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.
While there are abundant opportunities for business growth right here in America, some of the fastest growing markets are overseas. Capitalizing on these opportunities requires knowledge of export shipping. This article covers the basics of shipping your U.S.-made products overseas – efficiently and in full compliance with customs agency requirements.
If you’re importing goods into the United States, you’ll need to become familiar with customs bonds, and the process for obtaining them. Their purpose is simple: to guarantee that the shipper, or importer of record, pays all relevant duties, taxes and fees on imported goods, and the government gets its due.
If you’re new to international shipping, you might be confused by the various terms used for service providers that handle cargo. For example: NVOCC vs. freight forwarder. What’s the difference between these two kinds of companies? What does each do, and how do you know which one to approach when you have a shipment to arrange?
Here’s a quick rundown.
No law says you must hire a customs broker to help you clear imports into the US. But a smart importer, whether large or small, usually engages with an expert for customs brokerage services.
Following is a primer on customs brokerage and how a licensed broker can help you clear shipments quickly through Customs, keep you compliant with all regulations, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
In today's global economy, international trade has become integral to the success of businesses, large and small. Particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), leveraging the right shipping options can certainly increase company profits. This is where LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping comes into play, offering an adaptable and cost-effective solution for smaller shipment volumes.
