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Freight from the USA
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U.S. Sea freight Price Calculator
Shipping Boxes, Crates and Pallets (LCL)
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The website is a platform that provides inexpensive shipping solutions for both commercial commodities and household goods.
The platform supports U.S. International LCL Sea freight, which allows users to ship boxes, crates, and pallets from the USA to overseas destinations. The website also provides a real-time online sea freight calculator that enables users to calculate international shipping costs for commercial and household goods.
3. How does it work? A step-by-step guide.
4. Why should I pay the 75% deposit?
5. How can I find a cargo delivery address?
6. What is the Express Release Bill of Lading (BOL, B/L)?
8. What is a Cubic Meter and w/m?
9. Should I palletize my boxes?
10. Can I get marine insurance?
11. Do you guarantee transit time?
12. Are there any hidden costs in your quote?
12A. What are DESTINATION CHARGES?
12B. What is SED?
12C. How to ship a partial cargo?
12D. US CBP inspection
14. How can I cancel my shipment?
15. What if I do not pay your invoice?
16. What documents should I submit?
17. I am not in the USA. Can I ship remotely?
18. PayPal payments are limited to up to $750
19. There is no transaction limit
20. Why are your shipping costs so low?
LCL, or "Less than Container Load," is a shipping method for international cargo that doesn't fill an entire 20- or 40-foot sea container. It is ideal for boxes, crates, and pallets. If you're a first-time shipper moving household goods or personal belongings from the United States, we recommend reading the complete guide. For more details, please visit the dedicated LCL page on the website.
You CANNOT use LCL for the following commodities:
To ship LCL, all goods must be boxed or crated. The boxed items should be palletized by the shipper or at CFS (Container Freight Station - a Sea carrier receiving terminal). Unboxed or uncrated goods cannot be shipped LCL.
No motorized vehicle requiring DMV registration (cars, motorcycles, mopeds, jet skis, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.). That is due to US Customs regulations that will not recognize any LCL warehouse (CFS) as an inspection site.
Items that cannot fit into a 40-foot container will be considered oversized and cannot be shipped LCL.
Dangerous goods or goods of excessive length (longer than 3.65m / 12ft) and other special or irregular commodities are subject to surcharges. They can be accepted for international transportation from the USA only after approval and are subject to surcharges on top of regular LCL freight rates.
No foodstuffs, wine, and drugs: No foodstuffs, including wine and drugs (any edible item), edible animal byproducts, supplements, etc., are subject to detailed regulations. Violations of these regulations may result in detention, confiscation, destruction, fines, or even criminal indictments. Proper documentation, permits, and incurred fees are the shippers' responsibilities.
No perishable goods.
No live animals.
You may find more information about restricted commodities at this link.
LCL means international transportation of goods packed in boxes, crates, and pallets. Adequately packaged goods can be self-delivered by shippers to terminals OR picked up.
Using our online calculator and considering the costs to ship a load from the U.S. abroad, you can either deliver the load to the nearest terminal or request that we pick it up "at your door."
If you deliver cargo to the nearest terminal, consider the critical distinction between United States terminal types marked WITH or WITHOUT an asterisk (*) in our online calculator.
Facilities in the United States differ by classification - some are direct international ocean carrier terminals (called CFS), while others are domestic LTL warehouses. These differences affect pricing and logistics when shipping goods from the U.S. to overseas destinations.
Terminals HIGHLIGHTED in green and listed WITHOUT asterisks (PHILADELPHIA, PA, for example) are direct international ocean carriers' facilities that are professionally called Container Freight Stations or CFS.
Freight rates for loads self-delivered directly to CFSs are based on their overall chargeable volume per cubic meter or cubic foot. The weight of load delivered directly at CFSs is not a pricing factor unless its density does not exceed the limit, typically equal to 2206 lbs (or 1000 kilograms) per cubic meter. Regular commodities most likely will not exceed the limit. You estimate weight for Customs and statistical purposes only.
Self-delivery directly to a CFS is the cheapest way to ship goods in boxes, crates, or pallets from the United States overseas. There are no additional expenses for taking your load on board the vessel.
Please remember that if you cannot self-deliver your items to a terminal, you can arrange for a local moving company to do so. You do not have to deliver in person; anyone you trust can do it for you.
USING A THIRD-PARTY ON DELIVERIES TO CFS: Due to changes in FedEx and T-Force detention and re-delivery policies for LTL companies, effective Monday, October 3rd, 2022, CFSs will no longer be allowing deliveries or pickups from these two companies. This change has not impacted other FedEx divisions, such as FedEx Ground. Please consider an alternative to deliver the load to a CFS. IF NOT POSITIVE, CONTACT CFS BEFORE ARRANGING A THIRD-PARTY DELIVERY.
Terminals WITH asterisks (*) and in lowercase that are not highlighted (Allentown, PA*, for example) are local warehouses of domestic LTL companies. We call such terminals Line Haul terminals or LH. Loads delivered to these terminals to be line-hauled to a CFS for further exporting from the U.S. incur additional line-haul costs on top of standard sea freight rates, unlike those delivered to CFSs.
Please note that, unlike direct deliveries to a CFS, where your "ticket" for delivery is a Dock Receipt received in our email with instructions, the "key document" at an LH terminal is a domestic LTL BOL attached to our instructions.
For delivery to an LH warehouse, the same as at CFS, you may ask someone to bring your items on your behalf.
After all, we should be able to arrange a PICKUP of your load at your location.
We will determine pickup costs using the ZIP (postal) code you entered into our online freight calculator.
Please remember that pickup costs depend on the kind of goods and the type of pickup location, whether you are transporting commercial commodities or moving overseas household goods or personal belongings. Selecting the wrong kinds of goods or pickup locations may result in a price change.
Are you having difficulties finding a ZIP (postal) code? Use the ZIP Code Lookup.
To remind you, domestic Line Haul and Pickup expenses are based on the dimensional weight and freight class.
