/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates

5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates
5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates

Bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates has become a beacon for development and trade on the Arabian Peninsula. It shares waters in the west and north with Qatar and Iran, respectively. The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven states, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Located in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz, the country is a strategic country for sea container transportation and trade.

1. Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)

Jebel Ali is the largest man-made port in the world and the largest container port between Singapore and Rotterdam. The port offers the international shipping industry access to a market of 1.5 billion people, as it is the gateway between the Western Hemisphere and the Far East. As one of the most important and modern ports in the region, the port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet regional and international shipping needs in and around the Arabian Sea.

2. Mina Zayed Port (Abu Dhabi)

The Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi is often just called Zayed Port. It is located at the northeastern end of the city of Abu Dhabi, which is not only the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but also the financial, communication and transportation center of the UAE.

3. Mina Rashid Port (Dubai)

Mina Rashid Port is another man-made port in the Emirate of Dubai, located on the southern coast of the vast Arabian Gulf. The port's location in the heart of the city makes it ideal for passenger operations, although it also handles its fair share of cargo.

The port has received the prestigious ISO-9002 certification as well as the Safety Excellence Certificate from IMS (International Maritime Security). As the only port in the Middle East to receive this recognition and certification, Port Rashid is highly regarded in the global cruise tourism industry. The 2 million-square-meter Mina Rashid Cruise terminal can handle seven of the largest cruise ships simultaneously, each with a capacity of 25,000 passengers. Due to its competence and professionalism, the port has been named the world's leading cruise port in the Middle East at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years.

4. Mina Khalid Port (Sharjah)

Also known as Khalid Port, this port is also located in the center of Sharjah. It is the first port in the region to have a container terminal, a free trade terminal and a ro-ro cargo terminal. It pioneered an area that other ports such as Jebel Ali and Zayed Ports followed and expanded upon.

The Port of Mina Khalid has 12 berths for handling general cargo as well as refrigerated, bulk, dry and liquid cargoes. It has two cold storages on the quay side and is also equipped with marine and oil support. The port is undergoing several key construction works that will further modernize its facilities. These include the construction of dhow dock facilities and new berths in the breakwater reclamation area.

5. Khor Fakkhan Port (Sharjah)

The port is also in Sharjah, under the same management as the Mina Khalid port. This is the only natural deep-water harbour in the region, unlike other fully man-made harbours. As one of the main container ports in the United Arab Emirates, this port sees a lot of traffic from the Indian Ocean front. Its location outside the volatile Strait of Hormuz makes this port an obvious choice for large east-west transshipments into the UAE's hinterland.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 major ports in Honduras

5 major ports in Honduras
5 major ports in Honduras

Located in Central America, Honduras is known for its natural resources, from coffee to minerals, and its growing textile industry. It is nestled between El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to the north and south, respectively.

Honduras has commercial cities, the capital Tegucalpa and San Pedro Sula. Both are industrial and commercial centers that drive the country's economy. But the country's ports may be the biggest reason for the country's economic development. These ports opened up Honduras' trade routes in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

1. Puerto Cortez

Puerto Cortez happens to be the only deep-water port in the whole of Central America. It is also one of the best equipped and largest ports in the region. Originally known as Puerto de Caballos, the port is located in the Caribbean waters of the northern part of the country. Because it has a natural bay, it can handle large ships with a capacity of 10 at a time.

It has a large 4,000-foot docking space and offers 24-hour service, with ships going to Miami seven times a week, New York four times a week, and New Orleans four times a week. Ships from the port travel to the Far East and Europe at least twice a week. The port is a designated safe port for the region, which is why it sees a lot of cargo traffic. That means it can safely ride on the giant ships that cross the Panama Canal.

2. Screen port

This port is also located on the northern coast of the Caribbean Sea. When it officially became the headquarters of the Tela Railway Company in 1914, it became an influential business point. This is a subsidiary of United Fruit Company, which transports bananas from the interior of Honduras to ports for export.

The railway remains intact and still in operation, bringing the banana crop, the region's main export, to the port. It is still called Banana Port because Honduras is one of fifteen countries that provide more than half of the world's banana exports. In 2018, the country exported $522.7 million worth of bananas from the port. Tela also handles coconuts and other agricultural products.

