It has become more and more common for businesses to buy
wholesale products overseas and import them into the U.S. to resell for a
profit. Due to the cost of importing a full container, it is advisable to order
larger quantities of cargo and ship less frequently than it is to order less
than container loads of freight and import more frequently. This is where it
becomes more cost effective to import a full container load of freight.
Shipping containers vary in size giving importers a few to
choose from. They are:
· 20 FT Container
· 40 FT Container
· 40 FT High Cube Container
Importing
a full container makes transportation easier because the freight does not leave
the container and it stays together during transit. Since it is being shipped
in a metal container, if it is packed correctly, your freight will be less
likely to be damaged.
All
containers will need to obtain a customs clearance before the imported freight
can be released for delivery in the United States. A customs clearance at any
port in the United States can be obtained by hiring a customs
broker.
Importers will be required to submit documentation about their freight before
it is released from customs. This documentation includes:
- Power of Attorney
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
A
customs broker will make sure that all imported freight meets government
regulations and will take care of filing the entry into customs for a
clearance. If pre-arranged trucking has not been made for the delivery of your
container to its final destination, ask your customs broker for a trucking
rate. Once a customs clearance has been issued, it can be immediately delivered
from the port to its final destination into the U.S.
Importing perishables or foodstuffs? A FDA release will be required in order for
perishable or other foodstuffs freight
to be allowed into the U.S. Unique criteria will need to be met depending on
the type of commodity that is being imported. An inspection may be required
prior to obtaining an FDA release which is why it is always wise to use an
experienced customs broker.
Refrigerated containers can be arranged to
maintain required temperatures during transit. An experienced customs broker
will ensure the timely clearance and delivery of perishable cargo. The broker
that you end up working with will be able to obtain FDA customs clearances at
any port within the U.S. if they are a remote location filer.
For
customs clearances in Chicago and FDA clearances visit
www.ChicagoCustomsBroker.com
