Cargo Moving

Types of Cargo Damage and Ways to Prevent It

There are different ways in which manufacturers and suppliers can suffer from cargo damage during transit. First, damaged items are typically returned for replacement or full refund which not only incurs additional costs but can have a negative impact on both the carrier’s and the seller’s reputation. Second, the components, parts, and equipment that are […]

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Ammonia and Methanol as Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Fuels

Ammonia and Methanol as Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Fuels

The shipping industry needs to reduce carbon emissions so that temperature increases are kept below 1.5 °C. Using alternative fuels can help reduce pollution and keep temperatures below the threshold. This means halving carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving zero emission targets by 2050. At present, the shipping industry accounts for about 3 percent of […]

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Shipping Cost

Shipping Cost Increases Causing Hikes in Consumer Goods Prices

Value chains and container shipping are faced with major disruptions while many countries are looking for alternative supplies of grain, gas, and oil. According to UNCTAD, the Ukraine – Russia conflict has put a significant strain on the Black Sea region and logistics and trade in Ukraine, raising shipping costs globally and increasing demand for […]

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Covid-19 Port Congestion

Covid-19 Port Congestion: How to Unclog the Economy

Apart from the Suez Canal blockage in March, 2021, many big commercial vessels shipping cargo were stranded outside ports last year, from South Carolina to Europe and Singapore. Why all this happened?     Covid-19 Pandemic When lockdowns and travel restrictions were imposed in 2020, many started ordering gym equipment and office furniture, setting up […]

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Zero Carbon Commitments

Most Carriers Have No Zero Carbon Commitments

Only 35 percent of the major carriers are set to achieve net zero emissions or have committed to the targets of 50 percent set by the International Maritime Organization. A new study by the Center for Zero Carbon Shipping looks at the actions and ambitions of the biggest carriers by capacity in car/RORO, container, bulk, […]

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Innovations in Shipping

Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Shipping

Shortage of expert workforce, environmental regulations, demand and supply imbalances, and supply chain bottlenecks are some of the main challenges facing the shipping industry. Emerging innovations and trends help reduce the negative impact on carriers and forwarders. Blockchain, robotics and automation, the Internet of Things, big data and analytics, and artificial intelligence are successfully integrated […]

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Shipping Plastic Waste

Shipping Lines No Longer Accepting Plastic Waste

Major shipping lines announced they would be no longer shipping scrap plastic from developed countries to Southeast Asia and China. Until 1992, China used to be #1 destination for plastic imports, which would be recycled and used for manufacturing. When the country’s economy expanded, its scrap output also increased. Currently China has more than enough […]

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The crew change crisis

Crew Change Crisis Waning but Challenges Are Still Ahead

The crew change crisis seem to have stabilized despite a shortage of Ukrainian and Russian mariners and the restrictions imposed in Japan. Figures show that the number of crews stranded onboard ships beyond contract expiry is down to 4.3 percent in June, compared to 4.5 percent in May, 2022. The number of mariners onboard ships […]

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Specialized Equipment by Cargo Type

Modes of Transportation and Specialized Equipment by Cargo Type

The main types of cargo include livestock, foodstuff, liquid and dry bulk cargo, machinery and equipment, vehicles, and crude oil. Depending on type, a different mode of transportation and vessel is used. When choosing how to ship commodities, carriers take different risks and hazards into account, including fungal and bacterial growth, spoilage of foodstuff, fire, […]

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Marine Crew Shortages

Marine Crew Shortages, Causes and Solutions

Recent Covid-19 outbreaks and the sanctions against Russia are causing crew shortages and pushing wages up. Outbreaks in the Far East have prevented Chinese seafarers from boarding ships while Russian crews are unable to join ships due to travel limitations and visa restrictions. This has resulted in reduced availability on a global scale and a […]

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Maritime Shipping

Impact of the Ukraine Conflict on Maritime Shipping

The war in Ukraine has caused a serious supply chain disruption which is likely to exacerbate the crew crisis, port congestion, and supply chain disruption caused by the prolonged pandemic. International freight forwarding has been hard hit, with the burden of sanctions, the disruption of trade with Ukraine and Russia, and the loss of vessels […]

