What Fees Do You Need to Pay for International Shipping of a Full Container to the Us?

May 21,2024
Industry News
In the process of international logistics and transportation, what are the costs involved in shipping a full container by sea? What effects can these full container fees bring

When considering the full cost of shipping an entire container internationally, it's crucial to understand the individual components that make up the total cost. As a specialist international logistics and transportation services provider, we understand the importance of transparency and clarity on the costs involved in shipping an entire container internationally.

international shipping of a full container

What costs are included in international shipping of a full container?

Ocean freight space fee

Ocean freight space charges are fees paid to use container space on a ship. It is the main cost of transporting the entire container from the origin port to the destination port. It is usually calculated based on the volume and weight of the goods, the route and shipping date of the transportation, the size of the container (20 feet or 40 feet) and the specific trade route.

Customs fees

Customs fees are fees charged by customs authorities in the origin and destination countries to process and clear your shipment. They may include duties, taxes, and other regulatory charges based on the type and value of the goods being shipped. It is a fee levied by the country's customs authorities for processing the import of goods.

Terminal Handling Charge (THC)

Collected by port terminals for handling containers. Covers the costs associated with handling containers at the origin and destination port terminals, including loading/unloading, storage and administrative costs.

Port charges

This is the Port Authority's various fees charged by each port for the use of its facilities, such as dock fees, berthing fees and security fees. These fees may vary depending on the specific port involved.

insurance

This fee covers your goods while in transit to protect against potential loss or damage. This includes cargo transportation insurance, ship insurance, etc. Although not compulsory, it is highly recommended that you insure your shipment to protect against potential damage or loss during transit. Insurance premiums are usually calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the goods.

Data charges

These are administrative fees charged by shipping lines or freight forwarders for the processing and transmission of electronic data related to your shipment, such as bills of lading and customs documents. A fee refers to the cost of electronic data interchange (EDI) and other data processing services required to transport documents.

Door-to-door fee

Door-to-door costs refer to all costs incurred in transporting goods from the place of departure to the place of receipt (including inland transportation, customs clearance, door-to-door delivery, etc.). If you require door-to-door service, there will be additional charges for inland transportation of your container from the origin address to the departure port and from the destination port to the final delivery address.

other fee

Depending on the specifics of your shipment, additional charges may apply for services such as container cleaning, fumigation, or special handling requirements.

By providing a transparent breakdown of these costs up front, ChinaDivision aims to ensure our customers have a clear understanding of the fees involved in their international shipping process. This open pricing approach reflects our commitment to providing reliable and trustworthy logistics services.

What effects can international shipping FCL charges bring?

The role of shipping space fees

Make sure your container has a reserved spot on the cargo ship, covering the basic movement from one country to another.

chinadivision provides a variety of cabin options, including ordinary cabin and express cabin, to meet the needs of different customers. At the same time, we will provide reasonable accommodation fee quotations based on market conditions and customer needs.

The role of customs declaration fees

Covers customs clearance costs, including document processing, inspections and duties (if applicable). Ensuring that all shipments comply with local regulations is critical to legal entry into the destination country.

chinadivision can complete the customs declaration procedures for goods efficiently and accurately. Detailed customs declaration fee details will be provided based on the specific conditions of the goods to ensure that customers understand the purpose of each fee.

The role of terminal handling fees

Covers services provided by port terminals, including the use of cranes and other equipment required for container handling.

The role of port fees

Ensure the smooth operation of port services and infrastructure and facilitate the safe loading, unloading and temporary storage of containers.

chinadivision is familiar with the charging standards and management regulations of each port and can provide customers with accurate port fee budgets.

The role of insurance premiums

Offering peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring you are compensated should any unforeseen events occur during shipping.

The role of data charges

Facilitate efficient and accurate processing of shipping documents and customs declarations, minimizing delays and errors.

The role of door-to-door fees

Providing convenience and ensuring your goods are delivered directly to your designated location, providing a seamless shipping experience.

chinadivision provides one-stop door-to-door service, including inland transportation, customs clearance, door-to-door delivery, etc. Provide reasonable door-to-door cost quotations based on the specific conditions of the goods and customer needs, and ensure that the costs are transparent and open. Track the transportation status of the goods throughout the entire process to ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination safely and on time.

The role of other expenses

Consider any unforeseen or supplementary services that may be required, ensuring there are no hidden costs and maintaining full transparency.

What is the difference between ftl and fcl?

FTL (Full Truck Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) are both shipping terms that refer to bulk cargo shipments, but they are used in different environments and modes of transportation.

FTL refers to cargo that requires a full truck trailer to be transported overland. The entire trailer is dedicated to a single transport from origin to destination. FTL can efficiently transport large quantities of cargo directly from origin to destination without the need for intermediate stops. FTL is typically used for large cargo that cannot be easily split into smaller loads.

FCL Full Container Load refers to goods that occupy the entire space of the container for sea transport or multimodal transport (a combination of sea transport and land transport). Like FTL, the entire container is dedicated to a single shipment from the origin port to the destination port without any stops for loading and unloading of other cargo. FCL is efficient for large shipments that can fill a container, providing security and reducing the risk of damage or loss.

The main difference between ftl and fcl

Transportation mode: FTL is used for road transportation, FCL is used for sea transportation or multimodal transportation.

Containers vs. Trailers: FTL uses truck trailers, while FCL uses containers designed for ocean-going vessels.

Cargo size: FTL is suitable for larger cargo that can fill the entire truck trailer, while FCL is suitable for larger cargo that can fill the entire container, suitable for high-volume or high-value cargo transportation.

Both FTL and FCL offer dedicated shipping that eliminates the need to consolidate shipments from multiple shippers, providing greater control, security, and faster transit times than their counterparts (less-than-truckload and LCL, respectively). However, they cost more due to the exclusive use of the entire transport unit.

Why choose chinadivision?

At ChinaDivision, we pride ourselves on transparency and providing our clients with a complete understanding of these costs. This allows you to plan efficiently and trust our publicly priced service. We handle all aspects of international logistics with a professional and dedicated attitude, making your transportation experience smooth and worry-free. Choose ChinaDivision as a reliable and transparent international shipping partner.

About the Author: Limi

About the Author: Limi

Limi is a content marketing expert at ChinaDivision, helping businesses and e-commerce sellers navigate the complexities of international shipping by providing actionable tips and comprehensive guides on logistics, shipping, and cargo transportation.