Brokerage Fee
Also known as: Customs Brokerage Fee, Clearance Fee, Entry Fee
Definition
A brokerage fee is what you pay a customs broker to handle the import or export clearance process on your behalf. This fee covers the professional service of navigating customs regulations, filing paperwork, and ensuring your shipment clears legally.
What Brokerage Fees Cover
Core services:
- Customs entry filing
- Duty and tax calculation
- Documentation preparation
- Communication with customs
- Shipment release coordination
May include:
- HS code classification
- Regulatory agency filings
- Bond management
- Compliance consulting
Typical Brokerage Fee Ranges
| Shipment Type | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Express courier (included) | $0-$15 |
| Express courier (formal entry) | $25-$75 |
| Air freight | $75-$150 |
| Ocean LCL | $100-$175 |
| Ocean FCL | $125-$250 |
| Complex/regulated goods | $200-$500+ |
Note: These are base fees. Additional charges may apply.
Additional Brokerage Charges
Beyond the base fee, brokers may charge for:
| Service | Typical Charge |
|---|---|
| ISF filing (ocean) | $25-$50 |
| FDA prior notice | $25-$75 |
| USDA clearance | $50-$100 |
| Single entry bond | $50-$100 |
| After-hours clearance | $50-$150 |
| Document preparation | $15-$50 |
| Amendment fees | $25-$50 |
| Storage coordination | $25-$75 |
Carrier Brokerage vs. Independent Broker
Carrier brokerage (FedEx, UPS, DHL):
- Convenient - included in delivery
- Higher fees on complex shipments
- Limited customization
- Standard service level
Independent customs broker:
- Often lower fees for regular importers
- More personalized service
- Expertise in specific product types
- Relationship benefits over time
When Brokerage Is Required
Typically required:
- Commercial shipments over de minimis
- Formal customs entries
- Regulated products (food, drugs, chemicals)
- High-value shipments
May not need broker:
- Personal shipments under de minimis
- Simple informal entries
- Shipments with carrier clearance included
Reducing Brokerage Costs
- Ship more volume - Negotiate lower per-entry fees
- Consolidate shipments - One entry vs. multiple
- Continuous bond - Saves vs. single-entry bonds
- Accurate documentation - Avoid amendment fees
- Compare brokers - Get quotes from multiple providers
- Use carrier clearance - For simple, low-value shipments
Choosing a Customs Broker
Questions to ask:
- What’s your all-in fee for my typical shipment?
- Do you specialize in my product category?
- What’s your process for handling delays?
- How do you communicate status updates?
- What technology/portals do you offer?
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