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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 10 Most Frequently Asked Shipping Questions

    The freight market is a trillion-dollar industry that relies on successful transactions between buyers and sellers. For newcomers entering this complex ecosystem, the amount of information and intricacies involved c an be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled the top 10 questions asked by new shippers. Read on to get crucial info to streamline […]

What is Freight Management: Solutions, Services and System

Shipping global freight means managing a lot of details all at once: paperwork, communication with providers, customs regulations, delay prevention, adapting to changing market conditions – it’s a lot. That’s where a freight management system comes in. Read on to learn: What good freight management is Why freight management goes (far) beyond booking your shipment […]

Five Questions to Ask Your Forwarder: Understanding Shipping Quotes, Customs Charges, Compliance, and More

International freight can be overwhelming. And although your forwarder is a great resource to answer your questions, sometimes it’s hard to even know what to ask. To help you out, here are five key questions to ask your freight forwarder to make sure you have the information you need to ship with confidence. Question 1: […]

6 Tips On How To Find and Choose The Best Freight Forwarder

There are thousands of freight forwarders out there. How do you choose the best one for your business? Here are six tips (and a checklist!) to help you select the best freight forwarder for your shipping and logistics needs. Pinpoint your shipping requirements Before you hire a freight forwarder, plan out what you need for […]

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

Last updated: April 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 […]

What Services Do Freight Forwarders Offer?

Global shipping is getting easier all the time. But moving goods around the world is still a complex dance of managing international regulations, securing transportation, and keeping a full supply chain running. This is where freight forwarders come in. Read on to learn what services freight forwarders provide and how to book the best one […]

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 […]

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.

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