How to ship a prefab cabin anywhere in the world
FOB vs EXW, containers, freight forwarders, duty, VAT, customs and the last mile: the steps from factory to your site.
1. Know what the price includes
Makers quote EXW (at the factory gate), FOB (loaded on the ship at their port) or CIF (delivered to your port). Most prices on TheGlampings are FOB or EXW, so everything after the ship leaves is on you.
2. Get a freight quote for a 40ft high-cube
Ask two or three freight forwarders for the rate of a 40ft high-cube (40HQ) container from the maker's port to yours. Then divide by the units that fit inside: that is your freight per unit. Long routes (China to Europe, the Americas or Africa) usually cost far more than routes within Asia.
- ✓Port of loading (e.g. Qingdao, Tianjin, Ningbo, Guangzhou)
- ✓Your port of discharge
- ✓Units per container and gross weight
- ✓Whether you need the forwarder to handle customs at destination
3. Check duty, VAT and paperwork in your country
Prefabricated buildings usually fall under HS code 9406. Duty ranges from 0% under some trade agreements to 25%+ with anti-dumping or special tariffs; VAT or GST is charged on top. Ask for the certificate of origin your country needs (Form E for ASEAN, Form A or others elsewhere).
4. Plan the last mile
Budget trucking from the port, a crane or forklift to unload, the foundation (screw piles, concrete pads or blocks), utility connections and installation. On islands or remote sites the last mile can cost as much as the sea freight.
5. Inspect before you pay the balance
Pay the deposit to the company account named in the contract, ask for photos and video of your units before shipping, and consider a third-party inspection for orders of 10 units or more.
Questions
How long does shipping take?
Production is usually 2–8 weeks, sea freight 2–6 weeks depending on the route, plus customs and trucking.
Do I need a building permit?
Often yes, even for a temporary or relocatable unit. Check your local rules before ordering.