FAQ

Key Factors by Region

For inland cities, we use an Intermodal Transport model to bridge the gap between the coast and our facilities.

The Process:

– Port Arrival: Your cargo is unloaded at the nearest international seaport and cleared through customs.

– Inland Transit: The container is transferred to Freight Rail or Long-Haul Trucking for transport to the target city’s “dry port” or rail terminal.

– Final Drayage: A local truck picks up the container from the terminal and delivers it directly to our warehouse loading docks for de-kitting and storage.

This “hub-and-spoke” system allows you to store inventory closer to major consumer markets in the US, UK, and Brazil, even without direct ocean access.

Sea shipping costs are primarily based on how much space you use and how much your goods weigh. Here is the simplest breakdown:
– Container Choice

Full Container (FCL): You pay a flat “rent” for the entire box (20ft or 40ft). It doesn’t matter if it’s half-full or packed to the ceiling; the price for the space is the same.

Shared Container (LCL): You only pay for the volume (Cubic Meters) your goods occupy. This is best for smaller shipments that don’t need a whole container.

– The “Weight vs. Size” Rule

Carriers charge based on whichever is larger: the actual weight or the physical size.

Heavy goods (like tiles) are charged by weight.

Light, bulky goods (like pillows) are charged by the space they take up.

– Port & Fuel Fees

The “Base Freight” is just the starting point. You will also see:

Terminal Fees: The cost for the port crane to move your box.

Fuel Surcharges: Extra costs that go up or down based on global oil prices.

Peak Season Fees: Higher prices during busy times, like the lead-up to the holidays.

– Your Contract (Incoterms)

The final price depends on your agreement with the seller.

FOB (Free on Board): You only pay from the foreign port to your door.

EXW (Ex Works): You pay for everything, starting from the factory floor.