Sign up for an absolute no-cost account and experience the future of logistics today.
Create Your Free Account!

The MyDello logistics portal is developing every day

The MyDello logistics portal has become a partner in the daily logistics management of thousands of companies in just under a year. Since the launch of the platform, we have constantly updated the platform to make logistics fully automatic.

 

 

The MyDello platform was founded in 2021, whit the goal to make logistics simple and efficient. MyDello’s primary goal is to provide a simple solution that a logistics specialist can handle daily, whereas the long-term goal is to make the entire supply chain organization fully automated. A the platform evolves, this becomes more and more likely.

MyDello combines the various parties in the supply chain: we reduce the number of intermediaries, digitalize all information, and contribute to ensuring that the costs to logistics are minimal. According to our data, using the platform means 15-20% lower costs on average, and our customers value it highly.

MyDello is currently available in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. Instantly compare options across hundreds of shipping providers to find the best possible solution for your shipping needs. Visit MyDello to get an instant quote.

Read more about how the platform is actively developing https://www.delfi.ee/artikkel/120072032/revolutsiooniline-eesti-logistikaplatvorm-areneb-iga-paevaga

International trade and logistics are complex. Countries have different laws and regulations and it is really challenging to understand and follow them. Therefore, standardized global rules called terms of delivery, also known as incoterms 2020, have been set in place.

The Term Of Delivery is the standard contract used to define responsibility and liability between the seller and the buyer for the shipment of goods. Simply put, the term of delivery determines how far along into the process the supplier will ensure that the goods are moved and at what point the buyer takes over the shipment process.

There are two main aspects to consider:

  • Till what point the seller covers the freight costs and from where the buyer pays for transport?
  • To what point the risk of damaging or losing the cargo is for the seller and from where for the buyer?

Additionally, some Incoterms determine if the cargo needs to be insured.

 

 

The logistics industry can be confusing and we all need a little advice sometimes, give us a call and benefit from MyDello’s years of experience.  

What are incoterms 2020?

Incoterms are something everyone shipping goods internationally will encounter sooner or later. Short for International Commercial Terms, Incoterms are a set of pre-defined commercial terms which relate to international commercial law. These terms determine the rights and obligations of the parties involved in the purchase or sale of goods.

Why are Incoterms necessary? Because international trade and logistics are complex and countries have different laws and regulations, which are often challenging to understand and follow. International shipments thus run the risk of differing interpretations of rules in different countries.

To make international shipping more understandable for both buyers and sellers, standardized global rules called terms of delivery or incoterms 2020 have been set in place.

Two ocean vessel with containers at port

Goods shipped by ocean freight. © Photo: Pixabay.

How are International Commercial Terms used?

Incoterms can be recognized by a set of three-letter terms most commonly present in international contracts for the sale of goods. These terms are incorporated into sales contracts to provide a standard solution for delivery costs, risks and responsibilities. When shipping goods internationally, it is thus important to be aware of the meanings of different terms of delivery.

Incoterms are marked by three letters followed by a location: i.e. CIF London. This gives the buyer and seller information about the rules, risks and costs of the delivery as to the location. In order to understand the meaning of these Incoterms, we must first understand the different types of Incoterms.

In total, there are 11 rules that define who is responsible for what in international transactions: EXW, FCA, FOB, FAS, CPT, CIF,  CFR, CIP, DPU, DAP, and DDP. Different Incoterms are used for different types of transportation. According to transportation, these terms are divided into two categories:

  • EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DPU, DAP, and DDP are used for all transportation types (ocean freight, road freight, rail freight, air freight)
  • FAS, FOB, CFR, and CIF are only used for ocean freight

What is the latest version?

The newest set of Incoterms known as Incoterms 2020 is the ninth official version of Incoterms and was published on September 10, 2019. The International Chamber of Commerce published the first work on international trade terms in 1923, but the first Incoterm was officially published in 1936 and updated in the years to come.

Why are these terms important?

While Incoterms are used to provide clarity about the transaction and international shipment rules, they can seem difficult to understand at first glance. To a layman, ‘CIF Incoterms’ might not mean much. Third-party logistics companies like MyDello deal with Incoterms every day, but it’s very important that both the buyer and seller understand exactly what they are signing when agreeing to an international sales contract.

