This article analyzes the customs inspection process in the United States and its impact on cargo transport. It discusses strategies that merchants can adopt to reduce the risk of being selected for inspection, such as opting for full container loads and ensuring accurate documentation. By implementing these effective measures, merchants can minimize delays and costs, facilitating smoother international trade.
Transporting perishable goods is a complex task, especially in ensuring safety and freshness. With a remote container management system, you can monitor cargo conditions in real-time, providing full transparency from loading to delivery. This smart technology not only enhances logistics efficiency but also ensures that goods maintain optimal conditions throughout the transport process, offering clients higher service assurance.
This article reveals the meaning and characteristics of common hidden charges in international ocean freight, such as THC, BAF, and EBS. It provides detailed identification and avoidance techniques, including requesting a full cost list, paying attention to the unit of charge, verifying the reasonableness of charges, clarifying the party responsible for payment, and signing a detailed contract. This helps you avoid pitfalls in ocean freight price comparison and protect your rights.
This article provides a detailed analysis of three key stages in ocean freight exports: container pick-up, loading, and return. It covers specific operating procedures, critical points to consider, and associated costs. Understanding this knowledge helps improve the efficiency and safety of cargo transportation, offering practical operational guidance for exporters.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the differences between House Bill of Lading (HBL) and Master Bill of Lading (MBL), offering a practical guide to avoid pitfalls in LCL consolidation operations. It covers key distinctions such as cargo ownership, payment methods, and header signatures. Through real-world case studies, the article provides solutions to common issues like container leasing, customs declaration, port entry, and container drop-off. The aim is to help shippers and freight forwarders mitigate risks and successfully complete international cargo transportation.
This article delves into the definition, classification, and applications of special containers in ocean freight. It details the characteristics, suitable cargo, and operational considerations for five common types: open-top containers, flat rack containers, tank containers, refrigerated containers, and platform containers. The complexity and challenges of special container transportation are emphasized, and practical advice is offered to industry professionals to help them address the unique demands of transporting specialized cargo. This aims to assist in effectively managing the intricacies involved in special container shipping.
In international shipping, both CLP (Container Loading Plan) and PL (Packing List) record cargo information but serve different purposes. The CLP focuses on describing the loading situation within a container, used for verification by shippers, terminals, and carriers. The PL is commonly used for customs declaration and inspection, serving as a basis for customs review. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for freight forwarders to ensure smooth export of goods. Knowing which document to use for each step streamlines the process and avoids delays.
The US maritime shipping market is facing a double whammy of delays and rising prices. Factors such as pandemic-induced port congestion, labor shortages, surging demand, container shortages, insufficient capacity, rising fuel costs, and cargo backlogs have collectively driven up ocean freight costs, straining the global trade chain. Container shipping rates from the US to China and Europe have increased 3-4 times since 2020, and delays have not yet been fully resolved. The situation continues to put pressure on businesses and consumers alike.
North American intermodal volumes increased by 2.4% year-over-year in Q2 2025, marking consecutive growth. Domestic container shipping remained stable, while international container shipping performed strongly. Key drivers included retail trade, manufacturing PMI, and GDP growth. Future US-China trade relations and tariff policies pose uncertainties, requiring logistics companies to adapt flexibly. The continued growth highlights the resilience of the intermodal sector despite potential headwinds from geopolitical factors and evolving trade dynamics. Strategic planning and diversification will be crucial for navigating the changing freight landscape.
This paper proposes a four-dimensional prediction system – "Official Sources + Industry Channels + Data Monitoring + Scenario Implementation" – designed to help cross-border e-commerce businesses and freight forwarders accurately grasp sea freight customs clearance policy trends and respond quickly to market changes. By constructing an information source matrix, mastering policy change signals and patterns, and establishing a data-driven prediction model, the system enables risk quantification and precise response, helping companies gain an advantage in international trade. The goal is to empower businesses to proactively navigate the complexities of global shipping and customs regulations.
