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Master the Fundamentals

Shipping 101

Start here if you're new to global freight. Learn the basics of shipping, logistics terminology, and how international trade works.

38 articles
Showing 138 of 38 articles
Cold Chain Logistics 2026: Growing Demand and Best PracticesApr 21, 2026
specialty-shipping

Cold Chain Logistics 2026: Growing Demand and Best Practices

Cold chain logistics is booming with pharmaceutical, food, and biotech growth. Learn current capabilities, technology, and best practices for temperature-controlled shipping in 2026.

5 min readRead article
AI in Freight 2026: What's Actually Working in LogisticsApr 21, 2026
technology

AI in Freight 2026: What's Actually Working in Logistics

AI has moved from hype to reality in freight and logistics. Learn which AI applications are delivering value in 2026 and how importers can leverage these technologies.

5 min readRead article
Maritime Port Strikes 2026: Current Impact and PreparationApr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Maritime Port Strikes 2026: Current Impact and Preparation

ILA, ILWU, and international port labor actions have disrupted global trade in 2026. Learn current status, affected ports, and how importers can prepare and mitigate impacts.

5 min readRead article
Red Sea Routes 2026: Current Disruption and Shipping ImpactApr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Red Sea Routes 2026: Current Disruption and Shipping Impact

Red Sea disruption continues affecting major trade lanes. Learn current security situation, alternative routings, insurance impacts, and what 2026 holds for global shipping.

5 min readRead article
Panama Canal 2026: Current Crisis and Shipping ImpactApr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Panama Canal 2026: Current Crisis and Shipping Impact

Panama Canal capacity remains constrained by drought and infrastructure challenges. Learn current transit conditions, alternative routings, and cost implications for 2026.

5 min readRead article
Bill of Lading Fraud: How Document Scams Enable Cargo TheftApr 21, 2026
security

Bill of Lading Fraud: How Document Scams Enable Cargo Theft

Fraudulent bills of lading enable cargo theft worth billions annually. Learn how BoL fraud schemes work and the verification steps that stop them.

5 min readRead article
Supplier Fraud from China: Alibaba Scam Warning GuideApr 21, 2026
security

Supplier Fraud from China: Alibaba Scam Warning Guide

Alibaba and overseas supplier scams cost importers billions annually. Spot fake factories, payment fraud, and quality bait-and-switch schemes before they hit.

5 min readRead article
Fake Freight Forwarder Scams: Red Flags Before You BookApr 21, 2026
security

Fake Freight Forwarder Scams: Red Flags Before You Book

Fake freight forwarders lure importers with bargain rates, collect payment, and vanish with cargo. Learn the red flags and verification steps to stay safe.

5 min readRead article
Double-Brokering Freight Scams: How Fake Carriers Steal LoadsApr 21, 2026
security

Double-Brokering Freight Scams: How Fake Carriers Steal Loads

Double-brokering scams cost the freight industry hundreds of millions yearly. Learn how fraudsters pose as carriers, the warning signs, and protection steps.

5 min readRead article
Dry Bulk vs Container Shipping: Which Fits Your Cargo?Apr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Dry Bulk vs Container Shipping: Which Fits Your Cargo?

Should your cargo ship in containers or as dry bulk? Compare costs, handling, and logistics for commodities, grains, minerals, and industrial materials.

5 min readRead article
Ocean Freight Transit Times: Major Trade Lanes in 2026Apr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Ocean Freight Transit Times: Major Trade Lanes in 2026

How long does ocean shipping really take? Real transit times for Asia-USA, Europe-USA, and other major trade lanes with seasonal variations explained.

5 min readRead article
Ocean Freight Surcharges Explained: BAF, CAF, THC, and MoreApr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Ocean Freight Surcharges Explained: BAF, CAF, THC, and More

Ocean freight invoices include dozens of surcharges beyond base rates. Understand BAF, CAF, THC, ISPS, and other fees that determine your true shipping cost.

5 min readRead article
Ocean Freight Container Types: Complete Sizing GuideApr 21, 2026
ocean-freight

Ocean Freight Container Types: Complete Sizing Guide

From 20ft standards to reefers and flat racks, learn which container type fits your cargo. Dimensions, capacities, and best uses for every shipping scenario.

5 min readRead article
Intermodal Shipping: Combining Rail and Truck for EfficiencyFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Intermodal Shipping: Combining Rail and Truck for Efficiency

Intermodal shipping combines the economy of rail with the flexibility of trucking. Learn when intermodal makes sense and how to use it effectively.

5 min readRead article
Peak Season Shipping: Preparing for Holiday DemandFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Peak Season Shipping: Preparing for Holiday Demand

Peak season can make or break your year. Learn how to prepare your supply chain for holiday demand surges, carrier capacity crunches, and fulfillment challenges.

5 min readRead article
Shipping Electronics: Compliance and Handling Best PracticesFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Shipping Electronics: Compliance and Handling Best Practices

Electronics face strict regulations and are damage-prone. Learn about FCC requirements, lithium battery rules, and packaging best practices for tech products.

5 min readRead article
Cross-Docking: Streamlining Your Supply ChainFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Cross-Docking: Streamlining Your Supply Chain

Cross-docking moves products from inbound to outbound with minimal storage. Learn when this strategy makes sense and how to implement it effectively.

