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Eastern Europe Shipping Blog

Expert tips on smarter shipping between the U.S. and Eastern Europe, including shipping of heavy goods.

I.C.E. Transport

I.C.E. Transport

Recent Posts

Making Sense of the Ocean Carrier Alliance Makeovers

I.C.E. Transport | Mar 13, 2025 7:30:00 AM | Services & Routes, ocean shipping

A major reshuffling of ocean carrier alliances that went into effect in February 2025, while providing benefits for both carriers and shippers, is causing some temporary hiccups as everyone adjusts to the new network structures. So what changes are taking place, and how will shippers be impacted? Let’s unpack the topic a bit.

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NVOCC vs. Freight Forwarder: What’s the Difference?

I.C.E. Transport | Feb 27, 2025 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

If you’re new to international shipping, you might be confused by the various terms used by service providers. For example: what’s the difference between an NVOCC and a freight forwarder? What does each do, and how do you know which to use for your shipment?


Here’s a quick rundown:

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How Many Pallets Can Fit in a Container or Trailer?

 

With pallets such an indispensable supply chain tool, determining how many pallets can fit in a container or trailer is critical for shippers when developing a transportation plan, calculating freight costs and booking carriers.

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What are DOT Truck Weight Limits by State?

I.C.E. Transport | Jan 29, 2025 7:00:00 AM | Regulations, heavyweight freight

 

There is a very costly misconception regarding ocean container transit that may lead global heavy freight shippers to pay far more than needed, based on maximum truck weights allowed on US highways. Specifically, steamship lines promote the idea that container weights must be limited to 44,000 lbs. or less to stay within “legal” limits. 

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What Is an Importer of Record?

 

An Importer of Record (IOR) is the party to a transaction responsible for ensuring that imported goods meet the legal and regulatory requirements of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is hugely important because non-compliance with customs regulations carries serious consequences, including legal liability, fees and even seizure of cargo or suspension of an import license.

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The Top Blog Posts of 2024

 

We end each year by sharing our most popular posts by readership of the past year. Not surprisingly, each of 2024’s top blog articles answers a question. Read on to see what others found so interesting.

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What Is the Cost of Container Shipping to Europe from the US?

 

If you’re shipping containers to Europe from the US, there are a number of factors that affect the cost of freight – from the type of container used, to the shipping lane and distance, to whether you’re shipping a full container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL). So, if you’re looking for ways to save on the logistics of Trans-Atlantic container shipping, read on.

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Marine Cargo Insurance Q&A

I.C.E. Transport | Nov 26, 2024 7:00:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

Companies that ship a lot of ocean freight do a pretty good job of insuring themselves against workman’s comp claims and office building fires. But most of them fail to protect the full value of their import or export cargo with marine cargo insurance, despite potential losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars per shipment.

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What is a Freight Forwarder vs. a Customs Broker?

 

For anyone importing goods into the US, 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.

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What’s the Shipping Cost of Moving from the US to the UK?

 

If you’re soon to be an expat from US shores with plans to live in the UK, there are a lot of details to keep track of, what with planning, packing and paperwork. Among the many considerations, of course, is the shipping cost of moving from the US to the UK. Let’s explore strategies you can use to make your transition as smooth as possible, but keep the total cost down.

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