FTR's Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) remained positive for the second consecutive month, indicating improving conditions in the freight market. Fluctuations in fuel costs are a key influencing factor, but the overall market is trending in a direction favorable to shippers. Shippers need to closely monitor market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Convoy introduces a new platform merging online booking with TMS capabilities, designed to help shippers streamline the bidding process, reduce freight spend, and ensure data security. The platform significantly shortens bidding timelines through automation and standardization of the tendering process. Furthermore, it leverages sandboxed routing guides to guarantee data privacy. This integrated approach aims to provide shippers with greater control, visibility, and efficiency in managing their freight operations, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved supply chain performance.
Facing shipper dissatisfaction and regulatory pressure, WTSA announced plans to potentially establish a shipper advisory board to address capacity shortages and service contract issues, while actively cooperating with the FMC's investigation. Simultaneously, U.S. House representatives are pushing to revoke shipping companies' antitrust immunity, aiming to maintain fair competition and protect shipper rights. The future direction of the shipping industry remains uncertain, requiring collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. This includes addressing concerns about limited capacity and ensuring fair practices within the context of antitrust regulations.
The Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) annual survey reveals outstanding ocean carriers, with OOCL taking the top spot. The survey covers eleven key indicators, including documentation, quotations, rates, and claims, reflecting shipper satisfaction with ocean transportation services. Industry satisfaction continues to decline, highlighting the importance of excellent service. The survey provides valuable benchmarks for carriers and service providers to improve and understand shipper needs in the agricultural export sector. It serves as a crucial reference point for the industry.
This article outlines key air cargo shipping steps: shipper consignment, space booking, customs clearance, and AWB completion, emphasizing seamless communication and coordination. It specifies required documents, precautions, and consolidation procedures to ensure efficient exports.
SWB allows consignees to claim goods with copies post-departure (shipper loses control), while telex release requires shipper's LOI to carriers, retaining cargo control. Choice impacts costs and release procedures based on payment status.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has issued new regulations prohibiting unreasonable refusal to carry by shipping companies, aimed at protecting cargo owner rights. The new rules clarify the legal provisions regarding refusal actions and require shipping companies to submit confidential export policy documents annually to ensure compliance.
Air freight rates are calculated by actual weight or volume (1kg/6,000 cm³), with rounding rules. Rates include negotiated (shipper-airline) and IATA rates (published/unpublished). Priority: negotiated > published > unpublished. Rates cover airport-to-airport only. Understanding these optimizes costs.
The international air waybill serves as a transportation contract between the shipper and the carrier, functioning as a receipt for the goods, a freight bill, customs declaration, insurance certificate, and a tracking document. It ensures the safe transport of goods and enhances circulation efficiency.
A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a crucial legal document that ensures the smooth delivery of goods in the absence of the original bill of lading. It holds the shipper accountable for any potential losses and serves as an essential assurance mechanism in international logistics.
