How much does a freight forwarder for imports in Hangzhou generally charge? How to choose a reliable one?
I'm in Hangzhou and I need to import a batch of goods recently. I want to find a freight forwarder. But I'm not quite clear about the charging situation of freight forwarders for imports in Hangzhou and I'm worried about being cheated. I want to ask how much a freight forwarder for imports in Hangzhou charges? What are the aspects of the charging standard? I hope experienced friends can tell me so that I can have an idea in mind and choose a more reliable freight forwarder.
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
There is no fixed standard for the charges of freight forwarders for imports in Hangzhou. Usually, it is affected by various factors. First, it's the type, weight and volume of the goods. For example, the charges for common goods are different from those for special goods such as fragile, inflammable and explosive ones. Goods with a large weight or volume also cost more. Secondly, the transportation distance is related to the transportation mode. International sea freight is relatively cheap, while air freight is more expensive. There are also customs clearance fees. The difficulty of customs clearance and tax rates vary for different products.
Generally speaking, for common goods imported by sea, when looking for a freight forwarder in Hangzhou, the basic agency fee may be around a few hundred to two thousand yuan, which does not include other expenses such as sea freight and customs clearance taxes. When choosing, choose an agency like Zhongshitong that has qualifications, a good reputation and many service cases. You can check its past customer reviews and also compare quotes from several agencies for a comprehensive consideration.
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
In addition to what was mentioned above, packaging costs also need to be considered. If you need the freight forwarder to provide special packaging, there will be additional charges. And some freight forwarders may charge relatively higher fees for scattered small batches of goods because the operation cost is relatively high.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Insurance costs cannot be ignored either. Freight forwarders generally recommend that you buy insurance for the goods, and the cost is charged at a certain percentage of the value of the goods. The percentage is usually a few per thousand, depending on the situation of the goods and the insurance terms.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders also charge a document processing fee for handling various documents such as bills of lading and packing lists. The fee is usually a few hundred yuan. In addition, some miscellaneous fees at the port of destination may also be collected on behalf by the freight forwarder.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Port handling fees are also included in the freight forwarder's charges. The charging standards vary at different ports, and the difficulty of loading and unloading the goods will also affect this part of the cost. Generally, the handling fees for bulk cargo are different from those for containerized cargo.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
Warehousing costs also need to be noted. If the goods cannot be picked up in time after arriving at the port and the freight forwarder arranges warehousing, there will be costs, which are charged by the day or by the area, depending on the regulations of the freight forwarder.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If the goods need to be transshipped, the transshipment fee is also one of the charging items of the freight forwarder. Transshipment involves the connection of different means of transportation and the loading and unloading of goods, and the fee is determined according to the transshipment situation.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders will charge an expediting fee for urgent business. For example, if you require rapid customs clearance or preferential arrangement of transportation, you may have to pay this fee, and the specific amount is negotiated between both parties.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Special treatment fees such as fumigation and disinfection may be charged by the freight forwarder for certain specific goods, such as wooden packaging or agricultural products, etc., which are charged according to the treatment method and the quantity of goods.