International Shipping

Best suited for:

• Case-packed merchandise
• Smaller orders
• Higher-value merchandise
• Shipments that can economically travel through parcel or courier networks

When available, international courier rates can be calculated through our website.

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Full container shipping is generally the preferred option for customers purchasing larger quantities of merchandise for export.

Common container sizes include:

Container	Approx. Pallet Positions	Double-Stacked*
20’ Container	10	Up to 20
40’ Container	20	Up to 40
40’ High Cube	20	Up to 40
45’ High Cube	22	Up to 44

*Approximate capacity only. Actual loading capacity depends on pallet dimensions, height, weight, merchandise and loading method.

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U.S. Customs & Border Protection and other government agencies may inspect export shipments.

Destination-country customs authorities may also inspect shipments upon arrival.

Any inspection, customs-clearance, storage, demurrage or related charges imposed on a shipment are generally the responsibility of the buyer or consignee.

Via Trading cannot guarantee customs clearance or be responsible for merchandise refused, delayed or seized because of destination-country import regulations.

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Standard freight arrangements may include only limited carrier liability or insurance.

If you require additional cargo insurance, please discuss it with your sales representative before the shipment is finalized.

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International Shipping Costs

• Our system cannot provide real-time quotes for Container or LCL (pallet shipments). Please email or call to get up to date shipping rates.
• Our system does quote International Orders of Case Packed goods which typically ship by Courier such as Fedex or USPS.
• Ocean freight charges can run from $300-$700 per pallet, depending on the destination and are typically uneconomical to do so in our industry for low value pallets
• Container Loads are typically the most cost-effective way to ship larger amounts of merchandise overseas.
• Ocean freight can cost between $2,500-$6,500 for a full container, depending on the size (20?, 40?, 45?) and the destination.

CUSTOMS & VAT INFO

• International shipping quotes DO NOT include any customs, import fees or sales tax (GST or VAT)
• It is the consignee’s responsibility to pay customs and taxes upon receipt or customs clearance of the merchandise.
• Many countries may have restrictions on what types of goods can be imported and some goods may be completely restricted from importation.
• Many countries also have brand protection and agency rights in place that prohibit the importation of certain brands into the country, other than from the authorized importer.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to be informed of particular restrictions in the country to which products are being shipped. Via Trading cannot be held responsible for merchandise seized or refused at customs as a result of regulations or laws pertaining to that country. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with those costs & are able to successfully customs clear your goods given the information provided prior to placing orders. Please contact your local customs office prior to ordering to make sure the products purchased can be imported without restriction.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has very broad authority to inspect Export Cargo & can select any shipment to examine. The cost of such inspections, if and when so ordered by CPB are the responsibility of the consignee. Customs clearance, duties and other related import fees and taxes are the responsibility of the consignee. When appropriate please make sure to check the Seal # matches the paperwork and is not tampered with.

Please note: We export dozens of orders on a weekly basis. In the very large majority of cases (over 98%), orders are shipped and clear customs with no problems. Any shipping quotes or product quotes provided are only for shipping costs and for the merchandise sold – they DO NOT include any additional customs charges & tariffs or sales taxes which you may or may not incur. Due to the nature of our business, in most cases we are unable to provide detailed manifests and country of origins of the items we offer. In the majority of cases that does not cause any problems at customs, however we need to inform our customers that in very rare occasions clearing customs with such goods can be problematic & that Via Trading does not and cannot control that aspect of the sale. All shipping quotes are provided with minimal insurance. If you would like to purchase additional insurance, please let your account manager know before the order is finalized.

LCL Shipments

Less than Container Load shipments are smaller than a full ocean freight containers. LCL shipments are shipped by sea and typically take 45-60 days to reach their destination. It is typically cheaper to ship individual pallets by LCL than it is by air freight. LCL shipments can be very efficient and cost-effective when shipping expensive and high value pallets overseas. Due to the relatively high cost of shipping single pallets by LCL, LCL shipments are not suitable for low value pallets & very often shipping a full dedicated container can be much more economical then shipping 6 single pallets OCL.

OCL Shipments

• Ocean Container shipments are primarily used to ship large loads of merchandise outside of the United States and neighboring countries. OCL shipment costs are typically flat and based on the origin and destination of the goods.
• Ocean shipments can take 14-60 days to reach their destination.
• Containers are usually available in 3 lengths: 20’,40’ & 45’.
• Hand-loading goods for container shipments is a good way to maximize the space used in the container, and lower your relative shipping costs. Hand-loading the merchandise can sometimes increase the capacity of the container by 2 or 3, as opposed to loading the merchandise on pallets.
• When appropriate Via Trading can also offer the service to bail soft goods (clothing, domestics etc.) in order to be able fill more goods in your container and reduce your relatively shipping cost
• Not all goods can be hand-loaded, but be aware of the benefits of this option and request it when possible.
• Be aware of any unusual restrictions when importing goods, for example: wooden pallets are not allowed to be imported into Australia, some countries require fumigation certificates prior to shipment etc.
• Be sure to communicate these restrictions to your Account Manager.

Standard Ocean Container Sizes and Capacity

Size	Type	Width	Height Center	Approx. Cubic Capacity	# Pallet Positions	If Double Stackable (i.e. Pallets Height <=4?)	Hand Loaded
20’	Ocean Container	7.6’	7.95’	1,165	10	20	Depends
40’	Ocean Container	7.6’	7.95’	2,377	20	40	Depends
40’ HC	Ocean Container	7.8’	8.95’	2,684	20	40	Depends
45’ HC	Ocean Container	7.8’	8.7’	3,026	22	44	Depends