Some hazardous materials are easy to spot. For example, it's clear why a can of gasoline, a barrel of hydrofluoric acid or a crate of fireworks would require special labeling and handling when shipped.   However, there are a number of hazardous items that aren't as obvious. Because it's critical to disclose these items to your carrier so they can be properly labeled, packaged and handled, we'll run you through a list of six unexpected hazardous materials you should be aware of.   After all, mislabeled hazardous materials can create dangerous situations on the boats, trucks, and planes that carry them—and the fines that result can be steep. Additionally, procedures for domestic shipments differ from those for international ones, and some materials that are permitted [...]

With every pitch and pitcher, a batter must adjust—oftentimes in a split second. Success in hitting comes from constant assessment and action. Choosing the right shipping strategy is no different. Success depends on quickly and easily reacting to changes in your business and the environment. At stake is a game in which, according to Bain & Company, 6-8% of revenue is typically at play, and consistently choosing the wrong form of freight will ruin your average—or worse. Making the right decisions all starts with understanding your options, the two biggest being Less than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL). How do you know when it’s [...]

Last Updated: June 24, 2024   Like many specialized industries, logistics has its own vocabulary. One set of popular logistics terms has been causing significant confusion lately: 3PL vs. 4PL vs. 5PL. Recently, there’s even been talk of 6PLs and 7PLs. (!) With companies continuing to innovate in the logistics space, all of these terms are getting thrown around more than ever, and many people aren’t sure exactly what they mean. To help you understand the difference between 3PL, 4PL, and 5PL providers—and find the right solution for your business—we’ll walk you through all this terminology. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of 3PLs, 4PLs, [...]

Air freight offers you the advantage of being able to move shipments quickly—and with a minimum amount of handling. However, when your cargo includes items that are considered hazardous, there are a few regulations you'll need to comply with in order to leverage this mode of transport.   Even if you're familiar with shipping hazardous materials via ocean freight, you should know that air freight has its own unique set of rules. These regulations keep your shipment safe in transit. They also protect the plane and its aircrew as they move your cargo to its destination.  To help you keep compliant with the hazardous materials regulations—and ensure timely delivery of your shipments—we'll answer the four most common [...]