International Forwarding Association Blog »
Shipping restrictions vary by country and may apply to items such as explosives, combustibles, firearms, and corrosives, which are subject to special controls. In the European Union, restricted or prohibited goods fall in three categories – pirated or counterfeit goods, dangerous chemicals, and endangered species. Dangerous Chemicals Hazardous chemicals that are subject to authorization are listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH). The list of hazardous goods includes items such as diarsenic trioxide and dibutyl phthalate which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction. Some items cannot be shipped and placed on the market, whether… Read more
Many industrial sectors have been on the losing side on a global scale, either struggling to stay afloat or failing. Some companies do not have the strategies, capabilities, capacity, and cash reserves to continue operations while others stayed open to hardly break even. The good news is that the logistics and distribution sector somehow managed to adapt despite the devastating impact of the global pandemic. Problems That the Logistics Sector Faced For the majority of operators, the sector has been operating under pressure and in a very challenging environment due to reduced output and demand, which have a… Read more
Groupage services allow customers to transport small shipments domestically and internationally, whether sending consignments, boxes, or pallets. Forwarders that offer haulage services and ship items across the EU or import goods spread out the costs so that customers benefit from optimal value. With partners in all major cities across Europe, they are able to provide personalized, reliable, safe, and fast groupage solutions. Factors to Consider The main factors that influence cost include weight and dimensions, final destination, place of loading, and distance. The mode of transportation, whether by sea, land, or air also influences pricing. The same goes for combining… Read more
Fertilizers are cargo that has major importance for agricultural produce around the world. In fact, research shows that about 60 percent of the increase in production during the last decades has been due to the use of fertilizers. With population growth, need is constantly increasing, and they are exported and imported by various countries across the globe. Here is a brief intro to the main fertilizers shipped by international freight forwarders as well as the specifics in terms of discharging and loading. Types of Exports The main fertilizers that are shipped as bulk cargo include sulphur, phosphates, potash, and urea…. Read more
Groupage shipping is a cost-effective way to transport goods across Europe, whether sending parcels or pallets. Forwarders work in cooperation and complement their services to cover various market segments and ship across borders. Benefits for Businesses and Individual Customers European groupage services are available to both individuals and business customers and can be tiered into other shipping services, including sea freight and air cargo. The main benefits of consolidating freight include lower transportation costs and flexibility to use the services of different carriers, depending on location. Other benefits for customers include control on delivery, reliability, fast transit times, and scheduled… Read more
Logistics operators are often involved in the shipping of building materials for different property types, be it attached-home and multi-family communities or single-family homes. While the list of items to be moved is quite long, ranging from landscaping materials and appliances to plumbing and fixtures, there are some factors to consider, including transportation insurance coverage, permits required, equipment, and securing materials that can be used. Types of Building Materials That Can Be Shipped European logistics operators transport a variety of building materials for single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and other properties. Landscaping materials that are often shipped to new construction sites… Read more
In 2014, the European Commission released its best practice guidelines on securing cargo for road transport, prepared by the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. While the guidelines are not binding, the methods and principles outlined there are intended to improve safety in transport operations by road. Securing Cargo The guidelines offer instructions and advice to freight forwarders and carriers regarding the securing, unloading, and loading of cargo. To ensure safety during shipping, cargo must be secured as to prevent rotation, serious deformation, wandering, rolling, tipping, or sliding. Methods that can be used include lashing, blocking, locking, or combinations of… Read more
Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods governs the shipping of cargo by inland waterways, rail, and road. European logistics companies must comply with the directive’s provisions to meet the safety criteria for international and domestic shipments. Scope The directive includes provisions regarding labelling, requirements for tank-containers, restrictions on grounds of safety, and third countries. The shipping of hazardous cargo between third countries and EU Member States is permitted subject to the provisions of ADN, RID, and ADR, concerning the movement of dangerous cargo by inland waterways, rail, and road, respectively. When it comes to restrictions on… Read more
EU guidelines specify the maximum dimensions and weights when shipping abnormal loads. Cargo that exceeds the specified limits requires special permits which are issued by national or regional authorities. The procedures and regulations regarding the issuance of permits vary by country, including details such as authorized speeds, time frames, and vehicle escorts. Nevertheless, the guidelines include useful recommendations on vehicle information, transport corridors, and more. EU Best Practice Guidelines The best practice guidelines have been developed and released by the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport of the European Commission. There contain provisions regarding escorts, lighting and marking of load and… Read more
Transporting wild animals to zoos and aquariums requires good collaboration to ensure that they are moved as stress-free and fast as possible. This requires extensive planning that sometimes takes months on a row as to obtain the necessary permits, arrange transport, and coordinate all steps with supervisors, trainers, and veterinarians. Modes of Transportation Watkins Rogers at AZA Animal Transport for Animal Care Professionals explains that the most humane and fastest way to ship zoo animals is by air as they are kept in crates. Some animals, however, require specialized transportation, as is the case with rhinos and venomous species. Some… Read more