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Routes for Ukraine’s Wheat

Alternative Export Routes for Ukraine’s Wheat

Since the early days of the conflict, Ukraine’s ports have remained blocked due to Russian ships and mines. There are 80 ships currently stranded, some carrying cargo, others – empty, with crews having fled from Ukraine. The country’s biggest port, the port of Yuzhne has been idle for the last three months, with thousands of […]

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Illicit shipping practices

Sanctions Evasion and Illicit Shipping and Compliance Practices

Illicit shipping practices are often used by countries that seek to evade economic sanctions. Such practices include flag hopping and false flags, voyage irregularities, altering vessel identification, manipulating or disabling vessel automatic system identification, and falsifying ship-to-ship transfers and vessel and cargo documents, among others.   Flag Hopping and False Flags A false flag operation […]

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Shipping Industry

How the Russia – Ukraine War Impacts the Shipping Industry

The liquid and dry bulk markets will be affected this year due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the supply chain disruptions that are expected to continue through 2022. Experts predict trade growth to be 1 – 2 percent based on type of cargo. While trade growth has lost momentum due to the war, […]

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Documents for International Shipping

4 Most Common Documents for International Shipping

International shipping offers businesses the chance to enter new markets and reach more customers. However, it is important to understand the regulations and procedures for importing and exporting, and it is equally important to secure the right shipping documents. You should be prepared to provide details about your business, shipment, country of origin and destination, […]

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Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockd freight forwarders

Domestic and Global Impact of Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockdown

Lockdowns in various Chinese cities have increased pressure on logistics and transport, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the country. The trucking industry has been hard hit, which plays a key role in shipping cargo to major ports in China. There are also restrictions on deliveries and truck drivers moving goods to areas with […]

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Oversized Cargo

Shipping Oversized Cargo, Modes, Challenges, and Considerations

Oversized loads cover a wide range of freight that differs in terms of dimensions, weight, and technical characteristics. Shipping of heavyweight items is more challenging than transporting standard-sized cargo due to their dimensions and the fact they are subject to special regulations. There are many things to account for, from freight specifics and optimal delivery […]

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China and Implications for Shipping

Massive Lockdowns in China and Implications for Shipping

Covid-19 is not over yet, with China reporting the worst outbreak since the onset of the pandemic. The third most populous city, Shenzhen was placed on lockdown this Sunday, and factories closed temporarily. Shanghai has also experienced a surge in cases, and new restrictions have been imposed. Shenzhen is the home to the world’s third […]

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Different Modes of Transport

Pros and Cons of Different Modes of Transport

There is a variety of ways to manage the flow of goods and ship cargo from place of origin to a distribution center or point of consumption. The choice of shipping method depends on the type, dimensions, and requirements of cargo to be moved, whether supplies, equipment, raw materials, and goods. Shipping is a complex […]

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Global Supply Chains

Global Supply Chains under Pressure due to New Lockdowns in China

Recent coronavirus outbreaks have forced China to implement new restrictions that can further strain global supply chains, resulting in disrupted flow of goods and even higher inflation. Global supply chains are already under pressure due to port congestions, delayed ships, and a surge in demand. New Challenges Ahead The tightening restrictions in the Jilin province […]

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E-Commerce Shipping

E-Commerce Shipping Methods, Benefits, and Costs

E-commerce shipping covers all processes involved in transporting products bought online. With the right partner and shipping method, delivery can be fast, affordable, and manageable. What Steps the Shipping Process Includes? Three main steps are order receiving, processing, and fulfillment. When an order is received, it can be fulfilled provided that items are in stock. […]

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Support Marine Crews

UN Urges States to Support Marine Crews

Four UN organizations recently released a joined statement urging carriers, governments, local and national authorities, and other stakeholders to ramp up efforts to deal with the crew change crisis that has affected over 400,000 mariners since the onset of the pandemic. The statement issued by WHO, UNSTAD, IMO, and ILO notes that more efforts are […]

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Air cargo

Air cargo and world trade in a pandemic

The pandemic has drastically reduced passenger flights around the world. But unlike this type of flight, the air transport of goods and cargo continues to take place without a decline. International air freight decreased by 5% compared to 2021 levels between 31 January and 13 February 2022. The imposition of cargo volume restrictions and higher […]

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ship transport

Ship Backlogs Expected to Ease by Mid-2022

Ship backlogs have lasted for two years already due to the global health and economic crisis. According to experts, however, backlogs are expected to let up in mid-2021, easing pressure on carriers and container capacity. This would also mean less revenue for the big cargo carriers from the spot market. So far, freight rates have […]

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small shipments e-commerce

Is the Online Shopping Boom Going to Continue Post-Covid-19?

