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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.

What is a Freight Forwarder vs. a Customs Broker?

 

For anyone importing goods into the US, 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.

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What’s the Shipping Cost of Moving from the US to the UK?

 

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.

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Working with freight forwarding companies in New Jersey

I.C.E. Transport | Oct 10, 2024 2:00:00 AM | ocean shipping, freight brokers

 

The Port of New York and New Jersey is now the second-busiest port in the U.S., and the busiest on the East Coast. It handled 7.8 million twenty-foot equivalents (TEUs) in 2023, up 4.4% from pre-pandemic 2019, and has outstripped the Port of Long Beach since 2022. When you ship through a facility of that size, access to local knowledge and connections could save you time and money. So what do you gain when you work with freight forwarders in NJ?

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Shipping HS Codes: Know the Basics

 

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.

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What Is the Cost of Shipping to Poland from the US?

 

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.

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A Guide to Shipping Containers to Europe

I.C.E. Transport | Jul 23, 2024 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, European Shipping

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.

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How To Avoid Detention and Demurrage Charges

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.

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How To Reduce Container Shipping Costs

 

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.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Export Shipping

I.C.E. Transport | Feb 27, 2024 7:30:00 AM | ocean shipping, export services

 

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.

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Advantages of LCL (Less than Container Load) Shipping for Small Shipments

I.C.E. Transport | Dec 19, 2023 7:30:00 AM | container payload, ocean shipping

 

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.

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