Shameful freight forwarder

Member since 21 May 2022

Pandora At DodolandActive member15 November 2025 01:41:05

I am helping a friend from China to import materials for his cabinet business. Unfortunately he showed me the bill from a local forwarder after he paid. He didn't ask any questions when he received the bill. He was so anticipated to receive the goods. He found it very expensive. But he didn't know what each items are. Turned out that he paid sea freight + fuel charge twice. And these extra charges from MRU is more than double he prepaid in China. I asked him to ask for refund but the forwarder just ignored him. He said he will never use this forwarder again. But I believe my friend is not the only one who got tricked.

The forwarder I usually work with did the same trick to me in the beginning. But I do trading in HK, I know all the shipping terms. They couldn't trick me easily in that area. So if you are going to ship something to MRU or out of MRU, always ask questions before you pay.

sharmaritachetty Member

Member since 09 October 2025

sharmaritachettyMember15 November 2025 05:51:47

@Pandora At Dodoland

Thanks for the advice. Are you willing to disclose the name of the forwarder? I may need one soon.

Pandora At Dodoland Active member

Member since 21 May 2022

Pandora At DodolandActive member15 November 2025 08:28:58

@sharmaritachetty

My friend only showed me the breakdown, didn't show me the whole invoice. I guess he worried that I will go to MRA to complain this forwarder. He doesn't want any drama. But I can show you what you should pay attention to.

CISF (Cost Insurance Sea Freight)

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) This is bunker fuel surcharge, usually settled at origin port if required, not settled at destination port.

**If you already paid for the sea freight, you don't need to pay above.

BL (Bill of Lading)

CFS (Container Freight Station) A charge for LCL shipment

CCS (Carbon Capture & Storage) This fee is new. Most forwarders in MRU charge Rs325/shipment

Document - Varies between forwarders. I paid Rs1,100. My friend paid Rs1,909.60

Agency - Also varies between forwarders. I paid Rs1,000 My friend paid Rs1,432.20

THC (Terminal Handling Charge) A charge for FCL shipment usually.

Communication - Not all forwarder charge for this fee but mine does. I paid Rs400

**All of above has 15% VAT

Hope it helps.