U.S.-China Trade Dynamics & U.S.-India Tariff Developments: Key Updates
On October 20, 2025 (Eastern Time), U.S. President Donald Trump made a series of statements on U.S.-China trade during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House. These statements covered tariff threats, trade agreements, and plans for a China visit. U.S.-China Tariffs to Surge to 155% Trump emphasized that if a […]
Intense Fee Dispute Erupts Between Chittagong Port and Shipping Companies
Recently, a fierce fee dispute broke out between Chittagong Port and shipping companies. In a bold move, Chittagong Port revoked the berthing licenses for two Maersk vessels and seven CMA CGM vessels, citing “violation of surcharge regulations.” This strong stance quickly became a focal point within the shipping industry, with the background being the chain […]
Five Key Deadlines in Freight Forwarding
In international shipping, mastering these five critical time points is essential to ensure your cargo is loaded smoothly and on schedule. Missing any of them could lead to delays, extra costs, or even missed sailings. 1. CY OPEN — Container Yard Opening Time This is the earliest time containers are allowed to enter the port […]
Container Types, Weight Limits, and Volumes
Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, offering standardized, secure, and versatile solutions for transporting goods across the world. Understanding their types, capacities, and limitations is essential for efficient logistics planning. 🛠️ I. Common Types of Shipping Containers 1. Dry Container The most widely used type, ideal for general dry cargo such as clothing, […]
How to Read an Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L)
A bill of lading (B/L) is one of the most important documents in international shipping. It serves as a receipt for the goods, a document of title, and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. Understanding how to read it is essential for smooth logistics operations. Below is a breakdown of the […]
Understanding Pre-pickup, Pre-entry, and Container Drop-off in Shipping Logistics
In international container shipping, three key logistics terms — pre-pickup, pre-entry, and drop-off — often determine how smoothly your cargo moves from the factory to the vessel. Knowing what they mean and how they work can help you optimize scheduling, reduce costs, and avoid delays. 1. Pre-pickup: Securing the Container Before Cargo Is Ready What […]
Trump Announces 100% Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Markets React Sharply
In a major escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media on October 10 that the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods starting November 1, 2025. The announcement also included export controls on all key software technologies. According to President Trump, the decision is a direct […]
Maersk Issues Two Critical Strike Alerts on October 8, 2025
1. Antwerp & Zeebrugge: Pilot Strike Severely Disrupts Port Operations A strike initiated by the Pilot Association began on October 5, 2025, in response to discontent over recent federal pension reforms.As a result, pilotage services in the affected regions are now strictly limited to standard office hours, from 08:00 to 17:00. During the strike, the […]
Types of Shipping Containers, Weight Limits, and Overweight Container Rules Explained
In international shipping, containers are the backbone of global trade. Understanding the different types of containers, their weight and volume limits, and the rules around overweight containers is essential for freight forwarders, shippers, and consignees. 1. Types of Containers The most common container sizes and types include: 20GP (20ft General Purpose) – standard dry container […]
ETD, ETS, ETA, and ETB in Shipping: Complete Guide to Key Logistics Timelines
In international shipping and freight forwarding, timing is everything. Four critical milestones—ETD (Estimated Time of Departure), ETS (Estimated Time of Sailing), ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), and ETB (Estimated Time of Berthing)—form the backbone of the entire cargo journey from origin to destination. For freight forwarders, mastering these four timestamps is not just about operational […]
