Approved Freight Forwarders
Helpful Articles - Industry News

With more than 80% of international goods estimated to move by sea, ocean freight fuels our global economy.i In fact, the industry has been on a long-term track to growth, with volume nearly tripling since 1990.ii  Since ocean freight is clearly here to stay, many have become concerned about its environmental impact. The industry faces several challenges along the road to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  However, thanks to advances in green technology, many shipping companies are successfully reducing their environmental footprint.   Whether you're a company looking to embrace sustainability or simply curious about sustainability, we'll give you a run-down of the latest green tech solutions for ocean freight. While some have become established practices, others are still in development—truly on the cutting edge of "what's next" for the shipping...

Sustainability has become a hot topic in the world of logistics and supply chain management. Some companies embrace this value for ethical reasons.   Others are leveraging sustainability measures to appeal to consumers, who are increasingly aware of environmental practices. In fact, a recent Forrester study published in Forbes revealed that 32% of U.S. consumers "prioritize companies that are actively reducing their impact on the environment."i   Finally, many companies are pursuing sustainability measures to stay compliant with regulations. For example, the International Maritime Organization's low-sulfur mandate required many companies to reduce sulfur oxide emissions by changing fuels or adopting new technology. One of the trends we're seeing in sustainability is a move toward liquified natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships....

Before Hurricane Maria tore across the island of Puerto Rico in September 2017, few Americans had heard of the Jones Act. If you 1) don't work in the shipping industry or 2) don't live in a destination impacted by this law, you might not think much about this  sub-section of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The Jones Act requires that all ships carrying goods between two U.S. destinations be built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. During Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, the Jones Act made headlines nationwide as President Donald Trump issued a temporary waiver for the territory. The goal? To expedite relief, aid, and supplies to the people...

Although last year’s scramble for household items has mostly passed, supply chain challenges continue to crop up in 2021. The backup at US ports, semiconductor chip shortages, and other supply issues have affected industries across the board. Even national chains like Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A are feeling the pinch.  We’ve seen our customers face several supply chain challenges of their own this year, and we’ve helped them create solutions that kept their businesses moving forward. To share some of these solutions with you, we called on our Approved experts who have been navigating supply chain issues alongside our clients. Below, you’ll find their top tips for surviving the supply chain challenges of 2021.  #1: It Might...

It’s amazing to think that our company has been accident-free for more than four years now. We’re very proud that each member of our team has gone this long without a lost-time accident or injury. Even more proud, that as a supply chain company who handles millions of pounds of freight each week we have been able to achieve this milestone. The average transportation and warehousing company expects almost 4 incidents per year. By posting zeroes in the lost time column, we have saved our customers time, money and worry because a safe team means safe freight. But enough bragging – at least in this...

Not everyone in the logistics industry works in the warehouse. Many of us aren’t constantly lifting boxes, hopping on and off forklifts, and stretching around to wrap, tie and secure product. Most logistics professionals are in the office. While we may have the benefit of year round climate control, our bodies miss out on important exercise at work, which can leave us feeling stressed and worn down. If you are like the Approved ‘Ohana, you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your health, and balance a healthy lifestyle with a rigorous work schedule. But we also don’t want to be that person in the office,...