The Online Freight Knowledgebase
GETTING A FREIGHT QUOTE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This quick list includes everything you’ll actually need to get (and compare) freight quotes.
Depending on your forwarder and the agent you speak to, they may not remember to ask for all the data upfront. Which means slow turnaround and comparing apples to oranges. Beat them to the punch by coming to the table with the following information:
Contact Details, including Addresses
- Make sure that you have the full addresses for pickup if the shipment is door to door, including postcode (go back to Alibaba if necessary for this), and full destination address. Zip codes are sometimes enough but the more information, the better.
- You may need to provide the name of the port of origin. All airports and seaports have an international code (e.g USLAX for United States, Los Angeles airport if it is port to port or port to door (surprisingly, one of the largest forwarders asks for this for door to door too).
- If someone other than your company is receiving the shipment, have their contact details ready too.
Weights And Measures
- Provide the total weight of the shipment. You can probably still get by in pounds, but suppliers and increasingly forwarders think in kilograms.
- You will most likely need to breakdown volume measurements for each box, pallet, etc. For instance 3 pallets measuring 120 cm x 100 cm x 130 cm usually translates to defining the ## type as “pallet, defining the ## type as “cm” and the dimensions as 120 x 100 x 130.
- You may also probably have to provide total cubic volume, also called “CBM”. The example above comes to a cubic volume of 6.4 cubic meters. If there is a Total Volume field on a wizard type form, you will probably need to round to the closest cubic meter.
Product Description
- International freight works off HS Codes – basically a global index of product types. The official product name and code should be on the Commercial Invoice but it’s best to check anyway, using an HS Code lookup tool. It pays to check this, because an uncorrected error could lead to delays in customs clearance later on.
- Businesses exporting shipments need to know the Schedule B code, although the same large forwarder that asks for port of origin for door to door shipment also asks for the Schedule B code for imports to the US as well.
You may also be asked the following:
- the name of the supplier,
- whether want cargo insurance (the answer should be yes – comprehensive),
- the date that the shipment will be ready,
- the shipment value,
- whether you are looking more for a competitive price or for a speedy shipment,
- the sales contract incoterm, (on the sales contract)
- whether the packing list has been prepared, and
- whether you want to ship by air or ocean (and whether it’s LCL or FCL).
FREIGHT INSURANCE: WHY YOU NEED TO COVER YOUR BASES
When you’re shipping, ship happens. Here’s what you should look for in freight insurance.
Ever seen a kid open their first gift, and play with the gift wrap instead of the gift? Let’s get you as excited about packaging. Sure protecting your shipment is prudent (and boring) but did you know that great packaging can slash costs? Suddenly not so boring, right?
Protect Against Damage And Theft
Safety comes first. So make sure that your packaging is providing the protection required for your shipment. Fragile shipments should be double-boxed. Having two boxes not only adds an extra layer of cushion from…rugged..handling but it also reduces the chances of the product moving when the box is jostled. Wrapping the first box with bubble wrap and peanuts will secure it even further (but watch out, some fulfillment centers, like Amazon FBA warehouses, won’t let you use peanuts).
Unless you have a full container load, your goods will be consolidated with other shipments in a container. Same goes for planes: unless you are Apple chartering entire cargo planes, your goods will be consolidated with other shipments in the hold. With all those shipments huddled together, it’s easy for packages to get mixed up at unloading or . So make sure that your packages are clearly marked. But not too identifiable. If you are shipping something attractive to thieves, you should remove any brand identification, or any other labeling that might spill the beans (take a note from this bike company).
If You Now Think Packaging Is Exciting, Wait Until You Try Instant Freight Quoting On The Freightos Marketplace!
PACKAGING: THINK OUTSIDE (AND INSIDE) THE BOX
The right choices in packaging will help protect your shipment and slash freight costs.
Ever seen a kid open their first gift, and play with the gift wrap instead of the gift? Let’s get you as excited about packaging. Sure protecting your shipment is prudent (and boring) but did you know that great packaging can slash costs? Suddenly not so boring, right?
Protect Against Damage And Theft
Safety comes first. So make sure that your packaging is providing the protection required for your shipment. Fragile shipments should be double-boxed. Having two boxes not only adds an extra layer of cushion from…rugged..handling but it also reduces the chances of the product moving when the box is jostled. Wrapping the first box with bubble wrap and peanuts will secure it even further (but watch out, some fulfillment centers, like Amazon FBA warehouses, won’t let you use peanuts).