Additionally, some Incoterms determine if the cargo needs to be insured. Not understanding Incoterms means that you might end up with a much larger shipment cost than originally planned. As such, Incoterms are and should always be taken into account when calculating freight rate estimations.

CFR, CIF and FAS Incoterms for example require the buyer to pay all costs at the port of destination and organize transportation from the port to the final destination. Unaware buyers might assume that the shipment will be delivered to the final destination and must deal with a bad surprise when the shipment arrives at the port of destination.

Example:

For a shipment from London to Shanghai, Incoterm CIP Shanghai will mean that the UK seller will be responsible for transporting the goods to the destination assigned by the buyer, in this case, Shanghai. The risk, however, is transferred to the buyer upon loading the goods from the seller’s premises. According to CIP Incoterm, the seller must also insure the goods while transit in the buyer’s favour.

If the goods happen to be damaged upon arrival and the seller’s insurance reimburses the buyer because that was in the CIP contract. Under CPT, the buyer would carry the loss themselves.

 
Sign up for a free account today

 

Four types of Incoterms

Thus it is important to understand the Incoterms related to your international shipment. For that, we must understand how Incoterms are read and what they mean. In general, Incoterms can be grouped into four categories according to the responsibility they place on the seller and buyer:

  • “C” terms (CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP) – Seller or manufacturer is responsible for contracting and paying for carriage of the goods, but not responsible for additional costs or loss of goods once they have been shipped.
  • “D” terms (DPU, DAP, DDP) – Seller or manufacturer is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering goods to the destination. Most responsibility is on the seller.
  • “E” term (EXW) – Only term where seller or manufacturer makes goods available at his own premises to the buyer. Least responsibility on the seller.
  • “F” terms (FCA, FAS, FOB) – Seller or manufacturer is responsible for delivering the goods to a carrier named by the buyer.

As seen above, buyers should always pay attention to Incoterms when quoting delivery costs for any shipment type, whether by land, air or sea. Some Incoterms will place more responsibility on the seller, whereas others might seem attractive to the seller. In any case, it pays to be aware of possible delays in international shipments and always thinks of every scenario to find the best solution for you.

What do different Incoterms mean?

Now that we understand why Incoterms are important and how they are categorized and used, it is time to get into each of them specifically. Here are all the Incoterms explained in depth. You can find a convenient and comprehensive table of all the Incoterms with their risks, costs and explanations here.

In addition to Incoterms, those dealing with international shipments, especially ocean freight, might come across additional terms and abbreviations. An overview of ocean freight terms alongside Incoterms can be found on this page.

Incoterms for all transportation modes (ocean freight, air freight, rail freight, road freight)

These Incoterms will be familiar to any international logistics operators, merchants, manufacturers, exporters and importers. Each Incoterm is an abbreviation for the type of delivery contract. The following Incoterms 2020 apply to all transportation modes.

EXW – Ex Works (named place of delivery)

The seller makes the goods available at their premises, but the buyer incurs all the risks of bringing the goods to the final destination. This term places the maximum obligation on the buyer and minimum obligations on the seller. EXW is regularly used when making an initial quotation for the sale of goods without any transportation costs included.

 

 

If parties wish the seller to be responsible for loading the goods and bearing the risks and costs of loading, this must be made clear by adding concrete wording in the contract of sale.

FCA – Free Carrier (named place of delivery)

The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, at a named place, including the seller’s own premises. The goods can be delivered to a carrier named by the buyer, or to another party named by the buyer.

The seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the buyer’s carrier if the delivery occurs at the seller’s premises. If the delivery occurs at any other place, the seller is deemed to have delivered the goods once their transport has arrived at the named place and the buyer is responsible for both unloading the goods and loading them onto their own carrier.

CPT – Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)

The seller pays for the carriage of goods up to the named place in the destination country. But the goods are considered to be delivered when handed over to the first or main carrier. This means the risk transfers to the buyer upon handing goods over to that carrier at the place of shipment in the country of export. The seller has fulfilled their obligation when goods are handed over to the carrier, not when they reach the destination.

