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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

There are certain types of cargo and small shipments that are not allowed to enter most countries by air. The reasons can be different – political, economic, religious, or harmful to human health. Some items are restricted while others are prohibited. Below is an overview of the difference between prohibited and restricted items and examples […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]