How much should I pay for US Customs Brokerage fees?

Im new to international trade.   I am importing some goods from Pakistan via American Airlines air freight.  (The seller is arranging the shipping of the goods.)

I need to choose a Customs Broker to clear them through US customs. 

Im not sure how much this service should cost, or how much I should pay for it.

I've gotten some local quotes from $95 - $115 for the brokerage fee, plus duties, plus a bond fee.   Are those prices reasonable?  

Do I have to have someone here at my airport do it, or can any Customs Broker in the US do the work? 

If those prices are high, can anyone suggest a trustworthy and reasonably priced broker?

Thx,

Dave

Replying To  [DrummerDave]:

Quoting from [DrummerDave]:

i think you can compare them,and find the best cooperator.

Quoting from [DrummerDave]:

Im new to international trade.   I am importing some goods from Pakistan via American Airlines air freight.  (The seller is arranging the shipping of the goods.)

I need to choose a Customs Broker to clear them through US customs. 

Im not sure how much this service should cost, or how much I should pay for it.

I've gotten some local quotes from $95 - $115 for the brokerage fee, plus duties, plus a bond fee.   Are those prices reasonable?  

Do I have to have someone here at my airport do it, or can any Customs Broker in the US do the work? 

If those prices are high, can anyone suggest a trustworthy and reasonably priced broker?

Thx,

Dave

Yes that is extremely reasonable for a small shipment, the bond should run no more than about $55.00.  Once you learn how to do it yourself, if your importing the same types of goods you can eliminate the customs broker and the added fee.  Customs brokers are licensed and have to submit more paperwork than a single importer doing it on their own.

The bond however is mandatory even to an importer clearing the goods themself.

The best way to keep prices down is to utilize the same broker and one that is closest to your port of entry.   Keep in mind that using a broker agency one that has many brokers may be more economical in the long run.  But keeping up a relationship with whom ever you choose is just like any other business relationship.

Ranger

Quoting from [DrummerDave]:

Im new to international trade.   I am importing some goods from Pakistan via American Airlines air freight.  (The seller is arranging the shipping of the goods.)

I need to choose a Customs Broker to clear them through US customs. 

Im not sure how much this service should cost, or how much I should pay for it.

I've gotten some local quotes from $95 - $115 for the brokerage fee, plus duties, plus a bond fee.   Are those prices reasonable?  

Do I have to have someone here at my airport do it, or can any Customs Broker in the US do the work? 

If those prices are high, can anyone suggest a trustworthy and reasonably priced broker?

Thx,

Dave

Hello Dave,

I have my customers use UPS brokering services when importing or we use them or Fedex.  It's easier.

Marti Rae

Quoting from [MROAIS]:

Hello Dave,

I have my customers use UPS brokering services when importing or we use them or Fedex.  It's easier.

Marti Rae

Marti,

To have UPS broker the shipment, UPS has to be the carrier, correct?   That was my understanding at least. 

Quoting from [DrummerDave]:

Quoting from [MROAIS]:

Hello Dave,

I have my customers use UPS brokering services when importing or we use them or Fedex.  It's easier.

Marti Rae

Marti,

To have UPS broker the shipment, UPS has to be the carrier, correct?   That was my understanding at least. 

yes that is correct,

good luck.

p.s the price sounds fair ish.

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