Key Freight Terms and Cargo Handling in Global Trade Explained

Key Freight Terms and Cargo Handling in Global Trade Explained

This paper delves into critical aspects of freight forwarding practice, including the significance of the Bill of Lading's declared value, the basis for cargo damage claims, the definition of non-containerized shipments, customs clearance procedures, the distinction between 'first release' and 'second release', the concepts of LCL consolidation and cooperative stuffing, and the division of responsibilities between buyers and sellers under DDU terms. It aims to provide practical guidance for professionals in the foreign trade industry, clarifying key operational procedures and liabilities.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Shippers Warned Accurate HTS Codes Crucial for Ocean Bills

US Shippers Warned Accurate HTS Codes Crucial for Ocean Bills

This article delves into the significance of Customs Codes on US Ocean Bills of Lading. It explains the potentially severe consequences of omitting or incorrectly entering the Customs Code, including fines and delays. The article also provides practical advice on avoiding violations, emphasizing how importers can ensure compliant operations and avoid unnecessary losses. Accurate Customs Code information is crucial for smooth customs clearance and preventing penalties in international trade with the United States.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Estimated Time of Departure in Ocean Freight

Guide to Estimated Time of Departure in Ocean Freight

This article provides a clear explanation of ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) in international shipping bills of lading, highlighting its significance and influencing factors. It differentiates ETD from ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) and offers practical advice for ensuring ETD accuracy. The aim is to help readers accurately understand ETD, avoid operational errors, and improve their international trade proficiency. Understanding ETD is crucial for effective supply chain management and minimizing potential delays and disruptions in international shipments.

01/28/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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CPG Retailers Adopt SOP for Demand Forecasting Agile Supply Chains

CPG Retailers Adopt SOP for Demand Forecasting Agile Supply Chains

S&OP is critical for consumer goods retailers. This paper explores the core elements, steps, challenges, and efficient processes of S&OP. It introduces the Dassault Systèmes solution, which helps companies achieve success in their S&OP implementations. The paper provides insights into optimizing the supply chain through improved demand forecasting and collaborative planning, ultimately leading to better inventory management and customer satisfaction. By addressing common pitfalls and leveraging advanced technology, businesses can streamline their S&OP processes and gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic consumer goods market.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Consumer Goods Firms Optimize Sales and Operations Planning

Consumer Goods Firms Optimize Sales and Operations Planning

This paper delves into the critical role of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) within the Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail (CPG&R) industry. In the face of rapidly changing markets, companies need to optimize their S&OP processes to improve demand forecast accuracy, optimize supply chain and production planning, and foster cross-functional collaboration. Dassault Systèmes' S&OP solution can help companies achieve these goals, thereby improving operational efficiency and profitability.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP for Market Volatility

CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP for Market Volatility

This paper explores the importance of optimizing Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) within the Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail (CPG&R) industry. By integrating S&OP processes and leveraging advanced modeling optimization techniques, companies can improve demand forecast accuracy, optimize supply chain costs, enhance customer service levels, and boost profitability. Dassault Systèmes experts will share practical guidance on how to leverage S&OP to enhance enterprise competitiveness.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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IATA Mandates Business Registration for Cargo Agents

IATA Mandates Business Registration for Cargo Agents

IATA lists business registration licenses as a mandatory requirement for freight forwarder accreditation, aiming to improve industry standardization and ensure the legality and operational qualifications of agencies, providing customers with more reliable service guarantees. This requirement applies to all types of IATA freight forwarders and requires an English version to be provided.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Shipping Documents Powering Global Trade Logistics

Key Shipping Documents Powering Global Trade Logistics

This article provides an overview of common transport documents in international logistics, including ocean bills of lading, shipping orders, air waybills, railway waybills, parcel receipts, express waybills, and multimodal transport documents. Each document plays a crucial role in various modes of transport, ensuring the legality and safety of cargo transportation.

07/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Shipping Industry Faces Complex Booking Challenges

Global Shipping Industry Faces Complex Booking Challenges

This article delves into the differences and relationship between Booking and Shipping Order (S/O) in international shipping. Booking is a request for space on a vessel, while S/O is the loading instruction issued after a successful booking. The S/O serves as the document for container pickup, customs declaration, and vessel loading. Without a confirmed booking, there is no S/O. Understanding the connection between these two is crucial for ensuring smooth and successful cargo shipment. It's the key to avoid potential delays and ensure cargo arrives on time.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Sbank Plc Partners and SWIFT Codes

Guide to Sbank Plc Partners and SWIFT Codes

This article provides the SWIFT codes and address information for various branches of S-bank Plc in Finland, aiding you in making international remittances smoothly. If your agent bank is not listed, you can still use the SWIFT code of S-bank's headquarters to facilitate your transactions.

08/25/2025 International Settlement
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