Why Should I Work With A Customs Broker When Exporting Bulk From  US

Posted by Hannah Broaddus

Freight Container for Bulk Oil Export

Ever try to submit your taxes without using an accountant?

It’s an awful task. And you always run a lot of risk of getting it wrong and paying the consequences (literally).

The process of importing and exporting foods can be very similar — paperwork filled, confusing, and if you’re shipping a lot of product, it’s a full time job.

If you’re exporting bulk oils from the US, chances are that you don't have time to be a full-time paperwork overseer. Most people exporting typically want to spend their time selling their products overseas or managing their supply chain.

But the documents still need to be created, customs needs to be communicated with and the international shipping still needs to be arranged.

Who can do this job well? A company that is both a customs broker and an international freight forwarder. These are the people who help the world turn when it comes to import, export and the globalization of trade.

 

They Simplify The Process

Cargo Freight ShipA company that is a customs broker and freight forwarder typically has a lot of experience.

They’ve done this process many times in the past, and they know all of the rules and regulations for each country's government. For example, do you know what the over-the-road weight maximum is for your country? A customs broker does.

Do you know what documents your government is going to need to get it into your port? And do you know what documents your supplier will need to get it out of the US port? Again, a customs broker does.

While you probably could learn all the ins and outs of your country’s regulations, do you want to spend your precious time doing that? With a customs broker, all you’ll need to do is tell them a few details, and they'll prepare to ship it door to door.

One and done.

 

They Do The Customs Paperwork For You

This is like opting to submit your own taxes instead of having an accountant (or online software) help you prepare them. Who does their own paper taxes these days??

Exporting paperwork can be extensive and confusing. Any misstep can be detrimental for you and your business.

Let an experienced customs broker lead the way, and avoid all of the paperwork hassle.

 

The Offer Door To Door Delivery

When a freight forwarder helps to arrange your shipment, they can do it in a number of ways: port to port or door-to-door, among others.

The easiest choice is door-to-door. They arrange to pick up your order at your suppliers’ facility, they get it onto a ship at the US port, help it navigate through your final destination port in your country, and get it safely to the delivery location.

 

They Allow You To Focus On Your Job

Using a customs broker and freight forwarder allows you to spend your precious time elsewhere, focusing on selling the products that you’re importing or running your business.

There is no need for you to focus on complicated government paperwork. Spend your precious time elsewhere!

 

Your Freight Broker Vs. Your Supplier Arranging International Shipping

Keep in mind that your supplier may do this exporting process for you.

But really, it’s more likely that they are working with a similar customs and freight broker, just like you would. It's also possible that your supplier may add a fee for taking the time to coordinate your delivery.

You can often ask to pick up the product at their docks, and coordinate with the customs and freight broker yourself (see our recommendation below).

This will save you a good amount of money. Since you are not doing any of the actual customs or freight coordination (your broker is) it really doesn't take you any more time than having your supplier do it – it just saves you money.

 

Our Recommendation

Looking for a good customs broker and freight forwarding company? We love Charles M. Shayer & Company. You can contact them on their website or find the location nearest you.

 

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