I’ve just started working in LCL freight forwarding and am not very familiar with the export process. I’d like to ask, how does LCL freight forwarding handle exports? Starting from receiving a customer’s order, what specific steps need to be taken? I hope to get a detailed step-by-step explanation so I can get up to speed quickly. Thank you all!
I'm doing foreign trade business and it involves freight forwarding export operations. I'd like to know the tax rate. The best answer says that for domestic freight forwarding, the value-added tax rate for general taxpayers is 6%, and the levy rate for small-scale taxpayers is 3%. Since September 1, 2014, international freight forwarding services that meet the conditions are exempt from value-added tax. You need to first clarify the nature of the business to determine the applicable tax rate.
The company is engaged in freight forwarding and wants to handle the export tax rebate business but doesn't know where to start. It is asking about the operation methods, required materials and procedures. The best answer states that first, confirm whether the conditions are met, such as being a general taxpayer and having the right to engage in import and export operations, etc. Then, complete the export tax rebate (exemption) filing in sequence, collect tax rebate materials, and use the filing system to file during the filing period. It is also necessary to prepare materials such as customs declarations and keep them for verification, and operate according to the requirements to avoid overdue.
Our company has goods to export and wants to understand how export freight forwarding fees are charged—whether by weight, volume, or other standards. The best answer states that export freight forwarding fees consist of basic freight (calculated by whichever is higher between weight or volume), customs clearance fee (per shipment), documentation fee (per shipment), booking fee, etc., along with special handling fees. There is no fixed standard for charges, so it's advisable to consult and compare multiple options.
Our company plans to import a batch of wood and is not familiar with the operations of marine shipping agency. We are inquiring about the whole process from preliminary preparations to transportation, customs clearance and other matters as well as the precautions. The best answer points out that preliminary preparations should be done well first, booking shipping space and tracking the status of the goods, and then carrying out customs clearance after the goods arrive at the port. Special attention should be paid to the permits for endangered species and the quarantine situation. A good agency should be selected, such as Zhongshitong, which has rich experience and can handle various problems.
When getting in touch with foreign trade business, there is confusion about the concepts of freight forwarding and export. Questions are raised about whether they are the same and what the differences and connections are, and whether it is important to understand the differences when engaging in related work. The best answer points out that export is a commercial activity of selling goods overseas, covering many links; freight forwarding is to accept commissions to handle cargo transportation and other services, which is part of the export process, and understanding the differences is crucial for career choices.
Planning to hire a freight forwarder for export business and want to understand export charge items, worried about being overcharged. The best answer states that main charge items include ocean freight, terminal handling charges, documentation fees, customs clearance fees, booking fees, inspection fees, etc. Different forwarders have varying fees; ocean freight is priced based on cargo specifics, while other fees have their own reasons. Details should be confirmed with the selected forwarder.
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Professional consultant answers
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
After receiving a customer’s order, the first step is to confirm the cargo details with the customer, including the product name, quantity, weight, volume, packaging type, etc., while clarifying transportation requirements such as the loading port, destination port, and delivery schedule.
Next, arrange for shipping space booking. Based on the cargo details, book space with the shipping company or its agent and obtain the shipping order, which will include information such as the vessel name, voyage number, and bill of lading number.
Then, arrange for cargo warehousing. Notify the customer to deliver the cargo to the designated warehouse at the specified time. The freight forwarder is responsible for counting and inspecting the cargo.
After the cargo is warehoused, prepare customs declaration documents, including the customs declaration form, packing list, invoice, contract, and power of attorney for customs declaration, and submit them to customs.
Once the cargo is released, wait for the shipping company to arrange loading and shipment. After the ship departs, the freight forwarder must promptly obtain the bill of lading and process it according to the customer’s requirements, either by telex release or issuing the original bill of lading. Finally, settle the fees with the customer.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Pay attention to verifying the accuracy of cargo details, as errors may affect subsequent processes. When booking shipping space, try to select suitable sailing schedules and prices to balance customer needs and costs. During warehousing, ensure proper cargo supervision to avoid damage.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Customs declaration documents must be complete and accurate; otherwise, delays or rejection may occur. Maintain good communication with the shipping company to stay updated on sailing schedules and promptly notify customers of any changes.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Before loading the cargo, reconfirm its condition and quantity to ensure accuracy. Handle the bill of lading according to customer requirements: for telex release, obtain a telex release guarantee from the customer; for original bills of lading, mail them securely to the customer.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Discuss fee details with the customer in advance to avoid disputes. Additionally, maintain proper documentation and records throughout the process for future reference and traceability.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
When arranging warehousing, plan warehouse space efficiently to maximize utilization. Also, pay attention to storage conditions, as some special cargo may have temperature or humidity requirements.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Collaborate with reputable customs brokers to ensure efficient customs clearance. After the ship departs, track the cargo’s transportation status promptly to provide customers with the latest updates.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
When settling fees, carefully review all charges, such as ocean freight, customs clearance fees, and warehouse handling fees, to ensure they are reasonable and compliant. Address customer inquiries patiently.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Regularly accumulate resources from shipping companies to have more options when booking space. In case of emergencies, such as inspection anomalies, communicate quickly with relevant parties to resolve the issue.