Building Online Freight Forwarding Knowledge

Baltimore Port Freight Disruption News: Shipping Expert Tips & Recommendations

Be mindful of major disruptions affecting shipping routes to and from Baltimore following a nearby bridge collapse. Explore our tips and recommendations.

Importing Vehicles to Canada

In this article, we let you in on everything you need to know about how to ship your car from overseas to Canada.

Air Freight Shipping Documents

Shipping documents are being signed

Packaging for Air Freight

If you want to make sure to minimise the risk of delays due to packaging read this guide we have made for you.

Customs Clearance for Air Freight

If you want to make sure to minimise the risk of delays due to customs clearance read this guide we have made for you.

Key Freight Shipping Considerations for the Chinese New Year 2023

Logistics in Chinese New Year

This article explains just how disruptive Chinese New Year can be for international shipping in 2022.

A port in North America for your shipments to and from north America with Shipa Freight

10 Largest Ports in North America

Find here a description of the 10 largest ports in North America to find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs from or to the US.

People to represent the different parties of a shipment with Shipa Freight

Shipper, Consignee, Carrier and Notify Party

Learn about Shipper, Consignor, Consignee, and Notify Party - Who is who

Character showing a thumbs up with directions to the best type of freight movement with Shipa Freight

A Guide to the Best Type of Freight Movement

When transporting your goods and moving it from one place to another, you have a selection of freight movement options you can choose from.

Overweight Charges

In this article, we'll take a look at what overweight charges are, how they're calculated, and some tips on how to avoid them.

Drayage

One of the common terms that you will hear is “drayage.” In this article, we tell you what it means and everything you need to know about it. and how to avoid it.

Demurrage

Demurrage is a term used in international shipping to describe extra charges that may be incurred when a vessel remains beyond the agreed time period.

Tare Weight

One of the important measurements in international shipping is tare weight. We discuss everything about it in this article.

Cargo ship getting loaded at port for international shipping with Shipa Freight

Deadweight Tonnage

In this article, we zero in on deadweight tonnage and discuss what it is in the shipping industry and how it’s different from other tonnage-related terms.

5 Largest Ports in Canada

Find here a description of the 5 largest ports in Canada to help you find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs.

Landed Cost

With international shipping, taxes, customs fees, insurance, etc add the final cost of goods. Collectively, these additional fees are known as landed costs.

Containers of different sizes when shipping with Shipa Freight

FEU and TEU Shipping

When shipping containers internationally, it’s important to know the different sizes of containers available. Learn about the forty and twenty foot containers here.

Guide to Golden Week and its Impact on Freight Shipping

Golden Week is an October holiday that sees most of China’s industries grind to a halt. If your business ships goods to or from China, this guide includes some tips to help you avoid being caught out.

Inland Haulage Charges

Haulage charges are still a significant expense for many businesses. To keep their costs down, shippers need to be aware of multiple factors we laid out here.

Worker in bonded warehouse checking packing for Shipa Freight

Bonded Goods and Shipment

Check out our quick guide on bonded goods and shipments, as well as a brief definition of what bonded cargo is.

Inspection Certificate

One of the requirements of international shipping is the inspection certificate. In this article, we provide you all the information you need about it.

A port in the US for your shipments to and from the US with Shipa Freight

10 Largest Ports in the US

Find here a description of the 10 largest ports in the US to find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs

Export Classification

Export classification is a way of categorizing products for export using a string of numbers, which are usually called commodity codes or export classification codes.

Person checking the different types of suppliers.

Types of Suppliers: Wholesale, Traders, Manufacturers

Learn about the different types of suppliers, wholesale, traders and manufacturers, to optimize your supply chain. Each of these supplier types functions differently.

Boat rejecting a big cloud of dark smoke containing great quantities of CO2

CO2 Facts

CO2 is “carbon dioxide,” a gas that is emitted when carbon based fuels like diesel, aviation fuel, petrol, CNG, LNG or others are burned for energy.

An airplane and cargo ships to represent the debate between air freight and sea freight

Air Freight vs Sea Freight

We will analyze air and sea freight transportation to find out which is best for your needs based on cost, speed, security concerns, and other factors.

Two workers in a warehouse to represent freight carriers.

What is a Freight Carrier?

A freight carrier is a service that allows you to ship goods from one place to another. This is a company that transports goods by land, air, or sea.

One of the largest port in China for your shipments with Shipa Freight

10 Largest Ports in China

Learn about the 10 largest commercial ports in China and make sure that you are using the one that suits your shipping needs best.

