Supply Chain Fundamentals

In the vocabulary of global trade, CPT (Carriage Paid To) stands out as a highly versatile Incoterm suitable for any mode of transport, making it ideal for modern, multimodal supply chains. Under CPT, the seller pays for carriage to a named destination, but the buyer assumes risk much earlier in the journey. This crucial separation between cost and risk is often misunderstood and can lead to costly errors. This guide provides a clear and detailed breakdown of CPT, exploring seller and buyer responsibilities, the critical point of risk transfer, and strategies for using this term effectively.

FOB (Free On Board) is one of the most widely used and fundamentally important Incoterms in international trade, especially for sea freight. It precisely defines the moment of handover, marking the point where cost and risk transfer from the seller to the buyer once goods are loaded on board the vessel. This guide provides a deep dive into FOB, exploring the specific obligations of each party, its key advantages for importers, and the strategic considerations for when to use it. We'll also cover the current pricing dynamics for FOB shipments originating from China.

There are few things in logistics more frustrating than a concealed damage claim. Your shipment arrives with a pristine exterior, the delivery receipt is signed clean, but upon unpacking, you discover the contents are broken, crushed, or otherwise damaged. This blog provides a crucial guide for businesses on how to effectively document, report, and manage these challenging claims. We'll cover the critical first steps, your legal rights under the Carmack Amendment, and most importantly, the preventative measures you can take to protect your freight and your bottom line.

Freight shipping is the powerful engine that drives the global economy, moving the goods we rely on every day across cities, countries, and continents. For any business that buys or sells physical products, understanding the fundamentals of freight is the key to a successful and cost-effective supply chain. This guide breaks down the essentials, from choosing the right shipping method and managing costs to ensuring your packaging and documentation are flawless. Whether you're a startup shipping your first pallet or an established company looking to refine your strategy, these insights are for you.

The United States and Canada share the world's longest undefended border and a massive trade relationship, making cross-border shipping a daily reality for millions of businesses. While they may seem like logistical cousins, the two countries have critical differences in regulations, customs procedures, taxes, and geography that can catch unprepared shippers off guard. This guide breaks down the key distinctions between shipping in the USA and Canada, providing the insights you need to navigate North American logistics efficiently and avoid costly delays.

In the spectrum of international trade agreements, Ex Works (EXW) represents the point of maximum responsibility for the buyer and minimum obligation for the seller. Under EXW, the buyer takes control of the shipment from the seller's doorstep, managing every logistical step that follows. While this offers unparalleled control over the supply chain, it also comes with significant risks and complexities. This guide breaks down the roles, pros, cons, and strategic use cases for EXW to help businesses make informed and effective shipping decisions.

The entire global economy is built upon a simple steel box, and the universal language of this economy is the TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). This humble yet revolutionary unit of measurement is the standard for defining cargo capacity on ships, in ports, and across the entire supply chain. This blog explores the fascinating history of the TEU, explains how it's used to calculate capacity, and details its profound impact on global trade. Understanding the TEU is the first step to mastering the complexities of modern logistics.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) and Packing Slip are essential in logistics but serve very different purposes. A BOL is a legally binding contract between shipper and carrier, acting as a receipt, proof of ownership, and document of title crucial for transportation and customs. In contrast, a Packing Slip is an internal inventory document that lists shipment contents, aiding order accuracy, customer satisfaction, and dispute resolution. Understanding their scope, purpose, and parties involved helps businesses streamline operations, reduce errors, and ensure compliance in global trade.