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Everything You Need To Know To Make Freight Easy & Hassle-Free 

How to Handle Multi-Modal Shipments

How to Handle Multi-Modal Shipments

You may feel that there’s nothing to shipping cargo around the world. In fact, your experience of it might have been so trouble-free that it's as if the magic logistics fairies have just done their thing - and honestly, if you are one of our customers, we’re thrilled...

Understanding Freight Forwarding Documentation

Understanding Freight Forwarding Documentation

Freight forwarding documentation might seem like a maze of forms and jargon, but getting it right is key to ensuring your goods arrive at their destination – safely, legally and on time. Even if you’re handing your shipping off to experts like us, there will be...

Cybersecurity In Freight Forwarding

Cybersecurity In Freight Forwarding

Freight forwarding has become increasingly reliant on digital systems, from online booking to real-time tracking. That’s great for speeding up the processes and reducing human errors, but hiding in the digital landscape is a frightening foe… Cybercriminals. We’re not...

Cargo Insurance: Is It Worth The Cost?

Cargo Insurance: Is It Worth The Cost?

Would you go on holiday without insurance?  For many people, the answer is probably not. We’ve all heard far too many horror stories where holiday-makers are stuck with enormous bills to fly home following an unexpected illness abroad. But what about cargo insurance?...

How To Choose The Right Freight Mode For You

How To Choose The Right Freight Mode For You

Sending goods is a complicated business, and choosing the right method is key to making it a stress-free process. As freight forwarders, it’s our responsibility to ensure your cargo ships with the optimum transport, but you might be curious about how we make the...

Digital Freight Forwarding – What Is It?

Digital Freight Forwarding – What Is It?

The term digital freight forwarding sounds super techy and cool, doesn’t it? You can just imagine your cargo defying the laws of logic and zapping through cables at lightspeed. Sadly, freight isn’t quite there yet… But digital freight forwarding is still super handy. ...

3 Big Risks Facing Your Cargo

3 Big Risks Facing Your Cargo

The safety of your cargo might not be the first thing you consider when organising its transportation. Many of us simply trust that it’ll get from A to B without issue.  And for the most part, that assumption is fine to make. However, there are 3 big risks that we as...

The Hidden Cost Of Cheap Freight Rates

The Hidden Cost Of Cheap Freight Rates

Cost saving is important for all businesses, and good budget management means looking at ways to reduce expenditure. But some costs can have disastrous results if cut. You’ve guessed it… Freight rates are one of those costs. Cheap freight rates might look appealing,...

3 Things To Look For In a Freight Quote

3 Things To Look For In a Freight Quote

Freight quotes don’t always look the same and can be complicated to understand. Different companies include different aspects, with other additional services sometimes incurring extra fees. And that means there are certain things you need to make sure you’re covered...

Import Taxes: The Basics

Import Taxes: The Basics

Nothing is certain except death and taxes, or so Benjamin Franklin allegedly said. And with importing goods comes a host of taxes that might seem a little overwhelming. Especially when you’re already navigating customs procedures and regulations, documentation,...

Air vs Ocean Freight: Which Is Right For You?

Air vs Ocean Freight: Which Is Right For You?

When deciding between air and sea freight, there’s a lot to think about. Speed, restrictions, volume, cost… Which mode of transport will work best for your shipment? There’s so much to consider. So, we’ve written this blog to look into it a little deeper.  All About...

Rail Freight: Pros, Cons & Is It Right For You?

Rail Freight: Pros, Cons & Is It Right For You?

For the savvy, knowing how your cargo gets from A to B can make all the difference in speed, cost, and ease. When it comes to mode of transport, you’ve got Air, Ocean, Road or Rail to choose from. And each has its benefits and drawbacks that can impact your decision....

Northern Ireland Protocol: What Is It?

Northern Ireland Protocol: What Is It?

Brexit created some… issues. And some of those issues were very complex, but none were as contentious and precarious as the issue of managing what to do in Ireland. Ever heard of the Northern Ireland Protocol?  The Problem When Northern Ireland and the Republic of...

Detention and Demurrage Charges: What Are They?

Detention and Demurrage Charges: What Are They?