Chinese flag over boxes of cargo to represent Shipa Freight's guide to exporting goods from China.

How to export your goods to China? [guide 2022]

Learn all the intricacies of exporting goods to China, from the Chinese tax system to import regulations in this article.

Shipping container being loaded onto a truck for international shipping with Shipa Freight

How to prepare an LCL shipment

Planning to ship via LCL? Here's everything you need to know about how to prepare an LCL shipment, from packaging and labeling to palletizing your cargo.

customs official checking an ID for customs inspections when shipping internationally with Shipa Freight

Types of US customs inspections and holds

The U.S. customs authority can impose various types of inspections and holds on international freight. Learn all about them here.

A transport vehicle loading containers in a container freight station for when you're shipping withShipa Freight

How to load a container

Learn the specific procedural details you need to follow for the safety of your cargo and the success of your shipment here.

A team getting together to symbolize the merger of Shipa Freight and iContainers to create the second largest digital freight platform in the world.

Shipa Freight and iContainers to Merge

Learn more about the merger of Shipa Freight and iContainers that creates the 2nd most-visited digital freight platform in the world.

Two characters on a container port background are measuring cargo to make sure to choose the right container size for their shipment with Shipa Freight

Container Size and Capacity

Shipping containers come in many different sizes, each catering to cargo that weighs and measures a certain way.

Two people discussing next to containers to find the right freight forwarder with Shipa Freight

Finding a Freight Forwarder

Finding a freight forwarder is not difficult, but it can be harder to find one that’s a good fit for your business. This guide will help you plan and execute the first steps.

40-Foot Container

The standard 40-foot container is one of the most commonly-used containers for the international transportation of ocean freight goods.

40-Foot High Cube Container

A 40-foot high cube container is the type of intermodal container used in shipping ocean freight. We cover its volume, uses and benefits in our article.

Two characters measuring cargo to decide whether a 20 foot container is enough for the cargo.

20-Foot Shipping Container

The standard 20-foot container is one of the most commonly-used containers for the shipment of goods in ocean freight along with the 40-foot container.

Large port in India for shipping cargo internationally with Shipa Freight

10 Largest Ports in India

Learn about the 10 largest commercial ports in India and make sure that you are using the one that suits your shipping needs best.

Online Freight Forwarders-Guide for SMEs

How you can find online freight forwarders, and work with them to improve your import or export processes.

Large port in the Philippines to represent shipping to and from the Philippines with Shipa Freight

5 Largest Ports in Philippines

Learn about the 5 largest commercial ports in Philippines and make sure that you are using the one that suits your shipping needs best.

Ocean Shipping Container Sizes and Types: A Guide for Shippers.

Shipping Containers Guide

This guide will bring you the most important shipping container size and type information you will ever need.

Peak Season Price Spike

Ocean freight rates fluctuate with demand and supply. This article looks at peak season price spikes and how it affects both shippers and consignees.

Cargo ship transporting goods out of gauge with Shipa Freight

Out of Gauge Cargo

What does out-of-gauge cargo mean? Learn about it in our article

Boxes of goods to represent the need for hs and hts codes when shipping globally with Shipa Freight.

What are HS and HTS Codes

Learn more about HS and HTS Codes

Wooden cubes spelling FOB and CIF for the comparison of the two incoterms with Shipa Freight

Difference Between FOB and CIF

Learn about the difference between FOB and CIF

Heavy and oversized cargo being loaded on cargo ship with Shipa Freight

Do you have a oversized cargo to ship?

The size and weight of cargo is crucial in determining several factors involved in the shipping process. Learn about what you should do on our blog.

Customs agents inspecting goods shipped with Shipa Freight

Import Customs Duties Guide

Goods being inspected by customs agent

One of the largest port in the UK for your shipments with Shipa Freight

Largest Ports in the UK

Find here a description of the largest ports in the UK to help you find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs.

Two persons moving a container in a warehouse

Container Freight Stations

If your products require you to ship in small quantities, you need to educate yourself about CFS, learn about it here.

Container Shortage

Container shipping has experienced rapid and extreme demand as of recently, stay up to date on the latest news related to container shortage here.

Landed Cost

Learn about the landed cost and the way it is supposed to be calculated

Wooden blocks showing the different Incoterms to represent the best Incoterms to choose when shipping to China.

A Guide To Incoterms For Shipments To and From China

Learn about the best Incoterms to choose when shipping to and from China with our guide for importers and exporters.