THE SEVEN STEPS THAT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF
STEP 1 – Book your LCL shipment on our website
The first and absolutely necessary step to initiate an international shipment is to book it via a freight quote received on our website. Please note that we do not offer price information over the phone or calculate quotes for customers to avoid confusion. Use our online calculator to get an instant quote. Select your destination country and follow a few simple steps to obtain it.
Watch the 3-minute video on YouTube to see how to calculate international shipping costs with our online calculator, or access the guidelines in the PDF file. Ensure that you understand what is included in quotes.
Estimating the number of units, dimensions, and weight: When quoting and booking international deliveries from the US with our calculator, it may be difficult to provide the exact sizes, weights, and quantity of units you will ship internationally. Do not get stuck on that. That is OK. Just roughly estimate it.
The actual volume, weight, and number of units are most likely to be different from the volume, weight, and number of units that you submitted at the time of quoting and booking. Once the load is delivered to the ocean carrier terminal (CFS), CFS will calculate and confirm the overall volume, weight, and the number of delivered items. We will provide you with a proof document from the CFS. See step #4.
STEP 2 – Please pay a deposit
Upon submitting your online booking request, you will receive an email with a unique Customer Reference number for your shipment. The format of the Customer Reference number will look like US200105CL.
Besides the information you submitted at the time of booking, the email will contain a web link that provides you with options to pay a deposit. This deposit equals 75% of the estimated international shipping cost based on the information you submitted during quoting and booking. Consider this email our invoice for your deposit. To initiate your shipment with us, please pay the deposit.
The deposit will be credited toward our final invoice, reflecting the international transportation cost based on the actual weight/measurement, verified at delivery time.
Please review the Payment Options and our Return Policy.
STEP 3 – Receive our instructions in the email. Submit your documents online. Deliver cargo to the terminal, OR meet a pickup driver (if a pickup is requested)
After making a deposit, the payer will receive an email from us confirming the payment. Please consider the email as the payment receipt.
After that, the shipper should receive our email with instructions, typically within 24 business hours. The instructions vary depending on the service requested.
Follow the instructions. Deliver your goods adequately packed in boxes, crates, or on pallets to the assigned terminal, OR meet a pickup driver (if a pickup is requested).
IMPORTANT: You must complete and submit all necessary documents to have your goods released for export from the United States before your cargo is delivered to a terminal or is tendered for pickup.
STEP 4 – Wait for your cargo departure from the US. We will keep you updated.
Once cargo is delivered to the sea carrier terminal (CFS), we will send you a copy of the weight/measurement (w/m) verification. If you see any discrepancy in the document, you can dispute it directly with the CFS.
If necessary, the CFS will palletize all smaller items. We will provide you with proof of the palletizing.
As long as all documents are in order, we confirm the release of your goods for export from the United States and email you a web link to your Shipper Letter of Instructions (SLI). If any revisions to the SLI are necessary, you will inform us, and we will revise it accordingly.
Then you should wait for our final invoice, less the deposit already paid.
The invoice will be issued on/a few days after the ETD (Estimated Time of Departure). It will be generated based on your rated BOL. Sometimes, we may generate the invoice earlier based on a proof of your B/L.
If there are any delays with the departure, we will update you via email.
If an insurance certificate was requested at the time of booking, the invoice will contain an attached PDF file with an insurance certificate in the consignee's name.
STEP 5 – Receive your express release sea freight Bill of Lading
Once your load is confirmed on board the vessel, typically around ETD, the sea carrier generates a B/L. It includes a breakdown of associated freight costs. Then, we invoice you based on the freight cost.
The freight cost will be based on the verified weight/measurement (w/m), not the w/m you provided when you quoted and booked your shipment. In other words, the cost will be based on the actual w/m you shipped rather than what you estimated to be shipped. I.e., as accurately as you entered w/m of your items at the time of quoting, the more our invoice will correspond with the quote.
The carrier charges breakdown may also reflect unaccounted costs not included in the quote (if any), such as charges related to palletizing, fumigation, dimensional weight verification, etc.
In other words, you pay for what you ship, not what you estimated to ship. If you have overestimated your W/M, you pay less. If you have underestimated your W/M, you pay more. That is why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%.
Please note that if you have fully or partially paid via PayPal, upon your final payment, we will need your reply to our email regarding your payments.
We will email you your Express Release BOL upon payment toward our invoice (and to your PayPal payments confirmation email, if necessary). Consider the B/L as a title for your international shipping from the USA.
Check all the information in the B/L. Ensure that all the information is correct. Re-ensure that the contact information of your consignee and the notify party (if different) is accurate.
If you see any errors or need amendments, contact us ASAP. Incorrect information in your B/L may result in severe problems and additional expenses when you recover your import.
Provide the B/L to your consignee. Your consignee will need it to recover your imported goods at the destination.
STEP 6 – Meet your goods at the destination. Arrival Notice.
After your cargo departs from the United States, you should be able to track it on the ocean carrier's website.
Several days before ETA the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of your goods, the ocean carrier destination agent should contact the consignee/notify party regarding your cargo delivery from the U.S. with an Arrival Notice.
IMPORTANT!: If you do not receive an Arrival Notice on ETA, we strongly suggest you contact the agent and ask them about the arrival status. The agent contact information is on your B/L, in the block "For Delivery / Pickup Please Apply to." Email them a copy of your express release B/L, reconfirm your consignee contact details, and ask for further instructions.
It is advisable not to contact the agent too early. Typically, the agent will receive information about the arrival just a few days before it arrives. Therefore, if you contact the agent well in advance, email or fax them a copy of your B/L, confirm your consignee contact information, and wait for an Arrival Notice.
STEP 7 – Import recovery at the destination. Destination (local) charges.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, any import worldwide is subject to destination charges (also called local charges). Destination charges occur at destinations and are not considered freight charges.
