Guide to Canadas Maritime Trade and Port Operations

Guide to Canadas Maritime Trade and Port Operations

This article provides a detailed guide on using Canadian marine shipping inquiry websites for port information lookup, vessel tracking, shipping schedule retrieval, freight rate comparison, and cargo tracking. Mastering these techniques can help shippers and logistics companies better manage international trade transportation, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. It covers essential aspects of navigating these websites to obtain real-time data and optimize shipping operations within the Canadian maritime landscape.

01/26/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Maritime Data Initiative Aims to Ease Supply Chain Congestion

Maritime Data Initiative Aims to Ease Supply Chain Congestion

This webinar will focus on the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI), featuring Flexport experts and a commissioner from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. They will discuss how standardized and transparent maritime shipping data can address supply chain bottlenecks, improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain resilience, and optimize resource allocation. The webinar aims to help businesses understand the policy background, data standards, implementation paths, and response strategies of MTDI, enabling them to gain a competitive advantage. Learn how to leverage MTDI for a more efficient and resilient supply chain.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Blockchain Bill of Lading Gains Traction in Global Shipping

Blockchain Bill of Lading Gains Traction in Global Shipping

This article explores the importance of blockchain bills of lading and electronic release systems in international maritime shipping. These technologies enhance transparency and efficiency in information flow, reducing the risk of unexpected delays and guiding the shipping industry towards a data-driven model. The article emphasizes instances of implementation of these technologies and the economic benefits they bring.

08/05/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Although both shipping fees and customs fees are part of international logistics, they differ in nature, collection parties, and calculation methods. Shipping fees mainly pertain to maritime transport costs, while customs fees are related to customs declaration services. Understanding the composition of these fees helps avoid hidden costs and enhances the effectiveness of logistics cost management.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Negotiated Rate Agreements Ease Shipping Industry Challenges

Negotiated Rate Agreements Ease Shipping Industry Challenges

The Negotiated Rates Agreement (NRA) is a document regulated by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission that ensures shipping rates are recorded and approved before loading. It protects clients' trade secrets, preventing competitors from accessing freight information. Flexport automates the generation of NRAs to meet compliance requirements, offering customers convenient authorization options to expedite their shipping processes.

08/07/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Moerdijk Port Emerges As Key Rhine Logistics Hub

Moerdijk Port Emerges As Key Rhine Logistics Hub

Moerdijk Port, located in the Netherlands, is an inland port playing a significant role in European inland navigation due to its strategic location and well-developed facilities. Primarily handling oil and chemical products, the port boasts a substantial annual throughput, although it has certain limitations on vessel size. Understanding Moerdijk Port contributes to a better comprehension of the European inland waterway transport system. It serves as a crucial hub for connecting maritime and inland shipping routes within Europe.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Maritime Industry Adapts to Postpandemic Challenges

Maritime Industry Adapts to Postpandemic Challenges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the global maritime industry, covering aspects such as port operations, seafarer challenges, and shifts in shipping demand. For logistics managers, it proposes strategies including enhancing supply chain visibility, implementing risk management, and re-evaluating supply chain networks. Finally, it looks ahead to future trends in the maritime industry, such as digital transformation, green initiatives, and regionalization.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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Container Shipping Rates Stabilize As Rational Pricing Takes Hold

Container Shipping Rates Stabilize As Rational Pricing Takes Hold

Fitch Ratings analysts point out that even during periods of weak demand early in the pandemic, major shipping companies effectively controlled the supply of containers in the market by flexibly adjusting capacity. This supported stable freight rates and ultimately drove prices higher. The self-discipline of shipping companies in terms of capacity supply is reshaping the pricing mechanism of the maritime market.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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