Ascent Global Logistics Blog

The Bill of Lading (BOL), along with the commercial invoice and packing list, play a crucial role in the international shipping process. Its importance is not always understood when INCOterms and terms of sale are being discussed between the buyer and the seller. However, the BOL can impact the timely release of cargo upon arrival to the destination country. 

Global supply chains are extremely complex networks which require involvement by various professionals who must execute different tasks. Two of the most important parties involved in an international shipment are the freight forwarder and the customs broker. One company is often both the freight forwarder and the customs broker, however, the two can be independent of each other due to the differences in responsibilities and capabilities. 

Is your company importing goods into the United States or considering importing in the future? To import successfully, the importer must have a customs bond on file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Customs bond compliance can be simple, but there is important information every importer should be familiar with. 

A final rule was recently published in the Federal Register, impacting all ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and all BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) controlled exports. Effective November 15, 2016, all ITAR or BIS controlled exports will be required to list a revised Destination Control Statement (DCS) on the commercial invoice. 

The Panama Canal and Suez Canal are longtime rivals within the container shipping industry as both canals support the flow of global trade by shortening historical trade routes. Container ships have continued to grow in size and the canals noticed the need for expansion projects in order to keep pace with the industry. Below we compare the two canals' history, expansion projects, individual market share and future.