3. Port of Castile

The Port of Castile is actually a small fishing village, but the port facilities are some of the best in the country. They are home to a Honduras naval base and also have a container facility for fresh fruit produced by Dole. It also sits in the middle of African oil palm plantations that have started growing in the region. It will be the main port of call for oil exports

The port also has road access to the country's forestry project and the Aguan Valley Railway, which produces Honduras' famous timber for export.

4. La Ceiba Port

The port of La Ceiba is also located in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, but at the southern end of the coastline. It borders the Gulf of Honduras and is the third largest city in the country. The port developed into a modern port throughout the 19th century, becoming an important shipping port for banana exports. As an agricultural port, it also handles most agricultural products such as citrus fruits, pineapples, coconuts, fish, coffee, meat and wood.

The city hosts its famous carnival every May for the Spanish San Isidro Labrador, attracting more than 500,000 visitors. Ceiba is also considered the entertainment capital of Honduras and the ecotourism capital of Honduras, which means a huge influx of tourists into the city. The port has an excellent cruise terminal that caters for cruise ships that take passengers to various tourist attractions in the country.

5. Port of San Lorenzo

The port is located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Gulf of Fonseca at the southern tip of Honduras. It was built to alleviate the inconvenience of using the old port of Ampara, which had to be dredged to enable ships to moor in the port. It can carry 1.1 million tons of cargo annually. The port of San Lorenzo also serves nearby industrial cities that process products such as rosin, a huge export product for Honduras.

It also handles shipments such as vegetable oils, dairy products and shrimp from local industries and processing plants. The port also has the advantage of being served by the nearby Ampara Airport, which transports goods and products to and from the port.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How to Import Computer Parts from China

How to Import Computer Parts from China
How to Import Computer Parts from China

If you plan to market your tech business to China, or you want to reduce overhead costs by purchasing parts, you need to understand the reasons for importing electronics from China. Specifically, computer parts require some special care and some import know-how.

In the past few years, China has adjusted some industrial policies and has become an important computer hardware producer in the world. In order to work with Chinese suppliers, it is important to understand these policies. Fortunately, these policies are not difficult to follow. Let's take a look at everything business owners need to know about importing technology from China.

Find Computer Parts Suppliers in China

The process of finding computer parts suppliers in China is not difficult. However, caution should be exercised when contracting with them. You should always do some homework before trusting a computer parts supplier.

First, check online reviews of different suppliers and warehouses in English. If this doesn't lead to any fruitful leads, your next step should be to work with an international law firm that specializes in translation, connecting business owners with Chinese suppliers, and handling Chinese intellectual property law and patents. This will ensure that you find a reputable supplier before you start signing contracts, and your lawyer will also help you translate and negotiate before signing.

If you want to import laptop and desktop parts from China, it is highly recommended that you work with a reputable and reliable freight forwarder, or possibly a law firm that specializes in Chinese trade.

Generic HS Code for Computer Parts

The HS (Harmonized System) code is a 10-digit code used by the United States to classify different export products. You need to be familiar with these codes before importing parts from China.

Regulations and requirements when importing electronic components from China
Some business owners are wary of importing electronics from China due to Chinese and U.S. regulations that have not been ideal for foreign businesses in the past. However, simply knowing how to comply with these regulations can make the process productive.

First, you should always look for suppliers that are 100% compliant with Chinese and US import and manufacturing laws. This can be difficult as many vendors may not invest in certification and compliance in different markets.

FCC certification

Compared to other countries, the U.S. rules on imports from China are relatively simple. The biggest certification you should consider is the FCC certification, which you can easily get for only a few hundred dollars. The FCC regulates any electronic product, including computer parts and Bluetooth devices. Any electronic components and components that emit radio waves that you want to import from China should be FCC certified.

If you are a retailer, in addition to the FCC, you will also need to have your parts and finished products certified by UL. This is not required by law, but voluntary compliance will show your consumers the quality of the products you produce.

Insurance

You also need to consider product liability insurance. Product liability insurance will protect you from possible problems if you import computer parts in bulk from China.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

The role of the Federal Maritime Commission

The role of the Federal Maritime Commission
The role of the Federal Maritime Commission

If you're shipping something overseas, you must be familiar with the role of the Federal Maritime Commission in ocean shipping. This guide will help you understand what an FMC is, understand its history, and determine its role in maritime shipping.

What is FMC?

First, what does FMC stand for? The acronym FMC refers to the Federal Maritime Commission, which was established in 1961 as a regulatory agency for 4 liner shipping groups and U.S. importers and exporters.

