Core Functions and Services of International Freight Forwarding

Core Functions and Services of International Freight Forwarding

International freight forwarding plays a crucial role in global logistics, mainly representing shippers and consignees while assisting in various stages of cargo transportation. Services include selecting transportation methods, booking cargo, handling bills of lading, customs clearance, payment processing, and real-time notifications. Additionally, forwarders perform multimodal transport functions and offer value-added services such as cargo supervision and special goods transportation.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Air Waybill (AWB): Legal and Practical Foundations of Air Freight

Air Waybill (AWB): Legal and Practical Foundations of Air Freight

The air waybill serves as a transport contract between the shipper and the carrier, functioning both as a transport agreement and a receipt for the goods. Its importance lies in effectively recording the cargo transport process and providing legal validity. Additionally, there are differences between air waybills and sea bills of lading, particularly regarding their function as documents of title.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarders Guide to Cutoff Times and BOL Inquiries

Freight Forwarders Guide to Cutoff Times and BOL Inquiries

This article focuses on freight forwarding practices, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cut-off times and the importance of using correct channels for container information inquiries. It also analyzes the tax issues related to freight forwarder invoices, including the latest policy trends. The aim is to help freight forwarding professionals mitigate risks and improve efficiency by providing practical insights into these key areas. Understanding these aspects is crucial for smooth operations and compliance within the freight forwarding industry.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Exporters Face Key Hurdles in Customs and Shipping Docs

Exporters Face Key Hurdles in Customs and Shipping Docs

This article focuses on common issues in the freight forwarding export process, providing practical advice on areas such as invoice consistency with customs declaration, container pick-up and port opening time control, handling after customs clearance cut-off, and dealing with special circumstances. The aim is to help freight forwarding practitioners mitigate risks and improve efficiency by offering actionable solutions and best practices for navigating the complexities of export logistics.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Exporting Hazardous Materials: A Complete Guide to Maritime Operations

Exporting Hazardous Materials: A Complete Guide to Maritime Operations

This article outlines the considerations and procedures for the export of dangerous goods and shipping operations, including the requirement for inspection clearance documents, the bill of exchange process, port release times, and specific requirements for freight forwarding positions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding relevant regulations and procedures for practitioners to minimize errors and risks during operations.

07/17/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Exporters Guide to Managing FOB Trade Costs and Risks

Exporters Guide to Managing FOB Trade Costs and Risks

This article provides an in-depth analysis of key aspects of FOB trade, including cost allocation, risks associated with nominated freight forwarders, and prevention of delivery without original bills of lading. The aim is to help exporters gain a comprehensive understanding of FOB terms, effectively control costs and risks, and ultimately improve trade profits. It explores practical strategies for mitigating potential issues and ensuring smooth transactions under FOB Incoterms.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Shipping Terms Explained for Global Traders

Key Shipping Terms Explained for Global Traders

This article delves into the two meanings of ETD (Estimated Time of Delivery and Estimated Time of Departure) in international ocean bills of lading. It also elaborates on key shipping terms such as ETA, ATD, and ATA. Through case studies, this aims to help foreign trade personnel accurately understand and utilize these terms, avoiding trade risks caused by misunderstandings. Ultimately, it facilitates the smooth progress of international trade.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Mastering The Import Customs Clearance Process 7 Key Points To Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance

Mastering The Import Customs Clearance Process 7 Key Points To Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance

This article explains the key steps in import customs clearance, including the processes and precautions for general trade and processing trade. It provides detailed information about payment methods, necessary documents, bill exchange, quality inspection, customs declaration, tariff payment, and release steps to assist businesses in successfully completing import procedures.

07/24/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Mastering The Essential Knowledge For Exporting Dangerous Goods To Keep Your Cargo Safe

Mastering The Essential Knowledge For Exporting Dangerous Goods To Keep Your Cargo Safe

This article consolidates core knowledge and trending topics on hazardous material exports, assisting foreign trade professionals in understanding correct handling and compliance requirements. Whether it involves declaration, packaging, or labeling, the platform offers extensive information and practical advice. Users are encouraged to share experiences and pose questions to collectively enhance the safety and efficiency of hazardous material exports.

07/17/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Bluegrace Exec Joins Digital LTL Council to Shape Standards

Bluegrace Exec Joins Digital LTL Council to Shape Standards

BlueGrace Logistics' Chief Commercial Officer, Adam Blankenship, has joined the Digital LTL Council to drive digital transformation in the LTL freight industry. The council will focus on establishing unified industry standards covering key areas such as electronic bills of lading, freight visibility and tracking, and exception handling. This initiative aims to support scalable automation and digitization within LTL freight, ultimately improving industry efficiency and service quality.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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