Noticing your international shipping budget chip away because of import duties? You're not alone. A recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that American companies paid over $90 billion in import duties last year alone. That’s a serious hit to the bottom line—especially for
United States to West Africa shipping volumes surged 18% in 2025, with bilateral global trade now exceeding $28 billion annually. Behind these statistics lies one of the world's most dynamic trade corridors, connecting American businesses to over 400 million consumers across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. But
Have you ever come across your shipping companies charging $25 to ship a 2-pound pillow? You’re not alone. The shipment cost is often calculated for the space it occupies and not for the weight it weighs. This is where you should know the difference between dimensional weight and actual
Shipping apparel from China to the U.S. in 2025 is tougher and pricier than ever. With tariffs peaking at 145% and container rates soaring, fashion brands must rethink smarter shipping methods to stay profitable. Though imports have hit a 22-year low, China still leads the pack making smart, cost-effective
In international freight shipping, everyone loves a good success story but in ocean freight, the horror stories are far more common. A shipment stuck in customs. A missed ISF filing. A $2,000 surprise charge. Don’t be the next case study in international shipping gone wrong. Instead, learn how
Your air shipment cleared customs within hours, but your ocean freight? Still stuck. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Why the difference? Customs clearance in the U.S. isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The timeline can vary depending on the mode of transport, paperwork, port of entry, and
Let’s say you’re importing a batch of goods and everything seems in order, until Customs holds your shipment. Why? The HTS code on your documents doesn’t match what the product actually is. Suddenly, you're facing delays, fines, or even extra duties you didn’t expect.
Shipment ready, documents on point, container booked — but the vessel never left? Have you been through this situation? If yes, then you’ve just experienced a blank sailing or void sailing. It’s a growing issue in ocean freight, and if you’re not prepared, it can throw off your
“Wait… I need what to ship this out?” If you’ve ever said that while preparing an international order, you’re not alone. Whether you’re sending goods via ocean freight or air freight, the two documents you absolutely can’t skip are the commercial invoice and the packing list.
Importer: Hey, quick question. I keep seeing this 'SCAC' thing on shipping documents. Do I need to worry about that? Freight Forwarder: Ah, the famous SCAC code. Yep, it’s a small code with a big role, especially in U.S. customs filings. Let me break it down
Wrong time in delivering certain goods can break your profit. Whether you're moving high-value electronics from Shenzhen to Chicago or rushing medical equipment across state lines in the U.S., air freight is the go-to solution for businesses that can't afford delays. So, what is air
Starting your import/export journey to the USA can feel overwhelming, but understanding the fundamentals of importing and exporting goods is crucial for manufacturing success. Here are the essential tips that will save you time, money, and headaches from day one. 1. Get Your Documentation Right from the Start What