Demand for online delivery and products shipped to your doorstep has increased with the onset of the pandemic, as many consumers have been forced to work from home. Questions that beg to be answered are: what kind of people buy products online, is this shift in consumer behavior temporary or will continue post-Covid-19, and how […]

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Transporting Live Fish

Transporting Live Fish Internationally

There are different ways of transporting live fish but where it is shipped is an important consideration. You should not only check whether there are fees and customs charges but also if you can legally ship fish to the place of destination and across borders. You may have to apply for an import permit, and […]

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Post-Pandemic Strategies for Forwarders

Winning Post-Pandemic Strategies for Forwarders

Amidst the pandemic, experts predicted that some commodities were headed for a quick recovery, examples being fast-recovering goods such as minerals, gravel, stones, and agricultural products. Others are neutral or slow-recovering due to a mix of market forces. Fast-Recovering Commodities Goods that are faster to return include pharmaceutical products, animal feed, food and grocery items, […]

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Air Shipping Requirements

Air Shipping Requirements and Guidelines for Pet and Crew Safety

Pet shipping accounts for a significant share of cargo onboard aircraft, with a diverse array of species being transported by air. When moving pets, there is plenty to know when it comes to shipping regulations and requirements and the documents you need to submit. Regulations and Scope Any business or person transporting pets falls under […]

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Airlines

Clogged Chains and Travel Restrictions Affecting Air Capacity

The ongoing pandemic is not only a humanitarian and health crisis but it is also a time of economic turmoil and shock. Figures show that air capacity was down by 7 percent between December 2021 and January 2022 compared to 2018. There have also been capacity fluctuations during the holiday season due to the new […]

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international freight forwarders

Mariners and Truck Drivers Refuse Contracts as the New Variant Spreads

With truck drivers concerned over travel restrictions and border closures and ship crew refusing to sign contracts, the shipping industry is facing challenging times. From small logistics companies to big businesses, freight forwarders find it increasingly difficult to get enough staff amidst a surge in omicron infections. According to experts, about 20 percent of truck […]

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Shipping Industry

6 Ways in Which the Health Crisis Affected the Shipping Industry

The ongoing health crisis has affected shipping in many ways, from the medical handling of suspect Covid-19 cases and crew repatriation to vessel attendance for statutory purposes and certification and delayed repairs and retrofits.   Handling of Suspect Cases Medical handling of suspect cases can be a challenge due to shortage of equipment and supplies […]

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Types of Commercial Vessels

Types of Commercial Vessels by Type of Cargo and Dimensions

Commercial vessels can be generally divided into wet and dry cargo ships and vary in dimensions /width and length/. Draft or water depth is a limitation that determines the minimum water depth a boat or cargo ship can navigate. Beam or a vessel’s widest point determines the canal locks a commercial ship can fit. Based […]

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Pandemic Control Strategies

China Expected to Double Down on Pandemic Control Strategies

The new Omicron variant could be another resilience test for trade flows and already stretched global supply chains. The Chinese government has already enforced a zero-Covid policy, involving strict monitoring of cargo and commercial ships, enforced quarantines, and mass lockdowns. According to experts, the government may double down on this strict policy. If the new […]

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Global Supply Chains

China’s Increasingly Strict Measures Snarl Global Supply Chains

China’s extreme Covid-19 zero policy could be a major obstacle to full recovery for the freight forwarding sector. In fact, it is also aggravating the crisis just before the holiday season, with emptied shelves across the globe. In an attempt to keep the virus in check, the authorities have kept on prohibiting crew changes for […]

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Container Crisis

When Will the Container Crisis Ease?

