Logistics and Shipping

Comparing quotes side by side without one usually means picking on price alone, which is how a lot of SMB importers end up with a factory that's cheap to quote...

What's changed recently is the customs side: since the US suspended duty-free treatment for low-value shipments in 2025, even a $20 sample now goes through a...

Getting either choice wrong is the single most common way an Alibaba order that looked cheap on the product page ends up costing far more once it clears...

The price your Chinese supplier quotes is not what your product costs you. By the time a shipment clears US customs and reaches your warehouse, freight,...

If you import goods for resale, whether that's furniture, apparel, electronics, or seasonal merchandise, a surprise surcharge can turn a tight margin into a...

Ask which US port is the largest and you get a different answer depending on how you count. Measured by container volume, Los Angeles leads. Measured by total...

Importing from Japan to the US can be a great way to tap into the growing trade between the two countries, given that Japan is the world’s fourth-largest...

SMBs and eCommerce business owners seeking to grow their revenue tend to look for new products to sell or find new sources for their existing products. While...

AMS and ISF are not the same filing, even though both relate to ocean cargo entering the US. AMS is filed by the carrier and covers the manifest: what is...

The rate at checkout is rarely the rate on your invoice. SMBs overspend on shipping by an estimated 13 percent annually according to FreightWaves industry...

The shipping lanes between the Republic of Korea and the United States account for some astounding numbers: imports of goods were recently valued at US$135.46...

Every day a commercial shipment sits at customs costs money. Demurrage ticks up on your container. Airport storage accumulates by the kilogram. Your customer...

In international logistics, few things are as important as the humble pallet.  Slim yet mighty, it quietly carries the weight of global trade - over 80% of...

A freight forwarder is not just someone who books cargo space on your behalf. They carry genuine legal obligations, and when those obligations are breached,...

Freight shipping can be complicated, especially when cargo belonging to various shippers has to share space in the same means of transport.  How do...

If you’ve ever been quoted a weight that’s higher than what your shipment actually weighs, you’ve already met chargeable weight.  In air freight,...

One of the most critical, yet often misunderstood, aspects of ocean freight is pallet height.  True, cargo compliance isn't just about maximizing space; it...

Did you know that transportation can account for up to 50% of a product’s total logistics costs?  Amid the complexities of the global supply chain...

Shipping from China to the USA is the world's most active trade lane. American SMBs rely on it for consumer goods, electronics, furniture, apparel, machinery,...

Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping is a flexible and cost-effective ocean freight solution that allows multiple shippers to share space within a single...

Today, sustainability is far more than just a voluntary corporate gesture; it’s essential to business survival and the preservation of our planet. Looking...

You may view a logistics partnership as a long-term commitment, but the reality is that the global landscape is constantly shifting. As a result,...

Today’s air freight market presents meaningful growth opportunities for businesses of any size that want to access distant markets or deepen their...

Often used interchangeably, air freight and air cargo can mean slightly different things within logistics and supply chain operations. The fundamental...

If you are in the logistics industry, you're probably well aware that every movement of goods involves fluctuating rates and multiple surcharges.  In this...

Dimensional compliance is a critical aspect of air freight operations. In fact, the exact dimensions of your shipment determine if it will be allowed on the...

In today’s complex supply chains, accurate documentation isn’t just paperwork. It’s a strategic asset that saves you significant time and money when...

As the logistics industry continually seeks ways to balance cost efficiency with growing expectations for speed and sustainability, joint shipment is becoming...

Originating in one of the busiest container ports of Asia, the Hong Kong-U.S.shipping corridor remains a critical pathway for thousands of importers each...

The Port of Shanghai is the busiest port globally, reporting more than 50 million TEUs of annual container throughput, maintaining its world-leading status for...

When importing from distant China, you need a trusted partner to help find the best shipping quotes and services that will get your goods safely and...

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by area, with the planet’s longest coastline, stretching 151,019 miles (or 243,042 kilometers). This vast...

Port congestion, meaning a situation where the volume of ships and cargo overwhelms a port's handling capacity, prevents vessels and containers from moving...

