24 Common Ocean Freight Surcharges Across 7 Categories – A Must-Know Guide for New Shippers
In the world of ocean freight exports, costs often fluctuate due to a wide range of factors such as fuel prices, port congestion, cargo handling, and weather. To mitigate these cost fluctuations, shipping lines frequently introduce a variety of surcharges—often shown in abbreviated forms—on quotations or invoices. If you don’t understand what these abbreviations mean […]
General Process of Container Shipping
1. Document Verification & Carrier Coordination Upon receiving the complete set of documents from the client, determine which shipping line is responsible for the cargo, who the shipping agent is, and where to exchange the delivery order required for customs clearance.Required documents include: Endorsed Original Bill of Lading or Telex Release Packing List Commercial Invoice […]
Trump Administration’s Unpredictable Tariff Policy: Major Exemptions Unveiled After New Tariff Hike
The Trump administration’s tariff policy continues to shift unpredictably. On April 2, the government announced the imposition of retaliatory tariffs, only to release an extensive product exemption list the very next day, April 3. According to an official announcement on the White House website, the list includes nearly a thousand products spanning across energy commodities, […]
Understanding the Shipping Order (S/O): A Key Document in Container Shipping
A Shipping Order, commonly abbreviated as S/O, is an essential document in the logistics and shipping industry. Once a shipping company receives a booking request from a freight forwarder or consignor, and if suitable space is available, the carrier issues an S/O to confirm the booking details. This document may also be referred to by […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Container Types and Classifications
When it comes to containerized shipping, understanding the various types of containers is crucial for selecting the right option for your cargo. Containers can be categorized based on their usage, primary materials, and structural design. Let’s explore these classifications in detail. 1. Classification by Usage (1) Dry Cargo ContainerAlso known as general-purpose containers, these are […]
Trump Launches Tariff Offensive: 10% on All Imports, Higher Rates for “Worst Offenders” like China
April 2, Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a sweeping new tariff policy. Starting April 5, all imported goods into the U.S. will face a minimum 10% tariff. From April 9, higher tariffs will be applied to countries deemed “worst offenders,” including China, the EU, Vietnam, Japan, […]
What Is a 53ft Shipping Container? Full Guide to Specs, Structure & Applications
A 53ft shipping container is one of the largest standardized container sizes available for global trade and logistics. With its massive volume and intermodal compatibility, it has become a popular choice for cross-border shipping, especially for bulky but lightweight goods. 1. 53ft Container Dimensions & Capacity The 53ft container offers significant space advantages compared to […]
Common Shipping Companies and Their Websites
Understanding the major players in the global shipping industry is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade. Below is a comprehensive list of well-known shipping companies, including their fleet size, TEU capacity, headquarters, and official websites. 1. A.P. Møller – Maersk Fleet Size: 738 vessels TEU Capacity: 4.3 million TEU Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark Website: https://www.maersk.com/ […]
Common Shipping Freight Abbreviations and Their Full Forms
In the world of ocean freight, there are several abbreviations used to simplify communication and documentation related to various charges and services. Below is a list of common abbreviations and their full forms: O/F – Ocean FreightThe cost charged for transporting goods across the sea. BF – Booking FeeA charge for reserving space on a […]
USPS Strike Disrupts Logistics Amid Privatization Controversy USPS Workers Strike Against Postal Privatization
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) held a strike rally on Sunday to protest against the privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). Due to the strike, various USPS-related and affiliated channel services are expected to experience delays to varying degrees. These services include USPS GA, […]