Unless you have a full container load, your goods will be consolidated with other shipments in a container. Same goes for planes: unless you are Apple chartering entire cargo planes, your goods will be consolidated with other shipments in the hold. With all those shipments huddled together, it’s easy for packages to get mixed up at unloading or . So make sure that your packages are clearly marked. But not too identifiable. If you are shipping something attractive to thieves, you should remove any brand identification, or any other labeling that might spill the beans (take a note from this bike company).
If You Now Think Packaging Is Exciting, Wait Until You Try Instant Freight Quoting On The Freightos Marketplace!
INCOTERMS IN PLAIN ENGLISH: A FREIGHT SHIPPING GUIDE
Incoterms are a critical for shipping but are also very confusing. Here’s some clarity.
Freight incoterms are the standard contract term used in sales contracts with importing/exporting to define responsibility and liability for shipment of the goods. In plain English – how far along the process will the supplier ensure that the goods are moved, and at what point does the buyer take over the shipment process.
FOB (Free On Board), EXW (Ex Works) and FCA (Free Carrier) are the most familiar incoterms but there’s much about these and the other options to learn. Because they are legal terms, written from a legal perspective, they can be confusing or easily misunderstood. And making the wrong choice might turn your shipment into an expensive nightmare.
This guide is designed for businesses with less experience dealing with international freight, and provides comprehensive information, clearly explaining each incoterm. But because they are legal terms, there are a few key terms you must first be sure that you understand before you check out an individual incoterm.
SCALING SALES: KEY AMAZON SELLER SAAS TOOLS
Scaling up Amazon sales? Take out the heavy guns with the awesome tech tools.
Amazon seller? Get prepared.
No knight has ever gone to battle without his sword and no carpenter would show up without a hammer. While Amazon has some pretty incredible tools for selling on FBA (like the amazing resource that are the Seller Central forums, mobile app and volume listing tool), sometimes you need to go beyond to find great tools.
In no particular order, here are the tools of the trade that Amazon sellers need to scale up sales.
The Price Is Right
Since this is the world’s largest marketplace, it’s natural that prices will fluctuate rapidly. There’s so many automated programs to ensure pitch-perfect pricing (and even to optimize your Buy Box changes) that you practically need a program to evaluate them. The most recommended ones we know are Feedvisor, SellerEngine and Teikametrics. Feedvisor will even take care of private label pricing, based on your internal inventory and optimum sale speed. And, of course, CamelCamelCamel is incredible for monitoring general price shifts.
WHAT IS A 3PL? AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHY SHOULD I CARE?
The pros and cons of outsourcing picking, packing and distribution to a 3PL.
If something was helpful to you, you should be able to tell by the name. Like, a Fire Service sounds useful if your warehouse is burning down. But what does “3PL” tell you? Does it make you think, “If I can’t tell what you do, then I probably don’t need it”? That’s a big shame, because 3PLs can be the difference between an online business or new e-commerce initiative either succeeding or failing.
“3PL” stands for “Third Party Logistics”. Simply stated, it is outsourcing your receiving, warehousing, picking, packing and shipping to a third-party business for a fee.
WHAT IS A GRI OCEAN SHIPPING INCREASE?
Here’s how ocean carriers periodically updating ocean shipping rates impacts you.
In a non-volatile market, GRIs would only take place on an annual or semi-annual basis. However, supply and demand for ocean shipping can fluctuate pretty rapidly. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index, one of the more popular freight shipping indexes, tends to look more like shark’s teeth than a flatline.
Within the United States, ocean freight price increases must be reported to the Federal Maritime Commission 30 days before they go into effect. Over the course of the month between when they are reported and implemented, the carriers can decide against the GRI (or decide to lower the exact value) based on supply/demand changes.
AMAZON FBA FREIGHT RATE CALCULATOR: FREE FREIGHT TOOL
Get instant global import prices, directly to Amazon FBA warehouses.
About the Freight Rates Estimator
Unlike any other freight rate estimator, Freightos’ freight rate calculator and Amazon FBA calculator use real freight data to calculate instant, all-in freight quotes, including surcharges and freight costs. Our data is based on live freight rates from dozens of global forwarders, helping us provide you with accurate, real-time quotes.
