Germany and the United States are two giants of the global economy, and the flow of goods between them is enormous. But the Atlantic Ocean does not forgive mistakes, and US Customs (CBP) is famous for its bureaucratic grip. So if you think that “German quality” automatically guarantees an easy delivery, you are mistaken. Here, Incoterms, HS codes, and strict deadlines rule the game.
Choosing the Transport: A Battle Between Time and Money
The very first question to answer is that of how your cargo would travel across the sea. In truth, the answer is simple: only two ways exist. Whether you prefer — cheaper or faster — is a matter of personal values. While air cargo transports your freight very fast, within only 3-5 days, the sea cargo service is very slow, requiring 30-45 days.
However, there is a nuance. With sea shipping, you pay not only for the freight itself but also for port charges, which in the USA can be quite painful. When arranging shipping from Germany to USA, always keep in mind that a cheap container rate can incur additional costs at the destination port (THC, DTHC).
The Customs Nightmare: ISF 10+2 and HS Codes
The worst nightmare of any US importer is the Importer Security Filing (ISF or “10+2”). This rule requires that cargo data be submitted to US Customs at least 24 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel in a German port. Miss the submission deadline? Expect a $5,000 fine. Make a mistake in the product code? Another fine.
In addition, it is critically important to correctly determine the HS Code (Harmonized System code). The duty rate depends on it. And for certain goods (food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics), additional FDA registration is required, adding yet another layer of bureaucracy.
Hidden Costs Carriers Don’t Talk About
Many beginners look only at the freight rate, forgetting that logistics is a construction set made of many separate charges. To ensure you are not surprised by the final invoice, we have prepared a table of typical cost items that are often overlooked.
| Expense category | Typical cost range (estimated) | Mandatory or optional |
| Customs bond (Single entry) | $50 – $150 | Mandatory for sea freight imports |
| ISF filing fee | $25 – $50 | Mandatory (penalties apply if missed) |
| Merchandise processing fee (MPF) | 0.3464% of cargo value | Mandatory (min $31, max $614) |
| Harbor maintenance fee (HMF) | 0.125% of cargo value | Mandatory for sea freight arrival |
| Cargo insurance | 0.3% – 0.5% of value | Optional but highly recommended |
| Chassis fee | $30 – $40 per day | Mandatory for trucking from the port |
These figures clearly show that “pure” freight is only half the story. Special attention should be paid to MPF and HMF, federal fees that cannot be avoided.
How to Simplify the Equation
When one single mistake in the paperwork can cost thousands of dollars, the reliance on luck is an inadequate strategy. Traditional freight forwarders are often slow; communication with them feels like a game of broken telephone. This is where digital aggregators such as GetTransport save the day.
Using such a platform solves three tasks at once:
- Transparency: You see bids from different carriers in real time and understand the market price;
- Safety: The platform works only with verified agents who know what ISF is and will not forget to submit the declaration on time;
- Control: All documentation is digitized, and the risk of losing an invoice or packing list is minimal.
In the end, logistics between Germany and the USA is a complex mechanism that requires either deep professional knowledge or a reliable partner. Trying to save $100 on a broker while risking $100,000 worth of cargo is questionable economy.