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.
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.
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.
Following years of record profits in the aftermath of the global pandemic, the container shipping industry has found itself in a precarious state.
A flood of new vessel orders – combined with plummeting cargo volumes – have extended a drop-off in global shipping rates, which on average have plunged more than 80% since their peak in late 2021.
Transatlantic container shipping rates, while trending downward, remain in a state of flux – and can vary widely depending on market conditions, fuel prices, global economic trends and more. It’s important for shippers to understand these factors to secure cost-effective transportation both today and in the long term.
While most trade between the US and Poland is import trade into the US, the volume of exports to Poland is on the rise. If you export goods to Poland, it helps to work with a cargo forwarder who has “been there, done that.” Andrew Rozek, President of I.C.E. Transport, has decades of experience shipping to Poland from the USA. We chatted with him recently to better understand the challenges of cargo shipping from US to Poland.
An international shipment goes through many stages. There’s loading, drayage, maybe a ride on the rails, and then the ocean crossing. On the other side there’s Customs, more land transportation and then, finally, unloading.
So many chances for something to go wrong!
For transatlantic freight forwarders like I.C.E. Transport, it's been interesting to see the sharp contrast in ocean freight prices and congestion issues between Transpacific and Transatlantic freight.
It's really a tale of two oceans.
Freight marketplaces for ocean freight are gaining in popularity. But does this online booking option really align with your needs as a shipper? Here’s an overview of things to consider when examining the freight forwarder vs freight marketplace choice.
Nine of the top 20 countries that sell goods into Canada are in Europe, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. If you want to learn how to make this trade route more profitable through efficient global transportation, here’s a quick guide.
Atlantic Ocean freight has become a tough business. Companies that ship cargo from Europe to the US are waiting longer and paying a good deal to secure space on trans-Atlantic vessels. The situation probably won’t ease up until the second half of the year.