What’s Included in the Estimated Rates?
The Freight Rate Estimator includes all fees and surcharges available for trucking, air and ocean shipping. It does not include customs duties associated with specific commodities. Since this estimator is unique in that it relies on live data from real freight companies, it may not have global coverage for every route you search.
If you’re looking for fully binding quotes that you can book online, check out the Freightos Marketplace.
HS CODE LOOKUP AND US CUSTOMS LOOKUP
Find international freight Harmonized System codes; calculate US import duties.
COMMON FREIGHT CONTAINER, PALLET AND BOX DIMENSIONS
Not sure how much cargo a pallet (or container) can hold? Find your answers here.
| Mode | Container | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Containers | Full 20′ container (TEU FCL) | Standard twenty-foot container that is loaded and unloaded under the risk and account of the shipper or consignee. |
| Ocean Containers | Full 40′ container (FEU FCL) | Standard forty-foot container that is loaded and unloaded under the risk and account of the shipper or consignee. |
| Ocean Containers | Full 40’HC container (FCL) | Hi-cube forty-foot container that is loaded and unloaded under the risk and account of the shipper or consignee. |
| Ocean Containers | Full 45’HC container (FCL) | Hi-cube forty five-foot container that is loaded and unloaded under the risk and account of the shipper or consignee. |
| Ocean Containers | 20′ flat rack | Tenty-foot open-topped and open-sided unit that fits into an existing below-deck container and is used for oversized cargo and wheeled or tracked vehicles. |
| Ocean Containers | 40′ flat rack | Forty-foot open-topped and open-sided unit that fits into an existing below-deck container and is used for oversized cargo and wheeled or tracked vehicles. |
| Ocean Containers | 20′ refrigerated | ”Twenty-foot refrigerated shipping container for transporting perishables having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40′ refrigerated | ”Forty-foot refrigerated shipping container for transporting perishables having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40’HC refrigerated | ”Hi-cube forty-foot refrigerated container that is used for transporting perishables having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system.” |
| Ocean Containers | 20′ non operative reefer (NOR) | ”Twenty-foot refrigerated shipping container having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system that is non operative.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40′ non operative reefer (NOR) | ”Forty-foot refrigerated shipping container having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system that is non operative.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40’HC non operative reefer (NOR) | ”Hi-cube forty-foot refrigerated shipping container having its own stand-alone (self-powered) cooling system that is non operative.” |
| Ocean Containers | 20′ ISO tank container | ”Twenty-foot container or tanktainer that is an intermodal container for the transport of liquids gases and powders as bulk cargo.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40′ ISO tank container | ”Forty-foot container or tanktainer that is an intermodal container for the transport of liquids gases and powders as bulk cargo.” |
| Ocean Containers | 20′ open top | ”Twenty-foot container fitted with a solid removable roof or with a tarpaulin roof that can be loaded or unloaded from the top.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40′ open top | ”Forty-foot container fitted with a solid removable roof or with a tarpaulin roof that can be loaded or unloaded from the top.” |
| Ocean Containers | 40’HC open top | ”Hi-cube forty-foot container fitted with a solid removable roof or with a tarpaulin roof that can be loaded or unloaded from the top.” |
| Ocean Containers | Drum | (Barrels) Cylindrical container used for shipping liquids and powders and is often certified for shipment of dangerous goods. |
| Ocean Containers | Ro ro | ”Roll-on/roll-off ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles and trucks.” |
| Ocean Containers | Container48 | Forty eight-foot hi-cube container. |
| Ocean Containers | Container53 | Fifty three-foot hi-cube container. |
| Air Shipping | LD1 | ”92″” wide contoured half width container used for a wide-body aircraft.” |
| Air Shipping | LD2 | ”61.5″” wide contoured half width container used for a wide-body aircraft.” |
| Air Shipping | LD3 | ”79″” wide contoured half width container used for a wide-body aircraft. Dimension are according to IATA.” |
| Air Shipping | LD7 | ”88″”/96″” wide contoured full width container used for a wide-body aircraft.” |
| Air Shipping | LD6 | ”160″” wide contoured full width container used for a wide-body aircraft. (equivalent to 2 LD3s)” |
