How are freight forwarders for goods export usually charged? Does anyone know about it?
Solved#Export agent#
Our company has a batch of goods to be exported recently and intends to find an export agent to help handle the relevant matters, but we are not quite clear about how freight forwarders for goods export charge. Fearing being ripped off, we want to know the usual charging modes and standards. Are there any knowledgeable friends who can talk about it? For example, what items are usually involved in the charges? Is it charged according to the proportion of the value of the goods or in other ways?
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The charging modes of freight forwarders for goods export are diverse. Commonly, agency fees are charged according to a certain percentage of the value of the goods, and the percentage generally ranges from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the nature of the goods, trade terms, the complexity of operations, etc. For example, for the export of ordinary daily necessities, the agency operations are relatively simple, and the percentage may be between 0.5% and 1%; while for high-value or specially supervised goods, the percentage may reach 3% to 5%.
There are also charges by the shipment, and one shipment may cost several hundred to several thousand yuan, which is suitable for goods with low value but frequent operations. In addition, some actual expenses reimbursed will be charged, such as customs declaration fees, generally 200 - 500 yuan per shipment; documentation fees, 100 - 300 yuan per copy; booking fees, which vary according to different shipping companies and shipping routes. When choosing an agent, it is necessary to clarify the details of each charge to avoid disputes in the later stage.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Some export agents will also charge handling fees. For example, for handling documents and arranging transportation, the fee may be several hundred yuan. If it involves the handling of certificates of origin, a separate charge will also be made, generally 100 - 200 yuan per copy.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Freight forwarders may also have a spread charge for ocean freight. There is a price difference between the ocean freight price they get and the price they quote to you, but the price difference of regular agents will not be too large.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Inspection fees may also exist. If the goods are inspected by the customs and the agent helps handle it, this fee will be charged according to the actual occurrence, generally several hundred yuan.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Some goods need to undergo commodity inspection, and the agent will charge for handling the commodity inspection, and the fee is about several hundred yuan, depending on the specific situation of the goods.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Telex release fees are also common, generally around 100 - 300 yuan. If you request a telex release bill of lading, this fee will be generated.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
There are also terminal handling fees. Different ports have different charges, generally several hundred yuan, which are the fees generated for handling goods at the terminal.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If the goods need storage, the agent will charge storage fees, which are calculated according to the storage time, volume and weight of the goods.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Some agents will charge trailer fees, which are responsible for the transportation of goods from the factory to the port, and the fees are calculated according to the transportation distance, etc.