Guide to International Shipping and Customs Clearance

Guide to International Shipping and Customs Clearance

This article provides a detailed interpretation of key considerations for international sea freight booking. It covers the booking process and required documents for general cargo, general chemicals, dangerous goods, and SOC (Shipper Owned Container) containers. The aim is to help foreign trade companies avoid risks, efficiently complete sea freight bookings, and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods. It offers practical guidance on navigating the complexities of sea freight booking, promoting smoother and more secure international trade operations.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Updates Commodity Classifications in Major HS Committee Session

WCO Updates Commodity Classifications in Major HS Committee Session

The 58th Session Decisions of the WCO Harmonized System Committee have been released, encompassing 14 new commodity classification opinions, 10 revisions to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, and 27 commodity classification rulings. These decisions cover a wide range of goods including chili seeds, chocolate stew, cough drops, candy dispensers, ceramic ink, Hall elements, tube bundle containers, balance scooters, floating structures, fracture fixation products, and virtual reality sets. This provides significant guidance on commodity classification for global trade participants.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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Missed Customs Cutoff Shipping Delays Loom for Late Cargo

Missed Customs Cutoff Shipping Delays Loom for Late Cargo

The sea freight cut-off time is crucial for timely shipment. Theoretically, terminals stop receiving laden containers after the cut-off. However, actual operations are affected by shipping company policies, terminal capabilities, and cargo specifics. If delays occur, communicate with the shipping company promptly and consider expedited services or transshipment. Remember to plan ahead to avoid passive situations after the cut-off and ensure smooth cargo shipment. Proactive planning is key to avoiding issues and guaranteeing on-time delivery.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to DDU Bills of Lading and Freight Forwarding Explained

Guide to DDU Bills of Lading and Freight Forwarding Explained

This article provides a detailed interpretation of common terms and operational procedures in international trade, including the responsibilities under DDU, the difference between prepaid and collect sea waybills, identification of genuine containers, key considerations for LCL cargo, types of freight forwarders, and the importance of cargo tracking. It aims to offer practical guidance for professionals engaged in international trade. The focus is on providing clear explanations and actionable insights to improve understanding and efficiency in daily operations within the global trade landscape.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarding Strategies for Costefficient Shipping

Freight Forwarding Strategies for Costefficient Shipping

Are you frustrated by the various fees and 'hidden rules' of sea freight forwarders? This article, shared by experienced drivers from the iTractor platform, offers practical advice to help you navigate the complexities. It analyzes common issues like missed loading fees, detention charges, and negative sea freight rates. Furthermore, it provides practical tips such as splitting one container into three customs declarations and identifying overweight containers. Learn how to master sea freight, save money, and improve efficiency with these valuable insights.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Firms Optimize Customs Schedules Amid Global Trade Shifts

Shipping Firms Optimize Customs Schedules Amid Global Trade Shifts

This article outlines the import and export process for containers, focusing on customs clearance timeliness, import appointment scheduling, and strategies for handling shipping schedule changes. It emphasizes that timely access to accurate information and selecting the right logistics partner are crucial for ensuring smooth import and export of goods. Proactive planning and clear communication are essential to mitigate potential delays and disruptions in the international trade process. Efficient customs procedures and flexible scheduling are key to optimizing supply chain operations.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarders Optimize Weekend Container Releases

Freight Forwarders Optimize Weekend Container Releases

This article focuses on the issue of container release by freight forwarders on weekends. It details the operating hours and precautions for both on-site manual release and online release. It emphasizes the importance of confirming on-duty arrangements with the release company in advance and avoiding the release of special containers on weekends. The aim is to help foreign trade enterprises and freight forwarding companies mitigate risks and improve efficiency by providing practical guidance on navigating weekend container release procedures.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Flexitanks Gain Popularity in Liquid Bulk Shipping for Cost Efficiency

Flexitanks Gain Popularity in Liquid Bulk Shipping for Cost Efficiency

Flexitanks, a novel soft packaging solution for non-hazardous liquid cargo, are revolutionizing ocean freight. Compared to traditional packaging methods, flexitanks offer significant advantages in cost control and operational convenience. Widely used in food, industrial, and chemical sectors, they help foreign trade enterprises reduce costs and increase efficiency. Their ease of installation and maximized cargo capacity within standard containers make them a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for transporting bulk liquids globally, contributing to streamlined supply chains and enhanced export capabilities.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Safe Ocean Freight Exports of Hazardous Chemicals

Guide to Safe Ocean Freight Exports of Hazardous Chemicals

This article focuses on the sea freight export of dangerous goods, providing a detailed interpretation of key aspects such as flexitank transportation in containers, dangerous goods declaration, specific requirements of Shanghai Port, and the process of obtaining dangerous goods packaging certificates for lithium batteries. It also offers professional advice for the export of Class 2.3 dangerous goods, helping you avoid risks and efficiently complete sea freight operations. The aim is to provide practical guidance for navigating the complexities of hazardous materials shipping.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Maersk Simplifies VGM Submission for Container Shipping

Maersk Simplifies VGM Submission for Container Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide on declaring Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for containers on the Maersk platform, covering the process, permissions, key considerations, and potential consequences. Accurate VGM declaration is crucial for ensuring maritime safety, avoiding legal liabilities, and preventing financial losses. This guide helps users understand how to conveniently submit VGM through the Maersk platform, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods. It emphasizes the importance of compliance and the steps to take for a smooth VGM submission process.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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