| Air Shipping | LD8 | ”125″” wide contoured full width container used for a wide-body aircraft. (equivalent to 2 LD2s)” |
| Air Shipping | LD11 | ”125″” wide full width container used for a wide-body aircraft. (same as LD6 but without contours; rectangular)” |
| Pallets | Pallet(s) | ”Portable platform on which goods can be moved stacked and stored |
| Pallets | EUR1/ISO1 pallet (80×120cm) | Standard pallet with the dimensions 80 X 120 cm. |
| Pallets | EUR2/ISO2 pallet (120×100cm) | Standard pallet with the dimensions 100 X 120 cm. |
| Pallets | “48””x40″” pallet” | ”48″” Long x 40″” Wide wood pallet is the most common size stringer pallet.” |
| Other | Box | Container with a flat base and sides typically square or rectangular and having a lid. |
| Other | Envelope | ”Flat paper container with a sealable flap used to enclose a letter or document.” |
| Other | Break bulk | System of transporting cargo as separate pieces rather than in containers. |
| Other | Roll | Container that can be carried by trucks and can be pushed to ground level by help of a hook and level arm with the container possibly sliding on roller wheels. |
COMMON FREIGHT TERM GLOSSARY AND EXPLANATIONS
Lost in an ocean of freight acronyms? Check out our easy guide to freight shipper terms.
| Freight Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Air Waybill | A contract between the shipper and the carrier, which also functions as a receipt of goods of carriage, a dispatch note, an invoice of the transportation charges, an insurance certificate – if such is effected through the airline – a document used by customs authorities as evidence of shipment and transit, and a delivery receipt. |
| All Risks | The widest form of transportation insurance coverage available. However, contrary to the term itself, it does not cover every risk. The loss or damage must be accidental in nature. |
| AMS | Automated Manifest System of US customs introduced in 2004. This system requires airlines and shipping lines to submit within prescribed time limits, precise details of cargo arriving at USA ports and airports. |
| ATF | Airline Terminal Fee. A charge for the physical processing of cargo at the bond store. |
| Average | In sea freight insurance, it means damage. |
| BAF | Bunker Adjustment Factor. A change to a carrier’s rates to accommodate the price of oil. |
| Berth | The specific location in a port at which a ship is moored. |
| Bill of Lading | A document that usually evidences the contract of carriage between shipper and charter. It serves not only as the primary transport document and as a required document for customs clearance, but also as a ‘title’ or ‘deed’ to the cargo. Only relevant to sea freight. |
| Bonded Goods | Products on which customs have not yet been paid. Kept in a specific warehouse. |
| Breaking Bulk | To unload or unpack a container or ship. |
| CAF | Currency Adjustment Factor. An adjustment to a carrier’s rates to account for fluctuating value of currency. |
| Carnet | An international customs document used for the temporary duty/tax free entry of goods under international conventions. It is effectively a passport for eligible goods in the countries that subscribe to the relevant conventions. |
| Carriers | Companies that physically transport the freight – airliners, cargo liners, trucks, etc. In most cases they are not also freight forwarders, but some NVOCCs are kind of a combination. |
| Carrier’s Lien | A carrier's right to hold on to cargo until they have received payment for transporting the goods. |
| CASS | Cargo Agents Settlement System. Responsible for settling the accounting between cargo agents and IATA, or Non-IATA, airlines that use the CASS services. |
| Cellular Vessel | A ship designed to stack containers. |
| Certificate of Origin | Trade document confirming that exported goods have been manufactured/ produced in a particular country. Each is marked a unique number, and states the full legal name and tax info of the exporter, the address of the consignee, relevant markings or numbers on the packages, the number and kind of packages, and a description of each good. |
| Conference | A group of carriers that pool their regular service under common rules and tariffs. |
| Contract of carriage | The international carriage of goods is conducted under conventions established for the purposes of ensuring uniformity in the application of rules and laws, the setting of minimum standards for the liabilities and responsibilities of carriers who contract to transport cargo, and the rights and responsibilities of merchants, (shippers) their agents and contractors. |
| Deadweight Tonnage | The total capacity of a ship – crew and all. |
| Drawback | Customs paid on exports previously imported. |
| FCL | Full Container Load. |