Person standing next cubes spelling CFR for the Incoterm cost and freight when shipping with Shipa Freight.

CFR - Cost and Freight

Learn about the CFR Incoterm, cost and freight. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling CPT for the Incoterm carriage paid to when shipping with Shipa Freight.

CPT - Carriage Paid To

Learn about the CPT Incoterm, carriage paid to. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling CIF for the Incoterm cost, insurance and freight when shipping with Shipa Freight.

CIF - Cost, Insurance and Freight

Learn about the CIF Incoterm, cost, insurance and freight. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling DPU for the Incoterm Delivered at Place Unloaded when shipping with Shipa Freight.

DPU - Delivered at Place Unloaded

Learn about the DPU Incoterm, delivered at place unloaded. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling FOB for the Incoterm FOB when shipping with Shipa Freight.

FOB - Free on Board

Learn about the FOB Incoterm, Free on Board. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations under that Incoterm to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling FCA for the Incoterm FCA when shipping with Shipa Freight.

FCA - Free Carrier

Learn about the FCA Incoterm, Free Carrier. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations under that Incoterm to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling EXW for the Incoterm Ex Works when shipping with Shipa Freight.

EXW - Ex Works

Learn about the EXW Incoterm, Ex Works. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations under that Incoterm to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling DDP for the Incoterm Delivery Duty Paid when shipping with Shipa Freight.

DDP - Delivery Duty Paid

Learn about the DDP Incoterm, delivery duty paid. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next to cargo in front of truck and cubes spelling CIP for the Incoterm CIP when shipping with Shipa Freight.

CIP - Carriage and Insurance Paid

Learn about the CIP Incoterm, carriage and insurance paid. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling FAS for the Incoterm FAS when shipping with Shipa Freight.

FAS - Free Alongside Ship

Learn about the FAS Incoterm, Free Alongside Ship. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations under that Incoterm to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next cubes spelling DAP for the Incoterm Delivered at Place when shipping with Shipa Freight.

DAP - Delivered at Place

Learn about the DAP Incoterm, delivered at place. Check the shipper and consignee's obligations to make the best choices for your shipments.

Person standing next to damaged container to represent the importance of preparing for shipping damage with Shipa Freight

How to Prevent Shipping Damage

Shipping damages are unfortunate yet inevitable to all businesses. Learn how to avoid them to reduce eventual extra costs on your international shipments.

Person standing next to different kind of pallets.

Types of Pallets for Shipping

Learn about the different types of pallets and the uses that each one fits best on our knowledge series article.

One of the largest port in the world for your shipments with Shipa Freight

10 Largest Ports in the World

Find here a description of the largest ports in the world to help you find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs.

Break Bulk

Break bulk packed with heavy goods for ocean shipping

VAT Number

VAT is short for value added tax. A VAT number is a government-issued number that acts as a way to track your business’ taxes in specific countries.

IATA

The International Air Transport Association is a trade association for the international airline industry. It aims at boosting airport transport industry.

Three characters around a checklist for the IMO convention

IMO

The International Maritime Organization is an agency run by the United Nations that works to keep international shipping safe and secure.

Worker going through cargo before launching the fumigation for shipping with Shipa Freight

Cargo Fumigation

A vast majority of countries do not allow the import of goods unless the shipping containers have undergone cargo fumigation processes.

Container being filled quickly to avoid detention charges

Detention Charges in Shipping

A detention charge is an extra charges imposed by carriers when their container are not returned on time. Learn more about it on our article.

Key Freight Shipping Considerations for the month of Ramadan

Logistics in Ramadan

Read this article for possible pitfalls in international shipping during Ramadan.

Commercial port for shipping from and to Europe with Shipa Freight.

10 Largest Ports in Europe

Find here a description of the 10 largest ports in Europe to find the port that will be best suited to your shipping needs from or to Europe.

Customs Broker

The customs broker has an essential role of the international shipping process. Learn about the advantages customs brokers can bring to your business.

Cargo being consolidated to represent consolidator's work when you use that option with Shipa Freight

Freight Consolidator

Learn about freight consolidators

Person acting as if Shipa Freight was gonna reveal you the secret of cargo insurance

The Difference Between Freight Insurance & Cargo Insurance

There’s a crucial difference between freight insurance and cargo insurance, which, if your business is engaged in international shipping, you need to be aware of.

World map with the different types of transportation with Shipa Freight

What is Intermodal?

