Looking for a freight forwarder

**J0schm03** · 06-17-2009 05:26 PM

Hi everyone,

I've found a few threads on here about freight forwarding, but no one seems to name any of the freight forwarders they've used in the past.

I've found a few different companies but I'm wondering if anyone on here has dealt with and has built up a relationship with any freight forwarders and could give me a suggestion of who to contact.

I'm trying to receive some quotes on the cost of receiving our first shipment of products from China.

Seeing as it's our first shipment I don't have the know how to deal with customs myself and dealing with duties etc.

If anyone has any suggestions on who to do business with please throw them at me! It's always good to hear from others who have already dealt with a company.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

**J0schm03** · 06-18-2009 08:05 PM

Noones had any experience with any freight forwarders on here?

**HiTechGadgets** · 06-18-2009 08:29 PM

Hi how are you doing? I do some import/export business with Asia. I can hook you up with a good forwarder that my supplier mainly uses. You don't have to worry about dealing with customs they would take care of it. Please pm if you interested.

Gluck!

**Will** · 06-18-2009 09:14 PM

The best way is to find a customs broker in your area that will handle the WHOLE process for you.

The thing is that sure you can get a freight forwarder in China to get the products on the ship etc and sent to you, but they really dont deal/know about your port's customs and duty fees, and you could easily get into a bad situation as you are new to importing.

I would suggest do a google search for customs brokers or importers in your area and tell them what you are looking to import and they can quote you all the costs that will be necessary to get to goods to you.

**J0schm03** · 06-18-2009 09:21 PM

Yeah I guess I was confused on the difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker. Some of the forwarders I've researched say they handle all the customs and duties as well. So I was under the assumption that a customs broker dealt strictly with the port and handling customs and duties, but had nothing to do with actually getting the goods from the port to our warehouse.

**Will** · 06-18-2009 11:02 PM

Well there are two sets of customs that need to be dealt with.

Be careful that the forwarders in China do not just mean customs their end (as there are documents to submit for Chinese customs before they leave the port there).

I would recommend talk to a broker in your area before you do anything, as they will know the routine to get the goods off the boat and what needs to be paid etc to do so, even things like getting it out of the dock and into your hands/warehouse.

Local brokers will specialise in the customs and port procedures in your country/location. It is impossible for the Chinese forwarders to know what will happen/be needed for every other port in the world as it does change, so they mainly will just deal with their end.

**J0schm03** · 06-19-2009 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Will

Well there are two sets of customs that need to be dealt with.

Be careful that the forwarders in China do not just mean customs their end (as there are documents to submit for Chinese customs before they leave the port there).

I would recommend talk to a broker in your area before you do anything, as they will know the routine to get the goods off the boat and what needs to be paid etc to do so, even things like getting it out of the dock and into your hands/warehouse.

Local brokers will specialise in the customs and port procedures in your country/location. It is impossible for the Chinese forwarders to know what will happen/be needed for every other port in the world as it does change, so they mainly will just deal with their end.

Thanks for the advice. I'll start contacting some brokers starting next week. It's hard to find a lot of good information on this stuff. I've read some books etc. But everyone just says you will need a freight forwarder, and basically leaves it at that lol.

Thanks again!

**Hovey** · 06-19-2009 01:46 PM

My company uses Globetrans, JF Hillebrand, and Mediterranean

**J0schm03** · 06-19-2009 05:08 PM

Thank you Hovey for the information, I've been checking out those three companies.

Also, i've heard multiple people mention using EMS for small shipments. What are some companies that people would suggest for this?

I've heard there are way cheaper options than DHL, UPS etc...

We're finalizing our choice of manufacturers for our samples, so I'm just trying to get as much information as possible before ordering any samples.

**Will** · 06-30-2009 08:28 AM

Yeah EMS is pretty much the cheapest express air freighter if the goods are coming from China (express meaning around the 3-7 day mark). They usually take 4-5 business days to get samples from China to me in Australia.

I have never had a problem with EMS and they deliver to PO Boxes, where as others do not.