The charges are NOT included in the freight quotes generated by our online calculator. The consignee pays the charges at the destination. Typically, these charges relate to 1 - Destination country government and customs-associated fees. I.e., duty and taxes (if any), harbor or seaport fees, fee on filing entry, etc.; 2 - Destination terminal(s) handling charges (THC) and paperwork turnover; 3 – Delivery of importing goods to the consignee, if a "delivery to door" is required."
Neither a sea carrier nor a US freight forwarder can affect charges. AMID Logistics - a U.S. freight forwarder - is not affiliated with these charges.
The destination agent listed on your B/L should guide the consignee in import recovery procedures.
If you want to estimate local expenses and get details about import recovery procedures in advance, you may ask us for the contact information of a prospective destination agent before processing a booking. TO GET THE INFORMATION FOR YOU, WE WILL NEED AT LEAST YOUR QUOTE REFERENCE NUMBER OBTAINED WITH OUR ONLINE CALCULATOR.
You may also want to verify with the embassy of your country or consult a customs broker in the country for specific regulations on importing goods.
Most of the time, consignees do not need to be present during import recoveries. Follow instructions from the agent, provide the necessary information remotely, pay applicable fees, get the import release, collect your goods, or arrange delivery to your location overseas with the agent, or hire a cartage company.
If you have already calculated an international shipping cost with our online freight calculator, submitted a booking request via a quote, and received our email about the booking request, then you are welcome to reply to the email and ask questions.
However, if this is your first shipment with us and you want to initiate it, please follow the web link in the email and pay the required deposit to start the process. With repeat customers, the initiation varies, but the process is mostly the same.
Typically, this deposit equals 75% of the estimated cost calculated based on the weight/measurements (w/m) information provided by you in your quote and booking. The deposit will be applied to the final price in our invoice. Please review the payment options and return policy.
We understand that providing the exact sizes, weights, and numbers of the units can be challenging when quoting and booking online. Do not be frustrated. That is OK. Just roughly estimate everything.
When you deliver cargo for export from the USA, the volume, weight, and quantity of delivered units may differ from the measurements and numbers provided during online booking. Upon delivery to the CFS, the CFS will calculate and reconfirm the number of your shipped units and the overall volume and weight.
Also, you will receive our final invoice, less the deposit already paid, not upon arrival of your consignment to the destination, but when it departs from the United States. We will invoice you when your BOL (the title of your exporting goods) is generated. Sometimes, we may invoice you upon proof of your BOL. Find out more about the BOL.
Once again, please note: Your invoice will be based on the actual weight/measurements you have shipped, but on the estimated price calculated when quoting and booking.
The invoice may also reflect unaccounted costs from the consolidator not included in the initial booking (if any), such as expenses related to palletizing, fumigation, GRI, etc. In other words, you pay for what you have shipped, but not what you had estimated to be shipped. If you have overestimated your weight/measurements, then you pay less. If you have underestimated your weight/measurements, then you pay more. That is why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%.
You can learn about the unaccounted costs that may increase overseas shipping costs by following this link.
We work with numerous international and domestic cargo transportation companies (LTL companies) to ship overseas commodities from the USA. Different transportation companies have different terminals within a city zone. Terminals located in city areas are listed on our website. You should see the addresses of terminals in the price quotes obtained in our online freight calculator. However, the addresses occasionally change. Therefore, your cargo delivery address must always be reconfirmed in an email with our instructions.
Upon your booking request and deposit, we will search for a suitable terminal in the area selected in your booking request. Then, we will reconfirm the address and email you the instructions. With our instructions, you can deliver cargo for international shipping from the USA to the address provided in the instructions. You will have the terminal phone number. You may call the terminal in advance to find out about working hours, directions, etc.
Important: Shipping goods from the USA overseas is a complex process, and each shipment is unique. To eliminate confusion, you should not accept verbal information as a guide to action (particularly about a terminal location). All commitments MUST be documented in an email.
By default, shipping goods from the USA with AMID Logistics is on express release. The EXPRESS RELEASE will be stated on your B/L Express = Telex release means that upon arriving at the destination, consignees (recipients of the goods) do not need to provide a set of original BOLs to work on recovering imported goods. Goods recovered on express release should be released upon providing a copy of the B/L received in a PDF file. No originals are required. Find more about the B/L at this link.
Several countries worldwide, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and certain African countries, do not accept express releases. This should be specified at the time of issuing the BOL. However, sets of original bills of lading will most often be generated overseas. In such cases, issuing original bills of lading during cargo transportation is still not required.
Very few countries in the world do not accept express release and do not allow printing a set of originals overseas. Your BOL states that a SET OF ORIGINAL BOLs IS REQUIRED, and the carrier informs that their agent cannot print the set of originals overseas. Then, we will request that they mail the set of BOL directly to the consignee. They may refuse to send it to the consignee and mail it to us. Then, upon receipt of the set of original BOLs, we will send the set of originals to the party responsible for international shipping. USPS First Class Mail within the United States is free. Expedited mail must be prepaid.
Please keep in mind that if, for any reason, a shipper or consignee insists on a set of originals to a country that does not accept express releases and the carrier agrees to issue such a set, they will charge a $100 fee on top of the ocean fee for issuing the originals. The shipper/consignee is responsible for the postage. All the costs must be prepaid. Issuing a set of originals to shipments on express release does not mean the set of originals is required.
After a sea freight BOL is issued, the amendment may become quite complicated and may not always be possible, especially if the goods arrive at their destination. Upon receipt of your BOL, carefully reviewing all the information is strongly suggested. If some data must be changed, immediately contact us and request an amendment.
Please remember that the information you enter at the booking time will be automatically transferred to your B/L. You will have several opportunities to verify and correct the information you enter while submitting documents online and receiving our responses and updates.
After your B/L is issued, any amendments may be subject to an amendment fee from the ocean carrier. This fee varies from $70 to $250 or more. Please note that AMID Logistics' amendments processing fee of $50+ may also be added to the amendment fee.