| Freight Forwarders | Companies that arrange the logistics of shipping. Unlike the shippers and carriers, the forwarders are asset-light. Shippers have goods, and carriers have transportation. Forwarders have contracts with shippers and arrange for your stuff to be shipped from one place to another, start to finish. They are service companies. |
| FTL | Full Truck Load. |
| Incoterms | Commercial standards for purchasing and shipping. Incoterms show which charges the seller and buyer are responsible for. They eliminate any confusion should have about when you should pay for what. Want to know who has to pay for customs levied on air freight? Check the Incoterms. |
| House Bill of Lading | The forwarder’s bill of lading. |
| ICC | International Chambers of Commerce. |
| ICS | International Chamber of Shipping. |
| Igloo | A container shaped to fit in an aircraft’s cargo hold. |
| Jettison | Throwing cargo overboard to save the ship. |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization. UN body responsible for anti-pollution conventions and shipping. |
| Inbound logistics | The process of transporting materials or goods to a manufacturer, supplier, warehouse, or retail store. On the supply side. |
| Inherent Vice | Quality of goods or packaging that risks damage, without any outside forces. E.g. – steel can rust. |
| Intermodal | Shipping freight by more than one mode of transportation. The reason that the shipping container is called an intermodal shipping container. |
| LCL | Less than container load. |
| Lift on/Lift off | Charge from a carrier for moving an FCL from the truck to somewhere else. |
| Liner | A freight ship with a regular schedule and regular ports of loading and unloading. |
| LTL | Less than truck load. This is LCL in trucking. LTL is suitable for small shipments. There is often a 100 pound weight limit. Because LTL shipments contain multiple items going to multiple destinations, they take longer. |
| Manifest | List of cargo carried on the ship. |
| Minimum Charge | The lowest a carrier will charge for transport between two ports. |
| Modes | The different types of transportation for freight. The main ones are air, sea, truck, and rail. |
| Net Weight | The weight of a shipment excluding the weight of packaging. |
| Outbound Logistics | The process of transporting goods to the customer or final user. |
| Out of Gage | Cargo that doesn’t fit in even open top containers, flat racks, or on platforms. |
| Outsider Line | A shipping line that isn’t part of a conference. |
| Peak Season Surcharge | An additional charge from carriers during popular shipping seasons. |
| Proof of Delivery | Signed receipt of delivery. |
| Proximate Cause | Immediate cause of damage. |
| Reefer Container | A refrigerated container. |
| Revenue Ton | The unit of weight that the freight payment is calculated against. Usually one cubic meter or 1000 kg. |
| SCAC | Standard Carrier Alpha Code. A two to four letter code to identify the carrier. |
| Scale Weight | The actual weight of a shipment, including packaging. |
| Seal | A coded/numbered metal rod used to seal shipping containers. Their levels of security vary with the type of seal. |
| Security Surcharge | A charge from air and sea carriers. For air it’s usually based on kilos of cargo. Ocean carriers charge on container, revenue ton, or bill of lading. |
| Shipped On Board Bill of Lading | Receipt after the cargo has been loaded on to the ship. |
| Shipper | A person who wants to send freight to a buyer. |
| Short Landed | When part or all of a shipment that has been shipped hasn’t arrived. |
| Shut Out | Freight shipped on the wrong vessel. |
| Single Administrative Document | A document for some areas of the world (includes EU, China) for all customs charges. |
| Subrogation | Legal right of insurance companies to make counter claims on carriers for loss or damage. |
| Tailgate Inspection | Inspection of a container loaded on a truck, from the back with doors open. |
| Tank Container | A container made for the bulk shipment of liquids, gases, and powders. |
| Through Bill of Lading | A bill of lading for multiple modes of transportation. The carrier that issues it is responsible for forwarding. |
| Unit Load Device | The special containers and pallets used for air cargo. |
| Valuable Cargo | Freight with a value of $1,000+ per gross kg. Or contains precious metals, banknotes, pearls, or precious stones. |
| Warehouse to warehouse | Confirms where freight insurance ends. There may be a period of time after the goods arrive at their destination for which the insurance continues. |
| Wharfage | Charge for transporting a container around the port. Charged by metric tonne or cubic meter. |
| Zone Charges | Ocean liner charges for carting of LCL or FCL cargo. |
FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE FBA INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT COSTS
Looking to optimize returns on Amazon? Follow these tips to private label importing.