The turnaround and shipping of cargo was deemed quite efficient before the pandemic. While there are no easy ways out of the crisis, experts say it may be another year before the situation gets better. Last week alone, 87 commercial ships queued at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, most of which arriving […]

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Suez Canal

Suez Canal to Increase Transit Fees by 6 Percent

The Suez Canal Authority recently announced fee increases for commercial vessels passing through the waterway. Experts warn that this move will cause price increases and further inflationary pleasures on the global supply chain. As the shortest route between Europe and Asia, linking Red Sea with Mediterranean Sea, about 12 percent of all commercial cargo ships […]

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Cold Chain Regulations

Cold Chain Regulations and Standards around the World

The cold chain is key to preserving food and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Stakeholders around the world, including researchers, standard-setting agencies, regulators, and industry leaders agree on the importance of ensuring food safety during transit. Food laws aim to incorporate safety best practices in line with changes in distribution, technical innovation, and knowledge. […]

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Product Shortages

From Raw Material and Worker Shortages to the Domino Effect

Shortages of magnets and microprocessors mean that manufacturers find it increasingly difficult to fulfill orders as they cannot produce enough tablets, phones, and computers. When it comes to plastic, shortages affect manufacturers across sectors, including medical products, personal care and hygiene, and food and beverages. The situation has also resulted in backlogs for plastic cups […]

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Transport Workers

Covid-19 Restrictions Push Transport Workers to the Brink

Airline staff, truck drivers, and seafarers have been subject to testing requirements, travel restrictions, and quarantines to keep global supply chains moving during a prolonged pandemic. Many are on the brink of exhaustion, which is yet another threat to carriers shipping cargo around the globe. In September, industry groups sent an open letter to the […]

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Toy Shortage due to Supply Clogs

Toy Shortage due to Supply Clogs

Toymakers warn about significant disruptions in global supply chains caused by the ongoing pandemic, the recent blockage of the Suez Canal, rising labor costs, resin shortages, and power outages in different parts of China. All these have led to higher prices and additionally strained the supply chain. Delays in Unloading Cargo Vessels Cause Shortages The […]

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Global Supply Chain

Long-Term Solutions to Ease the Overworked Global Supply Chain

Lockdowns and social distancing protocols led to a significant drop in purchases in 2020, followed by growing demand as countries began to reopen economies in 2021. Carriers, forwarders, and businesses have tried different solutions, from outbidding one another for containers to chartering ships and buying their own containers. This is what the Swedish giant Ikea […]

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Maritime Shipping Crisis

When Will the Maritime Shipping Crisis End?

A year and a half since the pandemic started, shipping cargo from China to Europe now costs 6 times more than it did back in 2019. Surging costs have only made the situation worse, adding to existing problems such as the high cost of raw materials and the global semiconductor shortage. There is only a […]

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global logistics crisis

Increase in Consumer Demand Driving Product Shortages

The global logistics crisis is not solely caused by a spike in consumer demand but it is a factor that can’t be overlooked. When the pandemic started, shipping fell due to uncertainty how lockdowns and social distancing measures would affect consumer demand. Crew safety has also been a source of concern. Then the situation changed […]

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Ship Perishable Cargo

Reefers Used to Ship Perishable Cargo

Refrigerated containers or reefers are used to ship perishable goods such as flowers, dairy products, meat, seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Carriers also use temperature-controlled containers to transport frozen and chilled goods, photographic film, and pharmaceuticals. If not shipped at appropriate humidity and temperature, such cargo might spoil quickly during transit.   Reefer Design Reefers […]

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Cut Carbon Emissions

Urgent Measures Needed to Cut Carbon Emissions

Commercial ships are responsible for about 1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis or 3 percent of total emissions. Experts explain that if vessels were a country, it would be the world’s sixth biggest polluter. Unless urgent action is taken, shipping greenhouse gas emissions are forecasted to reach up to 130 […]

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Shortage of Seafarers Onboard Merchant Vessels

Shortage of Seafarers Onboard Merchant Vessels by 2026

The 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report released by the International Chamber of Shipping and the Baltic and International Maritime Council on Wednesday warns about a possible shortage of sailors to staff commercial vessels over a five years period. Steps should be taken to increase numbers and ensure the smooth movement of cargo across the globe. The […]

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Challenges That Shipping Businesses

Challenges That Shipping Businesses Face in 2021

2020 was a difficult year for most sectors, and the shipping industry is not an exception. A year and a half into a global health and economic crisis, freight forwarders face a number of challenges, from marine insurance claims and risk of cargo damage to machinery breakdown and delays of servicing of equipment and vessels. […]

