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Chart 71

Guidelines For Importing Household Goods Into USA

Understanding the import rules and regulations is imperative when shipping household goods into the USA under a transfer of residence. Below are some primary guidelines that importers should follow when shipping household goods from a foreign country to the United States of America. 

To ensure full transparency and a common understanding, we are sharing the updated information covering service levels, documentation, operational processes, and other costs which are outside the scope of services (Accessorial Charges).

If you hire SFL Worldwide for your destination service across the USA, we will provide the charges and service level agreement for Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) or Air Freight. 

Destination Services: Inclusions:

  • Import documentation and US Customs Filing
  • Normal Customs clearance at best POE/AOE
  • One-time Trucking from POE/AOE to the residence – (FCL Shipments)
  • One-time Trucking from POE to our Warehouse & Segregation and Return of the empty container to the Terminal – (Groupage Shipments)
  • Unloading inside the residence with standard access
  • Unpacking & Assembly of basic furniture, and removal of debris  
  • Placing boxes at designated area; it does not include opening the boxes
  • Delivery within 60 miles from POE/AOE
  • Return of the Empty Container to the Terminal – (FCL Shipments)

Destination Services: Exclusions:

  1. Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC) – $ 125-175/CBM for LCL shipments 
  2. DTHC – FCL 20’ – $ 450-550 / 40’ – $ 550-800
  3. Airline Terminal Handling Charges – Approx. $ 100-175)
  4. Customs Duty – If applicable, to be paid at actuals
  5. X-Ray, Intensive Customs Examination charges- If applicable – to be paid at actuals
  6. VACIS Charges – If applicable, to be paid at actuals – Approx USD $ 0.50 – $1/CFT
  7. Demurrage, Detention, Port Dues, and Storage charges – If applicable, to be paid at actuals
  8. Difficult Access Charges to Door (No elevator above 2nd Floor, no parking within 50 feet)
  9. Set up/Arrangement of items – Ikea Type, Ikea type Furniture, Bunk Bed, etc.
  10. Boxes – Unpacking and Placement
  11. Handling Overweight/Oversized items such as Pianos, Pool Table, Safe Locker, Marble/Granite Tops, etc.
  12. Third Party/Handyman Services
  13. Parking Permit or Split delivery
  14. Handling Crates/Lift Vans
  15. Excludes Bank Fees: $35 for an International Wire Transfer
  16. Any charges paid on the client/account’s behalf will attract a disbursement fee of $ 95, plus any courier/messenger fees at actuals

ACCESSORIAL CHARGES:

  1. Stair Carry Charges: Above the 2nd Floor (US Floor) – $ 0.40/CFT per Floor – Minimum $ 125
  2. Long Carry Charges: Exceeding 50’ Feet – $ 0.40/CFT – Per additional 50 Feet – Minimum $ 125
  3. Parking Permit / Toll Fee – Minimum $ 150 – For New York, Jersey City, Chicago, and Los Angeles 
  4. Unpacking boxes (First flat surface)  – $18 per CBM
  5. Outside Elevator – If any, will be on request.
  6. Heavy Items Lifting with Additional Labor – If any, will be on request.
  7. Shuttle Service Charges: $ 0.60/CFT – Minimum $ 150
  8. Storage Charges: $ 0.75/CFT / Month – Minimum $ 100
  9. Warehouse One Time IN/OUT Handling Charges – $ 0.75/CFT – Minimum $ 100

Shipment Redelivery Fee: (Applicable in case of Storage in Transit – SIT)

  • $ 150 For LCL Shipments
  • $ 350 For 20’ Container
  • $ 550 For 40’ Container

Piano Handling:

  • Upright Piano – $ 250 

  • Baby Grand Piano – $ 450

  • Grand Piano – $ 700

Un crating & Removal of Debris:

  • Up to 10 CFT Size – $ 20/ Crate
  • Up to 20 CFT Size – $ 30 / Crate
  • Between 20-40 CFT – $ 50/Crate
  • Oversize Beyond 40 CFT – $ 75/Crate
  • Standard Size LCL Lift Van – $ 100
  • Container Pre-Pull Fees – $ 250
  • Residential container direct delivery – $ 225
  • Chassis Charges $ 50/Day
  • Yard Storage $ 60/Day
  • Chassis Split – $ 125 – If applicable
  • Handyman Services: $ 145/Hour – 3 Hours Minimum + 1 Hour Travel Time

