Sierra Leone Tightens Import Rules on Demurrage CTN Certificates

Sierra Leone Tightens Import Rules on Demurrage CTN Certificates

This article provides a detailed interpretation of Maersk's policies regarding demurrage and detention charges for imports into Sierra Leone, as well as the mandatory requirement for a CTN certificate. It emphasizes the importance of carefully planning cargo pickup times and submitting the CTN certificate promptly. The article also offers suggestions for optimizing the import process to help importers effectively control logistics costs and avoid potential risks. By understanding these regulations and implementing best practices, importers can streamline their operations and minimize financial burdens associated with Sierra Leone imports.

09/28/2025 Logistics
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UPS DHL Command Premium for Express Shipping Services

UPS DHL Command Premium for Express Shipping Services

Commercial express services like DHL/UPS are expensive, not just due to brand premium, but also investments in core areas like speed, stability, and service network. This article analyzes the five-fold value supporting their high prices: air freight resources, last-mile delivery, quality control, prioritized customs clearance, high compensation, and customized solutions. It also analyzes the necessity of choosing commercial express for scenarios such as high average order value, urgent orders, and brand maintenance, highlighting when the added cost is justified by the superior service and reliability.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Flexport Shipping Bills Spotting Discrepancies to Cut Costs

Flexport Shipping Bills Spotting Discrepancies to Cut Costs

Flexport invoices exceeding initial quotes are a common issue. This article explores reasons like quotes being estimates, hidden fees such as unforeseen duties and insurance, and changes in cargo dimensions/weight. It offers advice to avoid exceeding budget, including providing accurate information, understanding fee structures, purchasing insurance, and monitoring shipment progress. The guide also instructs users on how to verify invoices and file disputes, aiming to help them better understand Flexport bills and control transportation costs. By understanding potential discrepancies, users can proactively manage their logistics expenses and avoid unexpected charges.

11/03/2025 Document Interpretation
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Crossborder Ecommerce Comparing Overseas and Virtual Warehouses

Crossborder Ecommerce Comparing Overseas and Virtual Warehouses

This paper delves into two warehousing models in cross-border e-commerce: overseas warehouses and virtual overseas warehouses. Overseas warehouses improve delivery speed and user experience through physical warehouses, but require significant capital investment. Virtual overseas warehouses leverage technology to integrate third-party warehouse resources, reducing costs and enabling flexible inventory allocation. The article compares the definitions, functions, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both, and forecasts future development trends, providing selection advice for cross-border e-commerce sellers. It helps sellers understand the trade-offs between control and cost when choosing a warehousing strategy.

11/03/2025 Warehousing
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FCA Incoterms Clarify Liability in Air Freight Shipments

FCA Incoterms Clarify Liability in Air Freight Shipments

This article delves into the point at which the seller's responsibility ends under FCA Incoterms in international air freight. It emphasizes that the responsibility termination point is not simply the 'airport' but precisely when the goods are 'delivered to the carrier or its agent designated by the buyer and under their control.' Through specific scenario analysis, a detailed responsibility checklist, and the identification of common misconceptions, this article helps sellers accurately grasp the boundaries of their responsibilities, avoid trade risks, and ensure the smooth execution of international air freight shipments.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Custom Apparel Exporter Overcomes Rejection to Restore Trust

Custom Apparel Exporter Overcomes Rejection to Restore Trust

A foreign trade company faced customer returns due to quality issues in customized clothing, leading to difficulties in collecting payment and a trust crisis. Experts advise the company to proactively take responsibility, rebuild trust, and adopt a three-step strategy: assessing risks, striving for inspection, and handling issues flexibly. The importance of quality control as the foundation for the survival and development of foreign trade enterprises is also emphasized. Addressing the quality problem and communication effectively are crucial for restoring the business relationship and mitigating further financial losses.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Air Freight Industry Adopts 72hour Storage Buffer Standard

Air Freight Industry Adopts 72hour Storage Buffer Standard

This article delves into the rent-free period for international air freight airport warehouses, revealing its operational rules and key cost control strategies. By leveraging strategies such as cargo volume commitments, customs clearance process optimization, and off-peak warehousing, companies can strive for a 72-hour rent-free period, thereby reducing logistics costs. The article provides practical steps and solutions for handling special circumstances, empowering businesses to gain a cost advantage in international air freight. It focuses on how to effectively utilize the rent-free window to minimize warehousing expenses.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) highlighted their collaboration in addressing environmental and social issues using the Harmonized System (HS) at the BRS COPs in Geneva. The WCO facilitates customs control of goods threatening the environment and human health by introducing HS codes. They shared elements of successful proposals, aiming to strengthen global cooperation and build a sustainable trade future. This partnership demonstrates how the HS can be leveraged for environmental protection and responsible trade practices on a global scale.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Sellers Navigate Global Ocean Freight Challenges

Ecommerce Sellers Navigate Global Ocean Freight Challenges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing international sea freight prices and their calculation methods. It covers key elements such as shipping routes, cargo types, containers, fuel, and surcharges. Furthermore, it offers practical methods for obtaining accurate quotes, empowering cross-border e-commerce sellers to take control of sea freight pricing and optimize logistics costs. Understanding these factors is crucial for managing expenses and maintaining competitiveness in the global market. The article aims to provide clarity and actionable insights for navigating the complexities of international shipping.

01/05/2026 Logistics
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