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Global Trade

Global Trade Struggling Due to a Confluence of Events

A series of events is driving global trade to a breaking point, from cyber threats at major South African ports to natural disasters in Germany and China and a new wave of Covid-19 and cases rising worldwide. According to shipping experts, economists, and businesses, the effect is an interrupted flow of consumer goods, parts, and […]

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Vaccinating Seafarers to Aid Global Economic Recovery

Global vaccinations of crews are not going fast enough to prevent outbreaks onboard vessels, resulting in trade and supply chain disruptions and endangering the life of seafarers. The fact that vaccinations are going too slowly is potentially slowing economic recovery for countries trying to pull out of a deep, pandemic-induced recession. Effect on Supply Chains […]

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Air Freight Prices in the New Normal

The congestion caused by a recent outbreak in Southern China has been expected to impact air freight in summer. Yet, despite predictions that the chaos at major ports would cause a modal shift from sea to air, the volume of converted orders has only slightly increased. Experts are not really sure why this is happening […]

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Shipping Rates Set to Skyrocket due to New Outbreak in China

The freight transport industry has suffered significant supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing global health crisis. Intermodal transport in Europe, including truck carriers and railroad shippers, has been affected. Ports around the world have seen a reduction in cargo volumes due to uncertainty. Parcel delivery companies have been the least affected as they face […]

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Freight Forwarders Strategies to Prepare for Climate Disasters

With global warming, supply chain networks face considerable risks due to climate disasters, severe weather, and the threat of future pandemics. When wildfires rage, ice covers the roadways, and high winds howl, many businesses are forced to shut down operations. Supply chains have to do the exact opposite and find alternative ways to ship commodities. […]

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Global Economic Downturn Increases Truck Driver Shortages

Logistics companies are increasingly faced with a shortage of commercial truck drivers due to a combination of global economic downturn, Covid-19, and the Brexit. Driver shortages have been a global problem even before the start of the coronavirus crisis but recent studies predict a 25 percent increase across all EU member countries. A combination of […]

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4 Logistics Trends to Watch for in 2021

2020 has been a challenging and difficult year for global populations. The changes in how we live, work, and connect with others have been fundamental, with a shift to digital and the proliferation of Internet commerce. Other areas such as economic growth and fighting global poverty took a step back. The logistics industry has been […]

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Warehouse Automation to Maintain Social Distancing and Increase Productivity

Warehouse automation is a major trend amidst a coronavirus pandemic that already entered its second year. The resulting global recession and lockdowns across the world brought industrial activity to a near halt. As manufacturers began to gradually reopen and resume operations, forwarders throughout Europe found themselves faced with multiple challenges – e-commerce logistics, a growing […]

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Hakull-Group 75 years

It is a strong name in the Norwegian Transport and Forwarding industry, which in 2021 looks back on 75 years of operation. We are quite proud, still being a family owned business in a market consisting of major constellations. Nevertheless, the Hakull-group is a strong brand looking back on 75 years.    Today owners are […]

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Ships to Join Air Fleets in Vaccine Delivery

The number of coronavirus vaccine shipments is steadily increasing as rollout begins in more countries and more products become available. While the jabs are mostly transported by land and air, ships are also expected to join the race against the global pandemic. According to Financial Times, ships will get involved in vaccine distribution so that […]

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From China’s Lockdown to Global Structural Imbalances

Every stage of the global supply chain is facing a shipping crisis and forcing forwarders to make significant changes to their operations. Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions have already resulted in additional operating expenses for businesses and reduced customer satisfaction. The main issue is the higher freight rates due to the difficulty of booking shipping slots, […]

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Commercial Road Transport: Current State and Economic Outlook

Commercial road transport has been hard hit due to traffic restrictions and the economic downturn. The global economy fell into recession last year and is not expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Social and economic recovery from the global crisis depends on road transport which accounts for more than 80 percent of the […]

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Is Shipping Covid-19 Vaccines by Rail Freight a Solution

Being a perishable, temperature-sensitive commodity, vaccines are normally shipped by air. Amidst an ongoing pandemic in its second year, global rollout is the key to controlling the virus but airlines have been forced to scale down operations. This is mainly due to a significant decline in passenger traffic and flight restrictions. With hundreds of planes […]

