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  • Incoterms® 2020 Explained – The Complete Guide

    Last updated on May 28, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Incoterms 2020 chart for import export

    The International Chamber of Commerce have published new Incoterms® 2020 that have come into effect from the 1st of January 2020. The ICC originally published Incoterms® in 1936 and have continually made updates to reflect the changes to the Global Trade environment. It’s important that all parties involved in trade clearly understand the changes and…

  • Berthing in Shipping 

    Last updated on December 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The term "berthing" has deep maritime roots. It is believed to come from Old English words related to finding a safe place for a ship to rest. Over time, sailors began using the term to describe the process of guiding a vessel into a secure spot. By the 16th century, the verb "to berth" started…

  • What is UN/LOCODE?

    Last updated on December 10, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    UN/LOCODE

    Global trade depends on efficient systems to track and manage goods. Location codes play a key role in identifying places involved in shipping and logistics. They simplify communication between businesses, governments, and transport companies, ensuring smooth operations. UN LOCODE stands for the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations. It is a system developed…

  • Ports and Terminals in Shipping

    Last updated on December 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Ports and terminals form the backbone of global trade facilitating the smooth movement of goods across locations. Without them, supply chains would grind to a halt. Ports manage large-scale operations, while terminals specialize in tasks such as cargo transfer and sorting. In this article, we’ll explore the distinct roles they play and how they work…

  • What is BRICS? History, Purpose, and Global Impact

    Last updated on November 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    BRICS country flags

    BRICS is shaking up global trade and challenging old power structures. This group of nations has become a strong advocate for emerging economies, prioritizing growth, collaboration, and reducing dependence on traditional Western systems. So how did it all begin, and what has BRICS accomplished? From ambitious development projects to plans for a fairer global economy,…

  • National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Codes: Guide to Freight Classification and chart

    Last updated on November 22, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    NMFC codes are part of the National Motor Freight Classification system. They classify freight based on factors like density, handling, stowability, and value. These codes were created by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFA). Each type of freight gets its own NMFC code, which helps carriers know how to handle and price each item. This…

  • Net Weight vs Gross Weight vs Tare Weight Explained

    Last updated on November 15, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    net weight vs tare weight vs gross weight

    Accurate weight management is important in shipping and logistics. Terms like Net Weight, Gross Weight, and Tare Weight are used to measure cargo. These terms are often confused and can lead to mistakes.  Weight affects safety, pricing, and transport limits. Incorrect declarations may overload vehicles, creating safety risks and breaking legal limits. This can lead…

  • Most Favored Nation (MFN) In International Trade Explained

    Last updated on November 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    most favored nation

    The most favored nation (MFN) principle is an important rule in global trade. It acts as a non-discriminatory trade policy, meaning a country must give the same trade terms to all its partners. If one country receives a benefit, like a lower tariff, then all trading partners should get the same. This rule helps prevent…

  • Top 10 Product Categories China Exports (2023):

    Last updated on November 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    China Exports

    China’s export strength fuels global industries, with top markets like the US and Japan. Major sectors include technology, automotive, and textiles. In 2023, China’s trade reached $3,380 billion, underscoring its growing influence in international markets.

  • How to Safely Unload a Shipping Container Efficiently

    Last updated on November 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    unloading shipping containers

    Unloading containers is a crucial step in the shipping process. Shipping containers arrive and need to be carefully unloaded so that the products can be used or onsold into the market. It may seem like a straightforward process, however many steps should be taken to ensure that the goods are unloaded safely and efficiently without…

  • Shipping from China to USA: Costs and Delivery Options

    Last updated on November 4, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    shipping from China to US

    Many companies ship goods from China to the US because of the low prices and variety of products available. Platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China make it simple to find suppliers and compare options. With careful planning, businesses can secure quality products while keeping costs under control. Shipping from China to the US can come with…

  • Incoterms® 2020 Explained – The Complete Guide

    Last updated on May 28, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Incoterms 2020 chart for import export

