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.
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.
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.
The Port of New York and New Jersey is now the second-busiest port in the U.S., and the busiest on the East Coast. It handled 7.8 million twenty-foot equivalents (TEUs) in 2023, up 4.4% from pre-pandemic 2019, and has outstripped the Port of Long Beach since 2022. When you ship through a facility of that size, access to local knowledge and connections could save you time and money. So what do you gain when you work with freight forwarders in NJ?
So you’ve decided it’s time to pick up stakes and transplant from the good old USA to a new home over the water. Maybe it’s to fulfill a lifelong dream to relocate to your country of origin in retirement, or you’re following a golden business opportunity. Whatever the case, as you make your plans you want to keep costs as low as possible. So let’s look at the cheapest way to ship your personal belongings overseas.
If you’re involved in international trade and shipping, you need to become familiar with the HS (Harmonized System) Code for your products. Let’s unpack shipping HS Codes (also known as HS codes or commodity codes) – what they are, how they work, and why they are important. We’ll also demystify HS Codes by addressing common questions that arise, and explain how an experienced customs broker can help you navigate the complexities.
If your business involves exporting goods to Poland from the US, you need to weigh all the variables to make the best transportation decision. So what is the cost of shipping to Poland from the US? It depends on your priorities, budget, and the kinds of goods being shipped.
When you bring goods into the U.S., of course you expect to pay for transportation. But as you plan an import, remember that it also costs money to clear the cargo through U.S. Customs, even when the product isn’t subject to any duties. So you need to understand the elements that make up U.S. Customs import fees, and when they’re required.
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.
