POL and POD in Ocean Freight: Meaning, Differences, and Key Roles in International Shipping
POL and POD in Ocean Freight: What They Mean and Why They Matter In international ocean freight shipping, the terms POL and POD are essential for understanding the movement of cargo from origin to destination. These terms indicate the main loading and unloading ports used during transportation, and they play a critical role in how […]
Understanding Sea Freight Local Charges: A Complete Breakdown for Importers and Exporters
What Are Local Charges in Sea Freight?Local charges refer to the fees incurred at the destination port and throughout the handling process. Below is a clear breakdown of the most common local charges importers and exporters should know. 1. Port Charges Port charges cover the costs associated with handling cargo at the destination port, including: […]
U.S. Ends Record 43-Day Government Shutdown After Temporary Funding Bill Signed
On November 12 local time, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a temporary federal funding bill that had been approved by both chambers of Congress, officially ending the longest government shutdown in American history, which lasted 43 days. Earlier that day, the House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote of 222–209, marking a decisive […]
Why Do Shipping Containers Have “Wavy” Walls?
When we see containers on highways or at ports, their outer walls often appear corrugated — with a distinctive “wavy” pattern. Is this just for aesthetic appeal?Of course not! In fact, this design has a professional term: corrugated side panels (also called ribbed or fluted walls).This clever engineering choice serves several important functions. ✅ Functional […]
What is a Booking in Freight Forwarding?
In freight forwarding, a Booking refers to a booking request or a letter of authorization. It is the process where the consignor or their agent requests cargo transportation from the carrier (e.g., shipping companies) in order to reserve space in a container and receive a commitment for loading the cargo. Booking Content: A booking typically […]
Effective November 10, 2025: Suspension of Additional Tariffs on Certain U.S. Imports
On November 5, 2025, the Customs Tariff Commission (Office of the Tariff and Taxation Committee of the State Council) issued two policy announcements. Announcement on Adjusting the Additional Tariffs on U.S. Origin Imports To implement the results and consensus achieved through Sino-U.S. trade consultations, and in accordance with the Customs Law of the People’s Republic […]
In Export Trade: Must the Bill of Lading Consignee Be the Contract Party?
In international trade, the consignee listed on a Bill of Lading (B/L) represents the actual recipient of the goods — the party entitled to take delivery at the destination port. The contract party, however, refers to the buyer who signs the sales contract with the exporter. So, must the consignee always be the same as […]
Standard Shipping Container Specifications and Capacity Guide
Shipping containers come in various standard sizes and configurations. Below is a detailed overview of the most commonly used container types, their dimensions, maximum payload, and internal capacity. 🚢 20ft General Purpose Container (20GP) External Dimensions: 5.89m × 2.35m × 2.39m (20ft × 8ft × 8ft6in) Internal Dimensions: 5.69m × 2.15m × 2.19m Typical Maximum […]
Manitoba Premier Urges Ottawa to Scrap 100% Tariff on Chinese EVs
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has called on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Carney to remove the 100% tariff imposed on electric vehicles imported from China, warning that the measure has triggered a damaging trade conflict and is severely affecting Western Canada’s economy. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Kinew stated that the tariff “has ignited […]
What is EIR in Freight Forwarding?
EIR, short for Equipment Interchange Receipt, refers to the Container Equipment Interchange Receipt. It serves as a certificate for the transfer of container equipment between the container user, the container transporter, and the container manager (or their agent) in container transportation. Core Functions Record Container Status: It documents the actual condition of the container during the […]
