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  • 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…

  • What are Shipping Container Numbers?

    Last updated on October 21, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Container Numbers

    Shipping containers are key in global trade. They help move vast amounts of cargo across oceans daily. More than 80% of the world’s goods are transported by sea, with containers handling the majority. There are millions of containers in circulation today, each identified by a unique number. These numbers tell you who owns the container…

  • Protectionism in Global Trade

    Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Protectionism in trade

    Protectionism is a term often associated with international trade, and it's a critical topic because of its impact on how countries interact economically. Governments sometimes adopt protectionist policies to shield their domestic industries from foreign competition. These policies can significantly affect a nation's economy, influencing prices, job availability, and the overall trade landscape. In this…

  • Container Seal Numbers Explained: Security and Compliance

    Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    During the global supply chain process, container seals and their unique container seal numbers are used to ensure the integrity of a shipment, and to identify if a container has been tampered with during transit. Container seals are placed onto shipping containers before shipment, and should remain intact until the container reaches it’s final destination.…

  • 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 »

  • What are Shipping Container Numbers?

    Last updated on October 21, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Container Numbers

    Shipping containers are key in global trade. They help move vast amounts of cargo across oceans daily. More than 80% of the world’s goods are transported by sea, with containers handling the majority. There are millions of containers in circulation today, each identified by a unique number. These numbers tell you who owns the container […] Read More »

  • Protectionism in Global Trade

    Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Protectionism in trade

    Protectionism is a term often associated with international trade, and it’s a critical topic because of its impact on how countries interact economically. Governments sometimes adopt protectionist policies to shield their domestic industries from foreign competition. These policies can significantly affect a nation’s economy, influencing prices, job availability, and the overall trade landscape. In this […] Read More »

  • Container Seal Numbers Explained: Security and Compliance

    Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    During the global supply chain process, container seals and their unique container seal numbers are used to ensure the integrity of a shipment, and to identify if a container has been tampered with during transit. Container seals are placed onto shipping containers before shipment, and should remain intact until the container reaches it’s final destination. In international trade, container seals are essential for both security and compliance with customs regulations. They provide shippers, customs authorities, and consignees with peace of mind that the goods have not been tampered with while in transit. Read More »

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Glossary of Shipping Terms

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For Importers

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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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