Maritime transport is a critical pillar of global trade, but its reliability has been increasingly challenged by factors such as the pandemic and climate change, leading to significant financial, operational, and reputational costs for shippers. This article explores the impact of this unreliability and strategies to address it, aiming to enhance the resilience and stability of supply chains.
The 2023 air cargo peak season is facing weak rebound, with shippers placing orders early indicating a slowdown in demand and freight rates not rising as expected. Although some airlines benefit from e-commerce demand, the overall cargo market remains complex and volatile, with future growth constrained by a slowdown in manufacturing and various supply chain issues.
Since 2016, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has introduced the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) regulations, requiring shippers to provide VGM information before loading containers. This ensures the safety and compliance of container transportation. Neglecting this requirement may result in containers being unable to be loaded onto ships, impacting the transport of goods.
In Q1 2025, the freight market appears stable on the surface but is hiding underlying uncertainties, with weak demand and limited supply. Although short-term demand has risen, the ongoing decline reflects shippers' lack of confidence in the market. The overall industry is in a state of adjustment but is facing greater tension, making flexible operational models increasingly important.
The customs clearance process for container exports involves four main steps: declaration, inspection, tax assessment, and release. Shippers must timely declare and prepare relevant documents, ensuring authenticity and accuracy, and complete customs declaration, tax payment, and inspection within the legally specified time. An effective operational process can significantly enhance clearance efficiency, especially in export tax refunds.
Ocean bill of lading confirmation is a critical legal procedure in export shipments, requiring strict adherence to timelines by shippers. Carriers typically mandate BL details (consignee/shipper/container info) be confirmed 4-5 days pre-sailing. Unconfirmed data by deadlines requires immediate container number designation to prevent shipping disruptions. Timely and accurate BL confirmation ensures smooth maritime operations.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of international flights operated by British Airways from Beijing, covering flight information, operational guidelines, and important considerations. It particularly emphasizes additional fees, security requirements, and necessary customs clearance documents, aiming to assist shippers and logistics companies in minimizing transportation risks, optimizing costs, and ensuring smooth customs clearance for their goods.
CMA CGM Group announced that starting May 20, 2025, it will implement a peak season surcharge on the China-Kenya route. The surcharge will be $150 per TEU for the central and southern regions, and $200 per TEU for the northern region. This measure is aimed at addressing rising operating costs, prompting shippers to reasonably adjust their logistics costs and transportation plans.
Jan Krems has been appointed as the President of United Airlines Cargo, symbolizing the maturity of the air freight industry. With a career spanning multiple countries, Krems views air cargo not just as a job, but a lifestyle. In response to market changes, he emphasizes the need for industry education for shippers and advocates for collaborative innovation to compete with maritime shipping.
The freight forwarding process can be tricky. This article reveals common problems and precautions in customs clearance, amendment, and container pick-up, helping cargo owners avoid hidden fees and ensure smooth transportation of goods. It highlights potential pitfalls and provides practical advice to navigate the complexities of international shipping and logistics, ultimately empowering shippers to make informed decisions and protect their interests.