The seller is responsible for origin costs, including export clearance and freight costs for the shipment to the named place of destination. This could be either the final destination such as the buyer’s facilities or a port of destination. This has to be agreed to by the seller and buyer, however.

CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid to (named place of destination)

Similar to CPT, except that the seller is required to obtain insurance for the goods while in transit. Under Incoterms 2020, CIP requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of the contract value. Again, the seller has fulfilled his obligation when the goods are handed over to the carrier, not when the goods reach their destination. Risk transfers from the seller to the first carrier upon handing over the goods.

DAP – Delivered At Place (named place of destination)

The seller’s obligation is fulfilled when the goods are ready for unloading onto the incoming transport at the specified destination. Buyer bears the costs and risks of unloading the goods and arranges import customs clearance and import taxes if necessary.

DPU – Delivered At Place Unloaded (named place of destination)

The seller is required to deliver the goods and unload them at the named place of destination. The seller covers all the costs of transport including export fees and carriage, unloading from the main carrier at the destination port and destination port charges and assumes all risk until arrival at the destination port or terminal.

The seller’s obligation is fulfilled once the goods are unloaded at a specified destination and carry risk until arrival at the destination port or terminal.  All charges after unloading (for example, import duty, taxes, customs and on-carriage) are to be borne by the buyer. However, it is important to note that any delay or demurrage charges at the terminal will generally be paid by the seller.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)

The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the country of destination and paying all costs in bringing goods to the destination (incl. import duties and taxes). The buyer is responsible for the unloading. Risk is transferred to the buyer at the delivery of the goods at the named place of destination.

DDP requires the seller to be aware of any duties, taxes and regulations in the buyer’s country and should thus be used with caution.

 

 

Incoterms for sea and inland waterway transport

These are the four Incoterms 2020 for international trade where transportation is conducted entirely by water.

It should be noted that these Incoterms are generally not suited for shipments in ocean freight containers. This is because the point at which risk and responsibility transfer is when the goods are loaded onboard of the ship – in containers it is impossible to verify the condition of the goods at this point.

FAS – Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)

The shipment is considered delivered when the goods are placed alongside the buyer’s vessel at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer bears the costs and risks from that moment. FAS requires the seller to clear the goods for export by default. For alternative arrangements, the contract of sale should be modified.

FOB – Free on Board (named port of shipment)

The seller bears all costs and risks up to when the goods are loaded onboard the vessel. The seller’s obligations include the customs clearance of the export of the goods in the country of departure.

CFR – Cost and Freight (named port of destination)

The seller pays for the carriage of the goods up to the named port of destination. Risk transfers to the buyer when the goods have been loaded onboard the ship in the country of export.

The seller is responsible for origin costs including export clearance and freight costs for carriage to the named port. The shipper is not responsible for delivery to the final destination from the port or for buying insurance.

CIF – Cost, Insurance & Freight (named port of destination)

The seller is responsible until the goods have been unloaded from the deck at the port of destination. The seller must handle customs clearance, main transport to the port of destination and insurance for the goods. The seller’s delivery obligation ends upon handing the goods over to the carrier.

Conclusion

Incoterms give vital information about the costs and responsibilities of international shipments. It is important to pay attention to Incoterms both when getting quotations from the merchant or manufacturer as well as transportation and logistics services.

Not knowing Incoterms can mean the difference between getting your shipment delivered on time versus having to pay extra delivery costs or organize last-mile deliveries yourself.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. One platform, all freight modes, instant quotes. Find out more. 

Incoterms table

Table 1. Incoterms 2020.

Businesses need to prepare for the Christmas now

It might seem like the Christmas period is still far away, because autumn hasn’t even really started yet. However, logistics companies invite you to start thinking about preparing for Christmas early this year. As the saying goes, “the slower you go, the farther you go” is very relevant to the preparation stage. Whether you’re a logistics specialist or a manager in a business, you need to be aware that there are various risks in the run-up to Christmas that could make it difficult for your business to receive a shipment on time. In the article, we explain the main recommendations so that the preparation for Christmas in your company goes without worries.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. Instantly compare options across hundreds of shipping providers to find the best possible solution for your shipping needs. Visit MyDello to get an instant quote.

Tip number one – start with the cargo planning now!