    The International Chamber of Commerce have published new Incoterms® 2020 that have come into effect from the 1st of January 2020. The ICC originally published Incoterms® in 1936 and have continually made updates to reflect the changes to the Global Trade environment. It’s important that all parties involved in trade clearly understand the changes and how they apply to global supply chains. Read More »

  • Berthing in Shipping 

    Last updated on December 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The term “berthing” has deep maritime roots. It is believed to come from Old English words related to finding a safe place for a ship to rest. Over time, sailors began using the term to describe the process of guiding a vessel into a secure spot. By the 16th century, the verb “to berth” started […] Read More »

  • What is UN/LOCODE?

    Last updated on December 10, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    UN/LOCODE

    Global trade depends on efficient systems to track and manage goods. Location codes play a key role in identifying places involved in shipping and logistics. They simplify communication between businesses, governments, and transport companies, ensuring smooth operations. UN LOCODE stands for the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations. It is a system developed […] Read More »

  • Ports and Terminals in Shipping

    Last updated on December 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Ports and terminals form the backbone of global trade facilitating the smooth movement of goods across locations. Without them, supply chains would grind to a halt. Ports manage large-scale operations, while terminals specialize in tasks such as cargo transfer and sorting. In this article, we’ll explore the distinct roles they play and how they work […] Read More »

  • What is BRICS? History, Purpose, and Global Impact

    Last updated on November 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    BRICS country flags

    BRICS is shaking up global trade and challenging old power structures. This group of nations has become a strong advocate for emerging economies, prioritizing growth, collaboration, and reducing dependence on traditional Western systems. So how did it all begin, and what has BRICS accomplished? From ambitious development projects to plans for a fairer global economy, […] Read More »

  • National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Codes: Guide to Freight Classification and chart

    Last updated on November 22, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    NMFC codes are part of the National Motor Freight Classification system. They classify freight based on factors like density, handling, stowability, and value. These codes were created by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFA). Each type of freight gets its own NMFC code, which helps carriers know how to handle and price each item. This […] Read More »

  • Net Weight vs Gross Weight vs Tare Weight Explained

    Last updated on November 15, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    net weight vs tare weight vs gross weight

    Accurate weight management is important in shipping and logistics. Terms like Net Weight, Gross Weight, and Tare Weight are used to measure cargo. These terms are often confused and can lead to mistakes.  Weight affects safety, pricing, and transport limits. Incorrect declarations may overload vehicles, creating safety risks and breaking legal limits. This can lead […] Read More »

  • Most Favored Nation (MFN) In International Trade Explained

    Last updated on November 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    most favored nation

    The most favored nation (MFN) principle is an important rule in global trade. It acts as a non-discriminatory trade policy, meaning a country must give the same trade terms to all its partners. If one country receives a benefit, like a lower tariff, then all trading partners should get the same. This rule helps prevent […] Read More »

  • Top 10 Product Categories China Exports (2023):

    Last updated on November 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    China Exports

    China’s export strength fuels global industries, with top markets like the US and Japan. Major sectors include technology, automotive, and textiles. In 2023, China’s trade reached $3,380 billion, underscoring its growing influence in international markets. Read More »

  • How to Safely Unload a Shipping Container Efficiently

    Last updated on November 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    unloading shipping containers

    Unloading containers is a crucial step in the shipping process. Shipping containers arrive and need to be carefully unloaded so that the products can be used or onsold into the market. It may seem like a straightforward process, however many steps should be taken to ensure that the goods are unloaded safely and efficiently without causing any damage or problems. Read More »

  • Shipping from China to USA: Costs and Delivery Options

    Last updated on November 4, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    shipping from China to US

    Many companies ship goods from China to the US because of the low prices and variety of products available. Platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China make it simple to find suppliers and compare options. With careful planning, businesses can secure quality products while keeping costs under control. Shipping from China to the US can come with […] Read More »

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Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Export Manager's Guide to Remote Working

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Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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