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Shipping & Logistics
Benefits of using a Bonded Warehouse
Last updated on March 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bonded warehouse market is growing fast. It was valued at $165.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $273.6 billion by 2031. That is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.77% (Source: Verified market Research). This growth is driven by global trade, e-commerce, and the need for smarter inventory management. In 2025,…
Tariff Rate Quota vs Import Quota – What’s the Difference?
Last updated on March 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCountries use trade barriers to manage imports and protect their industries. Some barriers limit how much of a product can enter a country. Others make imports more expensive. Governments use these tools to support local businesses and control market prices. Import Quotas and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are two ways to regulate trade. Both influence…
Understanding IPI (Interior Point Intermodal) in Modern Logistics
Last updated on March 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonIPI stands for Interior Point Intermodal. It is also known as Inland Point Intermodal. Both terms refer to the process of moving goods from seaports to inland destinations. This method begins when ocean freight shipments arrive at major ports. These could be on the West Coast, East Coast, or Gulf of Mexico in the U.S.…
Who Ultimately Pays the Tariffs?
Last updated on March 6, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax placed on imported goods. Governments collect it when products enter the country. The goal is often to protect local industries, influence trade, or bring in money. But there is confusion about how tariffs work. Some say they make the country richer by bringing in revenue. The idea sounds simple, but…
Why Transloading Matters in Modern Logistics
Last updated on March 4, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat is Transloading? Transloading is the process of moving cargo from one mode of transportation to another. A shipment might start on a ship, then transfer to a train or truck before reaching its final destination. Businesses rely on transloading in logistics when direct transport is not possible. It allows them to adjust shipments based…
What is Duty Drawback?
Last updated on February 15, 2025 by Ben ThompsonDuty Drawback – How to Recover Import Duties and Maximize Trade Profits Billions in Unclaimed Duty Drawback Refunds Billions of dollars are left unclaimed every year. Many businesses pay duties on imports without realizing they could get that money back. This happens because companies either do not know about the refund process or assume it…
What are tariffs?
Last updated on February 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax imposed on goods that cross a country’s borders, typically applied to imports, but in some cases, to exports as well. Governments use tariffs to control trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue. While tariffs can support local economies, they may also lead to higher costs for consumers, supply chain disruptions,…
What Is De Minimis Value?
Last updated on February 5, 2025 by Ben ThompsonDe minimis value is the limit set by countries for imports to be exempt from duties and taxes. If the value of a shipment is below this threshold, it can enter without additional costs. This helps simplify customs processes and reduce trade barriers. Each country decides its own de minimis threshold. For example, some countries…
Inland Container Depots (ICD) Explained
Last updated on January 31, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat is an Inland Container Depot (ICD)? Inland Container Depots, or ICDs, are facilities that are often called "dry ports." They are located in the hinterlands, areas away from the coast or major ports. These depots handle and store containers, offering services similar to those found at seaports. ICDs act as extensions of seaports. They connect…
De Minimis Shipment: What You Need to Know
Last updated on January 29, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are De Minimis Shipments? De minimis shipments are packages that are free of duties or taxes because their value is below a certain limit. Each country sets its own limit, and if your shipment qualifies, it can get through customs faster and without extra costs. With online shopping booming, de minimis shipments are becoming…
Benefits of using a Bonded Warehouse
Last updated on March 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bonded warehouse market is growing fast. It was valued at $165.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $273.6 billion by 2031. That is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.77% (Source: Verified market Research). This growth is driven by global trade, e-commerce, and the need for smarter inventory management. In 2025, […] Read More »
Tariff Rate Quota vs Import Quota – What’s the Difference?
Last updated on March 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCountries use trade barriers to manage imports and protect their industries. Some barriers limit how much of a product can enter a country. Others make imports more expensive. Governments use these tools to support local businesses and control market prices. Import Quotas and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are two ways to regulate trade. Both influence […] Read More »
Understanding IPI (Interior Point Intermodal) in Modern Logistics
Last updated on March 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonIPI stands for Interior Point Intermodal. It is also known as Inland Point Intermodal. Both terms refer to the process of moving goods from seaports to inland destinations. This method begins when ocean freight shipments arrive at major ports. These could be on the West Coast, East Coast, or Gulf of Mexico in the U.S. […] Read More »
Who Ultimately Pays the Tariffs?
Last updated on March 6, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax placed on imported goods. Governments collect it when products enter the country. The goal is often to protect local industries, influence trade, or bring in money. But there is confusion about how tariffs work. Some say they make the country richer by bringing in revenue. The idea sounds simple, but […] Read More »
Why Transloading Matters in Modern Logistics
Last updated on March 4, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat is Transloading? Transloading is the process of moving cargo from one mode of transportation to another. A shipment might start on a ship, then transfer to a train or truck before reaching its final destination. Businesses rely on transloading in logistics when direct transport is not possible. It allows them to adjust shipments based […] Read More »
What is Duty Drawback?
Last updated on February 15, 2025 by Ben ThompsonDuty Drawback – How to Recover Import Duties and Maximize Trade Profits Billions in Unclaimed Duty Drawback Refunds Billions of dollars are left unclaimed every year. Many businesses pay duties on imports without realizing they could get that money back. This happens because companies either do not know about the refund process or assume it […] Read More »
What are tariffs?
Last updated on February 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax imposed on goods that cross a country’s borders, typically applied to imports, but in some cases, to exports as well. Governments use tariffs to control trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue. While tariffs can support local economies, they may also lead to higher costs for consumers, supply chain disruptions, […] Read More »
What Is De Minimis Value?
Last updated on February 5, 2025 by Ben ThompsonDe minimis value is the limit set by countries for imports to be exempt from duties and taxes. If the value of a shipment is below this threshold, it can enter without additional costs. This helps simplify customs processes and reduce trade barriers. Each country decides its own de minimis threshold. For example, some countries […] Read More »
Inland Container Depots (ICD) Explained
Last updated on January 31, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat is an Inland Container Depot (ICD)? Inland Container Depots, or ICDs, are facilities that are often called “dry ports.” They are located in the hinterlands, areas away from the coast or major ports. These depots handle and store containers, offering services similar to those found at seaports. ICDs act as extensions of seaports. They connect […] Read More »
De Minimis Shipment: What You Need to Know
Last updated on January 29, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are De Minimis Shipments? De minimis shipments are packages that are free of duties or taxes because their value is below a certain limit. Each country sets its own limit, and if your shipment qualifies, it can get through customs faster and without extra costs. With online shopping booming, de minimis shipments are becoming […] Read More »