How does Sports Unlimited handle shipping for fitness and yoga apparel. What are the various shipping methods available for domestic and international orders. Can customers choose between economy and express delivery options. How are duties and taxes handled for international shipments.
Domestic Shipping Options: From Economy to Express
Sports Unlimited offers a range of shipping options for customers within the United States, catering to various needs and time constraints. These options include:
- Economy Ground (7-10 Business Days)
- Expedited Ground (3-5 Business Days)
- Express (2-3 Business Days)
- USPS Priority Mail
- USPS Express Mail
Economy Ground is the most cost-effective option, utilizing UPS Basic or USPS for deliveries within the lower 48 states. For larger items that cannot be shipped via UPS, truck shipping is employed. Expedited Ground offers a faster alternative, primarily using UPS Ground for delivery within 3-5 business days.
Express shipping ensures delivery within 2-3 business days and is available for all 50 states via 2nd day air. USPS Priority Mail is the preferred method for U.S. territories and APO/FPO addresses, while USPS Express Mail provides an even faster option for these destinations.
Shipping Large Items
How does Sports Unlimited handle oversized products? For items too large for standard UPS shipping, the company utilizes truck delivery. During checkout, these items automatically default to either Economy or Expedited Ground shipping methods, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of bulky products.
International Shipping: Navigating Global Deliveries
Sports Unlimited extends its services beyond U.S. borders, offering several international shipping options:
- Ground to Canada (Includes Duties & Taxes)
- Express to Canada (Includes Duties & Taxes)
- USPS International Priority Mail
- UPS Worldwide Expedited
- UPS Worldwide Express Saver
For Canadian customers, both ground and express options are available, with shipping charges including all Canadian taxes, duties, and fees. Ground shipments to Canada typically take 2-10 business days, while express deliveries arrive within 1-2 business days.
Other international destinations are served by USPS International Priority Mail, UPS Worldwide Expedited, or UPS Worldwide Express Saver. Transit times vary from 2-10 business days, depending on the chosen method. It’s important to note that for these international shipments (excluding Canada), the shipping charge does not include taxes, duties, and fees.
Brazilian Customs Procedures
Are there any specific considerations for Brazilian customers? Indeed, Sports Unlimited advises that recent changes in Brazil’s customs procedures have resulted in packages being held in customs for up to 120 days. This significant delay is an important factor for Brazilian customers to consider when placing orders.
Shipping Estimates and Delivery Guarantees
While Sports Unlimited provides estimated delivery windows, it’s crucial to understand that these are approximations, especially for international shipments. Delivery dates cannot be guaranteed due to various factors, including potential customs holds.
During checkout, customers are provided with estimated delivery days based on their selected destination country and the shipping methods available for the items in their cart. Although UPS is generally faster, Sports Unlimited emphasizes that delivery dates for international packages cannot be guaranteed due to potential customs-related delays.
Handling Special Shipping Scenarios
P.O. Box Deliveries
Can orders be shipped to P.O. boxes? UPS does not deliver to P.O. boxes, so customers must provide a street address for shipping. Sports Unlimited validates addresses with the USPS upon order receipt. If an address is found to be invalid, the company may contact the customer via email to verify and correct the information.
Local Pick-up Options
Is it possible to pick up orders directly from Sports Unlimited’s warehouse? While not a common practice due to the lack of a traditional storefront, local pick-ups can be arranged for customers in the Philadelphia, PA area or those passing through. To organize a pick-up, customers should call during regular business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 AM-8:00 PM ET and Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM ET) and place their order over the phone.
Free Shipping and Same-Day Shipping Opportunities
Sports Unlimited offers free shipping and same-day shipping options for certain orders. These promotions can significantly reduce costs and expedite delivery for eligible purchases. Customers are encouraged to check the company’s website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information on these offers, as they may be subject to specific terms and conditions.
Customer Support for Shipping Inquiries
How can customers get additional information about shipping? Sports Unlimited prides itself on customer service and encourages customers to reach out via email or phone for any shipping-related questions not addressed in their online resources. The company’s commitment to “getting it right every single time” extends to their shipping practices, ensuring customers receive prompt and accurate responses to their inquiries.
