Your Broker Knows Blog

There is simply no denying that this year has been a fractious one when it comes to labor action in Canada. In 2024, over six major strikes, lockouts, negotiations, and disputes across the country have left importers struggling to find logistical solutions.

Like anything in the world of international trade, shipping for the first time can involve a significant learning curve. With so much to think about and many moving pieces, it can feel overwhelming before your goods have even left the factory. Then you add in that mistakes and missteps can end up costing you thousands of dollars needlessly, and it’s no wonder that even seasoned importers often turn to expert help before they begin.

There are 11 different kinds of Incoterms® available for international businesses to use, and choosing the one that is most advantageous to your current import requires a keen understanding of what each term means along with the experience to recognize what makes the most sense in each situation.

When it comes to logistics, there are few vocations that are more misunderstood by the average person than a freight forwarder. It is one of the most vital pieces of the supply-chain puzzle and a crucial service that your business could greatly benefit from, but what is it, and how can it help take your logistics to the next level?

CB has earned a positive reputation for our handling of produce and perishable product shipments. There is a compelling argument to make that starting in 1954, our business has been built on produce shipments, and our expertise and knowledge in shipping this kind of product have played no small part in our company’s success. With that in mind, today, our aim is to educate new importers on an event that can have a massive impact on your bottom line, particularly if you are in that field - Produce Season.

We have written about spring thaw a few times on this blog, which should give some indication of how important it is to be actively aware of it. As a yearly event that could potentially cost you thousands in completely avoidable fees and delays, spring thaw is worth taking a moment to refresh yourself on.

What is a bonded carrier and what benefits do bonded carriers have? To bond, or not to bond: that is the question we will answer in this article...

What are they? Why are they needed in the import process? There are four main documents commonly used in the international shipping of cargo. What are they and why are they needed?

As businesses become increasingly reliant on the logistics industry, companies are looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, fill gaps, and enhance supply chain visibility. One solution to these challenges is automation.

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two to four-digit code used to identify transportation companies. It was designed in the 1960s and has an exciting update launching on April 10th, 2023. The new portal will allow SCAC holders better visibility of their codes and the ability to set auto-renewals and make payments online. Today's blog will highlight the benefits of the SCAC 2.0 launch and delve into what carriers can expect.