48 articles
Articles
Working notes on importing, exporting and procurement: Incoterms, customs, payments, logistics and selling. Each article lists its official sources.
Logistics
Newest first
FCL vs LCL and bill of lading types: straight, to order, seaway, telex release
When to ship FCL or LCL, and how to choose between straight, to-order and seaway bills, telex release, and house vs master B/L.
9 min read
Asia to Europe freight: sea vs air vs rail compared
Sea, air and rail freight from Asia to the EU compared on transit time, cost, risk and when each mode makes sense.
5 min read
Cargo insurance: Institute Cargo Clauses A, B and C explained
What Institute Cargo Clauses A, B and C cover, who must insure under CIF and CIP, the key exclusions, and how to file a transit damage claim.
5 min read
Demurrage and detention charges: free time and how to avoid them
The difference between demurrage and detention, how free time is counted, what causes the charges and what to negotiate with the carrier or forwarder.
5 min read
Export packaging and ISPM 15: pallet marking and sea packing
When wooden pallets and crates need ISPM 15, what the IPPC mark looks like, the exemptions, and how to pack and label goods for ocean transport.
5 min read
How to choose a freight forwarder and read a freight quote
How to assess a forwarder, all-in versus itemised quotes, and what BAF, THC, ISPS, ETS and documentation fees mean on an ocean freight quote.
5 min read
Shipping container types and dimensions: how to choose
ISO 668 and carrier dimensions for 20, 40 and 40 HC containers, and when to use a reefer, open top, flat rack, tank container or flexitank.
5 min read
Incoterms 2020 in practice: choosing the right rule
How to choose an Incoterms 2020 rule, where risk and cost transfer, why FCA beats EXW, CIP vs CIF insurance, and how to name the place precisely.
6 min read
Shipping documents in international trade: who issues what
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading types, certificate of origin, insurance and inspection certificates: what each does and who issues it.
6 min read