Frequently asked questions

East Coast Freight Logistics is an international freight forwarder coordinating consolidated package shipping and household goods shipments from the United States to Hungary. Vehicle and full-container shipping to other European destinations may be arranged depending on the route and service requirements. We plan the shipment, handle documentation, and coordinate pickup, warehouse handling where applicable, ocean transportation, and destination-side steps. Specific transportation legs are performed by licensed carriers, terminals, and other qualified providers as part of that process.

Send us what you want to ship, its US location, and the destination. We aim to respond within one business day and will tell you if more information is needed for an estimate. Contacting us before purchase can help you account for shipping costs before you commit.

Ocean transit from the United States to a European port is commonly estimated at 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the route. The full timeline also includes US inland coordination, document preparation, carrier schedules, and port handling. We provide a shipment-specific estimate once the route and cargo details are known.

Customs requirements depend on the shipment and destination. We explain the documents commonly requested and, where agreed, coordinate with the appropriate destination partner. Customs authorities decide clearance outcomes, duties, and taxes.

Before ordering from Amazon.com, send us the product link, seller, value, dimensions, and destination so we can check whether a suitable US receiving and onward-shipping arrangement is available. Also compare direct European delivery where offered; it may be simpler or less expensive.

Combining purchases depends on the items, seller locations, arrival dates, and the receiving arrangement available for the shipment. Contact us before ordering. We will confirm whether consolidation can be arranged and compare it with separate shipping where useful.

Some items are prohibited or restricted for international shipment. Common examples include standalone lithium batteries in certain configurations, certain flammable liquids and aerosols, firearms and ammunition, and items prohibited by EU or Hungarian import law. If you are unsure about a specific item, ask before you buy it.

Customs duties and VAT on imports from the USA to Hungary depend on the item type and declared value. We do not quote customs duties. These are determined by customs authorities at the destination. Factor this into your cost estimate before buying. For a specific estimate, consult the Hungarian customs authority or a licensed customs agent.

Air and ocean shipping times depend on the route, carrier schedule, document readiness, and destination handling. Once we have the package details, the estimate will include the expected timing for the currently available arrangement.

With FCL (Full Container Load), you have your own container. No one else's goods share the space. With LCL (Less than Container Load), your goods share a container with other shippers and you pay for the space you use. FCL is typically more economical for larger volumes. LCL is more practical for smaller shipments where you do not have enough to fill a container.

With RoRo (roll-on/roll-off), the vehicle is moved onto a purpose-built vehicle carrier on its own wheels rather than placed in an individual container. It generally must run and move safely, and the service is not available on every route. Pricing and acceptance conditions must be checked for the specific sailing.

Ocean freight is the cost of moving the shipment from origin port to destination port. Separately, you typically pay for: origin inland transport, export documentation and port handling, destination port and handling charges, customs duties and import taxes, and any inland delivery at the destination. We explain all cost components in the quote so you have the full picture.

Transit from a US East Coast port to a northern European port is typically 2 to 4 weeks. From the West Coast, 3 to 5 weeks. From the European port to Budapest by road is typically 1 to 4 days. Total timeline including US coordination and documentation is usually 6 to 12 weeks.

The shipment arrives at the destination port and is unloaded. Customs clearance at the destination is coordinated with appropriate partners. We explain the documentation requirements in advance. Onward transport from port to your address depends on the arrangement agreed at the quote stage.