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How to buy fish with a Transhipper
How to buy fish with a Transhipper
What is Transhipping?
What is Transhipping?
Transhipping is the process of bringing fish from overseas into the US. It requires a few extra steps, but is often cheaper then buying locally.
Who are we referring to when we say Transhipper?
Who are we referring to when we say Transhipper?
There are two individuals with every international fish shipment that we are referring to.
The International Transhipper - This is a person in a foreign country who is licensed to ship fish into the US. This is NOT the fish seller and will need to be paid for their service.
The US Based Transhipper - This is a person in the US who is licensed to accept internationally shipped fish. This person will pick the fish up from the airport and ship them to you, and will need to be paid for their service AND shipping costs.
Why are Transhippers Necessary?
Why are Transhippers Necessary?
Transhippers have a license to import fish into the US, and most likely you do not! They handle inspections and ensure compliance with all US Fish Laws.
Why do I need to pay Transhippers twice?
Why do I need to pay Transhippers twice?
You are paying both the international and US based Transhippers for their services. They do not work together or for the fish sellers.
How do I find a Transhipper?
How do I find a Transhipper?
International fish sellers often have a list of US Based Transhippers for you to choose from, or a specific person they like to use.
Here are some recommendations:
California - Tucky's Bettas
Texas - Joel Fernandez
The first thing to know is that you will pay 4 times when using a transhipper.
The first thing to know is that you will pay 4 times when using a transhipper.
Payment for the fish directly to the seller. This is whatever price you negotiated with the seller.
Payment to the International Transhipper who will ship the fish to the US Transhipper. This is usually around $5-7 per fish.
Payment to the US Based Transhipper to pick up the fish from the airport. This is usually around $5-7 per fish.
Payment to ship the fish from the transhipper to you. Usually around $15 flat fee if under 6 fish, though can be more for next day shipping.
(This can be skipped if you are able to pick up the fish directly from the Transhipper)
To estimate how much a fish will cost you, add $15 to the cost of each fish, then add the US shipping to the total. This should be at the high end of your estimate.
As an example, if I wanted to buy 2 fish both costing $20 each, I would add $15 to each fish and $15 for US shipping. So it would be [20+15] + [20+15]+15 = $85 to import 2 fish and ship them to me
Even with these extra fees, it is often times cheaper to import high end fish then try to find and buy within the US. I have gotten some incredible bettas for $15-30 internationally plus shipping costs. Compare this to a LFS selling high end bettas for $65 each and it's a great deal!
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