What are the typical export agent fees? Please help me answer!

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Our company plans to find an export agent to help handle export-related matters. I haven't dealt with this before and would like to know what items are typically included in export agent fees. I'm afraid of being ripped off, so I hope everyone can explain in detail, what are the general situations for various fees, and what is the basis for charging? This way, I can have a better understanding and be more confident when choosing an agent.
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Export agent fees generally include the following categories. First is the basic agency fee, which is charged by the export agent company for providing agency services. It is usually charged as a certain percentage of the export cargo amount, ranging from 0.5% to 5%. The specific percentage depends on factors such as cargo value and trade complexity.

Secondly, there are customs declaration fees, used to handle customs declaration procedures for exported goods. These are generally between 200 - 500 RMB per shipment, and may vary in different ports.

There are also transportation fees. If the agent company is responsible for transportation, there will be costs for land, sea, or air freight. The charges are calculated based on the mode of transport, distance, weight, and volume of the goods.

In addition, there may be document fees, used for the preparation and processing of various documents required for export, such as bills of lading, invoices, etc., approximately 200 - 500 RMB per shipment. If a certificate of origin is involved, there will also be a corresponding fee, generally 100 - 300 RMB per certificate.

In addition to the above, there may also be booking fees, which are fees for reserving space with shipping companies. Fees differ for less than a container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). FCL is generally a few hundred RMB, while LCL is calculated by cubic meter or weight.

Sometimes there are port surcharges, such as port construction fees, miscellaneous port charges, etc. These fees are based on port regulations and cargo conditions, and may cost several hundred RMB.

Inspection fees should not be overlooked. If the goods are inspected by customs, inspection fees will be incurred. The specific amount depends on the actual inspection situation, which can range from several hundred to over a thousand RMB.

Some export agents also charge operational fees, which cover costs such as daily operational management. The charging standards are not uniform, and may cost several hundred RMB.

Warehousing fees may also be involved. If the goods are temporarily stored in a warehouse, fees will be charged based on the storage time, volume, etc. of the goods.

Insurance fees also need to be considered. If the agent assists in purchasing export cargo transportation insurance, the fees are calculated based on the cargo value and insurance terms.

If there are special services, such as applying for preferential certificates of origin, there will be additional fees. The specific amount depends on the service content.

Telex release fees may also occur. If a telex release of the bill of lading is chosen, the fee is generally around 200 - 300 RMB.

Trucking fees are also common and are used for short-distance transportation of goods locally. The fees are determined by the transportation distance and truck type.

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