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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.

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

I.C.E. Transport | Jan 25, 2024 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

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.

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A Guide to Shipping Personal Effects to Ireland in a Shipping Container

 

Ireland is renowned for its vibrant culture, varied landscape, and legendary local pubs. It's also a popular destination for expatriates. As the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone, Ireland pairs its robust, pro-business environment with a harmonious balance between work and life. 

Whether you're moving for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, shipping your personal effects to Ireland in a shipping container is a detailed task for which you likely have little experience. No worries, we can help. This comprehensive guide provides essential insights and practical steps for efficiently and safely shipping household goods to Ireland.

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A Guide to Shipping Personal Effects From USA to UK

 

Shipping personal effects from USA to UK can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and knowledge of the process, it can be a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Whether you are relocating, sending gifts or returning home, let this be your guide from packing to delivery.

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Finding Shipping Companies for UK to USA Ocean Freight

 

The USA is the UK’s no. 1 export partner – accounting for more than a third of goods exports in 2022. In a sea of options for shipping companies UK to USA, finding a reliable and cost-effective partner can seem daunting, especially when it comes to heavy and oversized cargo.

Whether you’re a small shipper or a seasoned UK freight forwarder looking for a stateside partner, there are some key factors to consider in your search.

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Door-to-door International Shipping: Carriers vs. Forwarders

I.C.E. Transport | Mar 28, 2023 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

If you’re managing ocean shipments to a consignee or from a shipper, door-to-door international shipping service is often the most convenient and hassle-free option. But plenty can go wrong during the journey, so you want to align with the right partner. Most often, that will be a freight forwarder, but some shippers may book door-to-door service direct with the steamship line. That can lead to problems.

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What Are Export Cargo Shipping Instructions (and why are they important)?

 

Lots of paperwork is required to send an international shipment. But one form that's not required may be the most important.

The export cargo shipping instructions form is exactly as the name implies. It's an exporter’s instructions to its freight forwarder on what is being shipped and how they want it shipped. You might also hear this document referred to as a shipper's letter of instruction or bill of lading instructions.

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Can I Ship Lithium Batteries in an Ocean Container?

 

It’s possible to ship lithium batteries – and equipment containing them – but the restrictions are getting tighter.

From toothbrushes to Teslas, lithium batteries have come to power countless items that support everyday life – and that power is growing. The global lithium-ion battery market is expected to surpass $135 billion in the next 10 years.

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Working with freight forwarding companies in New Jersey

I.C.E. Transport | Oct 18, 2022 7:00:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

The Port of New York and New Jersey is now the second-busiest port in the US, and the busiest on the East Coast. When you ship through a facility of that size, access to local knowledge and connections could save you time and money.

What do you gain when you work with freight forwarding companies in New Jersey?

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How to choose a freight forwarder: does size count?

I.C.E. Transport | Jun 28, 2022 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

When you need a freight forwarder to handle your overseas shipments, you face a dizzying variety of choices – from huge global enterprises to smaller specialty firms. How to choose a freight forwarder that matches your needs? The answer isn’t simple.

Here’s a look at what to expect as you evaluate possible partners, large and small.

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How to Reduce Ocean Freight Costs

 

For decades, steamship lines have had an unspoken pact with shippers: If you’re willing to wait many weeks to have your cargo delivered, we’ll transport it thousands of miles for you, and do it for cheap. Even with relatively affordable rates, the lines made oodles of money by piling containers – as many as 24,000 TEUs on the latest ships – onto a single vessel. 

All that changed with the pandemic as the lines cut capacity to address greatly decreased demand. As factories re-opened and as consumers starting shopping again, demand for container space soared – but vessel capacity did not. 

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