New technologies and innovation are constantly transforming the world of logistics and the global supply chain. Here are some trends that will help improve efficiency and customer experience. 3D Printing Experts predict that 3D printing will contribute to decentralized production, with print centres opening in markets worldwide. This means that commodities can be printed at the customer request instead of being moved over long distances. Replacement parts will no longer need to be shipped and kept in warehouses. Instead virtual warehouses will print parts based on data models. Artificial Intelligence AI is expected to transform the shipping sector and to… Read more
Earth population growth is not expected to slow down over the next 80 years, making global sourcing the key to meeting growing demand for agricultural products. Producers, farmers, and growers market and sell commodities that are shipped to different parts of the world. There are import requirements, regulations, and guidelines, however, that EU freight forwarders must be familiar with. Documentation Phytosanitary Certificate To import agricultural produce, operators submit phytosanitary certificates for plant materials and fresh vegetables and fruits. The certificate guarantees that the produce meets EU plant health requirements, is free from pests, and has been duly inspected. Plants… Read more
According to data by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the number of ships calling at ports to load and unload cargo has increased in Q3 2020. This hints to improved business activity and economic recovery from the global pandemic that struck in the beginning of 2020. Impact of Covid-19 on Maritime Trade Maritime shipping saw a dramatic 27 percent drop in the second quarter of 2020. This is mainly due to border and travel restrictions aiming to control the pandemic. UNCTAD reports an 8.5 percent drop in the number of container ships calling at ports in July… Read more
The World Health Organization has developed a mechanism for transporting clinical samples from suspected coronavirus patients residing in countries that lack specialized Covid-19 laboratories and testing capacity. Local shipping agents working with WHO-approved couriers provide assistance to laboratories in completing export documentation, arranging sample collection, and providing all forms, labelling, and packaging under international transport regulations. This mechanism for transporting hazardous goods and biological substances is similar to the Shipping Fund Project and Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Services Offered by Reference Laboratories WHO-approved reference laboratories support efforts toward capacity building in middle- and lower-income countries so that local… Read more
The main types of air freight in Europe are general and special cargo, the latter being shipped in accordance with the IATA Live Animals Regulations and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. General Cargo This category includes electronics, hardware and machinery, consumer and retail goods, and textiles. In general, all items that are not liquid fall in this category. Special Cargo A number of sub-classes are included, among which fragile and high value items, oversized cargo and heavy weight, and dangerous goods and hazardous materials. Dangerous goods transported by aircraft include arms and ammunition, weapons, and explosives. Valuable items that can be… Read more
It is important that freight forwarders get familiar with fire hazards and safety measures onboard cargo ships so that they are aware of the risks, types of fire, and extinguishing methods that shipping companies use. Classifying Fire Based on fuel or material type, fire falls in 4 categories – class A, B, C, and D. Class A includes solids that are organic, for example, bedding, fabrics, cardboard, paper, and wood. Fire in class B is caused by liquefiable solids or liquids such as fats, cooking oils, lubricating oils, and diesel. Gas cargoes, acetylene, and other flammable gases fall under class… Read more
Some 150 airlines are now carrying cargo in an effort to offset losses. Passenger traffic may take several years to return to normal, and flying cargo helps airlines to reduce the operational and maintenance costs of parked airplanes. Why Ship Goods Onboard Aircraft When the coronavirus pandemic picked up speed, demand for personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, and masks soared. Equipment and medical supplies now need to be shipped from waning hotspots to emerging epicenters. With travel restrictions and lockdowns introduced worldwide, demand for fast goods shipment increased as online sales skyrocketed. As China restarted its economy, large… Read more
Rail freight is a good choice when shipping large volumes of cargo over long distances, both domestically and across borders. With low fuel costs, it is a cost-effective alternative to other modes of transportation. Here are the cases when rail transport is a good choice and the factors that determine rates. When to Use For European logistics operators that are moving cargo inland from port facilities, rail freight is a good alternative. This is especially true for countries with busy inland routes that cause delays. It is also best to use when large volumes are shipped in bulk, especially… Read more
Distribution centers and rail and port terminals are used for storage, loading and unloading, and transloading activities. There are different types of terminals based on infrastructure, interface, equipment and vehicles used, location, and land access. Rail Terminals There are five types of facilities – satellite and transmodal terminals, load centres, and near-dock and on-dock. They are linked with port facilities and are a key component of the inland intermodal supply chain. Satellite terminals are usually built at peripheral sites with less traffic. They are used for operations that would take a lot of time or are expensive at port terminals…. Read more
The global supply chain now faces another challenge as many countries begin to restart their economies in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Some 200,000 ship crews are stranded because of flight reduction and suspension and closure of ports around the world. Crew Changes Before the coronavirus pandemic, about 100,000 crew swaps took place on a monthly basis. Experts point to the fact that the number of changes has dwindled to just 20,000 – 30,000 a month. Not only are 200,000 crews stuck onboard and unable to disembark but another 200,000 are staying home and waiting to replace them. Overworked… Read more
|
|
