Europe is a varied, vibrant region with high demand for all kinds of goods produced in the U.S., making it a natural choice for companies looking to expand and become an exporter. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. goods exported to European Union (EU) countries alone totaled $368.6 billion in 2023, up 5% from $350.8 billion in 2022.
Unexpected expenses can cripple a business’s profitability, and those associated with international shipping are a prime example. Learning how to avoid detention and demurrage charges is a baseline capability for any business involved in global trade. As ocean freight rates naturally rise over time, especially when disruptions occur, you cannot afford any extra fees on top of them.
If you’re importing goods into the USA, it’s important to know the answer to the question: When is a customs bond required? The majority of goods being imported into the USA require a customs bond as part of the entry process.
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.
Here are some important things to keep in mind about how to ship a car abroad.
There is a very costly misconception regarding ocean shipping that may lead global shippers of heavy freight to pay far more than needed. Specifically, steamship lines promote the idea that container weights must be limited to 44,000 lbs or less to stay within “legal” limits. Knowing the actual DOT truck weight limits by state can easily lead to six-figure savings for large-volume shippers of heavy freight.
If you are a small or medium-sized business (SMB) who is buying from an overseas supplier, there's a good chance you're buying under either Free On Board (FOB) or Ex Works (EXW) terms of sale – the two most commonly used purchase terms in global trade. In this article, we'll explore the distinctions between EXW vs FOB and how they can positively or negatively impact how you manage logistics.
Container shipping costs can be highly volatile, based on geopolitical and economic conditions globally. Costs can easily and unexpectedly creep upwards, eroding your profit. Shippers, especially small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), need to use every tool at their disposal to cut ocean shipping expenses. These sea freight costs are a logical place to start when you consider that 90% of the world’s goods move via container shipping. This article reviews some practical ways to cut costs and avoid overpaying for ocean freight.
In international out of gauge cargo shipping, equipment doesn’t fit neatly into a container. And guess what? It doesn’t fit neatly into any standard shipping process, either.
Let’s face it, the world’s cargo infrastructure is designed around shipping standard containers in a uniform way. Larger equipment falls outside the norm and adds shipping complexity, cost, and significant risk versus standard cargo. Let’s look at some of those challenges and how to address them.
Are you moving to Poland from the USA?
You’re not alone. Poland has become an attractive destination country for U.S. expats and Poland natives moving “back home.”
One of the most daunting tasks you’ll face is shipping your personal and household goods from your current U.S. home to Poland. Do it right and your goods will be waiting for you upon your arrival. Do it wrong and you’ll pay a lot more than you should and your vital belongings might be held up due to improper paperwork and packing. This article includes helpful tips for timely, compliant shipment of your personal effects to your new home in Poland.
In the world of cross-border commerce, it’s important to note that different parties have clearly defined roles in order to expedite the process and manage the many important details. This ensures that there is as little friction as possible holding up an international shipment. The role of the exporter of record is certainly key in the shipping and customs process, so we’ll take some time to break it down.