If you need amendments after your items arrive, we suggest you work with your ocean carrier agent first. Request the agent to re-issue your BOL overseas. It may be possible. If you experience difficulties with the agent, you may contact us. We will attempt to work on these amendments on your behalf. However, there is no guarantee. Also, you should expect additional fees depending on the circumstances of the amendments.
Please note that amending a B/L is not guaranteed after arrival and may take an uncertain time.
LETTER OF INDEMNITY:
If a set of original bills of lading is required for shipping from the U.S. but needs to be amended or lost, the ocean carrier may request a letter of indemnity. Here is a link to a sample of the letter of indemnity for international cargo transportation from the USA.
A cubic meter measures volume equal to the space one meter wide, one meter long, and one meter high.
One meter = 3.28 feet.
One cubic meter = 35 cubic feet.
Here is the web page about Cubic Meters in respect of international cargo transportation from the USA by sea.
W/m means weight or measurement, whichever is greater. W/m represents the cargo density limit, typically per Cubic Meter.
Find more about w/m in respect of international cargo transportation from the USA by sea.
Palletized and shrink-wrapped loads have a much higher probability of arriving without damage or loss. When shipping cargo from the USA LCL, it is highly recommended that all items be palletized. If you send more than 3-5 boxes, CFS will most likely not accept loose boxes for shipping from the US. It must be palletized anyway. Shippers have to be aware of adding costs related to palletizing. It includes:
The cost of pallets and labor varies depending on the ocean carrier terminal (CFS). Typically, it is $35 to $50 per pallet, including the cost of certified pallets.
Chargeable volume is increasing. It depends on how the items will fit into a pallet.
Please find out more about palletizing for transporting items overseas.
When quoting and booking on our website, customers can request that we obtain a marine insurance certificate on their behalf. It is essential to understand the following:
The 'All risk' policy covers any possible loss or damage to your payload, such as fire, water damage, theft, partial loss, breakage, etc. It is the most encompassing coverage available.
The 'Total loss' policy only applies to complete losses. That means you can get a premium only if your consignment is entirely lost or destroyed. It does not cover partial loss or damage.
By default, coverages obtained on behalf of the shipper are under the 'All risk' policy. However, THE 'ALL RISK' POLICY APPLIES TO SHIP PROFESSIONALLY PACKED GOODS ONLY. I.e., 'All risk' policies apply to goods in the original manufacturers' packaging or professionally packed by certified parties that can provide proof of the professional packing. IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND!: NOT PROFESSIONALLY PACKED GOODS TURN AN 'ALL RISK' POLICY INTO A 'TOTAL LOSS' POLICY.
For more information, please refer to this web page about marine insurance.
If your shipment is time-sensitive, you may ask for the nearest vessel schedule upon receipt of a freight quote.
Typically, vessels depart and arrive as scheduled. As soon as a load is in carriers' possession, they always do their best to ship it as soon as possible to free storage space.
However, delays may occur. The reasons for delays are not just severe weather conditions. Your multimodal delivery transit time depends on the delivery and documents cutoff at CFS, trucking or rail traffic, hubs and seaports conjunctions, and many other factors during your cargo transportation from the United States to the place of delivery overseas.
Please understand that as soon as a carrier retains a payload, a freight forwarder cannot do anything about it. We forward updates to customers when we receive them. If there are significant delays, we do our best to find a reason and explain it to our customers. Please be patient.
Shipping sea freight from the USA via transit hubs: If a port of discharge in your B/L differs from the place of delivery, then the ETA may not be the ETA to the place of delivery but to the port of discharge, where your export should be trans-shipped to the place of delivery (the final destination).
There are different modes of transit. Loads can be reloaded on another vessel, or ground transportation can be done by rail, truck, or both. Your cargo will take additional time to reach the place of delivery.
Ground transportation from a port of discharge to a landlocked city can take 10-15+ additional days. If it is a hub-seaport, for example, from Europe to Africa or Asia to Oceania, it may take 25+ days to arrive.
U.S. CBP inspections: Besides the routine delays associated with different factors during cargo transportation, we would like to note separately the possibility of uncertainties related to quarantines by the United States Customs and Border Patrol. Such delays are infrequent. However, if the CBP flags a container for examination, the delay may take an uncertain time. Until the hold is released, it cannot sail on a vessel.
Furthermore, the exam will likely result in additional expenses, which will be equally divided among all owners who share the container. No one can help with that. All complaints should be directed to the Customs and Border Patrol.
Please keep in mind that sea freight cannot guarantee transit time. If you ship by sea, you may experience delays, and in some cases, significant delays.
There are NO hidden costs in price quotes obtained in our online calculator. Quotes are all-inclusive and based on the weight/measurement information provided and options selected when quoting-booking.
LCL refers to international cargo transportation between Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in the country of origin and destination. CFS means a bonded freight terminal under Customs supervision. Cargo received by CFS is not considered to be within the country's commerce zone unless Customs releases it. CFS is not a seaport. It can be near a seaport or in a landlocked city. If CFS is in a landlocked city, sea freight costs include inland trucking from or to the CFS.
Here is an approximate payment structure in international multimodal cargo transportation utilizing LCL freight for shipping from the U.S.:
*Unless subject to U.S. export restrictions.
Your invoice, less the deposit paid at the time of booking, will be based on the actual weight/measurements of cargo you have shipped, but not on the estimated shipping cost calculated at the time of quoting and booking. The invoice may also reflect unaccounted costs from the carrier that are not included in the initial booking (if any). We list these charges below.
Your rated B/L, which includes a breakdown of the charges, will verify the surcharges in your cargo transportation from the USA.
In other words, you pay for what you have shipped, not what you estimated to be shipped. If you have overestimated your W/M, you pay less. If you have underestimated your W/M, you pay more. That is why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%. Note that this billing practice is expected in the industry.
