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Importing into USA

by Danceparty
4 replies
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I have done small packages and air freight before but I think I am ready for heavier, bulkier movements. Just wanted to see if anyone has any tips on importing stuff from overseas into the states. What to look out for and what are the bottlenecks of sea freight?
#importing #usa
  • Profile picture of the author alksense
    Originally Posted by Danceparty View Post

    I have done small packages and air freight before but I think I am ready for heavier, bulkier movements. Just wanted to see if anyone has any tips on importing stuff from overseas into the states. What to look out for and what are the bottlenecks of sea freight?
    It's actually much easier then you might think. I've brought in about 20 40' containers to both NY and CA and never once had a problem. The key is to have a customs broker that will handle everything for you and take care of all the paperwork/logistics. You put them in contact with the manufacturer and they arrange everything for you.

    I can share my contact with you if you send me a PM and if you need any more generalized details just let me know.

    - Anton
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    • Profile picture of the author Danceparty
      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      It's actually much easier then you might think. I've brought in about 20 40' containers to both NY and CA and never once had a problem. The key is to have a customs broker that will handle everything for you and take care of all the paperwork/logistics. You put them in contact with the manufacturer and they arrange everything for you.

      I can share my contact with you if you send me a PM and if you need any more generalized details just let me know.

      - Anton
      That would be absolutely awesome. I would love to do some more research on that. What are the average brokers fees if you don't mind me asking?
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  • Profile picture of the author alksense
    I haven't imported directly for the past few years (I'm only working with drop ship suppliers now) so pricing may have changed but I would pay ~$2,500 to move a 40' from Shenzen, China to Long Beach, CA and ~$4,200 from Shenzen to NYC.

    Those costs would include trucking from supplier in China to the port, ocean freight, customs clearance and trucking from the ports in the US to my warehouses.

    If you're just get started you will probably only need 20' containers which are much less expensive to ship and truck.

    I will PM with the info on the company I used right now
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    • Profile picture of the author atfless
      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      I haven't imported directly for the past few years (I'm only working with drop ship suppliers now) so pricing may have changed but I would pay ~$2,500 to move a 40' from Shenzen, China to Long Beach, CA and ~$4,200 from Shenzen to NYC.

      Those costs would include trucking from supplier in China to the port, ocean freight, customs clearance and trucking from the ports in the US to my warehouses.

      If you're just get started you will probably only need 20' containers which are much less expensive to ship and truck.

      I will PM with the info on the company I used right now
      I agree! It would definitely be best to start with a 20' container depending on what you are shipping, and if you have access to large storage. If you're looking at starting smaller, there are also ways of combining shipments with other companies within a container. It will cost more per item, but will allow you to test the waters first.
      From my experience, the quotes that alksense have given are pretty accurate! Most of the cost will come from the actual freight charges, and the customs broker charges are somewhat minimal. You have to be in direct connection (in most cases) with the supplier, and give the appropriate paperwork to the customs broker, such as a proforma invoice, etc. They will basically handle the rest, and get it from port to your door. There are many options of customs brokers, and I have had good and bad experiences with many. Personally, my best experiences were with smaller, local customs brokers, because their rates were better and the communication was FAR better!

      Let me know if you have any other questions! I think alksense did a great job explaining it, and hopefully you have been communicating with him further. Good luck!
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