OK here is the data.
I imported from China Christmas decorations totaling 310kgs or 2.406 CBM.
First the shipper rounds up so therefore I paid for 3 CBM. Or I imported 0.594 CBM of air from China. Let the buyer be ware.
Freight cost: USD 90 / CBM * 3 = USD 270
DDC : USD31/CBM * 3 = USD93
AMS : USD 25/bill
DOC: USD15
Clearance fee: USD 110
Car fee from factory to port: USD 100
Therefore shipping cost to get from China to port of Newark is USD613.
Ok there are a couple of costs state side.
First is customs documents = USD 120
Break down and storage fee= USD180
So the total to the loading dock of the shipper was USD913.
First a lesson in terminology and figures in USA measurements on shipping from China.
International shipping uses a term CBM. This stands for Cubic Meters.
One CBM = 1 meter x 1meter x 1 meter
One meter = 39.3 inches
therefore 1 CBM= 39.3 inches x 39.3 inches x 39.3 inches
1 CBM= 60,698 cubic inches
Well 60,000 cubic inches sounds like a lot???
1 cubic foot = 12 inches x 12 inches x 12inches
1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches
Therefore 1 CBM = 60,698 cubic inches / 1,728 cubic inches
1 CBM = 35 cubic feet
This is a little better for us here in the USA to comprehend.
Some figures from manufacturers in China are about 25 strings of C6 style 100 lights fit
into what they call a “master carton”.
One “master carton” = 38 x 38 x 30 cms
In English:
1 “master carton” = 15 inches x 15 inches x 12 inches
1 “master carton = 1.5 cubic feet
1 CBM = 35/ 1.5 cubic feet
1 CBM = 23 “master cartons”
1 CBM = 23(master cartons) x 25 strings of C6 style 100 light strings
1 CBM = 575 strings of lights
Using my figures from above:
3 CBM = 1,725 strings of 100 light C6 style lights
Using average of about $8 per string:
3 CBM = $13,800
Shipping= $913
Cost per string about $8.50
When dealing with a company in China payment is T/T 30% deposit, 70% against the copy of the B/L.
What that means is you wirer 30% of order when the order is placed.
Then when the goods are ship side you pay the remaining 70% and then receive a copy of the B/L(bill of lading). Shipping usually takes about 30 days to east coast and less to the west coast. Most banks will gladly wire transfer money to any bank in the world for USD35.
Any question I will be happy to answer or clarify any data.
Wallace
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