Christmas is only a few months away. Logistics specialists strongly recommend to act in time if you want to stock your online store or physical store shelves with various goods for the Christmas season. First of all, in the fall, various popular countries, such as the USA, Canada or China, may impose new restrictions due to the spread of the virus, and as a result, the time of receiving goods may be significantly extended. Observing the current situation in the field of logistics, businessmen are invited to use sea transportation from China to Europe, because currently price changes differ depending on the route, but in popular Far Eastern directions, the price difference reaches up to 40%.

Second, there is a labor shortage in many countries, especially in the US and Europe. Thirdly, the workers of several airlines are on strike for a long time. People’s expenses are growing disproportionately to income, so strikes are really expected more and more. They usually take place directly in large companies, such as Lufthansa, SAS, Hamburg port terminals, where there are large unions that are ready to fight for fair wages. Logistics specialists anticipate strikes in other companies related to international transport as well.

This type of force majeure will significantly affect the processing of cargo before dispatch and will prolong the delivery. That is why the cargo should be ordered already in September. Regardless of whether you, as an entrepreneur, this Christmas will be only the first or already the tenth, we invite all entrepreneurs to act in time and order cargo without worries. Using MyDello, it is possible to save both your time and costs by 15-20%.

Tip number two – Black Friday is coming before Christmas

Every year on the last Friday of November, the popular “Black Friday” sale takes place in several countries, forcing a number of retailers to prepare even faster for the sales boom. According to the long-term experience of logistics specialists, a high demand for air transportation can be observed in the month of November, because it is a relatively fast delivery time – during this period, transportation costs can rise rapidly, because in November businessmen will “fight” with each other to place their cargo on the cargo plane.

Tip number three – diversify your suppliers

Given the above, the US and China may potentially be the countries that could significantly impact freight flow and delivery times. Why is this important? If there are significant developments in one or the other country, you have alternatives – a member state of the European Union, from which it is possible to order, for example, strings of Christmas lights or Christmas trees.

Cargo planning needs to be thought about much faster, because no one in China has so far canceled the policy of zero cases of Covid-19, which is implemented with the highest responsibility. If new outbreaks of the virus are recorded among the population, all businesses in the area are severely restricted or even suspended. Neither production nor transport or transport infrastructure companies (ports, airports) are exceptions. As a result, overloads are formed in the non-closed transportation nodes, because loads from the closed sections are transferred there.

Entrepreneurs are invited to evaluate – the closer to the end of the year, as there are greater risks related to both Covid-19 and airline employee strikes. It is very likely that no one will be able to avoid these risks, so it is more and more important to implement cargo planning now.

MyDello is be able to help in any situation

Regardless of whether you are a representative of a small, medium or large company and with or without a logistics specialist in your team, one of the most effective solutions for ordering cargo is the through MyDello. The platform will significantly facilitate your freight orders, allow you to easily review and compare the costs of freight shipments, as well as track the shipment 24/7. MyDello is staffed by experienced logistics specialists from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and will be able to find the best solution for you in different situations individually. The online platform is free to use. One platform, all freight modes, instant quotes. Find out more. 

Follow MyDello news on ” LinkedIn ” and ” Facebook “.

Every year autumn highlights new topics to discuss and new challenges to tackle. And this time it still includes COVID. We are already witnessing new local lockdowns in China and we also see the transport volumes for pandemic-related commodities like protective gear and COVID tests are increasing again. A new wave is coming, but this time the world is well prepared to handle it.

China has always practiced more strict measures to fight the pandemics. At this time China is implementing local lockdowns if number of cases rises in one specific city or region. These lockdowns may be in place from a couple of days up to 10 days, depending on the number of new daily cases.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. Instantly compare options across hundreds of shipping providers to find the best possible solution for your shipping needs. Visit MyDello to get an instant quote.

How does it affect logistics?

Logistics is not shut down during lockdowns. But safety precautions are applied. This is a big difference and it helps to keep goods moving and business going. This means that pick-up and deliveries can be done, but it may take an additional day or two due as in some regions a permit must be applied and in some cases decontamination process for the shipment and the truck may be needed.

What about freight rates?

Even now space for freight is easily available for air and ocean freight, with attractive rates too. If you are looking something faster than ocean transport, but cheaper than air freight and you do not wish to take risk with rail, our Ocean Premium service is a great option with 45-day transit time.