Understanding Shipping Origins and Warehouse Logistics
Where do Sports Unlimited orders typically ship from? Most items ship from the company’s warehouse in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. However, due to the wide variety of products offered, some items may ship directly from suppliers’ warehouses. This distributed fulfillment approach allows Sports Unlimited to offer a broader range of products without maintaining extensive on-site inventory for every item.
Signature Requirements for Deliveries
Do recipients need to sign for their packages? Sports Unlimited does not require signatures for package deliveries. The decision to leave a package without a signature is at the discretion of the delivery driver. This policy offers convenience for customers who may not be home during delivery hours, but it’s important to consider the security of the delivery location when choosing this option.
Navigating Customs and International Shipping Challenges
International shipping presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to customs procedures and additional fees. Sports Unlimited’s approach to these challenges varies depending on the destination country:
Canadian Shipments
For orders shipped to Canada, Sports Unlimited simplifies the process by including all Canadian taxes, duties, and fees in the shipping charge. This all-inclusive approach means Canadian customers don’t have to worry about unexpected additional costs upon delivery. Whether choosing ground shipping (UPS Canada Standard) or express shipping (UPS Worldwide Saver), the price paid at checkout covers all associated fees.
Other International Destinations
For international shipments to countries other than Canada, the situation is different. The shipping charges for USPS International Priority Mail, UPS Worldwide Expedited, and UPS Worldwide Express Saver do not include taxes, duties, and fees. Customers in these countries should be prepared for potential additional charges upon delivery or customs clearance.
This difference in handling international fees highlights the complexity of global shipping and the varying regulations across different countries. Sports Unlimited’s transparency about these potential additional costs helps customers make informed decisions when placing international orders.
Customs Delays and Processing Times
While Sports Unlimited strives to provide accurate shipping estimates, customs procedures can significantly impact delivery times for international orders. The company emphasizes that they have no control over whether customs will hold up a package, which can lead to delays beyond the estimated delivery window.
The case of Brazilian customs procedures serves as a prime example of how national policies can affect shipping times. With packages potentially held in customs for up to 120 days, Brazilian customers must factor in this significant delay when considering their purchase and delivery expectations.
Optimizing Shipping Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
Sports Unlimited’s diverse shipping options and transparent policies reflect a commitment to customer satisfaction and efficient order fulfillment. By offering a range of shipping methods, from economical ground options to express international delivery, the company caters to various customer needs and preferences.
Balancing Cost and Speed
The tiered approach to shipping options allows customers to balance cost considerations with delivery speed. Economy Ground shipping provides a cost-effective solution for those not in a rush, while Express and international expedited options cater to customers requiring faster delivery.
Addressing Unique Shipping Scenarios
Sports Unlimited’s flexibility in handling special cases, such as local pick-ups or shipping large items, demonstrates an understanding of diverse customer needs. The company’s willingness to arrange pick-ups for local customers and its use of truck shipping for oversized items showcases adaptability in logistics management.
Leveraging Multiple Carriers
By utilizing various carriers including UPS, USPS, and truck shipping services, Sports Unlimited optimizes its shipping network. This multi-carrier approach allows the company to choose the most efficient and cost-effective shipping method for each order, considering factors such as package size, destination, and delivery speed requirements.
Proactive Communication
Sports Unlimited’s emphasis on providing clear shipping information and encouraging customers to reach out with questions underscores a commitment to proactive communication. By setting realistic expectations about delivery times and potential customs delays, the company helps manage customer expectations and reduce potential frustrations related to shipping.
How does Sports Unlimited ensure accurate shipping estimates? The company validates addresses with USPS upon order receipt and provides estimated delivery days during checkout based on destination and available shipping methods. This attention to detail helps minimize errors and provides customers with more accurate delivery expectations.
Evolving Shipping Strategies in E-commerce
Sports Unlimited’s shipping policies and practices reflect broader trends in e-commerce logistics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in modern retail distribution:
Adapting to Global Markets
The company’s differentiated approach to Canadian and other international shipments demonstrates an understanding of varying global market needs. By including duties and taxes in Canadian shipping charges while keeping them separate for other countries, Sports Unlimited adapts to specific market requirements and customer expectations.
Balancing Inventory Management
Sports Unlimited’s practice of shipping some items directly from suppliers’ warehouses illustrates a strategic approach to inventory management. This method allows the company to offer a wide range of products without the need to stock every item, potentially reducing overhead costs and improving efficiency.