Although the FMC acronym was not adopted until August 12, 1961, its origins date back to the First World War. The Kennedy administration worked with Congress to create the Federal Maritime Commission so they could create regulations for maritime activities. shipping company.

The goal is to separate the governing bodies that oversee the U.S. merchant fleet and international shipping companies. The latter is now administered by the FMC and aims to regulate U.S. marine commerce.

The role of FMC in shipping

As you can see, the FMC, the Federal Maritime Commission, plays an important role in ocean shipping. Their mission is to ensure a competitive and reliable international maritime supply system that not only supports the U.S. economy but also protects the public from any deceptive or unfair practices.

Since its inception, FMC has adapted to all changes related to international shipping. They have been working to create a fair and efficient environment for exporters and importers while protecting the American public.

To accomplish this mission, they regulate the activities of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs), which include ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs.

Licensing Requirements

The FMC has specific licensing requirements. All OTIs must be licensed before performing any services in the United States. This licensing requirement means that if a company wants to buy or sell ocean freight services — whether to or from the U.S. — they must register with the Federal Maritime Commission.

If the agent is not licensed or registered with the FMC, they cannot use their ocean freight services, or any NVOCC services, in the United States. These unlicensed agents can only act as booking agents or freight forwarders.

Fees and Penalties

The Federal Maritime Commission reserves the right to assess fees and fines imposed by its regulatory agency. These penalties can be assessed if there are irregularities related to fees charged to customers and compensation received by ocean carriers from carriers.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), as the regulator of maritime transport, ensures that the system is fair and competitive, while protecting the public from any unfair practices. They have licensing requirements and regulations that they must follow. Otherwise, they reserve the right to assess fees and fines.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

 

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed
5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

This can be very frustrating when your shipment is late. Estimated shipping times should be as precise as possible so that the relevant part knows when delivery is expected and when to schedule pickup. However, things can go wrong and, unfortunately, shipping delays can occur.

The client may end up pushing you to meet the deadline, and you are ultimately responsible for the delay. Even in some cases they may have damaged, faulty or incorrect parts.

To help, we've compiled a checklist of five common reasons your shipment may be delayed.

1. Timetable and Transportation

Most cities have traffic. Between construction works, accidents, detours and roadblocks, people often experience transportation delays due to traffic. To improve this, courier drivers can use route optimization software.

Route optimization software tracks the fastest route, updating it in real time to avoid delays and disruptions.

2. Customs issues

For international shipments, as a freight carrier facing customs, all required documents must be prepared and filled to prevent any issues. Without proper documentation, delays are likely to occur. For example, required documents may have been submitted incorrectly or may be missing.

Also, if the authorities decide to inspect your shipment, the problem can quickly escalate into further problems.

Merchants should have a backup plan in the event of a shipment being held by customs. This may include partnering with a reliable courier service to ensure the security and accuracy of documents.

3. Lack of clarity

A simple but common problem that causes shipping delays is lack of clarity, such as poor handwriting. Using pen and paper in the courier industry is prone to mistakes and accidents.

Shipping labels also play a vital role in delays. If the labels are of poor quality, they can cause problems when couriers read or scan them, and items can get lost.

4. Insufficient technology

Outdated software or outdated hardware creates huge problems for courier companies. This is because legacy software limits opportunities to integrate new technologies and blocks access to features that can reduce shipping delays.

To better track your shipments, it's a smart idea for merchants to invest in the latest hardware and cloud-based software. This provides a more holistic approach across the supply chain, enabling couriers, 3PLs, logistics and transport businesses to stay connected and use real-time data.

5. Lack of equipment

Continuing on to the point, equipment shortages are another big problem that shippers often overlook. Moving goods from warehouses can be challenging and certainly not smooth sailing. This is especially true if you need multimodal transport, including road and rail.

There may also be cases where the container cannot be used. There may be insufficient supplies, or they may only be available in certain areas of town. Of course, such a situation may also lead to delays in delivery.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

 

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers
Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

With more than 1,500 countertop manufacturers in the U.S., the fragmented nature of the market leaves manufacturers without significant resources or leverage when it comes to shipping. Also, the nature of the product, especially the long size, makes shipping unattractive for many carriers, resulting in surcharges and penalty rates.

