Join 150K Subscribers

Weekly insights & expert articles on supply chain, shipping, and international trade.
Last week another, 812 people joined our community

Your Global Trade Knowledgebase

Guides, How-to’s, Downloads and Resources to help you
succeed in Global Trade.

Shipping & Logistics

  • Best Practices for Container Loading: Tips to Securely Load a Shipping Container

    Last updated on July 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Container Loading Best Practises

    Container loading involves packing goods into shipping containers to keep them secure during transit. Proper loading prevents shifting and damage, reducing costs and delays. Containers can carry many types of cargo, from electronics to machinery. Effective loading maximizes space, minimizes damage, and ensures smooth, efficient transportation.

  • How To Save Money On International Shipping

    Last updated on June 19, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    save money on international shipping

    International shipping affects the landed cost of a product, including transportation fees, customs duties, and taxes. Strategic shipping decisions can help manage and reduce these costs. This guide offers practical tips to save on international shipping, like negotiating lower rates, optimizing packaging, and choosing cost-effective carriers and methods.

  • What Is Ocean Freight: A Complete Guide

    Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is Ocean Freight

    Ocean freight is a method of shipping goods internationally by sea, utilizing specialized ships. It's cost-effective for large or heavy shipments. The process includes packing, loading onto cargo ships, ocean transit, unloading at the destination port, and customs clearance. Different services like FCL, LCL, and Ro-Ro cater to various needs. Ocean freight is ideal for…

  • Full Truckload (FTL) Explained

    Last updated on June 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Full Truckload Explained

    Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is a top choice for businesses moving large quantities of goods efficiently and affordably. This method reserves an entire truck for one customer, ensuring faster delivery, minimal handling, and enhanced security. Learn about FTL shipping's advantages, how it works, and key factors affecting costs to improve your logistics and boost profitability.

  • The HS Code and HTS code for Global Trade Explained

    Last updated on June 3, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    A HS code or HTS code plays such a vital role in International trade. However, the system of codes and jargon involved around the these codes can make it difficult to classify and understand. In this article we explain the common terms that are used throughout the customs clearance process so that shippers can meet…

  • General Average In Maritime Insurance

    Last updated on May 15, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is General Average

    General Average in maritime insurance involves sharing the costs of sacrifices made to save a ship during peril. Governed by the York-Antwerp Rules, it ensures costs are equitably distributed among all stakeholders, effectively managing financial impacts during emergencies.

  • Top 10 Largest Container Ports In US & Canada 2024

    Last updated on April 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Port in Oakland

    In 2024, key North American ports are ranked by container volume in TEUs, reflecting their scale and global trade impact. These ports significantly boost the US and Canadian economies by connecting domestic markets with international routes.

  • Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024

    Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping delays: containers falling

    In 2024, international shipping faces various challenges like geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, piracy, and conflicts, causing delays. Additionally, global emergencies, weather anomalies, holidays, and technical malfunctions disrupt schedules. Documentation errors, lack of visibility, and customs inspections also contribute to delays. Mitigating strategies include proactive planning, accurate documentation, advanced technology, and compliance with regulations.

  • Types Of Packaging For Export

    Last updated on April 18, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    types of export packaging

    When importing or exporting goods internationally, it is crucial to use strong, reliable packaging to ensure the products are transported safely and to reduce the risk of damage. The type and quality of this packaging are vital but often overlooked aspects. Since products come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of fragility, they require appropriately…

  • What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring

    Last updated on March 26, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    friendshoring nearshoring reshoring offshoring

    Explore the dynamics of global supply chain strategies! From friendshoring to reshoring, discover how businesses optimize operations amidst geopolitical shifts and market demands.

  • Best Practices for Container Loading: Tips to Securely Load a Shipping Container

    Last updated on July 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Container Loading Best Practises

    Container loading involves packing goods into shipping containers to keep them secure during transit. Proper loading prevents shifting and damage, reducing costs and delays. Containers can carry many types of cargo, from electronics to machinery. Effective loading maximizes space, minimizes damage, and ensures smooth, efficient transportation. Read More »

  • How To Save Money On International Shipping

    Last updated on June 19, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    save money on international shipping

    International shipping affects the landed cost of a product, including transportation fees, customs duties, and taxes. Strategic shipping decisions can help manage and reduce these costs. This guide offers practical tips to save on international shipping, like negotiating lower rates, optimizing packaging, and choosing cost-effective carriers and methods. Read More »

  • What Is Ocean Freight: A Complete Guide

    Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is Ocean Freight

    Ocean freight is a method of shipping goods internationally by sea, utilizing specialized ships. It's cost-effective for large or heavy shipments. The process includes packing, loading onto cargo ships, ocean transit, unloading at the destination port, and customs clearance. Different services like FCL, LCL, and Ro-Ro cater to various needs. Ocean freight is ideal for budget-conscious shipments and those that aren't time-sensitive. Read More »

  • Full Truckload (FTL) Explained

    Last updated on June 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Full Truckload Explained

    Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is a top choice for businesses moving large quantities of goods efficiently and affordably. This method reserves an entire truck for one customer, ensuring faster delivery, minimal handling, and enhanced security. Learn about FTL shipping's advantages, how it works, and key factors affecting costs to improve your logistics and boost profitability. Read More »

  • The HS Code and HTS code for Global Trade Explained

    Last updated on June 3, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    A HS code or HTS code plays such a vital role in International trade. However, the system of codes and jargon involved around the these codes can make it difficult to classify and understand. In this article we explain the common terms that are used throughout the customs clearance process so that shippers can meet regulations and have a better understanding of global trade. Read More »

  • General Average In Maritime Insurance

    Last updated on May 15, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is General Average

    General Average in maritime insurance involves sharing the costs of sacrifices made to save a ship during peril. Governed by the York-Antwerp Rules, it ensures costs are equitably distributed among all stakeholders, effectively managing financial impacts during emergencies. Read More »

  • Top 10 Largest Container Ports In US & Canada 2024

    Last updated on April 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Port in Oakland

    In 2024, key North American ports are ranked by container volume in TEUs, reflecting their scale and global trade impact. These ports significantly boost the US and Canadian economies by connecting domestic markets with international routes. Read More »

  • Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024

    Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping delays: containers falling

    In 2024, international shipping faces various challenges like geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, piracy, and conflicts, causing delays. Additionally, global emergencies, weather anomalies, holidays, and technical malfunctions disrupt schedules. Documentation errors, lack of visibility, and customs inspections also contribute to delays. Mitigating strategies include proactive planning, accurate documentation, advanced technology, and compliance with regulations. Read More »

  • Types Of Packaging For Export

    Last updated on April 18, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    types of export packaging

    When importing or exporting goods internationally, it is crucial to use strong, reliable packaging to ensure the products are transported safely and to reduce the risk of damage. The type and quality of this packaging are vital but often overlooked aspects. Since products come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of fragility, they require appropriately […] Read More »

  • What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring

    Last updated on March 26, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    friendshoring nearshoring reshoring offshoring

    Explore the dynamics of global supply chain strategies! From friendshoring to reshoring, discover how businesses optimize operations amidst geopolitical shifts and market demands. Read More »

Download Global Trade Guide

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

Download Incoterms® 2020 Guide

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

Download Global Trade Guide

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Insights. ZERO spam
Global Trade Guide

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

Get Smarter About Global Trade
Join 150K+ subscribers to receive our free weekly 5 minute newsletter on what's happening in the world of Global Trade.
Glossary of Shipping Terms

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

Shipping & Logistics

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

Export Manager's Guide to Remote Working

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

 

Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.