Importers talk a lot about “managing tariffs,” but many are not actively managing tariff exemptions. That’s a costly oversight in an environment where duty rates on some products can reach 50%-60%.
Importers talk a lot about “managing tariffs,” but many are not actively managing tariff exemptions. That’s a costly oversight in an environment where duty rates on some products can reach 50%-60%.
International shipment delays are rarely caused by one single point of failure. They can be the result of documentation errors, regulatory miscues, geopolitical shifts, extreme weather, capacity constraints, or simple miscommunication across too many handoffs.
You can ship lithium batteries – and the equipment containing them – in an ocean container, but the restrictions are getting tighter. So how do you know when you can ship lithium batteries in an ocean container?
From toothbrushes to Teslas, lithium batteries power countless items that support everyday life. The lithium-ion battery market was valued at $87.1 billion in 2025, according to Future Market Insights, and is projected to reach $377.6billion by 2035, a CAGR of 15.8%.
Here in the New Year, the sound and fury over new tariffs from the U.S., and their use as a geopolitical tool, has not quieted down but instead risen to a fever pitch. Regardless of the surrounding machinations, new and higher tariffs continue to have a significant impact on global trade. The costs are real, and companies are looking for any edge they can use to shave off tariff-related expenses.
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the third-busiest port in the U.S. after Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the busiest on the East Coast. In 2024, it handled approximately 8.7 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalents), an 11.4% increase over 2023.
International freight can seem daunting for small and mid-sized businesses. Unlike many multinational corporations, which may move thousands of containers per month, you may ship only a handful. Yet you face the same complexities: port congestion, customs compliance, carrier selection, and unpredictable transit times.
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?