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Data Integrity Crucial to Global Vaccination Efforts

For most people logistics companies are simply in the business of shipping cargo and goods from point of origin to final destination. While this is certainly true, they are also involved in data collection, analysis, and processing. Safe and efficient shipping requires data from a variety of sources such as analytics and transport management solutions, […]

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Slowdown in Container Circulation due to Reduced Labor Productivity

The slow circulation of containers, together with increased cargo volumes, has led to supply chain disruptions and reduced capacity, resulting in significant delays and rate increases. Box shipping rates have spiked due to strong demand and container shortages and are projected to continue going up. Reasons for Slowdown in Circulation The slow circulation of containers […]

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End of China’s Rail Freight Subsidies and Impact on Stakeholders

Rail freight is a cost-effective alternative to air freight for shipping cargo from China to Europe. Air delivery is expensive for both consignees and shippers while ocean freight transit times are slower, making rail transport a solution that sits in between. Why Use Rail Freight for Shipments from China As the borders between Europe and […]

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Challenges for Shippers Operating in the Parcel Marketplace

The parcel marketplace is facing serious challenges due to Covid-19, including difficult service conditions and lack of capacity resulting from a huge surge in B2C shipments. This has already led to increased operating and shipping costs for freight forwarders because carriers have implement peak surcharges. This trend has been ongoing since the onset of the […]

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What Is Causing EU’s Vaccine Supply Shortage

The EU recently threatened to impose export controls on Covid-19 vaccines manufactured in Europe. This move came after AstraZeneca announced a significant reduction in the number of dozes it could deliver by March. As a result, a political crisis followed, with debates to block the export of vaccines to the North. In case the bloc […]

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The Impact of New Border Restrictions on EU Trade Flows

New border measures have been implemented across Europe, with the potential to cause significant supply chain disruptions. Experts warn that the restrictions introduced by Germany at its border crossings with the province of Tyrol, Austria and the Czech Republic may result in delays in freight delivery across the EU. Other countries that introduced such measures […]

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Linear and Charter Ships, Types, Arrangements, and Routes

Merchant ships come in two varieties, charter or tramp vessels that transport cargo based on demand and linear vessels that have fixed schedules and operate on fixed routes. Trampers include bulk carriers and tankers operating in charter markets and shipping cargo from any port to any port. Linear vessels such as RoRo and container ships, […]

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Types of Marine Vessels for Shipping Different Cargo Loads

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 […]

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Shortage of Empty Containers Causing Price Hikes

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 […]

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Important Freight Documents to Submit When Shipping Internationally

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 […]

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Global Vaccine Delivery Efforts and Challenges Ahead

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 […]

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Packaging Requirements for Shipping Alcoholic Beverages

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 […]

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Details to Include in a Customs Declaration

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 […]

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Types of Packagings to Ship Perishable Goods

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 […]

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Logistics Challenges to Mass Immunization

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 […]

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Groupage Services for Safe and Affordable Shipping

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 […]

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EU Regulations on Goods Subject to Shipping Restrictions

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 […]

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How to Choose a Provider That Offers European Groupage Services

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 […]

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Guidelines for Shipping Harmless and Hazardous Fertilizers

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 […]

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Groupage Services to Ship Goods across Europe Cost-Effectively

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 CustomersEuropean groupage services are available to both individuals and business customers and can be tiered into other […]

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Shipping Building Materials for New Construction

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, […]

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Safety Guidelines for Securing Cargo for Road Transport

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 […]

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EU Regulations regarding the Carriage of Dangerous Goods

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 […]

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EU Guidelines on the Carriage of Oversized Cargo

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 […]

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Transporting Animals to Zoos and Aquariums

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 […]

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Technologies That Will Transform Logistics by 2030

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 […]

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Requirements and Documents to Transport Agricultural Produce

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 […]

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Global Maritime Trade on the Path to Recovery

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 […]

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Guidelines for Transporting Covid-19 Samples to Reference Laboratories

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 […]

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General and Special Cargo and Biological Substances Carried by Aircraft

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 […]

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Fire Safety Measures Onboard Cargo Ships

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. […]

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Airlines Modifying Planes to Deal with the Cargo Crunch

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 […]

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