Do you import or export goods? Then, you might have heard of detention and demurrage charges. But what exactly are they, and why do you need to pay them? Here, we explain the two terms, how they work and why it’s crucial you know about them. Detention Charges The word...

The Role Of Warehousing in Freight Forwarding

The Role Of Warehousing in Freight Forwarding

Warehousing is intrinsically tied to logistics, but it might be something you’ve yet to come across.  Here, we explain the role of warehousing in freight forwarding and how it can help your business. What Is Warehousing? Warehousing describes the temporary storage of...

The Certificate Of Origin And The Different Types

The Certificate Of Origin And The Different Types

The term ‘Certificate of Origin’ might sound fairly simple, but as we’ve learned, there’s a lot more to it! In this blog, we’ll go over what one is, the different types that exist and what information is included within one. Onward! What Is A Certificate Of Origin? A...

Multimodal Transport: Pros and Cons

Multimodal Transport: Pros and Cons

We’re always looking to find the most efficient routes to move cargo. Multimodal transport presents some appealing benefits - but what are they and are there any downsides? We run through everything you need to know in this blog. Understanding Multimodal Transport The...

How Does The Weather Impact Freight

How Does The Weather Impact Freight

The freight industry is complex but hardy. It is well-equipped to deal with all sorts of scenarios that might cause problems for shipments travelling worldwide, and that includes the weather. Our industry has provisions and protocols in place for all sorts; sun, rain,...

Freight Forwarders vs Customs Brokers

Freight Forwarders vs Customs Brokers

Have you come across these terms before? You’d be forgiven for thinking that freight forwarders and cargo brokers are the same thing - because sometimes they are! But there’s more to it than that. Each has a distinct role in the process of moving goods around the...

What to Expect When Your Goods Are in Transit

What to Expect When Your Goods Are in Transit

Do you know what’s involved in moving cargo from one place to another? Whether you move goods around the UK or internationally, knowing the shipping process inside out is important. How else can you make sure your consignments get to where they need to be in one...

What To Do If Your Shipment Is Lost or Damaged

What To Do If Your Shipment Is Lost or Damaged

Every care is taken when you instruct a carrier or forwarder to transport your goods. But sometimes, something happens, and your cargo is lost or damaged.  But what happens next? What should you do? What do we do? Find out here. The Risk Of Shipping Goods When you...

Who is BIFA & Why Use a BIFA Forwarder?

Who is BIFA & Why Use a BIFA Forwarder?

Wondering what BIFA means?  You might have seen the term if you’ve been browsing forwarders or comparing freight quotes.  It’s an important aspect of conscientious freight forwarding, and we’re here to tell you all about it. Who Is BIFA? BIFA is the British...

What Is An NVOCC?

What Is An NVOCC?

Don’t we just love an acronym in the shipping sector? But this time -  wait for it - rather than a term relating to the process of shipping, it’s to do with who ships the goods.  Riveting.  Nonetheless, it’s something you should know about. Hold on to your hats… What...

Why Are My Rates Only Valid for 30 Days?

Why Are My Rates Only Valid for 30 Days?

Received a quote and noticed that it’s only valid for 30 days? Or perhaps you’ve called back to pay for a quote, only to be told that the 30-day period has passed and the price has changed. What's going on?! Why do freight quotes have an expiration date? We’re here to...

How Long Does Freight Take?

How Long Does Freight Take?

Whether you’re sending or receiving cargo, knowing how long it should take is essential. Having a sound gauge on timescales is crucial to managing a happy supply chain, but what’s the best way to get your goods where they need to be on time? This blog will help you...

Shipping Perishables: A Beginner’s Guide

Shipping Perishables: A Beginner’s Guide

The shipping of perishable goods accounts for a large proportion of UK imports and exports.  As you can imagine, businesses shipping perishables must take into consideration many  unique requirements to ensure their goods are received as they should be. This blog...

Cargo Insurance: What Is It & Do You Need It?

Cargo Insurance: What Is It & Do You Need It?

Anyone with experience in shipping knows that although the vast majority of consignments get to their destination safely, unforeseen events can wreak havoc with logistics. Cue cargo insurance. Like any insurance, it’s an expense you never want to use… But what exactly...

