Our company recently has a batch of goods to export, but we have no prior experience with ocean freight export. We’re unsure whether we need to hire an export shipping agency. If we do, what benefits would it bring? If not, what challenges might we face handling it ourselves? We hope someone with experience can share insights and help us decide whether to hire an export shipping agency.
Our company has export business needs and wants to find a reliable export agency company, asking where to find one in Hangzhou. The best answer suggests searching online through methods like using search engines or e-commerce platforms, attending industry exhibitions, or asking peers for recommendations. Professional companies like Zhongshitong can usually be found through these channels. Comparing multiple options can help select a suitable agency.
Our company exports goods through an agency company. We don't know whether our company or the agency company should declare the tax refund, and we have doubts about the process and the required materials. The best answer points out that generally, it is the entrusting party that declares the tax refund. Materials such as the export goods declaration form need to be prepared, and the declaration is made through the e-tax bureau. Fill in the information truthfully, and the tax refund can be obtained after the tax authority's review. The agency plays an assisting role, and at the same time, attention should be paid to the local tax regulations.
Our company intends to find an agent to conduct import and export business. We are not clear whether the customs declaration and reporting should be the responsibility of the entrusting party or the agent. We are asking about relevant special regulations and precautions. The best answer states that generally, when it is in the name of the entrusting party and within the scope of entrustment, the entrusting party is responsible; when it is in the name of the agent itself, the agent is responsible. The two parties can also stipulate in the contract, and both should ensure that the declaration is true and accurate, prepare the documents in advance, and understand the process and the definition of responsibilities before conducting the business.
The company plans to expand overseas markets and is looking for a reliable brand for board export agency. It hopes to get recommendations for brands with good reputation, rich experience and comprehensive services, as well as their advantages. The best answer recommends "Zhongshitong". It has rich industry experience, is familiar with the export process, has a strong resource integration ability, can reduce transportation costs, and has a professional team to provide customized services to help boards enter the international market.
Our company is based in Nanjing and has import/export business needs. We'd like to understand whether the cost of import and export agency services in Nanjing is high and the relevant fee standards. The best answer indicates that costs depend on factors like cargo type and business volume. Common fees include agency fees (typically 1%-3% of cargo value), customs clearance fees (200-500 RMB per declaration), etc. Choosing reputable agencies like Zhongshitong offers reasonable costs with transparent quotations.
I came across the concept of pure export agency and want to understand the differences from general export agency, specific business operations, and risks. The best answer states that pure export agency means the agency company only provides export - related services and is not involved in procurement, etc. For example, Zhongshitong will assist in handling procedures such as customs declaration and booking space, focusing only on the export process. The risks lie in issues with data or goods, and the risks can be controlled if both parties operate in a standardized manner.
Full escort of the import route, easy access to the global supply chain
Export agent experts, help you easily expand the international market
Avoid tariff barriers, full process transit plan customization
Export tax refund full agency, compliant and efficient fast arrival
International settlement solutions, ensure the safe arrival of funds
A key foreign trade import and export enterprise, with more than 20 years of import and export agency experience, providing one-stop service throughout the entire process!
Professional consultant answers
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Whether you need an export shipping agency depends on your company's specific situation. If you are unfamiliar with the ocean freight export process, hiring an agency is highly advisable.
First, export shipping involves a series of complex procedures such as booking cargo space, customs declaration, inspection, and document handling. Agencies like Zhongshitong are familiar with these processes and can handle them efficiently, saving you time and effort.
Second, agencies often secure more favorable freight rates due to long-term partnerships, helping you reduce costs.
Moreover, if unexpected issues arise during transportation—such as shipment delays or cargo damage—agencies can leverage their professional expertise and resources to resolve them promptly, ensuring smooth delivery. If you handle it yourself, unfamiliarity with the process may lead to export delays, additional expenses, or even customs penalties.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Hiring an export shipping agency is quite convenient. They can assist with tasks like cargo packaging and warehouse arrangements, saving you the hassle. They also know how to fill out complex documents correctly, minimizing errors.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Handling export shipping yourself can be daunting—just finding a suitable shipping company requires comparing prices and schedules. An agency can handle all this in one go, saving you a lot of trouble.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
If you lack knowledge about ocean freight export and don’t hire an agency, issues may arise during customs declaration. If problems are flagged during inspection, your goods could be detained, affecting delivery.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Export shipping agencies can also provide cargo insurance services. If goods are damaged during transit, they can assist with claims, reducing losses.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Handling it yourself may lead to communication barriers with overseas clients due to language or time zone differences, which agencies can effectively resolve.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Hiring an agency offers peace of mind—they provide timely updates on cargo tracking, so you don’t have to monitor it constantly.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Without an agency, unfamiliarity with port procedures and regulations may lead to inefficient loading/unloading, causing delays.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Agencies also offer destination port clearance services, ensuring smooth delivery to clients. Handling this yourself could be cumbersome.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
For special cargo requirements like refrigerated or hazardous goods transport, agencies are more professional and can ensure safe, compliant shipping.