Leveraging Technology
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, the ability to offer detailed shipping estimates and multiple shipping options suggests the use of advanced logistics technology. Modern e-commerce platforms often integrate with shipping carriers’ systems to provide real-time rates and delivery estimates, enhancing the customer experience during checkout.
Addressing Last-Mile Delivery Challenges
The policy of allowing deliveries without signatures addresses the “last-mile” delivery challenge common in e-commerce. By giving delivery drivers discretion in leaving packages, Sports Unlimited balances convenience for customers with the practical realities of home delivery.
How does Sports Unlimited handle potential delivery issues? While the company doesn’t require signatures, they likely have systems in place to track deliveries and address any lost or misplaced packages, although specific details aren’t provided in the given information.
Future Considerations in Shipping and Logistics
As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, companies like Sports Unlimited may need to consider several factors to stay competitive and meet changing customer expectations:
Sustainability in Shipping
With growing environmental concerns, there may be increased pressure to offer more sustainable shipping options. This could involve using eco-friendly packaging materials, optimizing routes to reduce carbon emissions, or offering carbon-neutral shipping options to environmentally conscious customers.
Enhanced Tracking and Transparency
Customers increasingly expect real-time tracking and updates on their orders. Implementing more advanced tracking systems, potentially leveraging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) devices, could provide customers with more detailed and accurate information about their shipments’ whereabouts and estimated delivery times.
Expansion of Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery
As major e-commerce players push the boundaries of rapid delivery, companies like Sports Unlimited may need to explore ways to offer faster shipping options, particularly for popular items or in key market areas. This could involve partnerships with local courier services or the establishment of regional distribution centers.
Addressing Cross-Border E-commerce Challenges
With the growth of global e-commerce, simplifying international shipping processes becomes increasingly important. This might include expanding all-inclusive pricing (like the current Canadian model) to more countries or partnering with services that specialize in managing international customs and duties.
How might Sports Unlimited adapt to changing customer expectations for faster deliveries? While not addressed in the provided information, potential strategies could include expanding warehouse locations, partnering with more local fulfillment centers, or implementing advanced inventory forecasting to position popular items closer to key markets.
Conclusion: Shipping as a Competitive Advantage
Sports Unlimited’s comprehensive approach to shipping demonstrates an understanding of its critical role in customer satisfaction and business success. By offering a wide range of shipping options, providing clear information about potential delays and additional costs, and maintaining flexibility to address unique customer needs, the company positions its shipping service as a key differentiator in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
As the retail world continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on speed, transparency, and customer convenience, companies that can effectively manage and innovate their shipping and logistics processes will likely see a significant competitive advantage. Sports Unlimited’s current practices provide a solid foundation for future growth and adaptation in this critical aspect of e-commerce operations.
The challenge moving forward will be to continually refine and improve shipping processes, balancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness with the ever-increasing customer expectations for rapid, transparent, and reliable delivery. By maintaining a customer-centric approach to shipping and logistics, Sports Unlimited is well-positioned to navigate the future challenges and opportunities in the dynamic world of e-commerce fulfillment.
Shipping Information
Economy Ground (7-10 Business Days)
Within the lower 48 States, orders are shipped for the most part UPS Basic or USPS. Orders with large items that we cannot ship with UPS are shipped via Truck. Items that are shipping Truck will default to the Economy or Expedited Ground shipping method during checkout.
Expedited Ground (3-5 Business Days)
Within the lower 48 States, orders are shipped for the most part UPS Ground. Orders with large items that we cannot ship with UPS are shipped via Truck. Items that are shipping Truck will default to the Economy or Expedited Ground shipping method during checkout.
Express (2-3 business days)
All 50 states ship 2nd day air
USPS Priority Mail
U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, etc.) orders are shipped USPS Priority Mail.
APO / FPO orders are shipped USPS Priority Mail.
USPS Express Mail
U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, etc.
) orders are shipped USPS Express Mail.
INTERNATIONAL
Shipping windows are estimates and delivery dates cannot be guaranteed. You will be given estimated delivery days at the time of checkout based on your selected destination country and the shipping methods available for the items in your shopping cart. While UPS is typically a faster method, we can never guarantee delivery dates for international packages, as we have no control whether Customs will hold up a package or not.
