Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) Explained

Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) Explained

The Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) is an additional fee charged to shippers due to rising costs from busy ports. This fee varies depending on the port and time period, making it essential to consider for accurate logistics cost assessments to avoid economic losses. Specific charges are determined by announcements from shipping companies.

US Imports Drop Sharply in May Amid Trade Tensions China Hit Hardest

US Imports Drop Sharply in May Amid Trade Tensions China Hit Hardest

A Descartes report reveals a significant drop in U.S. container imports in May, with China freight experiencing a record decline due to trade friction and tariffs. The share of East Coast and Gulf Coast ports increased, while West Coast ports saw a decrease, indicating a profound shift in trade patterns. The impact of ongoing trade disputes is clearly visible in the reduced import volumes and the changing dynamics between different port regions.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Ports Address Container Location Discrepancies

Ports Address Container Location Discrepancies

This paper addresses discrepancies between APL container equipment lists and actual berthing terminals, proposing an efficient solution. First, verify the actual berthing terminal with the shipping company. Second, understand the reason for the information mismatch and request the shipping company to provide correct, stamped information. Finally, proceed with the inbound procedures flexibly, based on the actual situation. This ensures smooth container processing despite initial documentation errors and minimizes potential delays or complications related to terminal discrepancies.

Factors Affecting Container Shipping Prices

Factors Affecting Container Shipping Prices

The determination of container shipping prices is influenced by several factors, including the nature, quantity, and loading rate of the cargo. Additionally, seasonal variations, fluctuations in fuel prices, and the pricing strategies of different shipping companies are also significant factors. Understanding these market-derived variables can help consumers better comprehend and control container shipping costs.

Container Types and Parameters Explained

Container Types and Parameters Explained

This article provides a detailed overview of the parameters of different types of containers, including general cargo containers, open-top containers, hard-top containers, flat-rack containers, refrigerated containers, bulk containers, ventilated containers, and tank containers. Each type of container is clearly explained in terms of external and internal dimensions, volume, and weight capacity, helping to select the appropriate container to meet various cargo transportation needs.

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.

Egypt Shanghai Port Customs Key Tips for Freight Forwarders

Egypt Shanghai Port Customs Key Tips for Freight Forwarders

LS's profile shares practical freight forwarding experiences, including required documents for exporting to Egypt, issues with container drop-off and missing loading at Shanghai Port, customs inspection, fumigation requirements for solid wood pallets exported to the US, and bill of lading remarks for LCL shipments. The aim is to help freight forwarding professionals mitigate risks and improve efficiency by providing valuable insights and solutions to common challenges encountered in the industry.

Innovative Trends in Logistics in the Digital Age

Innovative Trends in Logistics in the Digital Age

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, consumer demands for shopping experiences are increasing. In response, the logistics industry is enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through digital innovations such as drones, autonomous vehicles, big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, aiming to build a more efficient supply chain management system.

US Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

US Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

The surge in U.S. ocean freight rates is a result of multiple factors, including pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, container shortages, port congestion, rising fuel prices, shipping alliance monopolies, seasonal fluctuations, and economic recovery. These elements have collectively driven up ocean shipping costs, ultimately leading to higher freight rates for consumers. The combination of these pressures has created a challenging environment for businesses relying on global trade and efficient supply chains.