The average price to ship a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. West Coast ports increased from $1,500 at the start of 2020 to over $20,000 in September 2021 (the average price includes premiums and surcharges). By the end of 2021, the rates started to drop, but only to $15,000.
After the world went into global lockdown in response to COVID-19, China reopened its economy faster than the US and Europe. However, the shipping containers China needed to ship manufactured goods were stuck in those two regions. This led to a shipping container shortage for China.
If you're going to start a trucking company with no money, you'll need to work with a lender willing to finance your vehicle fleet plus your initial start-up costs. You may want to look into various options for business loans, such as commercial truck loans and equipment loans.
New trucking company owners can invest somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000 to start a small trucking company with one or two trucks.
Once you find a shipper you will need to contact them in order to gauge their potential interest in using a freight broker. It's easy to send a quick email but the chances of getting a response are quite low. The best way to connect with shippers is by calling them directly and be straight-forward in your dialogue.
Finding ClientsContact shippers. To grow your list of clients, get in touch with businesses that do a lot of shipping, and pitch your services. While cold calling is tough work at the best of times, if you put in the effort and can provide the service, you will get clients. Look for public sector contracts.
UPS: UPS can deliver a package weighing 66-70 pounds at the rate of $160 with its ground service.
According to the Franchise 500 list of 2021, Taco Bell is the most profitable franchise to own.
A foreigner can only own one property in China, and that property must be residential. There are additional requirements by province and city. For example, in Beijing, you must pay taxes and social security for at least five years before you are permitted to buy a property.
The benefits accruing to Chinese manufacturers are essentially due to seven factors: economies of scale in manufacturing, tariff differentials, lower cost of capital investment, higher labour productivity, lower transaction, power and transportation costs.
Shipping Agent1. A charge made by forwarders and brokers in exchange for organizing and managing a cargo. 2. The fees a ship owner's agent charges for handling the ship's business while it is in port.
Selecting a shipping agency in China is crucial, especially if you operate an online store. You can keep your supplies and other items that are prepared for shipping in their warehouses, which you can access.
SHIP AGENT PRIMARY CATEGORIES: PORT AGENT: Plans and oversees the port visit, operating on behalf of the vessel's owner or operator. A CARGO AGENT is a person who, typically within a specific geographic area, solicits cargo on behalf of the owner or operator. OWNERS/CHARTERERS AGENT: represents one party in a transaction.
Cons of working with commercial agents
Control - Keeping tabs on the agent's activity and making sure they consistently put out their best effort on your behalf might be challenging.
Sales techniques – You might not get the sales you want from an agent for your good or service.
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