FCL & LCL Importing Costs & Hurdles

• 

  Moomt on 05/12/2018 - 06:35

  +1

  Contact a few Customs Brokers for a quote on customs clearance fees.

  • 

    GG57 on 05/12/2018 - 09:28

    +1

    Do this ^^^

    Let the customs agent do all the work for you. They have all the contacts, know all the processes and compliance requirements. Some will even have a facility to facilitate break down of your freight (if LCL). Or they can arrange for FCL delivery to site and collection later.

    I'm pretty sure that most will have similar costs, so assess that as part of your business case for the import.
    You haven't mentioned the shipping terms offered by the seller for that price; make sure that those are agreed upfront so you know how much the freight, insurance, etc., will be.

    • 

      LlamaOfDoom on 05/12/2018 - 11:11

      Yeah, thats my plan, was hoping for some actual recommendations from people who have used customs/freight agents and been happy with their experience.

      Its a relatively straight forward product, but was definitely keen to use an agent as I don't want any hassles or incur costs beyond what can be avoided!

• 

  askme69 on 05/12/2018 - 08:33

  +1

  I don't think you can take the container, they will allow you to transfer the goods from the container at the storage facility or they will transport the container for you and give a couple of hours to unload.

  Just from what i have experienced.

  • 

    LlamaOfDoom on 05/12/2018 - 11:13

    As we are around 350km from Adelaide and 600km from Melbourne, I was hoping to either buy the container or something similar.
    We do have an inland port here so I will investigate receival (dictionary doesn't know this word?) there instead, as that would be much easier to arrange unloading.

    • 

      rambutann on 05/12/2018 - 12:45

      Yeah you're not going to be able to buy the container. It costs quite a lot to ship 'shipper owned containers' as opposed to using the shipping lines containers.
      If the supplier is quoting you $750USD under CIF incoterms then thats a good deal - i'd double check this. I'm not saying its wrong, but its very cheap.

      At a guess you're going to pay about $800AUD in local port charges + $2000AUD in cartage to your premises (assuming a full 20' container…) + ~$200AUD in miscellaneous other BS charges.
      They will also likely deliver it to you as a 'live unload' which you will need to unload yourself within a specific timeframe.

      Plus you will have to pay duties.. which can be avoided if you ask the supplier to provide you with a CHAFTA certificate of origin (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement)… assuming this is made in China.

      In regards to finding a forwarder - I would strongly suggest avoiding any of the larger players - you want to find some little janky freight forwarder with about 10-20 employees. Larger forwarders will rip you off because you will be very difficult to deal with in comparison to regular shippers. Thats just my recommendation.

      I have worked in Freight Forwarding before so PM me if you have any specific questions - or if you want me to look over a quote I can tell you where you will have room to negotiate.