Key Differences Between Air and Ocean Shipping Documents

Key Differences Between Air and Ocean Shipping Documents

Air Waybills and Bills of Lading differ significantly in nature, format, timeliness, and risk. An Air Waybill serves as a contract of carriage, offering speed but higher risk. A Bill of Lading acts as a document of title, involving longer transit times but diverse risks. Companies should make informed decisions based on cargo characteristics, value, and time sensitivity. Choosing the right document is crucial for efficient and secure international logistics operations, balancing speed, cost, and risk mitigation.

01/08/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Companies Face FMC Investigation Over Risk of Penalties for Urging Return of Empty Containers or Refusing Export Services

Shipping Companies Face FMC Investigation Over Risk of Penalties for Urging Return of Empty Containers or Refusing Export Services

Due to labor shortages caused by the pandemic, ports in Southern California are severely congested. Shipping companies are eager to send empty containers back to Asia, potentially neglecting services for U.S. exporters. If the charges against the carriers are confirmed, the Federal Maritime Commission will impose fines, emphasizing the responsibility of the shipping industry to comply with laws and regulations.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Advanced Cargo Data for Targeted Inspections

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Advanced Cargo Data for Targeted Inspections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on leveraging Advance Cargo Information (ACI) to enhance customs risk assessment and targeting capabilities. Representatives from 26 customs administrations participated, engaging in in-depth discussions on key aspects such as risk management, risk profiling, and targeting. The seminar aimed to improve the ability of Asia-Pacific customs to address trade risks and promote trade facilitation. The discussions highlighted the importance of data quality and collaboration for effective ACI implementation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance on risk management to Madagascar Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation by optimizing risk assessment, clearance procedures, and inter-agency collaboration. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs of the UK, the project involved an expert team analyzing the current situation and proposing improvements. This initiative supports Madagascar Customs in achieving sustainable development and economic growth by strengthening its risk management capabilities and streamlining trade processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Understanding Recent Changes in Import and Export Customs Declaration Forms

Understanding Recent Changes in Import and Export Customs Declaration Forms

This article provides a detailed comparison of the main changes between the old and new customs declarations, including the deletion, addition, and modification of fields. Many irrelevant pieces of information have been removed, while new fields have been added to ensure tax collection and prevent infringement. Several field names have been adjusted for clarity, and the number of product items has increased to facilitate trade. Overall, these adjustments aim to enhance customs regulatory capabilities and improve trade efficiency.

07/28/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Sellers Face Rising Copyright Complaint Abuse

Amazon Sellers Face Rising Copyright Complaint Abuse

This article addresses the plight of Amazon sellers facing malicious copyright infringement complaints and offers four strategies: self-examination and reflection, understanding the opponent's strategy, arguing with reason, and taking proactive measures. It emphasizes that sellers should remain calm, confirm whether they have infringed on any copyrights, and take appropriate measures based on the situation. These measures include DMCA counter-notices, communication and settlement, providing evidence, and even counter-suing the complainant to protect their legitimate rights and interests.

01/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Shipping Firms Tackle Lost Bills of Lading Risks

Global Shipping Firms Tackle Lost Bills of Lading Risks

Losing an international ocean bill of lading is a common risk in foreign trade. This article provides a comprehensive guide to address this issue, covering risk analysis, liability division, emergency measures, and long-term strategies. Key areas include notifying the shipping company, public announcement for claim, delivery without the original bill of lading procedures, and risk prevention mechanisms. This helps companies effectively control risks and protect their rights and interests. It offers practical advice on mitigating potential losses associated with lost or missing bills of lading.

11/03/2025 Document Interpretation
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UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UK Border Force (UKBF), is upgrading the WCO Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS) to enhance risk identification and response capabilities for customs administrations worldwide. This collaboration will leverage combined expertise to create more robust data processing and risk assessment functionalities. The upgraded system will support the WCO SAFE Framework, contributing to a more secure and efficient global trade system. The focus is on improving pre-arrival cargo inspection and bolstering overall trade security through advanced risk assessment techniques.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Strengthens Border Controls with New Customs Measures

Moldova Strengthens Border Controls with New Customs Measures

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a risk management workshop for the Customs Service of Moldova. This initiative aimed to enhance their capabilities in combating fraud and improving risk analysis at airports. The workshop contributes to building a more secure border protection system for Moldova, strengthening its ability to identify and mitigate potential threats related to cross-border movements of goods and people. By focusing on risk management principles and best practices, the WCO supports Moldova in safeguarding its national security and facilitating legitimate trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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