Intermodal is a form of freight transportation that uses two or more modes of carriage to move goods from a shipper to a consignee.

Transporting Hazardous Materials

Learn about the various kinds of materials that could be dangerous to transport and ship

Commercial ocean port with cargo ships and containers

Free Trade Zones in the World

A free trade zone, which is also known as a foreign trade zone in the United States, is an area or part of a country, where normal laws of import and export don’t apply as far as bringing in goods from foreign places is concerned.

Note pad fro the listing of the To Do's for customs clearance with Shipa Freigth

9 Important To Do's for Customs Clearance

If you want to make sure to minimise the risk of delays due to customs clearance read this guide we have made for you.

5 Essential Tips for a Successful Import

Exporting and exporting can be tricky and lid with obstacles. Here are 5 freight forwarder's tips for a successful import

Stuck Indoors? Download This Freight Freebie for Your Kids

If, like many of us, you are working at home right now, with the kids out of school and the whole family going stir-crazy, you’ll probably welcome any ideas to keep the young ones entertained and stimulated.

Shipa Freight, containers, airplane for Airfreight

COVID-19 Air Freight Impact

Here you will find the product updates on ocean freight with Coronavirus

Shipa Freight, cargo ship used for ocean freight.

COVID-19 Ocean Freight Impact

Here you will find the product updates on ocean freight

Two men, one woman, a clock, a container ship, and a freighter aircraft in front of an Incoterms 2020 chart.

Your Brief Guide to the New ICC Incoterms 2020

Notable Changes to the Incoterms in 2020 - Shipa Freight

Check list for black friday and cyber monday

A Shipper's Preparation Guide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday originated in connection with the American Thanksgiving holiday.Today they are among the significant days in the year for traditional and online retail businesses everywhere.

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Benefits of a Digital Approach to Compliance in Freight Shipping

Online freight forwarders digital compliance solutions, is making it easier for SMEs to understand and meet the obligations of global shipping and customs procedures.

International Shipping & Logistics News Roundup: June/July 2019

In this roundup, we cover stories about Amazon, the faster delivery trends, new clean air regulations for ocean carriers, how blockchain technology is helping to streamline supply chains.

Warehouse worker checking packing for Shipa Freight

Customs Clearance Essentials for Your International Enterprise

This customs clearance introduction will give you the basic knowledge you need when working with global shipping carriers or freight forwarders.

Ruined container to represent mistakes to avoid

5 Common International Shipping Mistakes SMEs Should Beware Of

Five international shipping mistakes that SMEs commonly fall victim to, and some guidance for avoiding them when you ship goods across international borders.

Phone application for Amazon FBA shipping with Shipa Freight

Fulfilled by Amazon Guide for USA Businesses Shipping From China

Guide for FBA merchants in the US, we demystify the process of importing products from China and shipping to USA fulfillment centers.

Incoterms for New Shippers at Shipafreight

Guide to Incoterms

This quick guide should help you understand Incoterms and use them for your imports or exports.

The US-China Trade Crisis: The Implications for SMEs

SMEs everywhere await the next chapter in the trade talks between China and the United States.

International Shipping and Logistics Industry News Amazon

Global Shipping & Logistics Industry News

Read our monthly news roundup of key industry events.

How Shipa Freight is Extending Global Reach for SMEs.

Why Choose Us

Shipa Freight, from Agility, is the best option for SMEs expanding into international markets.

Impact of Brexit on Logistics and Shipping

Brexit on Shipping and Logistics

How well domestic and international shipping be affected by Brexit.

Pre-Christmas Shipping

If your business imports or exports products that people buy for Christmas, your pre-Christmas shipment may be the most important of the year.

a customs declaration form with a pen, a compass, a modela airplane and two keys

Pre-Arrival Customs Processing

Pre-arrival customs processing is a system that allows importers to begin the process of clearing their goods through customs.

Fountain pen pointing towards emerging market title on a paper

Exporting to Emerging Markets

Emerging markets offer fantastic opportunities for ambitious small businesses. With relatively young populations, growing middle classes and increasing spending power.

World map made out of coins next to charts and a pen

Export Finance

Export finance is a type of trade finance that helps businesses conduct international trade easily and securely.

Toy forklift carrying bag with a Euro symbol

Exporting to Europe

According to our research, 79% of emerging market SMEs that export to Europe found it challenging or very challenging to start exporting to the region.

