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Incoterms Guide [Updated 2025] With Free PDF Download
Last updated on January 8, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe 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 the CBP Penalties Program Impacts Importers and Exporters
Last updated on August 10, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhy 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…
Letters of Credit in International Trade Explained
Last updated on August 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA 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…
What is the Meaning of Joint Shipping? A Guide to Combining Orders for Faster, Cheaper Delivery
Last updated on July 21, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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…
What does “Shipment Debagged at Location” mean?
Last updated on July 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhy 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…
Freight Charges Explained
Last updated on June 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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.…
General Purpose (GP) vs High Cube (HC) Containers: Which is Right for Your Shipment?
Last updated on June 17, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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…
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping
Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben ThompsonChoosing 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonShipping 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…
Incoterms Guide [Updated 2025] With Free PDF Download
Last updated on January 8, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe 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 »
How the CBP Penalties Program Impacts Importers and Exporters
Last updated on August 10, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhy 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 »
Letters of Credit in International Trade Explained
Last updated on August 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA 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 the Meaning of Joint Shipping? A Guide to Combining Orders for Faster, Cheaper Delivery
Last updated on July 21, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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 »
What does “Shipment Debagged at Location” mean?
Last updated on July 11, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhy 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 »
Freight Charges Explained
Last updated on June 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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 »
General Purpose (GP) vs High Cube (HC) Containers: Which is Right for Your Shipment?
Last updated on June 17, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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 »
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping
Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben ThompsonChoosing 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonShipping 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 »