Eastern Europe Shipping Blog

When you’re a smaller-volume shipper importing or exporting container freight between the U.S. and Europe, the lure of working with a major freight forwarder or Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) can be strong. At that level, they have significant leverage with the major ocean lines and can offer attractive rates for each booking. But is it possible that going the “big guy” route can prove to be penny wise yet pound foolish? What are the best types of shipping companies for small businesses? Let’s take a look under the hood.

Trade tensions, rising tariffs, and supply chain shifts are prompting U.S. importers to look beyond China for sourcing. For many, Lithuania has become an attractive alternative — offering quality products, lower tariffs, and faster transit times to the U.S.

For anyone importing goods into the U.S., there are two main types of companies providing services to help you bring them in: Freight forwarders and customs brokers. Forwarders focus on the cargo transport, from origin to destination, whereas customs brokers focus on efficient, compliant clearance of your imports through customs. While there may be some overlap in duties, the roles of brokers and forwarders are more complementary.

Whether you’ve been importing goods to the U.S. for years, or just setting up shop, contending with clearing freight into the country through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a complex affair. Everything needs to be buttoned up tight in order to avoid unnecessary delays and snafus.

If you’ve ever had qualms about selling into Poland, or sourcing from that country, it’s time to stop worrying. Shipping from the US to Poland, or vice versa, has grown much simpler since Poland joined the European Union in 2004.

As you consider business and trade opportunities in Poland, here are some facts about shipping to keep in mind:

Exporting commodities to the U.S. for manufacturing involves a complex set of logistics. The goods must be properly loaded and secured in a container for the entire journey. But what about the many instances where the receiver (i.e., U.S.-based manufacturer), due to physical limitations or site restrictions, cannot accept container loads?

Are you moving overseas, or planning an extended visit? Would you like to bring your car? International car shipping (or pickup truck, motorcycle, powerboat or any other motorized vehicle) isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as you know what you’re doing.

In 2024, Poland's total imports increased 2.2% to $379.50 billion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The U.S. is one of Poland’s top three trading partners. Leading imports include machinery, nuclear reactors, and boilers; electrical and electronic equipment; and motor vehicles. Suffice to say, there is plenty of opportunity for exporting from the U.S. to the Polish market.

Transporting oversize cargo (also called out of gauge or OOG cargo) is a highly specialized discipline. If you don’t understand the process in detail, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money, and maybe even breaking the law. Here are six big mistakes to avoid when you’re shipping OOG cargo. We’ve divided them into over-the-road trucking and ocean freight issues.

If you’re new to the world of freight transportation, you may be wondering what exactly a freight forwarder is, what they do, what they’re responsible for, what you as the shipper have to handle, and how forwarders differ from freight brokers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to answer the basic question of what a freight forwarder does compared to other service providers, so you can make an informed decision about purchasing freight and choosing a reliable partner.