Pallets with boxes covered by Chinese flag

Chinese Exporters Going Global

Chinese exporters must meet and overcome a number of challenges in order to go global.

Opportunity for SMEs to Internationalize with Shipa Freight

SME Internationalization

SME internationalization has never been easier than it is today, but success still depends on overcoming some challenges.

Young woman holding two boxes and two people working while sitting on a couch in the background

First Shipment

When you’re planning your first international shipment, you’ll need to decide whether your products will travel by air, sea or land.

Keeping Compliant

In the context of overseas trade, “compliance” refers to the observation of laws and regulations that control international business transactions.

Two business men shaking hands in an office

Finding a Partner

A good first step is to find out if your government’s international trade department can help you make connections

Several files with one named Intellectual Property

Protecting IP

Understanding the intellectual property (IP) environment of your target market and protecting your IP is a crucial part of your export journey.

Magnifier over cardboard boxes for the search for products standards by Shipa Freight

Product Standards

Product standards for exporters is part of the Shipa Freight Knowledge Series for small businesses.

International freight Shipping - Amazon FBA

Fulfillment by Amazon presents valuable opportunities for online retailers anywhere to penetrate markets in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

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International e-Commerce

Our recent research shows that on average, a quarter (26%) of SME exporters’ annual revenue comes from international online sales.

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Marketing Intelligence

Have you thought about exporting your goods or services abroad? With huge potential for growth, many businesses still find it a daunting experience

Ship for Success

An in-depth look at how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) see their trade opportunities and challenges

The SME Knowledge Gap

SMEs, which employ most workers and account for 95 percent of all firms, are the lifeblood of the world’s economy. Yet they remain understudied, underappreciated and underserved, mostly overlooked by those writing international trade rules, and little understood even by larger businesses that count them as customers and suppliers.

Two people dancing next to a computer and phone's screens showing Shipa Freight's website

Shipa Freight Knowledge Series

Welcome to the Shipa Freight Knowledge Series, a free collection of insights to help you start and grow your cross-border trade.

Knowledge Series

Insights For International Air & Ocean Freight Shipping.

Baltimore Port Freight Disruption News: Shipping Expert Tips & Recommendations

Importing Vehicles to Canada

Air Freight Shipping Documents

Packaging for Air Freight

Customs Clearance for Air Freight

Logistics in Chinese New Year

10 Largest Ports in North America

Shipper, Consignee, Carrier and Notify Party

A Guide to the Best Type of Freight Movement

Overweight Charges

Drayage

Demurrage

Tare Weight

Deadweight Tonnage

5 Largest Ports in Canada

Landed Cost

FEU and TEU Shipping

Guide to Golden Week and its Impact on Freight Shipping

Inland Haulage Charges

Bonded Goods and Shipment

Inspection Certificate

10 Largest Ports in the US

Export Classification

Types of Suppliers: Wholesale, Traders, Manufacturers

CO2 Facts

Air Freight vs Sea Freight

What is a Freight Carrier?

10 Largest Ports in China

How to export your goods to China? [guide 2022]

How to prepare an LCL shipment

Types of US customs inspections and holds

How to load a container

Shipa Freight and iContainers to Merge

Container Size and Capacity

Finding a Freight Forwarder

40-Foot Container

40-Foot High Cube Container

20-Foot Shipping Container

10 Largest Ports in India

Online Freight Forwarders-Guide for SMEs

5 Largest Ports in Philippines

Shipping Containers Guide

Peak Season Price Spike

Out of Gauge Cargo

What are HS and HTS Codes

Difference Between FOB and CIF

Do you have a oversized cargo to ship?

Import Customs Duties Guide

Largest Ports in the UK

Container Freight Stations

Container Shortage

Landed Cost

A Guide To Incoterms For Shipments To and From China

CFR - Cost and Freight

CPT - Carriage Paid To

CIF - Cost, Insurance and Freight

DPU - Delivered at Place Unloaded

FOB - Free on Board

FCA - Free Carrier

EXW - Ex Works

DDP - Delivery Duty Paid

CIP - Carriage and Insurance Paid

FAS - Free Alongside Ship

DAP - Delivered at Place

How to Prevent Shipping Damage

Types of Pallets for Shipping

10 Largest Ports in the World

Break Bulk

VAT Number

IATA

IMO

Cargo Fumigation

Detention Charges in Shipping

Logistics in Ramadan

10 Largest Ports in Europe

Customs Broker

Freight Consolidator

The Difference Between Freight Insurance & Cargo Insurance