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 »

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 »

The 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 »

A 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 »

Shipping 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 »

Blank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container […] Read More »

What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as “Switch BOL”, is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive […] Read More »

What Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer […] Read More »