The only exception that may lead to a discrepancy due to GRI (General Rates Increase) or a difference in the carrier rates that occurred since the shipment was booked until it departed from the US. Such discrepancies happen exceptionally rarely. If it does happen, we will inform our customers as soon as possible and work on it on a case-by-case basis. Note that minor discrepancies up to +/- $25 may be ignored unless a customer insists on a clarification.
SHIPPERS MUST BE AWARE OF GENERAL STANDARDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL CARGO TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY. They must understand what is covered when obtaining a price quote. That is why, if you are a first-time international shipper, we strongly recommend reading these FAQ and reference sections on our website before requesting a booking.
Below is a recap of charges that MAY NOT be covered in price quotes obtained in our online calculator.
I. Pickup. Pickup rates depend on the type of pickup site and the kind of commodity. When a shipper requests a quote/booking, they must select the appropriate pickup site type and the sort of commodity. Otherwise, the price may change.
Residential or businesses with limited access pickups are curbside curbside-services. A pickup driver will load from a driveway, front porch, garage, or easily accessible loading area. Inside pickups are not permitted. Some additional expensesmay apply if pickup conditions or areas are out of the regular range. The following fees may occur: liftgate on pickup, attempted pickup, debris removal, waiting time, etc.
You may find more information on residential or business pickups with limited access on this web page.
II. Price difference due to the discrepancy in weight/measurements (w/m) provided at the booking request and the actual w/m of cargo tendered to the CFS. When quoting and booking, it is hard to predict the exact w/m (i.e., the number of items and their dimensions and weight). The actual w/m of your items will likely differ from those provided in your booking request.
After the ocean carrier terminal (CFS) accepts your payload, the CFS sends us a W/M verification of it, i.e., your items' actual dimensions and weight. Our final invoice will reflect the W/M verified by the CFS, but not the W/M estimated at the time of booking.
If you do not agree with the verified w/m for any reason, we will provide you with a copy of the verification document. Then, you can contact the terminal and resolve the issue directly with them.
III. Extra-volume expenses due to palletizing your loose items.
Shipping loose items internationally is not safe. Exporting things should always be palletized. If you ship more than 3-5 items, warehouses will palletize your items, regardless of whether or not you request to palletize your loose items. As a result, the chargeable volume of your load will increase.
Also, the cost of pallets and labor will be added to the freight cost. Typically, this cost varies from $35 to $75+ per shrink-wrapped pallet, including the cost of the pallet.
You can find more information about palletizing for international transportation from the U.S. overseas on this web page.
IV. Dimensional weight and freight class reassignment by LTL truckers (applies to shipments that require line-haul or pickups).
Pickup and line-haul costs are based on Actual cargo volume or Dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
Our system helps you determine freight class based on density, one of four characteristics. However, the shipper must consider the rest of the characteristics and change the class if necessary. You may also call the NMFTA directly at (703) 838-1810 to reconfirm the class by commodity.
The shipper is responsible for the freight class declaration. Our pickup/line haul price quotes are based on the class the shipper declares. An incorrect class declaration may result in price schedule changes.
This web link provides more information about the dimensional weight and freight class for shipping commodities from the USA.
V. Optional $35 fee for filing SED (U.S. Shipper Export Declaration). According to U.S. Customs regulations, everything exported out of the U.S. must be declared to the U.S. CBP by filing a SED in AES at ace.cbp.dhs.gov
The most frequent exemptions from filing SED are:
Commodities of value declared less than $2500.
Domestic transportation (to Hawaii, for example). However, SED is required for export to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Shipments without SED (if not exempt) cannot be released for export.
Our online booking form provides options for filing SED:
Shippers can file the SED by themselves. We must then receive ITN BEFORE cargo is delivered to an international ocean carrier terminal (CFS) for international transportation from the USA.
OR
We can file the SED and obtain ITN on the shippers' behalf based on the commodity description provided in a commercial invoice or valued packing list for a fee of $35 up to two Harmonized Tariff numbers and $15 per Harmonized Tariff number after that.
If you are requesting us to file the SED on your behalf, then WE MUST HAVE FROM YOU:
A valued packing list or commercial invoice, which contains (1) commodity description, (2) value of your merchandise in USD, and (3) estimated weight and volume.
U.S. federal tax ID (EIN) or not a U.S. resident, a copy of a foreign passport.
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM U.S. CUSTOMS: Social Security Numbers (SSN) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED as a valid USPPI ID as of December 3rd, 2009:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau / U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulation and per the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), Social Security Numbers (SSN) will not be accepted as a valid USPPI ID as of December 3rd, 2009. Any Authorized Agent that files on behalf of customers using an SSN as the USPPI ID needs to notify their customers that they need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). USPPIs can obtain an EIN by visiting www.irs.gov/businesses/small and selecting "Employer ID Numbers (EIN)."
OBTAINING THE EIN FOR SED FILING: We found that some of our customers who do not have an EIN get one for shipping commodities overseas by requesting an EIN for the Sole proprietor online at irs.gov/businesses/small to satisfy banking requirements or local law. In this case, you may consider the following steps in this PDF file.
For more information, refer to the U.S. Federal Code 15 CFR Part 30 at this link.
VI. Set of the original Sea Freight BOL (if required).
Most shipments with us are on express releases.
Express = telex release = surrender means that providing sets of original BOLs to recover the import overseas is not required. Cargo shipping from the USA on express release should be released overseas upon providing a copy of the express release BOL received from us in a PDF file. No originals are required.
However, several countries worldwide, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Certain African countries, do not accept express release bills of lading. Consolidators should specify that upon issuing a BOL. We will mail you a set of original BOLs of ladings by USPS First Class Mail within the USA/Canada for free. Expedited or global mail must be prepaid. If you request a set of original B/L to countries that DO accept express release, a $50 fee will be added to the postage cost.