Cover Your Cargo (ie Freight Insurance)
Ship happens when you ship freight. Since, forwarder and carrier liability is limited to standard terms and conditions, you’re usually looking at just $2.00/kg (2.2 lbs) if goods are damaged or disappear.
Ideally, you should compare insurance rates both from forwarders and specialist cargo insurance companies. That said, forwarders’ rates are usually favorable. Whoever you choose, make sure that you are getting comprehensive cargo insurance.
Even that has limits, so make sure that any contract of sale is well-drafted. In particular be sure that you understand the full implication of risk and responsibility before agreeing to the incoterm (standardized terms and conditions for transporting goods).
If something does go wrong in transit, request copies of all of the pick-up orders and delivery notes along the shipment’s path. They record how many items were handed over, and their condition at every stage, helping your insurance company identify who was at fault (and who should pay).
Challenge Freight Surcharges
There’s a surprising number of freight surcharges from carriers, ports, customs, and forwarders that can creep onto freight invoices – over 20, on average! And some of those fees may not be relevant or absolutely critical for your shipment.
Check what you’re paying for before pulling out that checkbook For starters, you can use this list of standard freight charges that apply to China-US imports. Failing that, try a broader internet search. Some charges can be hard to track down, because there isn’t much in the way of standardization of surcharge names. If you can’t find that freight charge, or it doesn’t seem applicable, don’t be shy to ask your forwarder. That’s exactly what he’s there for.
Control Your Inventory
This is going to get a little academic. There’s a common supply chain problem called the bullwhip effect. Changes in customer demand (the handle of the whip) creates increasingly larger waves of response further down the supply chain. Planning ahead with demand will allow you to reduce excessive storage fees at Amazon and cut your logistics spend. Not only do you import only the amount you need, you also cut back on expensive air freight because your inventory has suddenly been depleted.
Amazon has provided FBA sellers a great tool to help review pricing, manage stock levels and plan ahead – theInventory Health Report. Check out the “Weeks of Cover” information there, which gives current estimates for how long it will take before each item is likely to sell out.
This FBA Freight Calculator can also help with inventory planning, giving instant estimates of both air and ocean freight to Amazon warehouses, based on in-house rates that freight companies use. This tool is also great for estimating landed costs for potential new products or suppliers.
Checklist Up
You’ll probably want to keep on top of the shipment, and need copies of shipping records if should you make an insurance claim. But sellers often find themselves having to chase these up from their forwarder. A good way to avoid being in this situation is that soon after accepting a quote, to agree with your forwarder which documents you require from each other, and make a communication checklist.
Then work off this checklist. This should cut down the Tylenols and the emails going back and forth.
Be sure to check each document as it comes in, because errors can lead to problems further down the process. Errors can even lead to Customs applying penalties against you, if not they are not corrected soon after submission. You should have already checked the Commercial Invoice and Certificate of Origin, but make sure you take a quick look at the Bill of Lading.
Shop around
Finding a freight forwarder can feel like finding a mechanic – even when you find a good one, you’re never sure if you’re getting ripped off. And a good price doesn’t necessarily mean a good forwarder. Sometimes those cheap rates don’t include additional fees.
Here’s a typical example. It’s quite common for Chinese suppliers to offer sellers the price of shipping from their warehouses to the destination port. It seems cheap, even when local trucking to the FBA warehouse is added on top. But that doesn’t account for certain port handling fees and customs obligations. Do your due diligence, compare freight companies, request different types of quotes, compare what’s included, before choosing which mode and price works best for you.
Incidentally, we’re making that process easier with our “Expedia for freight”, where you can instantly compare air and ocean prices from awesome forwarders (check it out here). But even if you don’t use Freightos, make sure to call a couple of forwarders, get some of their client’s names to make sure they’re not fly-by-night organizations, and compare their offerings. We’ve found that prices can diverge by well over 100% on different shipping lanes.
GLOBAL AIRPORT AND SEAPORT MAP: FREE FREIGHT TOOL
Find the best seaport or seaport to ship from, whether in China or Chi-town.
HOW TO MAKE A FREIGHT INSURANCE CLAIM FROM FORWARDERS OR CARRIERS
With freight shipping, things eventually will go wrong. Here’s how to make it right again.
