Dangerous Goods Shipping Explained: Classes, Regulations, and What UK Shippers Need to Know
If you are new to shipping and you have just discovered that your goods might be classified as dangerous, do not panic. This article explains everything you need to know, in plain English, so you can move forward with confidence and stay on the right side of the law. Dangerous goods shipping is one of […]
ETD, ETA and Key Shipping Terms Explained: The Abbreviations Every Shipping Coordinator Must Know
Your first week in a shipping role and someone sends you a status update: “ATD confirmed, ETA POD revised, vessel in CY, MBL released.” You have no idea what any of it means. You do not want to ask because everyone seems to expect you to know already. This article is for that moment. It […]
Freight Forwarding Scams Explained: How to Spot and Avoid Shipping Fraud
Freight forwarding scams cost UK businesses millions of pounds every year. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates that trade-related fraud runs into billions globally, and the UK is not immune. For someone new to shipping, handling supplier relationships, booking freight, and managing documentation, these scams are a real and present danger. This article explains exactly […]
UK Trade Preferences Explained: How GSP and DCTS Reduce Import Duty on Goods from Developing Countries
If you import goods into the UK from developing countries, you may be able to pay less, or even zero, import duty. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) makes this possible. It replaced the old UK rollover of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in 2023 and is now one of the most […]
HS Codes Explained: How to Find and Use Commodity Codes for UK Imports and Exports
What is an HS code? An HS code, short for Harmonized System code, is a standardised numerical classification used in international trade to identify goods. The first six digits are the same in every country that uses the system, covering over 200 nations worldwide. In the UK, the full commodity code has ten digits and […]
Letter of Credit Explained: How LC Payment Works in International Trade
What is a letter of credit? A letter of credit (LC) is a written guarantee issued by a bank on behalf of the buyer. It promises to pay the seller a set amount of money, provided the seller presents documents that match the LC terms exactly. The bank pays, not the buyer directly. That guarantee […]
Landed Cost Explained: How to Calculate the True Cost of Importing Goods to the UK
What is landed cost? Landed cost is the total cost of getting a product from a supplier’s factory to your door in the UK. It includes the product price, international freight, insurance, import duty, import VAT, customs clearance fees, and inland delivery, every cost you pay before the goods are in your warehouse and ready […]
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do? The Complete UK Guide
What is a freight forwarder? According to FIATA (the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), freight forwarders are “companies that organise shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer, or final point of distribution.” If you have just started a role in shipping, or you are […]
International Shipping Glossary: 100+ Shipping Terms, Abbreviations, and Definitions Explained
International trade runs on language. Freight invoices, customs declarations, shipping instructions, and carrier contracts are packed with abbreviations and technical terms. If you don’t know what they mean, you risk making costly mistakes: wrong Incoterms, missed free time, unexpected duty bills. This glossary covers more than 100 shipping terms used in UK and international logistics. […]
Shipping Bills of Lading (BOL): A Practical Guide for People New to International Trade
If you’re new to international trade or shipping, the shipping Bill of Lading (BOL) can seem daunting. Often hailed as one of the most crucial shipping documents, it plays a vital role in the movement of goods, payment processes, and cargo release.
This practical guide demystifies the BOL, breaking down its functions, types, and the essential information you need to provide. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how a BOL works in practice, ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate the complexities of shipping.