VII. U.S. CBP Inspection: The possibility of quarantine enforced by the United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
CBP inspections are infrequent. CBP can inspect an entire container or a particular shipment. Consolidators usually inform shippers if a whole container is inspected. However, when inspecting individual shipments, CBP may instruct consolidators not to notify exporters. Consolidators will only update the sailing schedule until the cargo is confirmed on board. In such situations, exporters are informed about inspections through an inspection surcharge reflected in their freight breakdown.
If the CBP flags a container or a payload for examination, neither the freight forwarder nor the carrier can affect it. It cannot be released for export from the U.S. until Customs completes inspection and approves the release.
Expenses incurred due to the examination will be added to the carrier freight breakdown. If CBP inspects a whole container, all owners who share the container will share the inspection costs equally. If CBP inspects a particular shipment, it is on the shipper's account.
Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid these costs. Any complaints should be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
We understand the frustration that can arise from these unforeseen circumstances. However, it is essential to acknowledge that CBP inspections are beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.
VIII. DESTINATION CHARGES. ALL INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS, INCLUDING SEA SHIPMENTS, ARE SUBJECT TO DESTINATION CHARGES. Destination charges (also called local charges) occur overseas. Therefore, they are not considered freight charges. These charges vary depending on the import regulations of the destination country, the port of entry, the ocean carrier, and their destination agents. The charges are NOT INCLUDED in ocean freight quotes obtained in our online calculator and are on account of the consignee (the receiver of imported goods). As a U.S. Freight Forwarder, AMID Logistics does not connect to the charges in any way.
The following information corresponds with explaining the charges to inexperienced, first-time international shippers in this article.
Destination charges can be assessed only on/after the day of entry to the targeted country's Commerce Zone. Consignees must clear their imported goods with Customs and pay all costs related to the cargo release(s) directly to the parties involved in the import recovery.
In general, the charges include (but are not limited by): 1 - Destination Country Government (Customs) related charges, i.e., duty and taxes (if any), harbor fees, fee on entry filed by a Customs Broker, etc.; 2 - Terminal(s) handling charges (THC) and other charges related to cargo de-consolidation; 3 - "Door delivery" costs (if consignee requests a "door delivery.")*
*LCL freight does not include "door delivery" overseas. Cleared with Customs and released by the CFS, the consignee must pick up the import from the CFS. Most agents/terminals offer delivery services for an additional cost. Otherwise, the consignee may hire a local cartage company to arrange a pickup of released goods from the terminal to be delivered "to the door" of the consignee.
NOTE THAT A PART OF OR ALL LOCAL CHARGES MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE PAID AT A PORT OF ENTRY, NOT AT THE FINAL DESTINATION. Depending on the customs regulations of the targeted country, all or part of the expenses must be paid at the port of entry. The cargo will continue traveling to the place of delivery, where customs will clear it. Otherwise, it may be transferred to the place of delivery on bond and required to be cleared with customs at a bonded freight terminal (CFS). Also, note that sometimes destination charges may be divided by separate invoices related to particular parties involved in import recovery.
The charges overseas are out of the control of U.S. Freight Forwarders and are payable directly to parties related to import recoveries at destinations. As a U.S. Freight Forwarder, AMID Logistics does not connect to destination charges in any way. Ocean carriers' agents should guide consignees through the complexity of import recovery procedures at destinations. Most of the time, the agents are customs brokers as well. However, the agent may ask you to clear your goods with Customs in certain circumstances. Also, in case of problems with your import recovery, we suggest that your first step is to seek an independent customs broker licensed in the country.
Such charges apply to any import in any country, whether commercial or personal goods.
For commercial freight, destination charges depend on the commodity.
Most countries do not charge a duty or tax on household goods and personal belongings. However, they are still subject to all other local charges. If an import is exempt from paying the duty for a personal LCL consignment, total destination charges may vary from $250 to $600 or more (in the local currency). For sizable shipments 6-12+ cubic meters, it may be comparable to FCL (full container load) - $600-$1000 or more.
When you export from the US, you may want to check in advance with the embassy of that country or ask a customs broker about government (customs) regulations.
Typically, importers do not have to be present in person to recover imports. Follow instructions from your agent. Provide all necessary information and documents remotely over the phone, fax, or email; pay applicable fees to get the release on your cargo; and, if you wish, arrange delivery of your goods "to your door" directly with the agent or use any local cartage company of your choice.
IMPORTANT: Until the freight is recovered, all operational costs will be debited to the consignee, with recourse against the consigner for unpaid invoices.
IX. DOOR DELIVERIES OVERSEAS. "Door deliveries" overseas are not included in quotes obtained with our online calculator. Cargo will be shipped to a bonded freight terminal (CFS) located within the greater city area, as specified on the 'Place of Delivery' on your B/L. Cleared with Customs and released by the destination CFS, the cargo must be picked up by the consignee.
Typically, overseas agents offer delivery services for an additional cost. Alternatively, the consignee can arrange for a local cargo transportation company to pick up and deliver the goods "to the door."
X. Other specific expenses may apply to irregular items. It all depends on the commodity you are shipping from the USA, transportation conditions, import regulations, etc.
XI. Partial cargo. You combine two or more deliveries/dock receipts into one consignment.
Combining two or more cargo deliveries/dock receipts into one load/BOL is called "Partial Cargo."
Certain limitations apply to partial cargo, which must be approved when booking such a shipment. Read about Shipping Partial Cargo on this web page.
Please contact AMID Logistics in advance for more information on partial cargo.
Yes, arranging for international charity shipping from the U.S. is possible. However, it is essential to note that after the donation arrives at the targeted country, the consignee (the recipient) may be unable or unwilling to pay the associated destination charges to recover the donation.
In some countries, particularly in South Africa and landlocked nations that receive donations via South Africa, officials may refuse entry of goods if the commodity is described as a charity, donation, free aid, used, second-hand, etc. It is important to note that such goods may be subject to stricter regulations, which should be considered in advance.
Exporting second-hand clothes, books, etc., from the USA to or via South Africa is prohibited. Shippers must obtain an import permit from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).