Ocean carriers lose about 10,000 containers at sea each year. While that shouldn’t keep you up at night – 770 million shipping containers were moved globally in 2014 and statistics are still on your side, it can happen to anyone. Even the best carriers can lose or damage your goods, which means you’ll have to file a freight claim.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FREIGHT FORWARDER
Don’t know who to trust with your goods? Here are the questions you need to ask.
Freightos does the hard work for you by helping you instantly compare freight quotes from awesome forwarders on the Freightos Marketplace. But it’s still important to know what goes into choosing a great logistics provider?
GET BETTER FREIGHT SERVICE WITH THESE TEN TIPS FROM PROFESSIONALS
We asked the freight pros how customers can get better service. Here’s what they said.
There’s lots online about selecting a forwarder, less on how to get a better freight service.Instead of relying on blind faith, check out these ten tips on how to get a better freight service.
INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT RATE CALCULATOR: FREE FREIGHT TOOL
Discover global import and export prices in seconds with Instant global freight estimates.
Unlike any other freight rate estimator, Freightos’ calculator uses real freight data to calculate instant, all-in freight quotes, including surcharges and freight costs. Our data is based on live freight rates from dozens of global forwarders, helping us provide you with accurate, real-time quotes.
FREIGHT SHIPPING HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TABLE: FREIGHT TOOLS
Do you know the nine hazardous materials classes? You should.
What is HAZMAT, and what does it mean for your freight and shipping needs? Explore the nine US HAZMAT classes by clicking on any sign in our Hazardous Materials Table for sub-categories, examples and other key information.
KEY FREIGHT DOCUMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Go beyond the commercial invoice. These are the 15 freight documents you should know.
You’re a shipper and you want to import freight sized cargo. The paperwork entailed can seem daunting, even for seasoned shippers.
Unbelievably, there are over one hundred documents that play a role in freight shipping. Fortunately, most of them apply to specialised shipping, like for instance a special form if you are importing vicuña fiber from Peru.
This article focusses on the key freight documents intrinsic to nearly all shipments you make: how it relates to you, and what you need to be across.
FREIGHT INFORMATION: TIPS AND ADVICE ON COMMON FREIGHT CHARGES
Sea of surcharges? Here’s what you are being charged (and what you can avoid).
According to Freightos research, there’s an average of over 20 freight fees and surcharges in every international freight quote. But what do all those initials mean anyway?
Do you really understand the freight charges and fees on your freight quote and your forwarder’s invoice? We’ve listed 28 different freight fees and surcharges, by who generally charges the fee, what stage of the shipment it relates to, a short description of what you’re actually paying and tips relating to different surcharges.
SIX SECRET TIPS FOR SIMPLER FREIGHT FROM SHIPPING PROFESSIONALS
No need to be a freight whiz. Use these six simple tips to reduce logistics spend.
Businesses that require 10, 20, maybe even 100 TEU of freight annually often baulk at the complicated processes and confusing jargon in moving freight. It would of course be even more daunting without the help of freight forwarders. But you are a small customer to them, and this practically limits their involvement.
Likewise, as a smaller shipper, your freight requirements are probably only a small part of your business. And this limits your time, and inclination, to get too involved. Then, maybe these six secret tips for simpler freight will help fill the gap.
AIR FREIGHT VS OCEAN FREIGHT: MAKING THE DECISION
Confused whether to ship by air, ocean or express? Look no further.
Guidelines for selecting Air vs Ocean Freight
Air Freight
- Air freight is best used when the cost of shipping is less than 15-20% of the value of the goods.
- Air freight is faster, safer and more reliable than ocean, but also more expensive – a $195 ocean shipment can cost $1,000 by air.
- Airlines also have stricter regulations when it comes to shipping hazardous materials. Refer below, and discuss with your forwarder.
Ocean Freight
- Ocean freight offers more capacity and value – one container can hold 10,000 beer bottles!
- Ocean freight is usually much slower than air, and customs issues and port holdups can cause additional delays, Express LCL, increasingly available on more routes and by more forwarders, often guarantees a delivery date and is often not that much slower than air.
- Ocean freight has a much better carbon footprint than air freight.
Looking for accurate shipment costing for both modes? Check out this Freight Rate Calculator, or this calculator specially designed for Amazon FBA Sellers.
