Supply Chain Fundamentals

Landed cost is the total expense of getting products from a supplier to your warehouse, including shipping, duties, taxes, insurance, and handling fees. By calculating landed cost accurately, businesses can set the right prices, avoid profit loss from hidden charges, and compare suppliers fairly. This blog explains the landed cost formula, provides real examples, highlights the risks of ignoring hidden costs, reviews top calculator tools, and offers tips to reduce expenses for smarter business decisions.

The term “Linehaul Office” refers to a central logistics hub where shipments are sorted, consolidated, and dispatched to their next destination. When your package shows “Arrived at Linehaul Office,” it has reached a major checkpoint in the shipping process. This blog explains the role of a linehaul office, what happens when your shipment arrives, common causes of delays, and how you can track your package beyond this stage to ensure smooth delivery.

Air freight forwarding is the backbone of fast, reliable global trade. Acting as a travel agent for goods, freight forwarders coordinate documentation, customs clearance, and cargo space to keep shipments moving. While sea freight may be cheaper, air freight excels in speed and flexibility, making it ideal for perishable or urgent goods. This blog explains how forwarders work, why hidden fees matter, and how choosing the right partner can boost your business with global reach, better inventory management, and customer satisfaction.

Shipping goods across borders requires navigating customs, regulations, and multiple transport modes. Tracking plays a critical role in avoiding delays, improving visibility, and keeping customers satisfied. This blog explains the basics of international shipping, the importance of tracking, top tools and technologies, common challenges, and best practices to ensure on-time deliveries.

When importing goods into the United States, compliance with customs regulations is essential to avoid crippling fines and delays. A critical requirement for all ocean cargo is the Importer Security Filing (ISF), famously known as the "10+2 Rule." This declaration provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with advance data to assess security threats before shipments arrive. Understanding and mastering the ISF process is non-negotiable for smooth and legal shipping operations. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ISF, from the required data elements and customs bonds to the high cost of non-compliance.

A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a vital legal tool that protects businesses against unforeseen financial and legal risks. This guide will walk you through what an LOI is, why it's so important for business operations, and how it's effectively used across various sectors, from shipping to banking. You'll leave with a clear understanding of how to leverage this powerful document to secure your commercial dealings.