If you plan to donate overseas, please carefully consider the following situations.:
The recipient of your charity may not pay local charges, even if you have transferred the money to pay for the release.
You should get approval from the officials before sending a charity abroad. Any delay may result in customs penalties and carrier fees.
Suppose the donation cannot be released upon arrival. In that case, you will be responsible for all expenses associated with returning or destroying your donation.
Suppose you are shipping a donation from the USA, and the ocean carrier knows you are donating, but they have had a bad experience with charity shipments. In that case, they might tell you that your charity must be delivered on a DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) basis with all overseas charges prepaid. In this event:
Present a commercial invoice to the overseas agent before engaging in your international charity activities. This estimates total local expenses but may not be free or quick.
Actual destination charges may differ from the estimate and are typically prepaid based on the estimated cost plus 15-30%.
If the destination costs exceed the initial estimate, the consignee must pay an additional fee, or the donation will be destroyed.
In conclusion, we appreciate your kindness and generosity towards international charity efforts. However, we strongly suggest that a better-planned approach to charity delivery from the U.S. could help minimize any potential complications for all parties involved. We kindly advise you to consider making your donations prudently and thoughtfully.
For more detailed information, please refer to our return policy.
As soon as internationally shipping goods are confirmed on board the vessel for the departure from the U.S. and the ocean carrier has generated their B/L (typically on/in a few days after the ETD - Estimated Time of Departure from the U.S. as stated on your documents), a few days after the ETD, we will email to a party responsible for the shipment invoice, less the deposit paid. PAYMENT IS DUE UPON RECEIPT OF THE INVOICE.
Shipments with a short sailing time of less than 10 days may be invoiced in advance based on proof of the B/L.
If you do not receive our invoice within a few business days after ETD, do not hesitate to contact us to clarify.
We may email a few reminders. If our invoice is not paid after the final reminder, we will consider such a shipment a "Risky shipment." The late payment fee will apply. The late payment fee is 3% of the past due amount per day since our second reminder or $200 minimum, whichever is greater.
Then, several days after the past due penalty was applied, but the invoice is still unpaid, we will cancel the express release. Due to the cancellation of the express release, the consignee cannot recover the imported goods unless they receive the original B/L. Expedited mail with the set of originals costs US$200 on top of the carrier fee for issuing the set of originals. We will NOT take any responsibility for any storage, demurrage, or additional costs connected to the cargo release delays at any point on its way to the place of delivery. If initially requested, insurance will be canceled, and the paid insurance premium will apply toward the unpaid balance.
Please remember that disputing an invoice does not extend the payment due. All disputing correspondence must be written in email and kept as evidence of the dispute. WE DO NOT DISCUSS INVOICES OVER THE PHONE.
If not paid within 30 days from the day of arrival, the shipment may be considered abandoned and requested to be re-consigned, destroyed, or auctioned to cover the rest of the unpaid balance, storage, demurrage, etc. The U.S. and officials overseas will be notified, and additional fines will be levied.
Please note that UNLESS OUR INVOICE IS PAID, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST THE SHIPPER, CONSIGNEE, OR ANY THIRD PARTY WITH ANY ISSUES.
When shipping from the U.S. a regular commodity, most of the time, you will need to provide the following:
A. A Commercial Invoice is required if you ship commercial cargo from the USA abroad. Typically, it is an invoice from a U.S. merchant to a foreign buyer or a purchase receipt. A commercial invoice should describe exporting goods from the USA and the value in US$. Please email us a copy of such a document in a PDF file.
If a commercial invoice is unavailable, a proforma commercial invoice can be submitted as a valued packing list. Proforma commercial invoices should be sufficient to get the cargo released to depart from the USA. However, customs in overseas countries occasionally request a more specific document. Therefore, we recommend always providing copies of original invoices or purchase receipts if transporting commercial cargo from the U.S.
B. If moving household goods or personal belongings from the USA, it is a Valued Packing List - an inventory list with a value of goods in US$. Shippers in valued packing lists describe internationally shipping goods and assign them a value by themselves.
However, customs in overseas countries can reconsider the assigned value to a fair market value on the day the goods enter the country's commerce zone.
C. If the declared value of exporting goods, whether commercial or for personal use, exceeds US$2500, it must be declared to the U.S. CBP by filing a U.S. Shippers Export Declaration (SED).
Shippers can file the SED by themselves and provide the ITN in advance. Otherwise, we can file SED on behalf of the shipper for a fee of $35. Find more about SED on this web page.
D. You may need to provide copies or numbers of some identification documents, such as a copy of your passport, tax ID, license, or permit, etc. However, shipping cargo containing a general commodity should not be complicated to provide.
E. Basically, the above is all you will need in most cases.
However, depending on the shipping commodity and the targeted country, other documents may be required.
As U.S. freight forwarders, we guide shippers through the documentation necessary to get cargo released from the USA. However, it is the consignee's responsibility to provide a sufficient set of import documents. Therefore, we always suggest that before you initiate affordable international shipping, contact the consulate or a customs broker in the country you ship to, to find out if there are any special requirements, limitations, or restrictions in shipping your particular items from the U.S.
Please remember that all documents necessary to release cargo must be provided before/on the day of cargo delivery to an ocean carrier terminal (CFS).
More information about other export/import paperwork is on this web page.
Yes, you can. Refer to this web page. Here is in short:
If you are shipping things from the USA remotely, then follow these simple instructions depending on whether your vendor (seller) provides free delivery within the USA or not:
If yes, your vendor (seller) provides free deliveries within the USA. First, get a price quote on our website. Then, schedule your international shipment as self-delivered to the ocean carrier terminal (CFS), i.e., schedule one online via Option A in your price quote. After receiving your booking request and deposit, we will email your vendor our instructions so they can deliver your order to the CFS. We will copy these instructions for you.
These instructions contain an OCEAN CARRIER TERMINAL ADDRESS (1) assigned to your shipment and CARRIER BOOKING NUMBER (2).