5 min readRead article
Shipping Furniture and Large Items: Oversized Cargo GuideFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Shipping Furniture and Large Items: Oversized Cargo Guide

Furniture and oversized items require special handling and packaging. Learn about blanket wrap, crating, LTL vs specialized carriers, and protecting large shipments.

5 min readRead article
Reefer Container Guide: Shipping Temperature-Sensitive GoodsFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Reefer Container Guide: Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Goods

Perishable cargo requires careful temperature management from origin to destination. Learn how refrigerated containers work and best practices for cold chain shipping.

5 min readRead article
Supply Chain Risk Management: Building Resilience in 2026Feb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Supply Chain Risk Management: Building Resilience in 2026

Disruptions are inevitable. Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks to keep your business running when problems occur.

5 min readRead article
Transit Time Calculator: How Long Does International Shipping Take?Feb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Transit Time Calculator: How Long Does International Shipping Take?

From China to the US in 14 days or 45 days? Understand what affects transit times and how to plan your supply chain around realistic shipping schedules.

5 min readRead article
E-commerce Fulfillment Strategies: DTC, Marketplace, and Hybrid ModelsFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

E-commerce Fulfillment Strategies: DTC, Marketplace, and Hybrid Models

Direct-to-consumer, marketplace, or both? Compare fulfillment strategies for online sellers and learn how to optimize your operations.

5 min readRead article
Warehouse Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right 3PL FacilityFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Warehouse Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right 3PL Facility

Choosing the right warehouse location and 3PL partner can make or break your supply chain. Learn the key factors to evaluate before signing a contract.

5 min readRead article
Sustainable Shipping: Reducing Your Supply Chain Carbon FootprintFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Sustainable Shipping: Reducing Your Supply Chain Carbon Footprint

Sustainability is becoming essential in logistics. Learn practical ways to measure and reduce emissions in your shipping operations without sacrificing efficiency.

5 min readRead article
Port Congestion 2026: Causes, Impacts, and SolutionsFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Port Congestion 2026: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Port congestion continues to challenge supply chains. Understand what causes delays, which ports are affected, and strategies to minimize disruption to your shipments.

5 min readRead article
Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What's the Difference?Feb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What's the Difference?

Confused about freight forwarders and customs brokers? Learn what each does, when you need them, and how to choose the right partners for your imports.

5 min readRead article
3PL vs In-House Logistics: Which Is Right for Your Business?Feb 5, 2026
fundamentals

3PL vs In-House Logistics: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Should you outsource to a 3PL or manage logistics internally? Compare costs, control, scalability, and expertise to make the right decision for your supply chain.

5 min readRead article
Pallet Shipping Guide: Dimensions, Weight, and StackingFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Pallet Shipping Guide: Dimensions, Weight, and Stacking

Proper palletization prevents damage and maximizes container space. Learn standard sizes, weight limits, and stacking best practices.

5 min readRead article
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight: Making the Right ChoiceFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Air Freight vs Ocean Freight: Making the Right Choice

Speed or savings? Learn when to choose air freight over ocean and how to optimize your modal mix for different products.

5 min readRead article
Freight Insurance: Protecting Your CargoFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Freight Insurance: Protecting Your Cargo

Carrier liability often falls short. Learn why cargo insurance matters and how to choose the right coverage for your shipments.

5 min readRead article
Container Shipping 101: FCL vs LCL ExplainedFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Container Shipping 101: FCL vs LCL Explained

Should you book a full container or share space? This guide breaks down FCL and LCL shipping to help you make the right choice for your cargo.

5 min readRead article
Red Sea Crisis 2026: How Shipping Routes Are ChangingFeb 5, 2026
fundamentals

Red Sea Crisis 2026: How Shipping Routes Are Changing

The ongoing Red Sea disruptions continue to reshape global shipping. Learn how carriers are adapting and what it means for your supply chain.

5 min readRead article
Predictive Logistics AI Supply ChainFeb 4, 2026
fundamentals

Predictive Logistics: How AI is Revolutionizing Supply Chain Management in 2026

Discover how predictive logistics and AI are transforming supply chain operations in 2026, enabling real-time rerouting, demand forecasting, and unprecedented operational efficiency for shippers worldwide.

1 min readRead article
how reverse logistics workJan 9, 2026
fundamentals

Reverse Logistics Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and Who Uses It

Reverse logistics refers to the process of managing goods after delivery, including returns, repairs, recycling, and disposal. Unlike traditional logistics, reverse logistics focuses on moving products back through the supply chain in a controlled, compliant, and cost-efficient manner.

3 min readRead article
nvocc explainedJan 8, 2026
fundamentals

What Is an NVOCC in Ocean Freight?

An NVOCC plays a central but often misunderstood role in ocean freight. This article explains what an NVOCC is, how it differs from carriers and freight forwarders, and how it fits into the structure of global ocean trade.

4 min readRead article
what is freight forwardingDec 1, 2024
fundamentals

What is Freight Forwarding?

A complete guide to understanding freight forwarders, what they do, and why businesses rely on them for international shipping.

2 min readRead article
sea vs ocean freightNov 15, 2024
fundamentals

Ocean vs Air Freight: How to Choose

Compare the costs, transit times, and best use cases for ocean and air freight to make the right shipping decision for your business.

3 min readRead article
Incoterms explainedOct 20, 2024
fundamentals

Incoterms 2020 Explained: A Complete Guide

Understand the 11 Incoterms, what they mean for buyers and sellers, and how to choose the right terms for your shipments.

2 min readRead article