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Helpful Articles

Ocean freight invoices have a tendency to cause confusion for experienced and inexperienced shippers alike. Because the industry is steeped in history and tradition (and jargon!), understanding exactly what you’ve been charged for can feel like a mystery—until now. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common charges you’ll see on your ocean freight invoice. By understanding these line items, you’ll get a better handle on the real cost of shipping your goods. Additionally, we hope that clearing up the confusion will build your confidence with this shipping method so you can continue to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Depending on your...

There’s a lot of confusion around the Known Shipper Management System (KSMS) program—and with good reason. As part of its mission to protect the United States’ transportation systems, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has kept the program’s requirements largely secret. However, here’s what you need to know: If you’re regularly shipping goods via air cargo, becoming a known shipper can save you both time and money. In this article, we’ll explain how. Additionally, while there’s no official process to apply directly with TSA, we’ll show you a quick workaround that will be your fastest path to becoming a known shipper. First, let’s set the groundwork...

When you’re looking to grow your business or enter a new marketplace, ocean freight can offer you a cost-effective method for importing and exporting goods. This is especially true if you work with a freight forwarder who can offer you consolidation options. (More on that in a moment!) Many of our customers who are new to ocean freight tell us that it can feel intimidating. Others simply have questions around the logistics—sailing schedules, packaging concerns, container sizes and more. In this article, we’ll bring clarity to six ocean freight concepts that cause the most confusion. If you’re new to this shipping method, you’ll get a...

As you optimize your supply chain, adding air freight to your mix of shipping options can give you an edge. With its quick and reliable delivery times, air freight gets your goods in the hands of your customers exactly when they need them. If you’re new to air freight—or you want to discover more about how it can help you respond quickly to market demand—we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll introduce you to the big concepts around air freight as well as the terminology you’ll hear so you can navigate the arena like a pro and secure its advantages for your organization. Air Freight Concept...

A quick scroll through LinkedIn presents many supply chain experts. Experts who claim to have the ideal solution for supply chain planning. Unfortunately, what might work for one company may not be feasible for another. What works in the OEM industry might not work for retail. The demands of customers and clients, restrictions and tariffs at the final destination, and the availability of materials from vendors makes planning complex. Therefore, every company must prepare diligently to build a solution that works for the reality of their business. While there are plenty of quick tweaks that will boost your efficiency, a genuinely excellent supply chain is one...

Just like any business decision, costs are a consideration when you choose how to ship your goods. Although air freight offers a few advantages over ocean freight—such as faster shipping times, reliable delivery dates and less handling for high-value goods—it sometimes falls to the bottom of the list because of its cost.  However, air freight is a flexible mode of transportation that can be customized to fit your needs. For example, if you look at air freight consolidations, you may find that the benefits push it to the top. Here’s how it works: If you decide to air freight your goods, you’ll be offered four options:...