Streamline is capable of providing any level of shipment service from simple free carrier to delivered duty paid. Shipments terms are competitively sought out when requests are received. Streamline is well connected to a network of shipment companies and freight forwarders. However, we have no personal preferences and make no money from the shipment of goods. This service is provided as a convenience to our customers.

Shipment FAQ

• How are shipping prices determined?
• How long does it take to reach the US West Coast from China by boat?
• How long does it take to reach the US East Coast from China by boat?
• What is FOB?
• What is FCA?
• What are import charges?
• What is customs value?
• What is CIF?
• What is CFR?
• What are calculated duties?
• What are anti-dumping duties?
• What are customs clearance fees?
• What is a customs bond?
• What is LDP?
• What is DDP?





• How are shipping prices determined?
  Very simply, the cost of shipment is dependent upon the percentage of cubic space occupied by a total order. Partial container shipments tend to be more costly per unit than full container shipments.
  
  Prices vary however, depending upon a number of variables including the season, space availability, the price of fuel, etc. Consequently, if a significant period of time has passed since receiving a quote, it is advisable to check shipment prices again to determine if they have changed.
  
  
• How long does it take to reach the US West Coast from China by boat?
  Shipment to the west coast of the United States typically takes 15 - 17 days. Faster options are available for additional charges.
  
  
• How long does it take to reach the US East Coast from China by boat?
  Shipment to the east coast of the United States typically takes 30 - 35 days. Faster options are available for additional charges.
  
  
• What is FOB?
  FOB means "free on board." An FOB quote is simply the price (aggregate or per unit) excluding any shipment costs. It is essentially the price to manufacture the item(s) and load them onto a ship.
  
  
• What is FCA?
  FCA means "free carrier." The seller agrees to deliver the goods to a designated carrier at a designated shipping point. It excludes responsibility for loading goods onto a ship.
  
  
• What are import charges?
  These represent the aggregate cost of all freight, insurance, and other charges (excluding U.S. import duties).
  
  
• What is customs value?
  The Customs value is the value of imports as appraised by the U.S. Customs Service. This value is defined as the price actually paid or payable for merchandise, excluding U.S. import duties, freight, insurance, and other charges.
  
  
• What is CIF?
  CIF means cost, insurance, and freight. The general c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) value represents the landed value of the merchandise. It is computed by adding import charges to the customs value and excludes U.S. import duties. It is essentially the cost to manufacture the goods and deliver them to a desired port excluding importation costs.
  
  
• What is CFR?
  CFR means cost and freight. This type of quote is the same as the above CIF except that the seller does not cover insurance.
  
  
• What are calculated duties?
  The "calculated duty" represents the estimated import duties collected. Estimated duties are calculated based on the applicable rate(s) of duty as shown in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (usually levied as a percentage of total shipment value).
  
  For the United States, all items are categorized according to a standard classification called the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Each item may be grouped under at least one heading in this schedule and this is the applicable HTS code and rate.
  
  Please refer to the US tariff schedule for your particular products: http://www.usitc.gov/taffairs.htm
  
  
• What are anti-dumping duties?
  Some items are also subject to a penalty called an anti-dumping duty. These duties are levied in order to stem a free flow of extremely cheap goods into a country thereby potentially hurting domestic industries and lowering competitive market prices.
  
  
• What are customs clearance fees?
  Besides, freight, customs clearance is another component of importation. These fees apply to the procedures necessary for importation into a country. The procedures include, but are not limited to: handling, documentation, processing, etc.
  
  
• What is a customs bond?
  A customs bond is the fee payable on goods being stored in a warehouse until the taxes or duties owed on them are paid.
  
  
• What is LDP?
  LDP means "landed duty paid." An LDP value is the sum of the CIF value plus calculated import duties. This is the price to have goods manufactured, transported to a desired port, and imported into the country.
  
  
• What is DDP?
  DDP means "delivered duty paid." Delivered duty paid is the sum of the LDP value plus any inland transportation charges necessary to deliver merchandise to a particular location. This is the total door-to-door price and is all-inclusive.
  
  
• Shipment Terms