Quote:
Originally Posted by ken0042
You and I are arguing over different points here. I say if UPS et al want to charge a brokerage fee- let them.
My issue is that shipping from the US to Canada always involves customs at some point. Why is it that the one part of the processing has a cost that is not charged up front? Why is it that shipping does not automatically include that brokerage fee built into the upfront price?
That is what seems to be "underhanded" to me- to be told the shipping is going to be one price; and then right at the end to be told there is another charge. Going back to our restaurant Pepsi example; if the cost of the drink is $5 then tell me up front; don't tell me it's $2 and then after it's too late tell me it's another $3.
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international trade has a system of identifying the responsible parties for the parts of the shipping transaction. pick up, insurance, freight, clearance, unloading, packaging, etc ....
look up incoterms 2011. there is a clear definition of who is responsible for what as the ownership of the goods actually change hands based on these terms.
the point being they are two seperate transactions and usually the standard is the shipper pays the freight and the consignee takes the brokerage, duty and taxes unless otherwise negotiated by way of Incoterm.
Most people have never heard of nor need to use Inco Terms, so the standard as above applies.