Is air freight included in the import agency fee?
Solved#Freight forwarding#
I recently have a batch of goods to import and hired an agency to handle the import procedures. Regarding the costs, I'm confused about whether air freight is included in the import agency fee. The quotation from the agency didn't specify this clearly, and I'm not familiar with the market, so I'm worried about being overcharged. Could anyone knowledgeable explain whether air freight is generally included in the import agency fee?
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Air freight is generally not included in the import agency fee. The import agency fee mainly covers services provided by the agency, such as customs clearance, document processing, and coordination with suppliers. Air freight, on the other hand, is the transportation cost charged by airlines or freight forwarders for shipping goods from the origin to the destination. These two fees involve different service providers and natures.
Of course, some import agencies may offer all-inclusive services, combining air freight and import agency fees into a package quotation. In such cases, the quotation should clearly itemize all costs. Therefore, it's best to reconfirm the cost structure with the agency. If the quotation isn't clear, request a detailed breakdown to avoid disputes later.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Usually not. The import agency fee mainly covers services like customs clearance and declaration, while air freight is a separate transportation cost determined by airlines. However, this depends on your contract with the agency. If the contract isn't clear, clarify with the agency immediately.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally not. The import agency primarily handles import procedures, while air freight is part of the transportation process and charged by specialized air cargo services. If the agency includes air freight in the agency fee, it must be clearly specified.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
In most cases, air freight isn't included in the import agency fee. The import agency fee is the compensation for handling import procedures, while air freight is the cost of transporting goods. However, some agencies might combine them in their quotation, so review the contract terms carefully.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Air freight and import agency fees are separate. The import agency fee is for handling import-related services, while air freight is charged by airlines. Unless agreed otherwise, these fees are typically separate.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Normally, air freight isn't part of the import agency fee. The import agency fee covers import operations, while air freight is an aviation expense. If the agency's quotation isn't clear, proactively ask for a detailed breakdown.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Generally not. The import agency fee relates to import procedures, while air freight is the cost of air transportation. If the agency offers a package quotation, request a clear itemization of all fees.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Air freight is usually not included in the import agency fee. The import agency fee is for handling import procedures, while air freight is for air transportation. These are fundamentally different, so ask the agency to explain the quotation in detail.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Typically, air freight isn't part of the import agency fee. The import agency fee is for the agency's import services, while air freight is charged by airlines or freight forwarders.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Generally, air freight and import agency fees are separate. The import agency fee is for the agency's import services, while air freight is the cost of transporting goods. Confirm the fee structure with the agency.