Countertop Manufacturer Industry Definition

Countertop manufacturing primarily cuts, shapes and finishes kitchen and bathroom countertops. Countertops are made from a variety of materials including: wood, plastic laminate, stone, faux marble, ceramic and concrete. The industry does not include countertops constructed on site by building contractors.

Key Industry Insights:

  • The market size was over $89 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2.8% to over $111 billion by 2027.
  • Material innovations, namely various artificial stone and artificial marble products, and the use of recycled materials such as glass are exploding. Unique, architecturally significant countertops are driving higher prices and profits for manufacturers.
  • Innovations in manufacturing technology, especially 3D printing, have simultaneously produced unique one-off products, reducing manufacturing labor, shortening manufacturing time and increasing profits.
  • Growing interest and investment in refurbishment and remodeling is driving the industry's growth above new construction. New construction is expected to remain strong due to the imbalance between U.S. housing starts and households over the past five years.
  • Durable laminate countertops make up the largest portion of installed countertops in the U.S., and demand will be strong even as engineered and natural stone grow in popularity.
  • Concerns about natural radiation (i.e. radon) from natural granite and its high purchase price will hinder the growth of engineered and farmed products.
  • Residential demand will continue to be the primary use market.

Logistics considerations for countertop manufacturing

Shipping costs are serious business for many countertop manufacturers. Smart, growing countertop manufacturers are using experts to help them gain a competitive advantage in shipping.

Shipping countertops presents some unique challenges:

  • Size - Most countertops are long and narrow. Small package shippers such as UPS and Fedex limit the total size of packages they will handle and charge exorbitant surcharges before rejecting package sizes. For the past few years, less-than-truckload (less-than-truckload) carriers have been using surcharges to block shipments over 8 feet.
  • Packaging - Packaging countertops to withstand shipping environments require proper design and judicious use of packaging materials
  • Weight/Density - Depending on the material, the countertop may or may not be heavy. But because of their size, countertops rarely fit in the cargo configuration most carriers need.
  • The destination-home delivery trend is driving the need for more and more countertop deliveries directly to the installation site. For trucking companies, these mostly "one-off" residential deliveries are less efficient than comprehensive deliveries to stores or warehouses.
  • Damaged - Countertops, especially when packaged improperly, are prone to damage, resulting in unhappy customers, delays and additional costs.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world
The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world

A common question we see in the shipping world is "What is the busiest seaport in the world?" The size and scope of the shipping industry is difficult to understand, which is why working with experts can be so helpful for businesses. At TJ chinafreight, we work with various manufacturing and other companies to meet their transportation and logistics needs.

Currently, the busiest seaport in the world is Shanghai Port (according to Marine Insight). The name is based on the daily container flow through the port, meaning the biggest ports are not always the busiest. The port is located in the Yangtze River and the East China Sea with convenient transportation and consists of a deep sea port and an inland river port. The total area is 1,397.5 square miles! Shanghai beat Singapore to become the world's busiest port with 37.1 million TEUs of cargo in 2019 and is considered the world's fastest-growing economy. About 2,000 container ships depart from Shanghai Port every month.

Learn about the harbour

A seaport is the place of origin, transshipment or arrival of seaborne cargo. Simply put, maritime transport is the movement of goods, raw materials and commodities across the world's oceans and waterways. More than 90% of the world's goods are transported by sea. Without shipping, the world economy would come to a screeching halt—without electronics, manufacturers without raw materials, and store shelves half empty.

Ships are one of the oldest forms of transportation. Today, ships still sail through the former sea trade routes. Interested in learning more? TJ chinafreight would love to hear from you!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What is dual brokerage?

What is dual brokerage?
What is dual brokerage?

What is dual brokerage?

Double brokerage occurs when a freight broker accepts cargo and then hands it to another freight broker without telling the client. (i.e. after accepting a proxy load, if the broker re-proxies the load to another carrier, this is double proxying.) That's not what a broker should do.

Some background

Brokers, carriers and freight forwarders are the three recognized forms of transportation providers. "Dispatch services" are new to the market and try to circumvent the rules by acting as a broker, carrier or both...without abiding by the rules and regulations of either party. This means that shippers have no legal protection when it comes to delivery services.

As part of the regulations, shippers should know who they have contracted for goods and whether they have contracted with a broker, carrier or freight forwarder.

