What Do Imported Fasteners Really Cost to Land?

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6 Factors That Go Beyond Piece Price and Drive Up Total Spend

The lowest unit price isn’t always the best value. Freight, customs and lead time raise the total cost more than many realize when sourcing across borders.
 
Before importing your next order, take a closer look at how short-term savings can lead to higher long-term spend – and how a localized supplier helps you avoid it.
1.

Freight, Customs and Import Fees

Transport from the U.S. or overseas adds distance, time and cost. Expediting materials when supply runs short can erase any initial savings, especially for heavy parts. And airfreight for just a few pallets can cost as much as a full truckload on the ground. Working with a supplier that manages most or all logistics helps keep freight predictable and your budget stable.

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2.

Warehousing

Keeping even months of inventory on hand is often one of the highest hidden costs of importing, as storage space, insurance and financing reduce flexibility and cash flow. A supplier that can hold material and send it directly to the job site when needed eliminates those expenses and prevents emergency shipments, so you only pay when parts are delivered, not while they sit on the shelf.

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3.

Receiving and Handling

Every shipment requires inspection, counting, documentation and put-away. Those labor steps carry direct costs and can slow delivery with each stop. A local supplier helps minimize handling points and ensures parts arrive on schedule.

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4.

Purchase Order (PO) and Supplier Charge

Every part’s PO has a processing charge, whether through one vendor or more. If an order is sourced through multiple suppliers, an additional fee is added per vendor, quickly multiplying expenses. Consolidating with a capable in-country supplier can cut those costs.

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5.

Lead Time and Risk

Longer routes increase the chance of delays from logistics or customs holds. Verify promised lead times to your site in Mexico, plus contingency options. Shorter lead times improve schedule certainty and reduce the need for costly expediting.

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6.

Communication and Coordination

Time zones, language barriers and long distances can slow responses when questions come up or quality needs to be confirmed. Partnering with a domestic supplier simplifies order purchasing and communication. Faster answers result in fewer disruptions and more confidence that every part meets your standards.

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Simplify your supply chain and avoid the hidden costs of importing. Even when piece price is higher, a domestic sourcing strategy with the right partner can lead to an average of 15-24% savings across your total cost of ownership.

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Get Flight-Ready Fasteners Without Border Delays

Keep costs grounded and lead times short with pre-inspected, certified commercial and aerospace parts in Mexico.