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Latest Posts

  • May 2025 Trade War Update

    Last updated on April 19, 2025 by Ben Thompson

    Catch up on the latest moves in the U.S.-China trade war. See what’s driving the tension, how both sides are reacting, and what these changes could mean for global trade, supply chains, and businesses around the world as talks continue.

  • RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping

    Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    RoRo for shipping cars

    Choosing how to ship your car is a big part of moving it internationally or sending it to a new destination. The shipping service you choose can shape your costs, the logistics of the trip, and how safe your car stays. You’ll hear about two main shipping services: RoRo and container car shipping. This guide…

  • Bill of Lading vs Proof of Delivery in Shipping

    Last updated on June 6, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Bill of Lading (BOL) vs Proof of Delivery (POD)

    The bill of lading and the proof of delivery are two common shipping documents. They often get mixed up because they both track goods during a shipment. But each document has a different job. If you don’t understand what sets them apart, you might face confusion or some delays that can add up. Let’s clear…

  • What Is a Specific Duty and What Is Its Role?

    Last updated on June 5, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Specific Duty

    A specific duty is a fixed tax that’s applied to goods when they cross a country’s border. It’s charged based on the physical amount — like per kilogram, litre, or item — instead of a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific duties help raise revenue and protect local industries. They’re also easier for…

  • Key Differences Between Tariffs and Duties in International Shipping

    Last updated on May 31, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    duty vs tariff vs tax

    Shipping overseas comes with a list of costs. Duties, tariffs, and taxes are three of the most common. Each one affects the cost of goods in a different way. Knowing how they work is important in understanding the total landed cost, trade documents, and compliance across borders. What Are Duties, Tariffs, and Taxes? What Is…

  • What Is Blank Sailing in Ocean Freight?

    Last updated on May 28, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    blank sailing explained

    Blank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container…

  • How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping

    Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    what is switch Bill of lading

    What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as "Switch BOL", is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive…

  • What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters

    Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Blind Shipping

    What Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer…

  • FAS Incoterm Explained

    Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    FAS Incoterm

    The FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start.  These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS…

  • What Are Trade Agreements?

    Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Trade Agreements

    What Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a…

  • May 2025 Trade War Update

    Last updated on April 19, 2025 by Ben Thompson

    Catch up on the latest moves in the U.S.-China trade war. See what’s driving the tension, how both sides are reacting, and what these changes could mean for global trade, supply chains, and businesses around the world as talks continue. Read More »

  • RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping

    Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    RoRo for shipping cars

    Choosing how to ship your car is a big part of moving it internationally or sending it to a new destination. The shipping service you choose can shape your costs, the logistics of the trip, and how safe your car stays. You’ll hear about two main shipping services: RoRo and container car shipping. This guide […] Read More »

  • Bill of Lading vs Proof of Delivery in Shipping

    Last updated on June 6, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Bill of Lading (BOL) vs Proof of Delivery (POD)

    The bill of lading and the proof of delivery are two common shipping documents. They often get mixed up because they both track goods during a shipment. But each document has a different job. If you don’t understand what sets them apart, you might face confusion or some delays that can add up. Let’s clear […] Read More »

  • What Is a Specific Duty and What Is Its Role?

    Last updated on June 5, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Specific Duty

    A specific duty is a fixed tax that’s applied to goods when they cross a country’s border. It’s charged based on the physical amount — like per kilogram, litre, or item — instead of a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific duties help raise revenue and protect local industries. They’re also easier for […] Read More »

  • Key Differences Between Tariffs and Duties in International Shipping

    Last updated on May 31, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    duty vs tariff vs tax

    Shipping overseas comes with a list of costs. Duties, tariffs, and taxes are three of the most common. Each one affects the cost of goods in a different way. Knowing how they work is important in understanding the total landed cost, trade documents, and compliance across borders. What Are Duties, Tariffs, and Taxes? What Is […] Read More »

  • What Is Blank Sailing in Ocean Freight?

    Last updated on May 28, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    blank sailing explained

    Blank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container […] Read More »

  • How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping

    Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    what is switch Bill of lading

    What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as “Switch BOL”, is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive […] Read More »

  • What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters

    Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Blind Shipping

    What Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer […] Read More »

  • FAS Incoterm Explained

    Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    FAS Incoterm

    The FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start.  These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS […] Read More »

  • What Are Trade Agreements?

    Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben Thompson
    Trade Agreements

    What Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a […] Read More »

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Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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