Ocean shipping to the US is the most commonly used mode of transportation for importers and exporters. In fact, a full 90% of all goods are transported by sea. Other international shipping methods (express, air, express) are faster, but also more expensive.
When ocean shipping to the US, most people think about how to control the cost, so that the transportation cost can be minimized. With the development of the logistics industry, the traditional port-to-port transportation mode can no longer meet the needs of customers.
Customers are more inclined to choose the door-to-door shipping, because this operation is more worry-free, time-saving, and labor-saving, and customers do not need to go to the customs to submit applications, declare customs, etc. in person.
FCL or LCL ocean shipping to the US
One of the most important aspects of ocean freight from to the US involves deciding between FCL or LCL.
As the name suggests, FCL means you own the entire container and occupy its entire space. Depending on volume, you can choose from 20-foot or 40-foot FCL, carrying 10 or 21 standard US pallets, respectively. Standard US tray measures 47.24 inches long by 39.37 inches wide.
If you are going to take up more than half of the container space, FCL ocean shipping to the US is ideal as it allows you to make better use of your shipping costs. In addition, it prevents the risk of damage and contamination.
LCL, on the other hand, means you have to share container space with other shippers. This is the better option if your cargo is more durable and less sensitive to damage and contamination. It can help you save on shipping costs as you will share the container cost with other parties.
Three common modes of ocean shipping to the US
1. CIF: arrival gate, commonly known as arrival port. (Generally only large companies will choose CIF)
2.DDU: door to door, tax not included. (The consignee should pay taxes and fees at the destination customs according to the value of the goods)
3.DDP: That is, door-to-door tax. (This kind of thing is generally used for personal use. After all, it is a convenient and worry-free way to just wait for the delivery after shopping.)
The basic process of ocean shipping to the US (the following takes the DDP model as an example)
1. Delivery to the designated logistics warehouse.
2. Provide your list and the value of the goods.
3. Customs declaration
4. Sail and arrive at port.
5. After arriving at the port, wait for customs clearance.
6. Wait for the customs to release, and the customs will review the data. As long as the data declaration is clear and there is no problem after passing the X-ray machine (sometimes this happens, sometimes it doesn’t), the release will be fast.
pay taxes
Import GST = (value of goods + sea freight (20 US dollars / cubic meter) + insurance + customs duty) x 10%
Tariff = tax rate (5%-10%, 5% for ordinary goods) x value of goods
The import tax on goods is expected to be 1-5%, which can be inquired in detail, and the specific customs documents shall prevail;
Sometimes due to quarantine or customs inspection costs, it will be reimbursed according to the local customs.
7. After these are done, the customs will release the shipment.