Ask your vendor to follow our instructions. Ask your vendor to put the carrier booking number as the key reference number on all documents related to the delivery and proceed with the delivery to the address provided.
Your cargo will be recognized at the CFS by the CARRIER BOOKING#, accepted, and shipped to you. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE THE CARRIER BOOKING NUMBER WITH OUR INTERNAL CUSTOMER REFERENCE NUMBER!
Please note that CFSs are listed on our website in uppercase, highlighted, and WITHOUT an asterisk (*), ATLANTA, GA, for example. Shipping LCL from CFS is the cheapest way to ship goods from the U.S. abroad. Sending via LH terminals WITH an asterisk (*), Akron, OH*, for example, will be subject to a line-haul price added to the ocean freight cost.
If not, your vendor (seller) does not provide free deliveries within the USA, then when getting a price quote on our website, select YES, PICKUP REQUIRED. Then, book it via the quotation. It will include a pickup option. We will pick up your order from your vendor for further shipping from the USA.
By default, we will email all information and documents to your consigners (shipper, seller). IF YOU ARE THE CONSIGNEE (RECIPIENT) AND WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE COPIES OF OUR EMAIL, PLEASE NOTE THIS IN THE 'COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS' FIELD OF OUR ONLINE BOOKING FORM (THE LAST BLOCK OF THE FORM).
Upon your authorization, we may also contact your vendor on your behalf. Retrieving and providing general information is free of charge. Resolving time-consuming, more complicated issues in your shipping from the USA will result in fees estimated at $60 per hour/$60 minimum.
Payments via PayPal/Credit Cards are limited to US$750 ON THE TOTAL COST PER SHIPMENT.
We accept credit card payments via PayPal up to US$750 per shipment. Costs for shipments exceeding US$750 in TOTAL must NOT be paid with PayPal. Please use other available payment options: a U.S. bank check (we accept drafts of U.S. bank checks, so mailing the original check is unnecessary), bank wire transfers, direct deposits, Western Union, or MoneyGram. Ask us for details.
We reserve the right to refund unauthorized payments via PayPal, less than the non-refundable PayPal transaction fee and a $50 unauthorized transaction fee, without notice.
If we authorize a PayPal transaction, but the transaction is not covered by PayPal seller protection, we reserve the right to refund such a transaction, less the non-refundable PayPal transaction fee.
A CONFIRMATION TOWARD PAYMENTS VIA PAYPAL/CREDIT CARD: If a shipment was paid with PayPal, to secure funds transferred to our account via PayPal, as soon as a load is confirmed onboard a vessel and a sea B/L is generated by the carrier, before providing the B/L, we will need a reply from the email associated with the payer PayPal account. The email will appear like this:
"We have received the notification of your payment. Thank you. Your goods are on the way.
However, seeing that this was fully or partially paid via PayPal before we will email you the B/L, you NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. Hit REPLY to this email and keep the original email.
2. In the body of your reply email, as the first line, type the following:
"I have read and agree with the conditions on all my payments done by PayPal, as stated below."
GENERAL CONDITIONS ON PAYMENTS DONE VIA PAYPAL:
I clearly understand that the B/L is the title and proof of the transfer of the ownership of my shipped goods to the consignee (recipient of goods), as I consigned them. It is the final document received from Amid Logistics, LLC.
I confirm that after receiving the B/L and my goods, they will enter the commerce zone of the targeted country. The service provided to me by Amid Logistics, LLC, is completed as agreed. PayPal and any other financial associations or any other parties concerned about my PayPal transactions associated with this shipment must consider this email as my confirmation of completion of the service provided by Amid Logistics, LLC to me. This email is the receipt for all my PayPal payments with my virtual signature.
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For more information, please refer to the information on our website.
After the reply, please wait for our email with the B/L.
You should receive it a few days after your ETD (Estimated Departure Time). If, for some reason, you do not receive the B/L as expected, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With this B/L, upon your goods' arrival into the commerce zone of the targeted country, the consignee (recipient of the shipped goods) can proceed with recovering your imported goods. Work on the recovery with the carrier agent and, if necessary, with other parties that may be related to the import. For more details, please refer to the FAQs on our website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you disagree for any reason, you may re-pay all your PayPal transactions by a U.S. Bank check or transfer funds to our bank account. Please inform us by replying to this email. Then, upon receipt of repayment (s), we will notify you and fully refund your PayPal transactions, less non-refundable PayPal transaction fees.
If we do not receive a PayPal payment confirmation email or a re-payment via U.S. Bank check or wire, the issuance of the BOL will be suspended. The shipment will be considered risky, and additional penalties will apply. Refer to Risky Shipments and our General Terms and Conditions.
For shipments with the overall costs above $750, we accept U.S. bank checks, business and personal checks, money orders, direct bank deposits, international wire transfers, and Western Union transactions.
We accept drafts of U.S. bank checks online. After submitting a draft online, it is unnecessary to mail the original check. We will deposit the draft.
We may proceed with a shipment upon receipt of a scanned or faxed copy of the check or money order to accelerate it. However, this copy can be the payer authorization for electronic funds transfer. In the event of a delay in receiving the original check or money order in the mail, typically later than 7 (seven) calendar days after receiving the copy, we reserve the right to process the fund transfer based on the amount and the bank information received in the copy of the check or money order.
Our online calculator integrates direct rates from well-known, reliable non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (cargo consolidators). As a U.S. Freight Forwarder, we work on our service fee, which is separated from the carrier freight in our quotes and invoices. That is why our prices are affordable and among the lowest in the industry.
LCL is for experienced exporters. However, small and mid-sized businesses prefer to hire freight forwarders to handle international logistics. So they can focus on their core business.
We also offer this service to ordinary customers. Inexperienced exporters can benefit from sending their goods overseas using LCL. However, we advise them to read this article before participating in this venture. It should ensure that they have a clear understanding of the process and associated costs.
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