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: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Common Container Abbreviations in International Shipping and Logistics
In international logistics and transportation, container abbreviations are widely used to simplify communication and documentation. Below are some of the most common container abbreviations and their meanings: 20GP / 40GP: Refers to 20-foot and 40-foot General Purpose containers. These are standard dry cargo containers, the most commonly used type for international sea freight. 20HC / […]
US Customs Exams and Hold Types
1. What is Customs? Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, multiple agencies—including Border Patrol, Immigration and Naturalization Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Customs—were merged to form what we now know as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is the largest and most complex organization within the Department of Homeland […]
Understanding Container Weight Limits: What Shippers Must Know
When shipping with containers, one of the most important aspects to understand is the weight limit of the container itself. Every shipping container is clearly labeled with its maximum gross weight (MAX WEIGHT: XXXX KGS) and its tare weight (TARE WEIGHT: ZZZZ KGS). The net cargo weight limit, also referred to as PAYLOAD (e.g., PAYLOAD: […]
FCL vs LCL: Understanding Full Container Load and Less than Container Load Shipping
FCL (Full Container Load) FCL, or Full Container Load shipping, refers to a mode of transportation in which the entire container is designated for a single shipper. The carrier is responsible for transporting the sealed container from the port of origin to the destination, while the cargo owner is typically responsible for loading, counting, stowing, […]