2 Point Delivery:

  • Up to 10 Miles Radius – $ 200

  • Up to 30 Miles Radius – $ 300

  • Up to 50 Miles Radius – $ 400

  • 50 Miles Above – Charges will be provided on request 

Documentation Required:

  • Detailed Packing List with a Passport Photo ID
  • Copy of your legal status in the U.S. (U.S Passport / Visa, Etc.)
  • Power of attorney
  • ISF Filing detail, CBP Form 3299, and Supplement
  • Final destination address with contact information.
  • Copy of MBL / HBL
  • DS-1504 Form – Additionally Required for Diplomatic Cargo Clearance
    •  

BL Instructions:

  • Consignee Name: Client’s name as per the passport
  • Consignee Address: Client’s US Address (If client does not have a US address, then consign with client’s name and our corporate address as appears under the notify party)
  • Notify Party:                    

    SFL Worldwide LLC

    3364 Garden Brook Dr.

    Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

    Tel: 1-800-691-2334 / 1-972-255-7447

    Email: contact@sflworldwide.com

        •  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

THC is the fee imposed by shipping terminals for the storage and positioning of containers before they are loaded onto a vessel. These charges typically cover various services, including the loading and unloading of containers, moving the containers from the vessel to the yard and vice versa, and the use of equipment like cranes and forklifts. It also includes the storage of containers at the terminal for a particular time frame. Documentation and labor costs associated with handling the cargo. These fees are essential for facilitating the shipment process and are commonly applied in ocean freight operations.

  • Origin Terminal Handling Charge (OTHC): OTHCs are paid for port services before a vessel departs the origin port. They are collected by the terminal operator for container movements from the shipper’s truck to the vessel.
  • Destination Terminal Handling Charge: (DTHC) or Import DTHC: DTHCs are collected at the port of arrival. This fee includes the loading or unloading of containers, storage, monitoring and usage of port facilities.

An Intensive Examination is a detailed inspection process conducted by CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection), typically involving the Contraband Enforcement Team (CET). This Examination is aimed at identifying contraband, such as narcotics, weapons or other illegal goods. When a shipment is selected for an intensive examination, it is usually transferred to a Centralized Examination Station (CES) or a customs-bonded facility for a comprehensive inspection.

Triggers for Intensive Examination:

Several factors can lead to a shipment being selected for an intensive examination, including:

  • Random Selection: Some shipments are chosen at random as part of CBP’s risk assessment protocols.
  • Suspicious Activity: If a shipment raises red flags during initial inspections, it may be subjected to a more thorough examination.
  • First-Time Importers: New importers often face more scrutiny as CBP establishes their legitimacy.
  1. Transfer to CES: Once selected, the cargo is moved to CES for inspection. This process can delay the shipment from 24 hours to several weeks, depending on the circumstances.
  2. Physical Inspection: CBP Officers will physically open the shipment and inspect its contents. This may involve the unpacking of boxes and examining items closely.
  3. Costs: Importers/shippers are responsible for all costs associated with the intensive examination, including transfer fees, storage, and handling charges.

VACIS Charges refer to the fees associated with the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspecting imported goods.

  • Importers are required to pay fees to the Centralized Examination Station (CES), transportation companies, and cargo shipping companies for VACIS exams.
  • The average cost for a VACIS exam is around $200 to $350, with additional charges for shunting and demurrage depending on the distance and number of containers.
  • VACIS exams are non-intrusive and use gamma-ray imaging to scan the contents of shipping containers without breaking the seal.
  • The process can take 2-3 days, but may be delayed longer if the cargo is selected for additional inspections.

Detention charges are penalties levied by shipping lines or carriers when their equipment (like containers or trailers) is not returned within the specified “Free Time” period. This free time is the grace period allowed for loading or unloading the container at the origin or destination. Once this period expires, daily detention fees begin to accrue, compensating the carrier for the loss of use of its equipment, which could otherwise be generating revenue on another shipment.

Demurrage Charges apply when cargo stays at the port terminal beyond the free time allowed for pickup. This fee is charged for the time cargo is available but not collected.

Difficult access refers to locations that are more challenging or time-consuming for drivers to access compared to standard commercial delivery points. This can include residential areas, job sites, or facilities without docks. The difficulty of access can be due to conditions such as a lack of defined entry points, uneven terrain, or restricted delivery times. These factors can lead to increased operational costs and delays, which are often reflected in additional charges to the shipper.

Please review the above information carefully. It would help mutually to be on the same page. Do not hesitate to write to us or call at any time if you have any questions or clarifications; we would be happy to assist.

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