/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Fuel surcharge explained

Fuel surcharge explained
Fuel surcharge explained

Fuel surcharge explained

A national fuel surcharge is a fee charged by freight companies to cover fluctuating fuel costs. It is calculated as a percentage of the base rate and is usually added to the shipper's freight bill to cover operating costs. Fuel surcharges for LTL and trucking companies are updated weekly...usually on Tuesdays.

Most car carriers charge a "long distance" fee and a fuel surcharge (FSC). They also have many other surcharges or surcharges for additional services, but in general the FSC is only calculated based on line charges. FSC is usually a percentage of line shipping (just like sales tax) or a per-mile rate. LTL FSC is almost always %; but truck loads either way.

Each carrier builds some fuel price assumptions into their pricing model, resulting in line rates. Then, so they don't have to keep updating the whole model, they build a fuel surcharge table that (essentially) says "when the fuel price is between x and y, add z to the line freight to cover the extra fuel cost". These fuel surcharge tables usually start with the carrier's fuel price in its base model.

Where the carrier gets its fuel costs is another variable. Most of them use an internet tool provided by the U.S. government that publishes average fuel prices for gasoline and diesel in the U.S. as a whole and in different regions. Each carrier specifies which index numbers they will use in their fuel surcharge tables.

When you're dealing directly with carriers, it's important to understand how their rates and fuel surcharges work together, and when they update fuel surcharges. Did they quote you before or including the FSC? How often are interest rates right? and many more

When you use TJ chinafreight, the quotation (whether LTL or truck loading) always already includes FSC. Our LTL rates are for 7 days and our truck loading rates are for 24-48 hours. Need more explanation on fuel surcharges? We are happy to help!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

CMA CGM container ship catches fire

CMA CGM container ship catches fire
CMA CGM container ship catches fire

It is reported that on April 16, CMA CGM LISA MARIE, a large container ship owned by CMA CGM, encountered a container fire in the waters of Banda Aceh Sabang in the west of Sumatra Island.

The fully loaded vessel was on its way from Jeddah to Port Klang at the time of the incident. Basarnas Banda Acehs head Budiono said one of the containers caught fire when the ship arrived in Sabang waters, suspected to be caused by a short circuit.

The crew reportedly managed to put out the fire by their own means, with ships and tugboats in Banda Aceh district pouring water over containers at the fire site to cool them as a precaution. CMA CGM LISA MARIE resumes sailing after confirming fire safety.

At the time of the incident, the ship's voyage was "0BXBLW1MA", which may involve multiple shipping companies sharing cabins: CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, OOCL, APL, ANL and CNC.

In addition, it should be noted that the next voyage of the ship is "0BXC7W1MA". The scheduled sailing date is to depart from Busan Port on April 26, and then call at Shanghai Port (April 27-28) and Ningbo Port (April 29). Japan-30), Xiamen Port (May 1-2) and Shekou Port (May 3), please pay attention to whether there will be delays in the subsequent shipping schedules.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / China Freight News • Shipping

Shipping from China to Brunei

Brunei, a small country. But it ranks second among Southeast Asian countries on the Human Development Index, after Singapore, and is classified as a developed country according to Wikipedia. Shipping goods from China to Brunei has shipping, air and other transportation methods. Choosing a good freight forwarding partner can make your goods reach the destination more efficiently. TJ-chinafreight is one of the most trusted forwarders in China, allowing your cargo to arrive safely.

There are 4 different shipping methods: FCL, LCL, Air and Courier

Each of them has its unique advantages, disadvantages and application conditions.

In general

  • FCL : Suitable for large volumes above 10 CBM.
  • LCL : Suitable for small volume cargo. Save on shipping.
  • Air Freight: A fast option but more expensive compared to ocean freight.
  • Express: The most convenient for small shipments.

Which is better, sea, air or express?

Sea freight

It will be dispatched after FCL is carried out at domestic ports, and some service providers will transit in Singapore, and then transport it to the 4 major ports in Brunei for customs clearance, sorting and delivery. For some bulky goods, it is more suitable to choose sea freight, and the cost is relatively low.

Air Freight 

In China, direct cargo flights to Brunei will be arranged for transportation. After arriving at the customs, customs clearance will be carried out. After sorting, it will be handed over to the local logistics for delivery. The safety level will be higher, and the timeliness will be faster, but the cost will be higher.

Express line

Brunei express line is divided into ordinary line and express line. The time limit of ordinary line is slower and it is also through express. The service provider will cooperate with the courier company for transportation and delivery.

When will the Brunei special line arrive at the fastest time?

  • By Air: It takes about 5-7 days.
  • By sea: about 10-15 days.
  • Express: It takes about 7-15 days for the normal line, and 3-7 days for the express line.

Needed file

For importers

Businesses importing into Brunei must provide the following documents:

• Bill of Lading;
• Ship orders;
• commercial invoice;
• Packing List;
• Import permit;
• Customs import declaration;
• Certificate of Origin.

For exporters

Businesses exporting from Brunei must provide the following documents:

• Bill of Lading;
• commercial invoice;
• Customs export declaration;
• Packing List;
• Certificate of Insurance;
• export license;
• Certificate of Origin.

Duties and Taxes

Brunei follows the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for imported and exported goods that are not from ASEAN member countries. For imports and exports between ASEAN member countries, Brunei follows the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff (AHTN).

Import duties and taxes

As of January 1, 2019, the vast majority of goods imported into Brunei are not subject to tariffs. A small number of goods subject to customs duties are taxed at five or ten percent.

  • Goods subject to the 5% tariff include: petroleum and bitumen oils, cleaning supplies, film equipment, lamps and wood.
  • Goods subject to a 10% tariff include: certain fabrics, blankets, curtains and musical instruments.

Brunei does not impose other additional taxes on imported products.

Export duties and taxes

No customs duties are levied on exports from Brunei.

At last

Due to Brunei's single-window customs clearance and low tariff rates, importing and exporting in this small sovereign country is much easier than in some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Utilizing experts with local knowledge ensures that importers and exporters can import and export goods quickly.