International Forwarding Association Blog »
Tankships, also known as tankers, carry a wide selection of gases and liquids as well as cargo such as wine, molasses, and vegetable oils. They are built to ship commodities in a way that minimizes risks, including fungal and bacterial growth, spoilage of foods, and volatile behavior. Other ships are used to transport livestock, including specialized vessels and modified bulk carriers that are designed to ship different types of animals. This means that the choice of vessel is important in ensuring safety during transit. Food Foodstuff includes items such as partially processed, frozen, packaged, and fresh food, most… Read more
The cost of transporting cargo from China to Europe has skyrocketed in the past two months because of a significant shortage of empty containers amidst the pandemic. Long waiting times at airports forced airlines to charge extra for container shipping which also contributed to rate hikes. Why Rates Soared This is due to global supply chain disruptions causing the cost of a 40-foot container to increase to over $9,000, up from $2,000. According to consultancy SeaIntelligence expert Lars Jensen, it is companies fighting for containers that is driving rates up, turning them into a limited resource. Shipping lines… Read more
There are certain freight documents that forwarders must be familiar with, including letter of credit, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list. Even a seemingly small error while filling in paperwork can cause significant shipping delays, thus disrupting the supply chain. Bill of Lading This is a type of freight document that works as a contract between the cargo owner and shipper. The exporter and importer details must be filled in, including information such as number of packages, list of goods, dates of arrival and departure, ports of destination and departure, and consignee and consignor… Read more
With vaccines being developed and approved for use in the hope to protect billions around the world, countries are facing a formidable challenge – distributing hundreds of millions of doses requiring ultra-cold shipping. The near-simultaneous delivery of millions of jabs not only requires significant production capabilities but also puts pressure on logistics businesses engaged in distribution. Challenges That Lie Ahead The world is already facing a shortage of shipping resources, especially when it comes to refrigeration transport. One problem is that refrigerated truck and air cargo carriers are in high demand that already exceeds supply. Another is that carriers are… Read more
With vaccines receiving regulatory approval for roll out by national authorities, hopes are high that the pandemic is slowly coming to an end. It has been a difficult year, however, with millions of people hard hit by restrictions, lockdowns, and school closures. Many industries have been affected as well and are still struggling to recover while others shut down. It is safe to say that the European logistics industry has been hit like many others and is continuously adapting to meet safety protocols and current demand. What we are likely to witness is small businesses disappearing, rising prices,… Read more
Shipping alcohol is legal in the EU but the packaging requirements are different for large loads and small amounts. While small quantities can be mailed in a package, larger loads require van or pallet delivery. Small Amounts For small shipments or to send as gifts, each bottle must be placed in a plastic bag and then into a bottle box. Adding foam or bubble wrap to the bottle box helps protect shipments against damage. Bubble wrap is used for extra cushioning when fragile items are transported. When sending bottles together with other items, adding bubble wrap to fill the… Read more
Billions of vaccine doses have to be shipped to inoculate the world in 2021 – 2022 but for forwarders, shots are just a small percentage of cargo to be carried over the next couple of months. In fact, logistics companies say they are prepared to handle shipments despite challenges like transporting shots in special boxes fitted with GPS trackers as to monitor whether sub-sub-zero temperatures are maintained. Vaccine doses are already delivered to Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, and the Middle East. Logistics Capabilities Fewer than 100,000 trucks will be needed to transport 8 billion shots, which is about 0.00001… Read more
A customs declaration is a document submitted to provide information about cargo or goods that are exported or imported. It can be lodged by the owner of cargo which can be an association, company, or individual. A representative or person acting on behalf of the owner can also lodge a customs declaration. Why Submit a Declaration? Individuals or legal entities lodge a customs declaration upon export by starting an export procedure and upon import when goods are intended to be shipped to a customs territory. How to Lodge a Customs Declaration? There are three ways to place goods or… Read more
Plenty can go wrong when shipping perishables and trying to protect them against spoilage, staleness, humidity, and extreme temperatures. There are different packagings and packs to use when transporting perishable items, including cold packs, insulated food shippers, solid plastics, and foam brick. Types of Packaging Cold packs are a safe and simple solution to ship perishables so that they stay cold during transit. They keep constant temperatures inside containers and boxes of pharmaceutical, beverage, and food products. When packing, it is a good idea to test the number and size of packs required. A larger quantity and large-sized packs… Read more
If the vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech gets approved, distribution and storage requirements can pose a significant challenge to mass immunization. Pfizer and BioNTech just announced that their vaccine is over 90 percent effective but must be transported at minus 70 degrees Celsius. Demand would be significant and immediate and far exceeding what manufacturers are able to supply. Distribution not only involves specialized transportation but shippers would also be involved in transporting the vaccine. Distribution within EU Manufacturing plants in Belgium and Germany would produce the vaccine for EU Member States. If Pfizer and BioNtech secure regulatory authorization, deliveries… Read more
Also referred to as shared shipping, groupage services combine smaller-sized shipments and are ideal for customers who want to move their personal belongings. Who Benefits from Groupage Groupage services are often used by recent expats who want to move their belongings to a new location. They are also ideal for students enrolled in a university in a foreign country who want to bring some extra luggage with them. Groupage services are also used by persons who are planning on relocating to another country for a relatively shorter period. Those who have excess baggage also benefit from shared shipping. Benefits for… Read more
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
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