Eastern Europe Shipping Blog

When you’re a smaller-volume shipper importing or exporting container freight between the U.S. and Europe, the lure of working with a major freight forwarder or Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) can be strong. At that level, they have significant leverage with the major ocean lines and can offer attractive rates for each booking. But is it possible that going the “big guy” route can prove to be penny wise yet pound foolish? What are the best types of shipping companies for small businesses? Let’s take a look under the hood.

For anyone importing goods into the U.S., 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’ve ever had qualms about selling into Poland, or sourcing from that country, it’s time to stop worrying. Shipping from the US to Poland, or vice versa, has grown much simpler since Poland joined the European Union in 2004.

As you consider business and trade opportunities in Poland, here are some facts about shipping to keep in mind:

Exporting commodities to the U.S. for manufacturing involves a complex set of logistics. The goods must be properly loaded and secured in a container for the entire journey. But what about the many instances where the receiver (i.e., U.S.-based manufacturer), due to physical limitations or site restrictions, cannot accept container loads?

If you’re new to the world of freight transportation, you may be wondering what exactly a freight forwarder is, what they do, what they’re responsible for, what you as the shipper have to handle, and how forwarders differ from freight brokers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to answer the basic question of what a freight forwarder does compared to other service providers, so you can make an informed decision about purchasing freight and choosing a reliable partner.

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. These are the two most commonly used international shipping standards – known as Incoterms – in global trade. In this article, we'll explore the distinctions between EXW vs FOB shipping and how they can positively or negatively impact how you manage logistics.

A major reshuffling of ocean carrier alliances that went into effect in February 2025, while providing benefits for both carriers and shippers, is causing some temporary hiccups as everyone adjusts to the new network structures. So what changes are taking place, and how will shippers be impacted? Let’s unpack the topic a bit.

If you’re new to international shipping, you might be confused by the various terms used by service providers. For example: what’s the difference between an NVOCC and a freight forwarder? What does each do, and how do you know which to use for your shipment?

Here’s a quick rundown:

With pallets such an indispensable supply chain tool, determining how many pallets can fit in a container or trailer is critical for shippers when developing a transportation plan, calculating freight costs and booking carriers.

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.