What is Import/Export Declaration in Shipping?

An Import/Export Declaration is a mandatory government document that provides information about the cargo/goods shipment across international borders. It plays a vital role in ensuring legal, safe, and compliant international trade. If you are planning to import raw materials or export your products, you need respective import/export declaration and submit it to customs authorities. The […]

What is the Impact of Weather and Seasons on Global Shipping?

World trade depends on global shipping. Approximately 90 percent of international products travel by sea and form a network of ships, ports, rail, air, and roads across continents. Many of the raw materials, such as oil and metals, as well as finished products that we use, like food, electronics, and clothes, have at one time […]

What is Airway Bill (AWB) in Shipping?

Almost everyone in the shipping industry is familiar with the term Airway Bill also abbreviated for AWB, but little do they know that it is also known as air consignment note. For those who are new to shipping, Airway Bill, shortly AWB, is a document used by shipping companies when your cargo is sent via […]

What is Goods Declaration (GD)?

Goods Declaration, a full form of GD in shipping industry, is a document that provides information on goods that are imported or exported in the shipment. This piece of information is issued specifically for the customs department. It acts as a formal statement for customs authorities, which allows them to evaluate appropriate duties, taxes, and […]

What is a commercial invoice and why is it important?

A commercial invoice is a legal document used in the shipping industry. It serves as a contract and proof of sale between the seller (exporter) and the buyer (importer), but it is not usually the primary contract of sale. Customs authorities also check the commercial invoice and verify the contents and value of the shipment. […]

What is Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading is a legal document used in shipping. It acts like a receipt for the goods being shipped, a contract between the sender and the carrier, and also a document of title that proves who owns the goods. It is usually issued by the carrier (the shipping company) to the person or […]

What is Packing List?

Packing List, a full form of PL in the shipping industry, is an important document used to define the specifics/contents of your cargo, so your carrier knows how much space is needed. This document is prepared by the shipper or exporter and used by freight forwarders, banks, and customs clearing.  In any unforeseen event, such […]

What is Certificate of Origin?

Certificate of Origin (CO, C/O), also known as Declaration of Origin (DOO), is a document used in international shipping to acknowledge that a specific country manufactured a commodity or good. The exporter/manufacturer prepares this piece of paper/document, which might be subject to official attestation by an authorized third party.  A CO is submitted to the […]

What is International Shipping Process and How Does it Work?

International shipping is the process of moving any physical item, small or bulky, from one point in a country to another point in a different country via sea, air, land, or rail. It may sound easy, but each type of shipment, namely domestic and international, has its own set of challenges. Are you aware that […]

Key Differences Between Shipping and Freight Forwarding

Do you know there are approximately 10,000+ shipping and 100,000+ freight forwarding companies in the world (Statista, Mordor Intelligence)? With such a large number of firms, it is difficult for ordinary people to know the difference between shipping and freight forwarding companies. If you are an individual, investor, or business owner, you must educate yourself […]