Importing for Distributors – B2B Wholesale

It is common for distribution companies to import products into the United States. Even with the cost of shipping internationally, buying in bulk and importing is still the most cost effective way to make a profit per item sold. Businesses that import containers every month should form a relationship with a licensed customs broker. A customs broker will help obtain a customs clearance at the port of entry, sometimes even before the freight has arrived. 

Importing containers of products into the United States to resell can range from small items such as sunglasses to large machinery such as a bulldozer. Cargo is packed into a container and loaded onto a boat. Once the freight arrives into the U.S. a customs clearance will need to be obtained in order for your freight to be released from customs. Using a customs broker that is also a freight forwarder can be easier because then one company is managing the shipment door to door. The most cost effective way to import products is to ship via sea freight. It may take anywhere one to four months to receive the freight, but it costs less than shipping it via air. It has become more common for retailers to import directly from overseas manufacturers skipping the middleman distribution company. International trade websites such as abibaba.com and aliexpress.com are connecting wholesalers to overseas manufacturers allowing new connections that were previously not possible.

Distribution companies that are thriving on the low cost of importing products from China and India form a relationship with a licensed customs broker that is able to obtain customs clearances at any port in the U.S. A customs clearance will be required for LTL and full containers coming into the United States. Regulations vary upon commodity, so consulting with a customs broker before scheduling your import shipment is a financially wise decision. 

Freight that has special shipping requirements can be imported with care. Perishable goods such as meat, poultry, dairy and vegetables may need refrigeration door to door along with an FDA clearance before it can be delivered. This can all be arranged ahead of time. Using an experienced freight forwarder will help cargo meet the specific shipping needs.

Importing and exporting heavy machinery to and from the U.S. is becoming more common. Overseas construction contracts often require machines such as helicopters, bulldozers, excavators, trucks, drilling rigs and cars to be imported to a job site. Each shipment will need to be managed by a customs broker that has experience shipping large equipment. Companies that specialize in importing and exporting heavy machinery will often provide the best sea freight rates because they deal with large volumes of equipment. 

For the best rates on importing and exporting freight visit www.serviceshipping.com

PMA & ILWU Begin Talks on New West Coast Waterfront Labor Pact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Wade Gates, PMA, (415) 591-4080, pmanews@bm.com

Craig Merrilees, ILWU, (415) 775-0533, ext. 113 (o), (510) 774-5325 (c) 

PMA & ILWU Begin Talks on New West Coast Waterfront Labor Pact 

SAN FRANCISCO (May 12, 2014) -- Negotiations for a new labor contract covering nearly 20,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports began this afternoon in San Francisco. 

The current contract expires at midnight on June 30, 2014. 

The contract is between employers who operate port terminals and shipping lines represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and dockworkers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). The parties have negotiated a West Coast collective bargaining agreement since the 1930s.

“Dockworkers are looking forward to negotiating a fair agreement that protects the good jobs and benefits that support thousands of families and dozens of communities around west coast ports,” said ILWU International President Bob McEllrath. 

PMA President Jim McKenna said: “West Coast ports have lost significant market share in recent years, and face renewed competition from Canada, Mexico, the Panama Canal and other domestic ports for cargo that has powered job and economic growth in local port communities and beyond. With these stakes in mind, PMA and its members are focused on delivering a contract that ensures the West Coast’s standing as the gateway of choice for goods sent to and from Asia.’’ 

Talks are scheduled to continue on a daily basis in San Francisco until an agreement is reached. The site of negotiations will alternate on a weekly basis, between the ILWU and PMA offices, both of which are headquartered in San Francisco. Both sides say they expect cargo to keep moving until an agreement is reached.

How to import 20’ and 40’ foot containers into the United States

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

 

Requirements for Export Shipments to Mexico

The following documents must be provided BEFORE The pickup of any cargo: 

•  Commercial Invoice - Must Include all items shipped, and having individual value indicated, INCLUDING No Charge Items. If No charge, the value must be declared, and then stated that it is furnished at no charge. It Must Indicate the INCOTERMS Of sale, and the consignee name, address, contact and phone and email. The Customs Broker must be shown as the Notify Party, with their full details included. Each Item MUST have the Harmonized Classification indicated on each line item. Country of origin of each piece must be indicated. Any Freight, packing or transportation charges paid by the shipper must be included on this document. It must include a License declaration, and a Diversion Clause, signed by the preparer of the invoice.

• Packing List – Must include individual weights and dimensions, showing each piece from the commercial invoice, and the piece number that it is loaded into.

• NAFTA Certificate of Origin - Items that were made within the NAFTA Territories must be shown on this document, completely executed with all fields completed, and signed by the preparer. Items not made in NAFTA Countries are not to be shown on this document. Tax Identification numbers for all parties must be included. Preference Criterion must indicate the method of knowledge as per the instructions for the preparation of the form.

All Goods must be marked with the shipper’s name, consignees name, and individual items MUST be marked with the country of origin.

A copy of the Truck Bill Of Lading must be provided in advance, to allow it to be sent with the documents to the Border Broker prior to shipment. 

If Insurance is to be required, a request in writing must accompany the documents.

If any hazardous materials are included in the shipment, they must be packed, and documented in accordance with CFR49. MSDS Sheets will then also be required.

To arrange the export shipments of freight to Mexico from the United States please visit www.ServiceShipping.com. When importing and exporting freight to and from the U.S. it is advisable to consult a customs broker to ensure legal compliance and fast delivery. Legal requirements will vary from shipment to shipment.  

Low Cost Shipping on Conatiners From India to the US

Need to ship a container from India to the US? Service Shipping Inc. is one of the largest freight forwarders handling thousands of containers imported from India into the US each year. Due to the large volume of containers Service Shipping handles, they are able to offer below market shipping rates that no other company can beat.

Whether it’s a 20 or 40 foot container, Service Shipping has an Indian Break Bulk Division that handles all containers coming from India being shipped to the United States. Delivery door to door at any port within the US can also include a customs clearance and trucking arrangements. Working with one company throughout the entire import process makes it easier and more cost effective for the importer.

Companies that import containers each month from India will benefit from below market shipping rates that Service Shipping has to offer. Additional customs brokerage services can be provided at the request of the importer that include:

• Customs Clearances – All Ports Within the U.S.
• Door to Door Delivery
• Port to Door Delivery
• Port to Port Delivery
• 20ft Containers
• 40ft Containers

Our Indian Break Bulk Division specializes in the shipment of all types of goods shipped internationally from India to the U.S making sure freight meets government standards for a fast and easy delivery. Streamline the process of importing freight by using an experienced Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder that specializes in international cargo involving India.

To help increase economic growth, the Indian government has invested money in growing its transportation infrastructure. This has helped reduce transportation costs of cargo being exported from India which leads to larger profit margins for distributors and retailers worldwide who are receiving the goods. The goal of this project is to make transportation easier, more cost effective and faster by opening up new roads and railways. The long term investment made by the Indian government will increase shipping productivity and the amount of exports coming from India.

Considering India’s rail system is the fourth most used rail system in the world transporting 350 million tons of freight per year, it is continuing to grow and become more efficient. The Konkan Railway Corporation built the roll on roll off service that commingles roads and railways to work together between Verna in Goa and Kolad in Maharashtra

For below market sea freight rates on containers coming and going to India please visit http://www.serviceshipping.com/indiatous.html