A refreshing sign of progress announced in a joint statement on Tuesday which stated that both sides have come to an agreement on health benefits – one of the biggest issues of these negotiations. This agreement is tentative and hinges on agreements about other issues but this is seen as a major step forward in these seemingly endless negotiations. The International Longshore … [Read more...]
What is LCL cargo?
What is LCL cargo? LCL stands for Less [Than] Container Load. When you are moving a shipment LCL, this means you are sharing space in a full container with other shippers and therefore sharing the costs as well. Many freight forwarders/NVOCC’s offer these services as a lower cost freight option when you have smaller shipments or not enough cargo to fill an entire … [Read more...]
Import Document Requirements
Import Document Requirements Now that you have secured your supplier overseas, now it’s time to determine what documentation will be required to import your goods into the United States. Importing into the United States is a bit more cumbersome than exporting from the USA. The 1st thing you will need to do is determine who will file the entry documents to the US Customs … [Read more...]
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) clarifies rules pertaining to congestion surcharges planned by trans-Pacific carriers in the event of U.S. West Coast work stoppages. From the JOC summarizing FMC rules regarding port surcharges: The congestion surcharges must be published in tariffs for at least 30 days before the … [Read more...]
How to Compare Freight Quotes
How to Compare Freight Quotes How do you compare freight quotes to make sure you really are seeing the bottom line cost and comparing them equally? The best way to protect yourself and ensure you are seeing a true cost from your forwarders is to provide the most accurate information possible and also define the terms of the quote and what your expectations are in … [Read more...]