*BRAZILIAN CUSTOMERS- changes in BrazilÆs customs procedures have resulted in packages being held in customs for up to 120 days.
Ground to Canada (Includes Duties & Taxes)
Ground Shipments to Canada are shipped via UPS Canada Standard. Typical transit time is 2-10 business days. The shipping charge by Sports Unlimited includes all Canadian taxes, duties and fees.
Express to Canada (Includes Duties & Taxes)
Express Shipments to Canada are shipped via UPS Worldwide Saver.
Typical transit time is 1-2 business days. The shipping charge by Sports Unlimited includes all Canadian taxes, duties and fees.
USPS International Priority Mail
International Shipments other than to Canada are shipped USPS International Priority Mail. Typical transit time is 6-10 business days. This shipping charge DOES NOT include taxes, duties and fees.
Packages shipping via USPS International Postal Service will arrive via the International Shipping Service Asendia and then transferred to your countryÆs postal service.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
International Shipments other than to Canada. Typical transit time is 3-5 business days. This shipping charge DOES NOT include taxes, duties and fees.
UPS Worldwide Express Saver
International Shipments other than to Canada. Typical transit time is 2-3 business days. This shipping charge DOES NOT include taxes, duties and fees.
P.O. Boxes
UPS does not deliver to PO boxes. Please make sure the shipping address includes a street address. When your order is received we validate your address with the USPS. If your address is not valid, we may email you to re-check to make sure the address was entered correctly.
As always, call us up or email us if you have additional questions!
Shipping
We love shipping you gear. And we want to get it right every single time. To easily find information about shipping, click the relevant links to the left or check out some of the questions we couldn’t quite find a place for in the Shipping Costs and Time sections. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, let us know! Our email and phone number are below.
Click here for free shipping and same day shipping details.
- Top Frequently Asked Questions
- What are my shipping options?
We offer many options. Visit our Shipping Methods page for more information.
- Where is my order shipping from?
Most items ship from our warehouse in Pennsylvania, not far from Philadelphia, but it depends on the item.
We offer a variety of items on our website and are simply unable to stock everything here. Therefore, we ship some items from our suppliers’ warehouses. - Can I pick my items up at the warehouse?
Since we no longer have a traditional store front, pick-ups aren’t really common practice. We used to offer a drive-thru window to our warehouse, but after the orders for a double whopper and fries started affecting productivity, we had to close that down too.If you live locally (Philadelphia, PA or the surrounding areas) or happen to be passing through our way, we can definitely arrange for you to pick up your order. Give us a call during regular business hours, Monday–Friday 8:30 AM-8:00 PM ET and Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, and place your order with us over the phone so we can arrange a pick-up date.
- I’m not going to be home when my order is delivered. Do I need to sign for it?
No, we don’t require you to sign for packages from us. Whether the package is left without a signature or not is left to the discretion of the driver.If the package is not left at your doorstep, there will be a note left at your door letting you know that they tried to deliver it. Depending on the item and the delivery service used, the note may give you a location where you can pick up your package.
UPS will only make 3 attempts to deliver the item to your door before it is returned to the warehouse. If this happens and your order needs to be reshipped, you may incur additional shipping charges.
- Can I refuse a package when my item is delivered?
You are free to refuse a shipment when it is delivered, however please be aware that doing so will result in additional shipping charges. You will be responsible for the shipping charges to and from your location, regardless of any “free shipping” benefits, as well as a re-stocking fee. Typically, it is easier for most customers to accept the package and do a proper return.Please note, that if you refuse an internationally shipped package that has been received by customs because you will not pay the tariffs or taxes, we will refund you the cost of the product after charging you for the shipping and additional fees required to return the package to us.
- Do you ship to APOs?
We do our absolute best to ship as many items as possible to APOs. There are some items on our site that, due to some shipping restrictions, can’t be delivered to an APO/FPO address. We always go the extra mile to get packages to our soldiers though. We are a proud supporter and volunteer for the Philadelphia Treats for Troops Initiative.
- What are my shipping options?
