The Wholesale Forums

[donsrno1]

I'm currently speaking to a manufacturer in the zhejiang province of china about buying some items. However, I would be purchasing quite a large quantity so would probably be sending by container shipping. This is something I know very little about so if anyone could answer some of my questions it would be much appreciated.

The supplier provided me with a rough shipping cost of 1225USD for a 20ft container. I assume this would cover the costs of getting the container to the appropriate UK port but what costs would I face there after?

I know I would have to pay VAT and import duties, but would there be any other fees to pay and what sort of costs would be involved in getting the good taken to my business storage address? I know there are many variable to consider but any rough examples would be greatly appreciated.

The other option I have is to send a smaller amount though I would not have my own container which I am aware can potentially be a problem. If I were to do this again what costs would I be likely to incur at this end? e.g. If I were to order a quantity where I could collect the items myself within days of their landing could I go along, unload the container at the port and not face any fees other than my VAT and import duties?

Finally, are 40ft and 20ft containers the only real options? Or can you use 8ft or 10ft containers? as they would allow me to order my ideal amount, but I am not sure if they are commonly used if at all. Also, what sort of prices (rough estimate) would I be looking at in terms of shipping costs to get them to my door from china if I had for example a 20ft container?

As I have said I know there are many variable to consider but any rough examples of the price you have paid would be a big help. I will contact my supplier about some of these questions but feel I should try and learn more about the whole process before I do that.

Thanks in advance.

[donsrno1]

Also, I forgot to ask but what are the most commonly used UK ports for these sort of shipments? I am based in Edinburgh so if anyone could make suggestions as to my nearest likely option that would be great.

Thanks.

[donsrno1]

Anyone able to help?

If someone could give me some pointers on the rough step by step process once my goods landed in the UK that would be a great help. Ideally what I am looking at is shipping a part container (about 13 cubic metres) and I would want to go and collect the goods myself from the dock, however at the moment I am not sure of all the fees involved other than VAT and duty and what documentation/procedures I must go through. I am trying to research the matter but it is always usefull to hear from someone who has been through the procedure.

Thanks.

[greedyboy]

You are best speaking to a UK freight forwarder who will be able to advise you best. Prices are fluctulating due to oil prices driving everyone crazy.

[donsrno1]

Originally Posted by greedyboy

You are best speaking to a UK freight forwarder who will be able to advise you best. Prices are fluctulating due to oil prices driving everyone crazy.

OK, thanks greedyboy. With regards your suggestion would that be to get a UK company to collect and deliver the goods? Or to get a UK company to arrange the shipping from the chinese side and oversee clearance of customs etc at the UK side?

[Pete]

They will do as little or as much as you wish. Up to arranging drayage to your warehouse. Or not.

Best to talk to one or more and see what they have to say as far as optional services and prices. Naturally, they will take a bite of anything they do, but at the same time they may be able to do some consolidation, or have a volume discount that will benefit you over doing it yourself.
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[Andy777]

Yep, agents are a way to go! It may cost you a little bit more but you'll save yourself some headaches. Especially, if this is your first time.

[hardwareheroes]

Originally Posted by donsrno1

OK, thanks greedyboy. With regards your suggestion would that be to get a UK company to collect and deliver the goods? Or to get a UK company to arrange the shipping from the chinese side and oversee clearance of customs etc at the UK side?

A UK based freight forwarder will be able to pick it up from the factory in China and deliver it to your door in the Uk if you pay them enough.

I don't know what ports are commonly used but I know a few of the scottish freight forwarders prefer to use grangemouth for obvious reasons.

I am sure they quoted me in the region of £1200 to bring a container over from China but don't quote me on that as my memory is a little hazy for some reason

[greedyboy]

The cheapest way is get your supplier to send the order CIF (your local port) and then pay a forwarder to handle the rest from there to your door.

[donsrno1]

OK, thanks for all the help everyone . I'll get in touch with some freight forwarders tomorrow and see what sort of prices I'm looking at.