Our services
Tile and Stone Import Services
Our goal is to simplify your supply chain by providing stress-free logistics solutions. Hence, we offer the following solutions for tile and stone importers in Los Angeles and the United States, powered by over 15 years of freight forwarding experience. We’re here to keep your cargo moving so you can focus on growing your business.
From Quarry to Your Door
Door-to-Door Logistics
Whether you’re importing tile and stone from Spain, Italy, Portugal, or other countries, we can arrange a door-to-door service from the factory floor to your doorstep in the United States. This stress-free service comes in handy if you prefer to have control over every aspect of your shipment.
Container Drayage
Reliable container drayage is our backbone. We proudly offer asset-based drayage services from The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and all U.S. Ports through our nationwide network.
Personalized Solutions
Ocean Freight
We offer weekly direct sailings from tile and stone producing countries in Europe and Asia to the United States. You’ll have access to over 50 global ports and end-to-end container visibility when you partner with us. This includes live container tracking, allowing you to monitor every point in your container’s journey to the U.S.
Warehousing and Distribution
Our warehouse facility in Carson, CA, is available to handle transloads, consolidations, and distribution of tile and stone to all the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Shipping tips
Tile and Stone Shipping Tips
Here are some helpful shipping tips that we put together for first-time importers shipping through Los Angeles and United States ports.
PierPass
All containers that discharge at L.A. or Long Beach ports incur a fee called PierPass. You can clear this on your own or your forwarder can, usually for an additional fee. The fee for 20′ containers is $ 37.71 and $ 75.42 for 40′ containers. Check your incoterms to determine who’s responsible for this fee.
Weight Restrictions
Keep your cargo weight at or below 44,000 lbs. to avoid extra costs for overweight and to meet CA legal weight limits. We can secure overweight permits if your cargo is considered non-divisible.
Terminal Operations
The terminal operator unloads your container from the vessel and places it inside their storage yard for pickup. Appointment times are available at random, and your desired time might not be available.
The Last Free Day
Your containers is assigned a “last free day” when discharged from the vessel. Your forwarder will schedule a pickup time on or before this day to avoid a daily storage charge called demurrage.
Empty Container Return
Your forwarder will schedule an empty container return appointment with the terminal once you’ve unloaded your cargo. Appointment times are available at random, and sometimes the terminal will only accept empty containers on dual transactions. This means your forwarder can only return your empty container if they pull a loaded container out.
Less Than Container Loads
Your cargo is taken to a designated container freight station (CFS) and unloaded and stored until you or your forwarder can arrange pickup.
our step by step
How to Import Tile and Stone to the United States
Here are the steps you must follow before you can start importing stone and tile to the U.S. We highly recommend partnering with an experienced tile and stone freight forwarder to simplify your import process and to avoid issues once your cargo reaches a U.S. Port. Partnering with us gets you access to over 16 years of freight forwarding experience.
Step 1
Summary Checklist
- Register as an importer with U.S. Customs.
- Classify your product’s HTS code.
- Arrange for shipping and delivery with a U.S.-based freight forwarder.
- Prepare documentation for U.S. Customs clearance.
- Pay duties, fees, and taxes upon arrival.
Step 2
Obtain an Importer of Record Number
If you’re importing goods for resale or business, you must register with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and obtain a Importer of Record (IOR) number through a licensed customs broker.
Step 3
Classify Tile and Stone's HTS Code
Tile and stone falls under specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for tariff classification. A customs broker can help you determine the correct HTS code for the specific type of fitness equipment you’re importing. Using the correct HTS code will help you budget for the applicable tariffs, taxes, and fees for entry to the U.S.
Step 4
Shipping Tile to the U.S.
Determine which shipping method you’ll use for your cargo (ocean or air). Partner with a U.S.-based freight forwarder who will arrange shipping and ensure all proper documentation is in place to enter the U.S.
Step 5
Prepare Tile Import Documents
Required documentation typically includes:
- Commercial Invoice: Details of the sale and value of the tiles in USD.
- Packing List: Description of the contents of the shipment.
- Arrival Notice: a document issued by a carrier, freight forwarder, or shipping agent to inform the consignee that their cargo is scheduled to arrive at the destination port or terminal, containing shipment details and instructions for pickup.
Step 6
U.S. Customs Clearance and Tile Duties
You will need to pay any applicable tariffs and import duties based on the HTS code of your product to CBP and an entry fee to your customs broker.
Step 7
Delivery to your Door
Your freight forwarder can arrange for final delivery to your door once your cargo clears customs. Ocean shipments will require container drayage from the port of arrival. Airfreight will require LTL trucking service.
Step 8
Stay Up to Date
Keep track of any changes in regulations or tariffs on tile imports, as trade policies can change due to shifts in international relations or U.S. trade agreements.
choosing comex
Our Benefits
We’re passionate logistics experts powered by over 15 years of experience. Here are some of the benefits of partnering us.
Availability
When partnering with us, you’ll have access to over 50 global ports and end-to-end container visibility. 24/7 container tracking at no extra cost.
Door-to-Door Service
We can arrange a door-to-door service from your product’s country of origin to your delivery location in the United States. This comes in handy if you prefer having control over every aspect of your shipment.
Savings
We leverage our one-stop-shop approach to reduce your overall shipping costs and to save you time. We’re here to help your business grow.
Ready to Ship?
We’re here to help. Get in touch with a freight forwarding expert.