We offer a variety of items on our website and are simply unable to stock everything here. Therefore, we ship some items from our suppliers’ warehouses.
we choose correctly. Russia and the world. JustMedia.ru
Women’s sports fashion trends are constantly changing. This season, women’s sports T-shirts are very popular – comfortable, beautiful, practical.
Women’s T-shirts can become an indispensable element of the image for any sport – they are worn in gyms, yoga, fitness, Pilates, dancing are done in them.
Choosing the perfect women’s tank top for sports
Now you can find a wide range of women’s T-shirts – made in different styles and shades. You can easily find the right option for your taste – the main thing is to correctly determine the parameters that are important to you.
T-shirts with a cut close to classic T-shirts are an excellent choice for fitness. Such clothes will allow you to make any, even the most active movements. Pay attention to models made of high-quality synthetics – they should absorb sweat well, remove moisture from the body, and dry quickly.
When choosing a dance shirt, you should focus on the characteristics of your dance style. There are many options: from long and loose to tight-fitting ultra-short. For performances, bright T-shirts are often chosen, which become part of the stage image.
For active training, it is better to order T-shirts with a deep armhole, sewn-in cups, wide straps – such clothes not only look beautiful, but are also very comfortable for training, as they support the chest.
What should be the ideal T-shirt for sports
There is no clear classification of T-shirts by sport. The only exceptions are when the jersey becomes part of a sports kit, for example, a tennis suit.
But even if you like a tennis jersey, you can wear it to any other workout, such as dancing. The main thing is that in the chosen clothes you should be comfortable to engage in physical activity, a good mood is the key to successful results.
When choosing a T-shirt, we recommend following several factors:
- Cut. An elongated loose sports women’s tank top goes well with a T-shirt – this combination looks very impressive. Suitable for outdoor activities, dancing and yoga. Ultra-short T-shirts can replace sports underwear. There are models that are light, almost weightless – they allow the skin to breathe, create a beautiful visual effect, for example, alcoholics focus on the shoulders and chest.
- Fabric. When choosing a material, it is worth throwing aside the patterns that you use when buying casual clothes. A good women’s sports shirt is made of high-quality synthetics, which perfectly removes moisture from the body, providing comfortable conditions for training of any intensity. Pay attention to models with mesh inserts: the skin breathes better in them.
- Additional parameters. The great popularity of women’s T-shirts for sports is also due to the fact that today sportswear performs several important functions. For example, there are models with a support effect: such T-shirts will provide optimal load on the shoulders and help maintain the correct posture. There are T-shirts with bras – an excellent choice for high-quality chest fixation during active training. But in this case, you need to carefully select the size. Mesh inserts on the back provide good air circulation, it definitely won’t get hot. If you’re looking for a sports jersey for outdoor activities like running, opt for models with reflective details to make you more visible on the road.
Pay attention to models with mesh inserts: the skin breathes better in them. There are other important details. For daily sports with heavy loads, it is better to give preference to seamless models – they will not rub the skin, hinder movement. If you’re training outside, you might want to look into hooded shirts.
How to choose a sports tank top: expert advice
Women’s sports tank tops are long and short, tight and loose, with or without breast support, with a hood and with a wide armhole. When choosing, you need to take into account several points – is it a place of training, a street or a gym; this is the direction of classes, active dancing or relaxed stretching; it’s your personality.
The design of the shirt is also an important factor. Don’t know what to choose? Take a closer look at black and navy blue sports options – they are universal, suitable for any dance style and sports, suit everyone and visually make the figure more toned. Do you want to add a good mood? Wear women’s t-shirts in accent colors – it’s both beautiful and practical at the same time.
About the advantages of synthetics
Natural fabrics are good for everyday wear. Synthetic T-shirts are the ideal choice for sports:
- elastic, do not constrain movements during training, allowing you to perform exercises as efficiently as possible;
- provide good thermoregulation. Synthetics quickly bring moisture to the surface:
- are characterized by ease of care. High-quality synthetic T-shirts retain an impeccable appearance for a long time even with frequent washing;
- comfortable to wear. Soft fabric, neat seams, a perfect fit and, in some cases, a supportive or slimming effect.
Synthetics quickly bring moisture to the surface:The best option is a combination of cotton and polyester in different proportions. However, T-shirts made of pure elastane, polyester, viscose are also popular due to the fact that they perfectly stretch, take the shape of the body, quickly remove moisture, and retain their original appearance for a long time.