The efficient movement of goods is essential to successful supply chain management. Indeed, to optimize your logistics, choosing the right mode of...

Nothing haunts a shipment more than discovering quality issues after the cargo has already departed. At that point, it’s too late. The costs multiply, delays...

Supply chain success hinges on the efficient flow of goods - the dual forces that drive profitability and customer satisfaction: inbound and outbound...

When the weight is wrong, things can go sideways. You might face delays, fines, damaged goods, or even costly holdups at customs clearance. That’s why...

International freight shipping may need one day to several weeks, depending on the mode of transport, cargo size, route, and urgency.  For shippers and...

Safety at sea has always been a priority – for crews onboard and for those entrusting their valuable cargo to ocean freight. One regulation that has...

Freight and shipping are key functions within the supply chain and logistics industry. They both involve moving goods from one point to another. However, they...

CMT, short for Cut, Make, Trim, is one of the most common production models in the clothing industry. It is used by brands that want to keep control over...

As global e-commerce continues to grow and the demand for rapid, low-cost innovations increases, using SaaS freight forwarding software becomes necessary for...

Why Amazon FBA Is a Game-Changer for SMBs and eCommerce Stores Did you know that SMBs and eCommerce businesses sell an average of 8,600 items every minute, or...

A Bill of Lading functions in different ways, particularly when it comes to the transfer of rights and ownership of goods. As a result, Negotiable and...

Importing goods and running a global supply chain requires much more than just sourcing quality products. As an importer, you must also manage your cash flow,...

When it comes to ocean freight, accurate documentation is crucial. Two of the most important documents involved in a successful shipment are the Master Bill of...

Air cargo and ocean freight rates are never a flat price. In international shipping, a complex interplay of capacity, demand, world events, planning, terminal...

A partial shipment (or split shipment) offers both shippers and carriers greater flexibility and helps optimize freight transport from origin to...

Choosing between freight prepaid and freight collect can make a huge difference in shipping efficiency and cost optimization. Prepaid Freight -...

Pallet shipping helps you optimize your freight transport in terms of speed, safety, and cost. That’s why it’s a standard, and often required, packing...

Getting accurate ocean shipping costs is challenging, especially when calculating them manually or working with traditional freight forwarders.  The fact...

Shipping products and cargo across borders bears inherent risks. With the booming of international trade, an average of 799 million containers are shipped...

Freight procurement helps importers and exporters optimize the entire shipping process and keep their trading operations running smoothly across borders. And...

From container space and cost optimization to cargo and staff safety, palletized shipments streamline the entire transportation process in domestic and...

Shipping pallets are simple yet essential equipment for the entire supply chain. Not only do they enable the efficient transportation and handling of goods,...

Selling your finished goods involves various processes, including managing freight-out costs and operations.  Whether you're sending products across town...

Logistics and shipping are all about moving goods from point A to point B efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. However, tracking all those shipments can...

The Jones Act, enacted over a century ago, has contributed to Hawaii’s high shipping fees and lack of a reliable logistics sector. This has proven to be a...

Have a business in Tampa and are concerned about its logistics? Whether moving freight internationally or within the city, working with a reliable freight...

It is most commonly applied in ocean freight, particularly in the U.S.-Asia trade routes (the Pacific Rim), where currency volatility, such as U.S. dollar...

Using correct, accurate, and consistent sea freight documents can mean shipping goods faster and cost-effectively without all the delays or cargo...

Feeling overwhelmed about understanding the differences between freight-in and freight-out costs? You aren't alone.  The problem is that the two variables...

Projected to be worth $59.64 billion by 2030, the Georgia logistics and freight industry is worth investing in as a small exporter or importer. But how do...

Keeping up with all the freight documents required for every shipment can be hard. Which documents are a must for each shipment? Who will prepare these, and...

If you’ve been trying to ship goods from China to the US via ocean or air freight, chances are you already know how difficult it is to find reliable freight...

If recent events like the COVID-19 global pandemic have proven anything, it's that a business can live and die by the efficiency of its shipping...

Cambodia is emerging as a key player in Southeast Asia's trade landscape, offering U.S. importers valuable opportunities across sectors such as garments,...

