What Is ISF and How Does It Work Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a U.S. Customs requirement for all ocean cargo entering the United States. It is often referred to as the ‘10+2 rule,’ which combines importer and carrier data to provide Customs with an early view of the shipment. Together, these details give Customs […] Read More »

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 »

What is the ISPS Code? The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, or ISPS Code, is an international framework for safeguarding ships and port facilities from security threats. It is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) under Chapter XI-2 and became mandatory on July 1, 2004. Governments at […] Read More »

Why the Penalties Program Matters The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Penalties Program is designed to keep trade fair and transparent. It targets violations that could harm the U.S. economy, consumers, and supply chains. CBP enforces penalties across 326 ports of entry and 42 field offices. The goal is not just to punish, but […] Read More »

A letter of credit (LC) is a financial instrument used in international trade. It is sometimes called a documentary credit or a bank commitment. An LC is issued by a bank on behalf of an importer. It guarantees that the exporter will get paid once the required documents are presented. (source: trade.gov) Banks do not […] Read More »

What is a Joint Shipment and Why Does it Matter? If your business receives multiple orders going to the same shipping address, you’re not alone. This is common in global e-commerce and B2B sales. Customers often place several orders within a short window. This typically occurs during sales, product launches, or repeat stock replenishments. When […] Read More »

Why does my tracking say “shipment debagged at location”? This status means your shipment was removed from a bulk bag at a depot or sorting site. Couriers often pack smaller packages into larger sacks during transit to save space and move goods faster. Once that bag reaches a key point, such as a distribution centre […] Read More »

What Are Freight Charges? Freight charges are the fees businesses pay to transport goods via land, sea, air, or rail. These charges cover costs like fuel, vehicle operation, handling, and customs. They also account for extra services like temperature control, special insurance, and loading assistance. Freight charges directly affect your profit margin and pricing strategy. […] Read More »

What is a General Purpose (GP) Container? A GP container is a General Purpose container. It’s the most common type of shipping container used for sea freight. GP containers are designed for dry cargo and are fully enclosed, with solid walls, a rigid roof, and double doors at one end. GP containers come in two […] Read More »

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 »