FV Sport women’s sports jerseys
On the FV Sport website you will find a large selection of sportswear, including jerseys for running, yoga, fitness, training in the gym – https://fvsport.com /category/woman/mayki/.
Available in different models – tight and loose, long and short, classic black and bright colors in a wide range of sizes.
All of them are of impeccable quality, practical and easy to care for. Regardless of which model of women’s sports t-shirt you decide to order, you will enjoy the purchase!
Order sportswear in the FV Sport online store: there is unlimited fitting with delivery in Moscow.
The country of unlimited customs – Newspaper Kommersant No. 40 (7485) dated 10.03.2023
cationic goods to Russia – temporarily or that the interlocutors of “Kommersant ” is considered more likely, on an ongoing basis. There have been no official clarifications from the country’s authorities, but Turkish market participants explain the situation as pressure from the EU. Logisticians have long expected the closure of the transit scheme, while the import of sanctioned goods will not be completely closed – it will only rise in price, since now the cargo will have to be cleared through customs with payment of all taxes and fees, registered as Turkish and transported to Russia.
Russian parallel import failed to pass Turkey
Photo: Alexander Miridonov, Kommersant
Russian parallel import failed to pass Turkey
Photo: Alexander Miridonov, Kommersant
Turkey closed the transit scheme for Russia goods of sanction categories. “On the night of March 6-7, Turkish customs authorities began to reject transit declarations for goods that are on the EU sanctions list and are transported to the territory of Russia and the Republic of Belarus, referring to the government’s order,” says Yury Davar, head of Novelco’s sales department. “But, according to our information, the orders of the official bodies were not announced.”
“I would like to clearly define the essence of the issue: for goods with non-sanctioned TNVED codes, transit through Turkey is possible, their export from Turkey to Russia is also possible,” Dmitry Arzhanykh, co-founder of the SLK group, emphasizes.
“.
According to unofficial information, he says, operations for sanctioned cargo to Russia are blocked at the Turkish Central Customs Administration in Ankara.
A source among importers of power plants says that in the customs database it is not possible to enter Russia when re-exporting certain TNVED codes and that only transit is prohibited, that is, it is possible to clear customs and transport further. According to the founder of VIG Trans, Igor Rebelsky, at the moment, when registering codes, it is impossible to select the country of destination of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the customs system of Turkey. Georgy Vlastopulo, CEO of the Optimalog logistics company, claims that since March 8, the Turkish authorities have banned the supply of any products to the Russian Federation, except for those produced domestically. “The registration of transit declarations for sea and air cargo in the Russian Federation from Turkey is blocked,” he says.
All logisticians and foreign trade participants interviewed by Kommersant emphasize that there were no official notifications. “Our Turkish partners inform us that if an official decision were made, an announcement would first be made,” says Yuriy Davar. President of the customs and logistics broker KBT Yulia Shlenskaya believes that official clarifications from the authorities are unlikely to follow. “Confirmation of the position would mean that before they held a position of a slightly different nature, which they, as Eastern people who want to earn money and not quarrel with anyone, cannot afford,” she believes.
Obstacles at the system level
Turkish partners of Russian importers explain what is happening as pressure from the EU. Yulia Shlenskaya says that the message of their Turkish counterparty says: “There are no legal restrictions on transit to Russia. However, there are obstacles at the level of the electronic system. We, as customs brokers, are trying to conduct a dialogue with the representative office of the Ministry of Customs, but there is no answer yet.
”
The Turkish counterpart assumes that the situation “arose as a result of EU pressure on Turkey regarding the transit of European goods, and it is temporary”.
Another interlocutor also speaks of a notification from the Turkish side that “there is serious pressure from the Europeans” trying to stop transit through Turkey to Russia. Yuri Davar heard from his counterparties that, most likely, we are talking about blocking transit by the EU customs authorities, with which Turkey has a single customs system.
“Turkey in 2022 has become the largest transport hub for sanctioned goods destined for Russia, including parallel imports,” notes Kirill Latinsky, commercial director of SOTA Logistic. “It is obvious that the impossibility of opening transit declarations to Russia is directly related to pressure from Western countries, USA”.
Yulia Shlenskaya also says that she heard about the version according to which this situation is the subject of bargaining for the extension of the grain deal.