Terminal Handling Charges – What Are They?

Terminal Handling Charges – What Are They?

There are so many acronyms that go with freight - PVA, EORI, FAS, FOB - it’s like another language! THC is another to add to your freight shipping dictionary. It stands for Terminal Handling Charges, and here we tell you what that refers to… What Are Terminal Handling...

Rail Freight: Pros, Cons & Is It Right For You?

Rail Freight: Pros, Cons & Is It Right For You?

When you think of freight, what comes to mind is probably stacks of containers sitting at the docks. Or lorries trundling all over Europe (when they’re not queueing at port strikes…). But rail freight is often key in transporting goods, too.  Keep reading to find out...

Shipping From China: A Beginner’s Guide

Shipping From China: A Beginner’s Guide

With 14% of the UK’s imports coming from China, the logistics of getting products from there to here are well and truly tried and tested. But that doesn’t mean that it is without complexities. In this blog, we cover the basics of shipping from China China’s Main...

What Is Project Cargo? What Does It Cost?

What Is Project Cargo? What Does It Cost?

Project cargo. It sounds like the latest celebrity game show to hit our television screens, doesn’t it? In reality, this shipping term refers to the specialist transportation of cargo that is high-value, very large, heavy or complicated. It's a category within the...

4 Ways To Save Money On Your Freight

4 Ways To Save Money On Your Freight

Shipping goods all over the world can be costly. Everyone is looking for ways to pinch the pennies, and even small changes can make big differences to your cash flow. Cutting your freight rates in any way possible is a great way to save money for your shipping...

What Is ATA Carnet?

What Is ATA Carnet?

Oooh, a nice glass of Carnet. Yes, please. That’s what it sounds like, doesn’t it? Car-nay. It brings forth images of fancy wine. One that pairs really well with raclette, fondue, or something else grown-up and tasty.  Unfortunately for us all, we’re not talking about...

Can I Contact The Captain Of My Cargo Ship?

Can I Contact The Captain Of My Cargo Ship?

If you ship goods internationally, you’ll likely transport some of your consignments using sea freight. And if so, your cargo is often loaded onto a container vessel many miles away… And that’s it.  You never see it again! Most of the time, your goods get to their...

What Is PVA In Shipping?

What Is PVA In Shipping?

Wondering what PVA is in the world of shipping? Hint: it's not school glue. (That’s what came to mind, right?) PVA stands for Postponed VAT Accounting. It’s an optional scheme there for the using, and it can be really useful for businesses that import and export...

How Big Actually Is A Shipping Container?

How Big Actually Is A Shipping Container?

If you live or work anywhere near a railway track, airport or seaport, you’ll have undoubtedly spotted the towers of shipping containers sitting around. Maybe you didn’t know what they were at the time - you’re forgiven. These days we’re not all that connected with...

9 Factors That Can Determine Your Freight Rates

9 Factors That Can Determine Your Freight Rates

It’s common knowledge that freight rates are on the high side recently. But why exactly do they cost so much? Or indeed go up and down so often?  There are so many different cogs moving in the shipping world that it’s not a simple answer. To give you an insight into...

How To Ship Wide Or Abnormal Loads

How To Ship Wide Or Abnormal Loads

Wide and abnormal loads are types of shipment that come with their own set of rules and regulations.  Have you ever shipped an abnormal load? Would you know what counts as a heavy load, and what you’ve got to do before you ship them?  In this blog, we’ll cover all...

Sea Freight – Is It Right For You?

Sea Freight – Is It Right For You?

Finding the most efficient means of transporting your goods depends on what you’re importing and exporting.  Some methods are simply better suited than others and the best way to decide what’s going to work for you is to research as many different methods as...

Chamber members join forces in net zero aim.

MAY 2022

A freight forwarding business has taken a huge step towards achieving its goal of becoming net zero thanks to a new carbon calculation and offsetting tool by a local digital design agency.

Millennium Cargo – based in Sutton Coldfield – was looking for a simple and easy way to help reduce its carbon footprint and decided to turn to the CocoonCarbon tool created by Cocoonfxmedia Ltd.

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