In a perfect world, your goods would land exactly when and where you want them, cleared, sorted, and ready for distribution. But this isn’t that...

According to the City of Dallas Office of Economic Development, Dallas is a coveted city for business because of its business-friendly environment, large and...

At the heart of global freight transport is a crucial aspect called ocean freight forwarding. Almost 80 percent of all cargo, including that owned by SMBs and...

According to a Deloitte supply chain report, 79% of businesses with optimally performing supply chains experience significant above-average revenue...

Before computers arrived in the mid-20th century, freight forwarding and logistics were painfully labor-intensive processes that involved physical...

Although air shipping offers multiple benefits, it can be challenging, especially since you need various documents to demonstrate compliance with trade...

What Does Allocated Mean In Shipping? At its core, allocated in shipping is used to describe the act of setting aside or reserving resources for specific...

Effective freight accounting is vital for optimizing costs and revenue for any organization involved in shipping logistics, consignment handling, or freight...

Whether you run an accomplished business or are just starting out, working with a freight forwarder can help you grow faster by streamlining your shipping...

Typically, most discussions about logistics and shipping revolve around outbound processes, overlooking inbound freight and its direct impact on business...

A consignor is also known as a shipper, sender, originator, or shipping party. But, depending on their role in the supply chain, a consignor can be referred to...

Whether it's a shipment stuck at the port or a last-minute document issue, these bottlenecks can easily throw off your supply chain. That's why a proactive...

Like most SMBs and eCommerce businesses that usually use ocean freight services, you may often wonder what drives increases in shipping costs.  General...

With the US importing goods worth over $412 million annually from Canada, it's important to understand how shipping freight from Canada to the US can grow your...

Whether you are a seasoned importer or importing for the first time, customs clearance in Canada can be overwhelming. We've worked with countless importers and...

As the world continually evolves into one huge global market, cross-border eCommerce keeps growing and redefining how consumers and businesses cooperate across...

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or logistics manager, importing goods comes with plenty of puzzle pieces that need to be put together. From...

Did you know that only 6% of companies achieve complete supply chain visibility? That’s quite a low percentage, considering the benefits it offers to...

As a small or medium business, importing goods from international manufacturers and suppliers can be a great strategy. You get to provide your customers with...

As a business owner, CEO, or logistics manager, understanding various Incoterms is crucial to identifying your responsibilities and the seller's.  In...

Are you looking for the right container for your cargo? Though various types of containers differ in size, shape, and cargo needs, some are more commonly...

In drayage, port congestion or peak season frenzies can make it hard to find a chassis or move unloaded containers away from the terminals. And, unavoidably,...

Today, due to the rise of international trade, approximately 80% of goods are carried by sea. In the past year alone, about 65 million shipping containers were...

Shipping containers come in standardized sizes to ensure safe, efficient transport across the globe. Understanding their exact dimensions helps importers and...

Shipping container weights are a key component in ocean shipping and any other mode of freight transport. Knowing how heavy your containers are helps you...

The Philippines plays a significant role in Southeast Asia's maritime trade, serving as a vital transshipment hub due to its strategic location. In 2024, U.S....

India serves as a pivotal hub in global maritime trade, with its ports facilitating the movement of a wide range of goods. In the fiscal year 2023, Indian...

Malaysia is home to some of Southeast Asia's busiest container ports, playing a key role in international trade. To put this into perspective, U.S. imports...

Booking shipments manually by visiting offices or exchanging endless emails and phone calls can be frustrating. Can't wait to find a way to streamline not just...

Transporting dangerous goods or hazardous materials (HAZMAT) is often considerably riskier than standard cargo shipping. If these toxic, flammable,...

When SMB importers start importing cargo, they’ll likely receive a list of fees and duties they must pay to release their shipment. This list often includes...

SMB and eCommerce business owners looking to import goods from China to the USA quickly can use air freight. It’s fast, effective, and great for urgent or...

In international shipping, NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Owning Common Carriers) and freight forwarders are two essential service providers. Both aim to move your...

