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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