It is generally accepted that an entity (company) should be one of three: a broker, a carrier or a freight forwarder. However, it is common practice for carriers (especially) to accept more loads than the trucks they own and then "lay off" the extra loads to other carriers. These carriers may or may not have broker authorization...but in either case act like a broker (and re-broker) without disclosing (i.e. act like a co-broker).

Companies that refer freight are notorious for "disappearing" and don't pay the carrier or break up or hold the freight hostage until the shipper (broker) pays. In general...if you don't follow the rules you are doing it on purpose and for a reason...

Going back to dual brokerage...this practice has many risks and relatively no benefits. When one broker hands over their cargo to another, they no longer know who is actually handling the cargo, or if they are using the proper licenses and insurance, nor can they track the cargo.

While technically legal, dual brokerage is a contentious issue in the shipping world. (Side note: It may be illegal if a broker accepts payment for an agent shipment, forwards it to another shipping company, and then does not pay the carrier after the shipment is shipped.)

Freight brokers can avoid double brokers by not "biting too much". In other words, if you can't tow the goods yourself, don't say you can tow the goods. If you cannot handle shipping and need to pass it on to another broker, you must do so with the client's consent.

Dual brokerage should not be confused with joint brokerage, which can be a beneficial practice. Co-brokering is when a freight broker cooperates with another broker to meet demand - a collaboration that is known to all parties. Ultimately, co-broking is there to help clients. Sometimes brokers have a specialized niche, so it makes sense to co-broker with the company instead of rejecting client requests.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Deliver your product on time

Deliver your product on time
Deliver your product on time

How to help ensure products are delivered on time

1. Understand the reasons for poor on-time performance

There are a variety of factors that can affect shipping times, both within and outside of your control. Everything from road construction to poor planning can lead to delays. As the shipping industry becomes more volatile, external risks increase. That's why it's important to work with a logistics professional to help ensure everything within your control is properly managed. For example, understanding how and when to implement short-term shipping fixes and how to handle the supply chain is critical to staying on track. TJ chinafreight can help!

2. Learn about transportation

There are many ways to ship products from point A to point B. In order to deliver your product on time, it's important to understand what's going on between these points. Truck loading, air freight, trains, cargo ships… the list of options available is extensive. Knowing what to use and when to use it is the key to maximizing efficiency. It is also helpful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different industries and how they work together.

3. Simplify your supply chain

Improving supply chains involves identifying weaknesses and identifying alternatives. For example, complex supply chains tend to drive higher levels of customization and complexity among manufacturing partners. By diversifying your customer base, you won't be as interdependent as other companies. More successful supply chain tips can be found here.

4. Communicate with your logistics broker

Your LTL shipping partner is here to help you, but they won't be able to help unless they know the full story. Hiring an LTL freight brokerage is a smart move for your shipping needs, especially if you are on the same page as the broker. At TJ chinafreight, we strive to get things right the first time.

Ready to switch? We would love to work with you!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What to expect from supply chains in 2022

What to expect from supply chains in 2022
What to expect from supply chains in 2022

As far as supply chains are concerned, we are still "in" the midst of a pandemic. Supply chains will continue through 2022 amid the pandemic. The drivers of the surge in demand, the bullwhip effect, labor shortages, political agendas and elections, Fed policy, and oh yes… the rest of the Covid infection are all interconnected. Supply chain expectations in 2022 are a complex issue!

For 2022, I expect:

  • Economic growth will continue, but at a slower pace to 2-3%
  • By 2022, macro-level transport networks will "catch up" and normalize
  • Less-than-truckload carriers are pushing above-average general rate increases while adjusting other tariff rules to discourage certain shipments, such as over-lengths. At the same time, carriers will add trucks and drivers wherever possible, creating a potentially competitive rate environment in 2023 or when the economy slows.
  • FTL operators will see rate peaks before EOY in 2021. Higher contract rates introduced during 2021 will keep prices above multi-year averages, but rolling stock growth is expected to soften by EOY 2022 as new trucks are delivered.
  • Small-package operators, already close to a monopoly, will see astonishing universal rate increases in 2022 after 2021. They are building the last mile network of the future and increasing profits for shareholders.
  • Ocean carriers as a group have been the most disciplined during the pandemic, and they will continue to discipline themselves in 2022 by limiting volumes early and often raising prices. They just made too much money and it wasn't worth it. However, container traffic will normalize by mid-2022, which will allow restrictions to be cleared and return transit times to be more reliable. Don't expect interest rates to return to pre-pandemic levels...forever.