General Terms in International Trade: The Application and Importance of Incoterms®
Incoterms® are the standard terms in international trade that clarify the responsibilities of buyers and sellers. The 2020 version aims to reduce disputes.
Incoterms® are the standard terms in international trade that clarify the responsibilities of buyers and sellers. The 2020 version aims to reduce disputes.
The LSS (Low Sulfur Surcharge) was introduced in 2015 due to international environmental regulations mandating vessels to reduce emissions in specific areas. The increased cost of using low sulfur fuel has led shipping companies to implement this new fee. Different freight forwarders may quote LSS fees differently, so shippers should clarify this when requesting quotes. Additionally, the LSS surcharge is generally considered part of the ocean freight costs, with varying responsibilities for shippers depending on the terms of the contract.
Zhengzhou Airport is planning a dedicated cargo runway and conducting trials for short-distance drone cargo transport to enhance efficiency and innovation in freight logistics. This development aims to promote the overall growth of Zhengzhou's aviation economy, focusing on building a modern industrial system and optimizing the use of aviation resources. Safety considerations are crucial for the commercialization of drones, which will be a key factor in the future of logistics development.
This article introduces the concept and necessity of the declared value of goods in international air freight. It analyzes the calculation methods of additional fees and the types of goods to which they apply, emphasizing the importance of processing the declared value.
The Zhengou freight train expands into the markets of Central Asia, Turkey, and Luxembourg through new routes, connecting SCO member countries and enhancing international trade. By leveraging Internet + logistics and collaborating with railways in various countries, it promotes cross-border e-commerce, ensures efficient bilateral cargo transportation, and facilitates close integration between Henan and international markets, strengthening regional economic cooperation and building a new trade model.
COSCO Shipping and China Shipping are expected to receive merger approval by January, officially forming "China Ocean Shipping Group Co., Ltd." This merger will create the world's fourth-largest container shipping company. The complexity of the merger involves integrating overlapping departments and maintaining employee stability, with a total deal value potentially exceeding $20 billion. This merger will reshape the shipping markets of China and the world.
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) play a crucial role in international ocean freight, acting as a bridge between shippers and actual carriers. Freight forwarders are responsible for the entire transportation process through signing transport contracts and issuing bills of lading. To operate as an NVOCC, specific conditions must be met, and a business registration certificate must be obtained. However, not all certified freight forwarders offer superior services or pricing; shippers should focus on selecting partners that best meet their needs.
In recent years, state-owned shipping enterprises have faced poor performance, and mergers and restructuring may not necessarily improve the situation. The industry's environment has shifted from a planned economy to a market economy, but these enterprises struggle to respond flexibly to market changes. Institutional constraints hinder their ability to quickly adjust strategies, making them ill-suited for market competition. State-owned enterprises should redefine their roles to ensure they serve national strategic material transport while exploring market-oriented operational methods to survive and thrive in intense competition.
In the context of the new economic normal, the shipping industry faces uncertainties in recovery. This paper explores the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on the shipping market, emphasizing that shipping companies must shift their growth models to focus on endogenous drivers. Companies should enhance their management capabilities and resource allocation abilities to adapt to the complex global economic situation. Additionally, the emergence of new forces, such as the internet, offers new opportunities for business development.
The implementation of the smart shore power project at Ningbo Port will allow ocean-going vessels to draw power directly from the grid instead of relying on onboard generators. This shift is expected to significantly reduce pollutant emissions during shipping, creating a win-win situation for the terminal, shipping companies, and power suppliers. The project aims to notably decrease emissions of PM2.5, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, making a significant contribution to environmental protection.