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Freight shipping tips, tools, and guides to drive better international freight for importers and exporters of all sizes.

Freight Guides

Welcome to the Freightos Knowledge Base! Here you will find all of the guides and tools you need to help you plan your next shipment with confidence. Get started by navigating to a section on the left or by checking out some of our latest additions below.

Top Tips For Managing Freight Forwarder Relationships

Working with a freight forwarder? Here’s how to make the most of the relationship, avoid miscommunication, and keep your goods moving. Highlights Focus on finding the right forwarder for your specific shipping needs Be clear with your forwarder about your shipping requirements as early as possible Think of your forwarder as your partner – you […]

Shipping & Freight Cost Increases, Current Shipping Issues, and Shipping Container Shortage [2023]

Last updated: March 13th, 2023 Freight & shipping costs & delays Extremely elevated logistics costs have been one contributor to inflation during the pandemic. But since the spring of 2022, ocean freight prices have come down, with China-West Coast US rates recently hitting pre-pandemic levels. Volumes of imported containers to the US continued to fall […]

Ocean Freight

When you start to ship freight at high volumes, it’s time to consider ocean freight. Here is your guide to everything ocean, from choosing the mode that’s right for you to calculating costs and transit times. Ocean/Sea Freight Shipping Rates How much will your shipment cost? You can use this free calculator to get instant […]

How to Find a Freight Forwarder in China: Freight Shipping, Amazon FBA, and More

Exporting from China? You’ll need to find the right freight forwarder. With so many service providers out there, how do you find the right one for your shipping requirements? Read on to find out. Highlights If you’re exporting from China, your forwarder doesn’t need to be based in China, but they do need experience shipping […]

What is Liftgate Delivery: Meaning, Shipping and Service

If you’re importing or exporting freight, your goods will need to travel the world by air or sea. But they will also almost certainly need to be moved by truck at some point: to get from your supplier to the origin port, from the destination port to your warehouse, or other steps along the way. […]

Container Freight Station (CFS): Meaning, Charges, Benefits, And More

If you ship LCL, your goods will spend some time at container freight stations (CFS) during shipment. What are container freight stations? What do they do? How much do they cost? Read on to find out. What is a container freight station (CFS)? Container freight stations are facilities that prepare LCL shipments for the next […]

Should I ship with Flexport or Convoy?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a global freight provider or with a US-based freight provider. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Should I ship with Freightos or Cogoport?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a single freight forwarder or with the Freightos.com marketplace, which provides access to many forwarders. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Air Waybill (AWB): Meaning, Number, Types, and Examples

Shipping air freight? You’ll need an air waybill (AWB). Keep reading to learn what an AWB is, what information it includes, how to get one, and more. What is an air waybill (AWB)? An air waybill, also called an air consignment note, is a required shipping document for air freight. It contains detailed information about […]

Freight Calculator: Calculate Air and Sea Shipping Costs

Our free international freight quote calculator delivers accurate freight rate estimates. Just tell us about your shipment to get an estimate from the world’s largest freight rate database. Then join Freightos to compare, book, and manage your upcoming shipments using our freight rate calculator.   Loading… Compare, book, and manage freight instantly on Freightos.com Comparing […]

What is a VAT Number and How to Apply for One

If you’re shipping goods to a country in the European Union (EU), you’ll need an EU VAT number to clear customs. This guide covers everything you need to know about VAT numbers and how to apply for one. Read on to learn: What a VAT number is How to apply for a VAT number Where […]

How to Avoid Lunar New Year Shipping Delays in 2023

Lunar New Year 2023, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is right around the corner. For importers and exporters, the holiday means limited operations, labor shortages, and delayed shipping. But you can avoid the holiday rush and supply chain disruptions. Keep reading to learn about: The effects of the Lunar New […]

Should I ship with Freightos or Convoy?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a single freight forwarder or with the Freightos.com marketplace, which provides access to many forwarders. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Should I Ship with Freightos or Forto?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a single freight forwarder or with the Freightos.com marketplace, which provides access to many forwarders. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Should I Ship with Freightos or iContainers?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a single freight forwarder or with the Freightos.com marketplace, which provides access to many forwarders. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Should I ship with Freightos or Flexport?

For importers and exporters, choosing the right providers is a crucial step in moving goods around the world. One important piece of this decision is whether to ship with a single freight forwarder or with the Freightos.com marketplace, which provides access to many forwarders. Read on to learn which choice makes the most sense for your business.

Top Freight Forwarders In 2023

If you’re an importer or exporter, you need a good freight forwarder to help with your international freight shipping. But with so many options,  how can you know you’re choosing one that’s a good fit for you and your business? We’ve got your back. Keep reading for a list of some of the world’s best […]

Top Chinese Ports For Container Shipping: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and More

Often called the world’s factory, China manufactures or assembles countless goods for export across many industries. Not surprisingly, China is also the world’s largest container market – and its ports play a crucial role in international trade operations. With 150+ major ports and 1800+ minor ports, China is a central point for the global supply […]

What is Drayage: Meaning in Freight Shipping

Drayage is a small but important part of getting goods where they need to go. What is drayage? What are drayage costs and how are they calculated? Read on to find out. Drayage definition and meaning Drayage has two meanings: Moving freight containers short distances between ports, warehouses, or intermodal terminals. The transfer is usually […]

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