Unlocking Savings on Alibaba: Your 13-Step Guide to Economical Shipping Solutions
Unlocking Savings on Alibaba: Your 13-Step Guide to Economical Shipping Solutions Starting an import business brings with it a host of expenses, and a key area where you can control costs is in shipping. Efficiently managing shipping fees with Alibaba can make a significant difference to your bottom line. We’ve put together these 13 practical […]
How do I lower my international freight costs?
There are two key aspects to consider when it comes to lowering your international freight costs: Depending on various factors such as the mode of transportation, shipment volume, shipping lanes, and packaging efficiency, the answer to this question can be quite nuanced. For instance, optimizing your packaging and maximizing the utilization of space in each […]
Panama Canal Transit Quotas Reduced by Another 5, Expected to Decrease Further
According to a report from Reuters, on October 30th, the Panama Canal Authority announced that due to severe drought, the Panama Canal will further reduce vessel transit capacity in the coming months. The Panama Canal, located in Central America, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is one of the world’s vital maritime passages. In […]
What exactly is a shipping agent? How do I choose one, and is it worth it?
The role of a shipping agent involves providing comprehensive shipping services, including truck, air, sea, and train transport, to meet the specific business needs of their clients. This field can be further categorized into domestic and international shipping agents. In this context, we will focus on international shipping agents to elaborate on their services and […]
Weak Demand Forces Closure of the 54th Largest Logistics Company in the US
On Thursday, the 19th of local time, renowned American tech logistics giant Convoy announced its closure, with its core operations being shut down. Headquartered in Seattle, Convoy has been dedicated to transforming the freight industry through technological means since its inception in 2015. With the goal of enhancing efficiency and reducing transportation costs, they successfully […]
What does LTL & FTL freight stand for?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping involves combining multiple shippers’ cargo onto a single trailer, rather than dedicating an entire truck to one company’s freight. LTL is a good option for shipments between one and six pallets or under 14 linear feet, as it maximizes available cargo space on each truck by consolidating smaller loads. This makes shipping […]
What’s the difference between DAP and DDP in Incoterms for shipping?
The DAP and DDP Incoterms allocate responsibility differently between buyer and seller for shipping goods to an international destination. With DAP, the seller handles export clearance and delivers the goods to the named place abroad, but not unloaded. The buyer bears import clearance costs and risks to get the goods into the destination country. The […]
How do ships not hit the side of the Panama Canal?
Navigating the narrow Panama Canal without striking the sides is a delicate process that involves precise maneuvering. Ships receive guidance from tugboats and highly-skilled canal pilots who are specialists in steering vessels through the canal’s confines. These pilots expertly direct the helm, engines, and lines to keep ships centered in the channel throughout the transit. […]
How do I find an international freight forwarder?
Selecting the right international freight forwarder is crucial for your business’s logistics needs. Follow these steps for finding one that fits your requirements: First, clearly define what you need transported. Consider the types of goods, preferred shipping routes, modes of transport like air or sea, and any extra services like customs brokerage. Outlining your specific […]
FAQ for importing from China （Updating…）
FAQ A1: How to find good suppliers? Q: You can search on well-known platforms such as Alibaba, or you can find them through offline exhibitions and recommendations from other importers. A2: How do you ensure a high-quality product? Q: Quality inspection standards should be clarified with suppliers, and inspections at each stage of production should […]
