New US Customs Rule Imposes Stricter Scrutiny on Shipments Over $800
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a new regulation that will significantly impact shipments exceeding $800 in value. Starting from January 11, 2025, goods purchased by the same recipient through different channels and delivered to the U.S. on the same day will face more stringent scrutiny if their combined value exceeds $800. […]
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Military Action and Canada’s Annexation Amid U.S. Winter Storm Chaos
On January 7, during a press conference, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would not rule out the possibility of using military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, emphasizing that control over these areas is crucial to U.S. national security. Additionally, when asked whether he would attempt to annex […]
Port of Brisbane to Experience Ongoing Stoppages in January 2025 Due to Industrial Action
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has announced further industrial action at the Port of Brisbane in a bid to improve wages and working conditions. The latest stoppages are scheduled to begin on January 8, 2025, and will involve members of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) under the Qube Ports Pty […]
Common Knowledge About Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated Containers (Reefer Containers) Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, are airtight containers used to transport goods that require a controlled temperature, such as fresh fish, meat, frozen foods, fruits, vegetables, film, and pharmaceuticals. There are three main types: refrigerated containers, reefer containers, and insulated containers. Features of Refrigerated Containers: Material and Structure: These containers […]
Can Cargo Owners Directly Book Shipping Space with Shipping Companies?
The answer is yes. If you have a large volume of cargo that requires import or export via sea transport, and you have regular shipments every month, it is possible to negotiate directly with shipping companies for booking space. However, in practice, you may find that shipping companies primarily focus on providing space and may […]
Introduction to Special Containers: Focus on Flat Rack Containers (FR)
Special cargo containers are generally referred to as special containers, classified into several types: Reefer Containers (Refrigerated Containers) Dress Hanger Containers Open Top Containers Flat Rack Containers (FR) Tank Containers Today, let’s dive into Flat Rack Containers (FR): What is a Flat Rack Container? A Flat Rack Container, abbreviated as FR, is a specialized container […]
The Iron Rule of “Consistency Across Three Documents” in Maritime Transportation for International Trade
In maritime transportation within international trade, the principle of “consistency across three documents” is an unshakable rule. It governs the entire process from the departure of goods at the port of origin to their delivery at the destination port. Its significance is comparable to a compass for navigation—any deviation may lead to a “storm vortex” […]
Differences Between SWB Bill of Lading and Telex Release Bill of Lading
The differences between an SWB Bill of Lading (Sea Waybill) and a Telex Release Bill of Lading are significant and involve several key aspects. Below are the main distinctions: Nature: SWB Bill of Lading: The SWB, or Sea Waybill, is a special form of the ocean bill of lading, also known as the sea freight […]
Potential U.S. East Coast Port Strike Prompts Hapag-Lloyd to Introduce New Work Disruption Surcharges
Hapag-Lloyd has announced two new surcharges in response to the potential strike disruptions at East Coast and Gulf Coast U.S. ports. These surcharges, the Work Disruption Surcharge (WDS) and the Destination Port Work Disruption Surcharge (WID), will take effect on January 20, which is the fourth day after the potential strike begins. The timing of […]
Understanding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in Container Shipping
What is VGM? VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass, which refers to the verified total weight of a container. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced the implementation of amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention regarding the verification of container weights. As of July 1, 2016, containers cannot be loaded onto ships […]
