Freight costs often include some or all of the following components:

• Loading and reloading of the boat from the seller’s dock or marina. Be aware that loading charges can be levied by the marina. It is advisable that you agree with the seller beforehand whether he/she or you should pay for this charge.

• Freight preparations such as de-assembly of radar arches and hard tops, winterization of engines and water systems, generators, shrink-wrap, reloading, cradle fees are all part of freight prep. charges

• Local land transport from place of sale to port of loading, whether this is to be done on its own keel or via truck.

• Port fees in the U.S.

• Ocean freight from the U.S. to overseas port of discharge is calculated on the total cubic volume of the boat, including cradle or trailer. In other words, an over-sized trailer makes the freight considerably more expensive and a tailor made transport cradle.

• Fuel surcharges. It is not uncommon that an extra fuel surcharge is levied on the ocean freight by the steamship line. Make sure that is included in your quote.

• Forwarding fees at destination. Although you do not have to, many customers choose to use a forwarding agent in the EU and elsewhere to handle all the import documentation. The forwarder clears customs and pre-pays the duties and charges the customer a handling fee for their work.

• Port and unloading fees in port of discharge.