The price your supplier quotes is not what you will pay. The ocean freight rate your forwarder quotes is not what you will pay. There is a layer of costs between those two numbers and the moment goods arrive at your door — and underestimating them is one of the most common budgeting mistakes importers make.
This checklist covers the costs that consistently catch importers off guard, particularly on China-origin shipments.
Origin Costs (Before the Ship Leaves)
Ex-works pickup and inland transport in China
If your incoterm is EXW (ex-works), you are responsible for getting the goods from the factory to the port. This includes trucking from the factory city to the port, which can add $200–$600 per container depending on the distance.
Export customs clearance and documentation in China
Your supplier or their forwarder handles this, but the cost is usually in the price or passed through separately. Includes export declaration fees and in some cases commodity-specific export permits.
Origin THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
Charged by the origin terminal for loading the container onto the vessel. On China ports, this is relatively standardized — typically $80–$130 per TEU — but it often does not appear in the headline freight quote.
Container stuffing / loading labor
If you are shipping LCL (less than container load), there will be consolidation fees at the origin CFS (container freight station). Even on FCL, if your supplier does not include packing and loading in their price, you may have a separate charge.
Certificate of Origin and other trade documents
Depending on the destination country and the goods, you may need a Certificate of Origin, a phytosanitary certificate, a MSDS, or other documentation. Each has a cost.
Ocean Freight Surcharges
The base freight rate is just the starting point. Common add-ons:
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) — fuel surcharge
- CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) — currency fluctuation compensation
- PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) — applies during Q3 and around Chinese holidays
- EBS (Emergency Bunker Surcharge) — when fuel prices spike
- B/L fee — bill of lading issuance charge, $50–$150
For a full explanation of each, see BAF, CAF, and other freight surcharges explained.
Destination Costs (After the Ship Arrives)
This is where most of the surprises live.
Destination THC
Just like origin THC, the destination terminal charges for unloading your container from the vessel and placing it in the yard. This varies significantly by port — US West Coast terminals typically charge $250–$400 per TEU; European ports vary widely.
Port security and documentation fees
AMS (for the US), ENS (for the EU), and other mandatory security filings each carry a fee, usually $25–$75. Not optional; they are government-mandated.
Customs broker fees
Unless you self-clear (not recommended for most importers), you need a licensed customs broker. Broker fees typically run $150–$350 per entry in the US, plus any bond fees if you do not have your own continuous bond.
Import duties and taxes
These are the big variable. Duty rates depend on the HS code classification of your goods, the country of origin, and the destination country's tariff schedule. For China-origin goods entering the US, you may also have Section 301 tariffs on top of standard duties. Calculate this before you commit to the shipment — not after. Use the freight estimator to model duty exposure.
Customs examination fees
Customs authorities randomly select containers for physical inspection. In the US, a VACIS (non-intrusive) exam costs a few hundred dollars; a tailgate or intensive examination can cost $1,000–$2,500 per container and adds days to your clearance time. You cannot predict or prevent this, but you can budget for the possibility.
ISF filing fee (US imports)
The Importer Security Filing (10+2) must be submitted 24 hours before loading. Your broker usually handles this for $25–$50.
Post-Customs Costs
Drayage (container pickup from terminal)
Getting the container from the port to your warehouse or to a CFS for deconsolidation. This is often not included in ocean freight quotes. Drayage rates vary by distance and lane — $300–$1,200 is a common range for US ports.
Demurrage and detention
If customs examination causes delays, or your warehouse is not ready to receive, your container may sit at the terminal beyond its free time. The daily charges add up quickly. For detail on how these work, see demurrage and detention explained.
Warehouse receiving and unloading
Getting goods off the container and into your warehouse is labor. If you use a 3PL, they charge per pallet, per carton, or per hour. Budget based on your actual unit count.
Storage at the warehouse or distribution center
If the goods arrive before you are ready to move them, you pay for the space. Third-party warehouse storage rates typically run $10–$25 per pallet per week.
Last-mile delivery
If you are distributing to multiple locations or to customers directly, last-mile is often the largest single cost after the goods land. It is also the one most likely to be excluded from a "door to door" quote that actually means "door to your receiving dock."
The Quick Pre-Commitment Calculation
Before you confirm a PO, run through this list:
- [ ] Supplier price including export packaging
- [ ] China inland transport (if EXW)
- [ ] Origin THC and export documentation
- [ ] Ocean freight all-in (including all surcharges)
- [ ] Destination THC
- [ ] Customs broker fees
- [ ] Import duties (based on HS code and declared value)
- [ ] Customs exam reserve (5–10% chance per shipment, budget the exposure)
- [ ] Drayage to warehouse
- [ ] Warehouse receiving fees
- [ ] Last-mile or distribution cost
The landed cost calculator on ChinaLogisticHub runs this calculation automatically once you enter your shipment details — so you get a full cost picture before you commit, not after the invoice arrives.
For a broader guide to the import process, the complete guide to importing from China covers the end-to-end flow including documentation and supplier payments.