This blog post was originally published on 2/21/2022 and was updated on 1/17/2024.

Trying to ship without a freight forwarding standard operating procedure (SOP) is like trying to drive a car without starting the engine. The SOP is necessary to ensure operations between importers, freight forwarders, carriers, and other stakeholders run smoothly. 

Freight management involves more than moving goods from point A to point B. When done right, it maximizes a company’s efficiency and improves its bottom line. When done poorly, it can lead to delayed goods, dissatisfied customers, and unexpected costs. 

A freight forwarder is worth considering when shipping globally on a large scale. They help transport goods where they need to go, on time and within budget. If you already understand how critical a freight forwarder is for your business, it’s important to take stock of whether or not your current partner is getting the job done right.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) became law in July 2022.

Approximately 17 million shipping containers are available, but just 6 million are in use at once. This means 11 million shipping containers sit unused across the globe at any given time.

Shipping freight doesn’t just involve getting goods from one place to another—it also requires paying close attention to a wide range of necessary documents. Being aware of these documents, knowing how they are used, and understanding the differences between them can help shippers avoid misunderstandings and transport issues.

Selecting the best shipping mode is difficult in the best of circumstances. But it’s become even tougher in a market rife with skyrocketing rates, blank sailings, congestion, and delays.

Train derailments happen more often than one might expect, with several occurring globally every month. While not every derailment affects freight, when they do, disruptions are massive. 

When moving cargo within a country, shippers have two choices: rail or road. Each has its pros and cons. But in today’s turbulent transport environment, the route that appears the easiest and most direct may not always be the most cost-effective or efficient. 

You can acquire shipping quotes for free. But they will mean little more than the paper they’re printed on if you don’t provide accurate—and necessary—details upfront.

Experts call China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy good for the pandemic but bad for the supply chain—and nothing could be more spot on.

Knowing how to read shipping quotes is among the most important skills a shipper can have. But this is easier said than done.