Did you know you can be among the many sellers who average more than $250,000 in annual sales on Amazon? You can leverage the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)...

Whether you are a new or established Amazon seller, understanding the different shipping methods can help you optimize your logistics and profit...

VOCCs and NVOCCs are key players in ocean freight, but their functions differ significantly. To choose the right solution for your logistics strategy, it is...

For importers, entrepreneurs, and logistics managers in the USA, understanding the difference between Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and Schedule B...

Since most businesses transport their goods by ocean, understanding the freight pricing dynamics is important for optimizing shipping costs. However,...

A global market size of $1.36 trillion in 2025 and a projected value of $1.78 trillion by 2030 are whooping figures for an industry that only came up about...

China’s role in global trade is well-established. Frequently referred to as the world’s factory due to its dominant international export status, China is...

Driven in part by technological advancements and an increasing need for cost-effective logistics solutions, the demand for LCL sea freight services continues...

Have trouble deciding between working with a freight forwarder or a 3PL? You aren't alone, and the several levels of similarity between them don't make it...

The sustained global rise of e-commerce has increased demand for air cargo as customers seek to get their cargo sooner and at lower prices.  Air freight...

Thailand is home to some of the busiest container ports in Southeast Asia. In 2022 alone, the country's ports handled approximately 10.5 million twenty-foot...

According to Straits Research, the global air freight market will grow at a forecasted CAGR of 6%, from a total worth of $331.5 billion in 2023 to $560 billion...

Just as an example, in 2024 alone, the U.S. imported $124.8 billion in goods from Vietnam, and in 2023, imports from China totaled $448.02 billion. These...

Indonesia's and the United States' trade relations are friendly and mutually beneficial. In recent years, trade volume between the countries has averaged $47.5...

In recent years, US imports from Thailand have been valued at approx. $59 billion. Thailand’s key exports to the United States include machinery, rubber,...

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, India's freight and logistics industry is estimated to be worth $349.4 billion. The industry's projected...

According to Mordor Intelligence, Texas's freight and logistics industry is worth over $93 billion and is expected to grow at 4.34% to over $115 in the next...

Getting the right freight forwarder in Orlando is an excellent way to simplify and optimize your shipping process. However, this can be harder if you are a...

In 2024, Vietnam's exports to the U.S. reached $124.8 billion and are likely to increase in the following years. This positions the country as a critical...

SMBs and eCommerce business owners who want to transport ocean freight have two options — full-container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL). Your...

Like most SMBs, you are likely looking for reliable freight forwarders in Chicago to help you overcome challenges such as shipping route disruptions, late...

According to the Department of Transportation, Charlotte is the fifth-largest distribution center in the US, and the city’s annual freight traffic has more...

Canadian businesses import between 47 billion and 66 billion CAD worth of goods from China each year. A large share of that volume belongs to SMBs and...

Getting accurate shipping quotes can be challenging, considering each shipment is unique in terms of the type of goods, origin, destination, amount of cargo,...

Hong Kong has a solid reputation as a global shipping and logistics hub. Recent reports state that it’s currently the world’s fourth premier shipping port....

Combing through a list of the best freight forwarders in Miami can be challenging. You must ensure the one you choose is reliable, offers a wide range of...

The world’s waterways play a vital role in global trade. Estimates show that shipping carriers move 80 percent of the world’s goods — an estimated 11...

While global e-commerce can be a game-changer for your small business through increased market diversification, brand recognition, and revenue growth, shipping...

When most people think of Savannah, it’s mainly as a beautiful town with picturesque landscapes and southern charm. Yet, it’s more than that. Savannah...

Most successful small and medium-sized businesses have robust global connections that enable them to move goods between different locations. Although this...

The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the busiest container ports in the world. These ports are vital gateways for international trade,...

In today's globalized economy, selecting an efficient port of entry for your goods can significantly impact your business's success. For businesses operating...

For a business to succeed in today's global marketplace, efficient logistics and streamlined import processes are essential to its success. For businesses that...

Malcolm Purcell McLean (1913-2001) was an American entrepreneur who revolutionized the shipping industry by developing and popularizing the modern concept of...