Her term ends on March 15, and Russia is not eager to extend it. But three interlocutors of Kommersant on the market believe that Turkey simply wants to make even more money on Russian transit. “They want VAT and other fees and charges on operations,” says one of them.
Four days plus VAT
Some of Kommersant’s interlocutors believe that the problem can be solved after some time and is of a technical nature – they talk about software updates and problems exclusively at the level of the Turkish NCTS information system. However, the majority believes that the closure of the transit scheme will become permanent. So far, there is only one way out – to clear the cargo in Turkey, make a Turkish certificate of origin and send the cargo to Russia, says Igor Rebelsky. “Everything goes through as usual customs clearance, nothing extra has been asked yet,” he says. “It takes three to four days, no more, plus VAT (18%).”
In general, logisticians expected this turn of events.
The blocking of transits was a matter of time, says Delko CEO Sanjar Ashuraliev.
According to Yulia Shlenskaya, last year, when the company was just starting to work with the Turkish stream, an interlocutor with 30 years of experience in the local customs system warned that sooner or later deliveries to the Russian Federation would be equalized with deliveries to Iran and they would have to clear customs, paying fees and duties. “Iran lived like this for many years, everyone knows it very well,” she says. “Local analysts gave forecasts from six months to a year before we come to the need to clear goods and, in fact, Turkey will earn even more from this.”
Most likely, the next step of the country’s authorities will be a complete ban at the legislative level on the re-export of goods from Western sanctions packages to Russia, Kirill Latinsky believes: “If the dynamics of events turn out to be like this, then we will certainly see an increase in transit delivery times and a significant increase in the cost of goods in Russia”.
The consequences for the transport industry will be negative, Sanjar Ashuraliev agrees: this is another rise in prices, including spare parts, which will lead to an increase in the cost of goods and services.
The tablet will bypass
According to Giorgi Vlastopulo, the monthly transit of goods through Turkey could be $200-400 million. According to TelecomDaily CEO Denis Kuskov, up to 20% of deliveries of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronics through parallel imports came from Turkey. “Most likely, distributors will start moving their channels to countries that are not yet closed, like the UAE and China, but this will take some time,” he said.
Mr. Kuskov noted that if the Turkish authorities do not allow the export of goods to the Russian Federation, then after the stocks in the warehouses of Russian distributors run out, some electronics may be in short supply.
Kommersant’s interlocutor among suppliers confirmed problems with deliveries through Turkey.
According to him, the incidents began at the end of December, and now they have become widespread. “Importers of electronics, who carried it through Turkey using parallel imports, will start looking for workarounds, which will take time,” the Kommersant source explains.
Kommersant’s source in the aviation industry said that some carriers also “resolved some of the issues with spare parts through Turkey.” Such players, according to him, were not numerous, since the most common supply channels pass through China, India, Iran and the CIS.
Turkey is an important logistics hub for Russian importers of auto parts, adds Alexander Nosko, Service Director for Fresh Auto dealerships. “However, China remains the main supplier of spare parts to the Russian Federation, mainly plastic bumpers, tanks, containers were imported from Turkey, and in terms of imports of components, the country ranked 10th in 2021 with an indicator of $1.32 billion,” he says.— Of course, the situation negatively affects the market, where there is still some shortage of consumables, but there should not be any irreversible consequences from Turkey’s decision, since there are alternative supply channels.
”
From the point of view of the supply of spare parts, Turkey was “not the main, but the volume-forming channel,” confirms the press service of the Avtodom Group of Companies: “Now we will quickly decide with our logistics partners how to change the supply routes.”
Not all importers are experiencing supply disruptions yet.
“Currently, we are not facing problems in the supply of spare parts,” says Ekaterina Nevskaya, Director of the Spare Parts and Corporate Procurement Department of Rolf, “Despite some delays due to the redistribution of logistics routes due to the recent disaster in the country, we have in stock the necessary volume of spare parts for full-fledged customer service. One of the ways to resolve the issue, in particular, with spare parts, may be to continue the localization of production in Turkey, China and other countries, Sanjar Ashuraliev believes. As an alternative to Turkey, says Yuri Davar, one can consider the countries of the Middle East, for example, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Kazakhstan and Armenia.
