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How exactly are freight forwarding fees for sea import calculated? Does anyone know?
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Our company is planning to import a batch of goods from abroad by sea. We haven't dealt with sea import forwarding before and would like to ask how the freight forwarding fees for sea import are calculated. Is it a proportion of the cargo value, or based on the weight or volume of the goods, or are there other calculation methods? We hope friends who understand can explain in detail, so we can have a clear understanding and avoid being overcharged.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
The calculation method for sea import freight forwarding fees is not fixed and is usually composed of multiple parts. First is the basic agency fee, which is generally considered based on the complexity of the business and the cargo value. For example, ordinary goods may be charged at 1%-3% of the cargo value, and the proportion may be adjusted for complex or high-value goods.
Secondly, there are customs declaration fees, which are generally around a few hundred yuan. Fees vary by port and customs brokerage.
There are also documentation fees for handling various import documents, usually ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan per document.
If transportation and storage are involved, there will be additional corresponding fees. Transportation fees are calculated based on the transportation distance, cargo weight, and volume, while storage fees are calculated based on the storage time and space occupied by the goods.
In addition, there may be some miscellaneous fees, such as release order fees. Specific charges depend on the actual situation. It is recommended to consult with professional agencies like Zhongmaoda, and let them provide a detailed quote based on your cargo situation.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
Some agencies charge forwarding fees per shipment. A single shipment might cost a few hundred yuan, regardless of the quantity of goods, as long as it is the same shipment. However, this method may not be suitable for situations with high cargo value or large quantities.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
I heard some charge forwarding fees based on cargo weight, for example, a certain amount per ton. However, for some light and bulky goods, charging by weight might not be very cost-effective. It might be more suitable to charge by volume, such as a certain fee per cubic meter.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
In addition to the above, some agencies also add fees for special services. If the goods require special inspection and quarantine or have special packaging requirements, additional charges will apply.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
The freight forwarding fees also differ depending on the port. Some major ports have high business volumes and fierce competition, so the agency fees might be relatively lower; while smaller ports have less business, and the fees might be higher.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
Market conditions also greatly affect agency fees. If there are many import businesses recently and agencies are too busy to handle them, prices may increase; if business is slow, they might lower prices to attract clients.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
The nature of the goods is also relevant. For example, the sea import forwarding fees for dangerous goods are definitely higher than for ordinary goods because the operations are more complex and the risks involved are greater.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
If you cooperate with an agency company for a long time, you might be able to get preferential prices. After all, long-term clients are important to them, and they may offer some discounts.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
Sometimes, if the goods need to be transshipped, this may also incur additional agency fees, as it involves more procedures and coordination work.