles? Aside from the basic transshipment fees, are there any hidden costs? I’d appreciate insights from experienced individuals to get a clearer picture.
Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
There is usually no uniform standard for the cost of tile transshipment trade via a third country, and the pricing models vary. Typically, it involves container shifting fees and storage fees in the transit country. Container shifting fees are mainly based on operational complexity and the number of containers, usually ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 RMB for a small container, with higher costs for larger ones. Storage fees are calculated based on the duration of storage and the volume or weight of the goods, typically 10–30 RMB per cubic meter per day. Documentation fees, such as for certificates of origin, usually range from 500 to 1,500 RMB per document. Transportation costs are also significant, covering sea freight from the port of origin to the transit port and from the transit port to the destination port, which depends on shipping routes and schedules. Zhongshitong advises that choosing a reliable transshipment trade agent is crucial to avoid hidden fees. Before signing a contract, ensure all cost details are clearly outlined.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Costs also vary depending on the transshipment route, with differences in fees for different transit countries. Choosing a Southeast Asian country as the transit point may result in lower costs, whereas using a European country could lead to higher fees due to local labor costs and other factors.
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Insurance costs should also be considered. While not mandatory for all transshipment trades, purchasing insurance is advisable for cargo safety. Insurance fees are usually a percentage of the cargo value, typically around 0.1%–0.3%.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Some transshipment trades may incur inspection fees. If the goods are inspected by customs at the transit port, additional fees will apply, which are uncertain and depend on the inspection process and local customs regulations.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
There’s also an agency fee. Transshipment trade involves complex operations, and agencies charge a fee per shipment, usually ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 RMB, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Repacking or reinforcement fees may apply. To prevent damage during container shifting, goods may need repacking or reinforcement, which incurs costs based on materials and labor.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
For special tiles, such as oversized or fragile ones, additional fees may arise due to special handling requirements, such as the use of specialized loading equipment.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Port miscellaneous fees at the transit port, including terminal handling charges and documentation fees, may add up to several hundred RMB per container.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Exchange rate fluctuations may also affect costs. Transshipment trade involves settlements in different currencies, and significant exchange rate changes can lead to cost variations.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Additionally, during peak seasons, transportation and storage resources may be tight, leading to higher fees, so seasonal factors can also impact costs.