We decided to ask some of MyDello’s customers for their feedback to know why they use MyDello and whether they would recommend it to another. Or even to their competitors?

The companies that use the logistics service pointed out that MyDello is simple and logical because inquiries are held on one platform. There is no need to send out any email. “There is usually some important information missing in the emails. MyDello has the option to enter the data, and the offers will come immediately,” says Marite Uustal of beauty products company Careria.

Immediate results

Companies using MyDello, on average, spend 45% less time on logistics. It means there is more time to focus on the company’s core business and grow it. It’s also one of the main reasons Careria started using MyDello. “Simply enter the data and get the offers. You’ll know the best prices in less than a minute, and you’ll order the transport of goods in just a few clicks,” says Uustal.

You only need to know where from and to you want the shipment to be sent and what’s the dimensions estimate and MyDello will give you the first quote.

Compare different modes of transportation

Which mode of transport to choose? Air, rail, maritime transport or road transport? As a platform, MyDello offers a wide range of services and helps you find a suitable, cost-effective solution.

Our client Tiia Prous from Kinkston confirms that. “So far, my experience has shown that the MyDello solutions are sufficient and can be safely used, whether the shipment is coming from Europe or Asia.”

Who would have thought that, in some cases, air transport could be faster and cheaper than by rail? This can sometimes happen, and so it is always a good idea to have the offer from different carriers and compare different modes of transport. You’ll get all these offers from MyDello in just a matter of seconds. MyDello statistics also confirm this—platform users spend 7-11% less money compared to traditional offerings. So, using MyDello, you win time and money.

Ask experts, if needed

Many companies, especially smaller ones, need logistics services a couple of times a month. Thus, knowing all the crucial things in the logistics world is sometimes difficult. MyDello platform helps make the right choices during the order submission process. If necessary, questions can always be addressed to MyDello’s logistics specialists.

Logistics is an area that requires day-to-day work and focuses on the details. MyDello’s team has experience and expertise in solving the most complex and time-critical situations. According to Peeter Vahar, Chief Experience Officer of MyDello, a solution to all the questions will be found. “Support is always available—for simple questions to the most complex cases,” Vahar says. The logistics specialists can always be contacted from the right corner of the MyDello page.

 Suitable for both beginners and professionals

The use of MyDello is simple, and its functionalities support handling a single shipment and regular logistics work. The logistics specialist of Cleveron, Rasmus Kodres, couldn’t agree more. “Digital solutions are the next likely step in supply chain management, and platforms like MyDello that allow this are very much expected,” says Kodres. “Logistics is an area that requires exceptional accuracy. All the shipments and documents must be properly formulated and always within reach.”

The platform can track the current status of all shipments. In addition, you can, for example, see information about previously sent items or create reports about shipments. Explore the full functionality of the platform on the MyDello page.

MyDello started exactly one year ago on 26 April 2021, and the goal remains the same – we want future logistics to be fully automated. Over the year, it has become clear that our customers appreciate the possibility of comparing different modes of transport. As all costs increase, it is good to know that, on average, MyDello users save 15-20% on logistics.

MyDello is created by experienced experts from the field of logistics. MyDello is the most convenient way to get an immediate offer for international transport instead of many phone calls and emails. The portal displays a selection to find the most suitable transport solution for your business, taking changing circumstances into account.

Why choose MyDello?

We believe that global logistics will become fully automated in the near future. MyDello combines the various parties in the supply chain: we reduce the number of intermediaries, digitalise all information, and contribute to ensuring that the costs to logistics are minimal. According to our data, using the platform means 15-20% lower costs on average, and our customers value it highly.

MyDello’s primary goal is to provide a simple solution that a logistics specialist can handle daily. There have been major changes in logistics in the last two years due to the pandemic Covid-19 and crises, and companies are looking for new ways to operate as efficiently as possible. Compared to different supply modes, it is necessary to find the best solution. For example, during the crisis in the Suez Canal, maritime transport was disrupted, and prices increased rapidly. Which delivery method to choose as a replacement? The answer is just a few clicks away.

The best part of digitalisation is that the business is more efficient and takes less time. MyDello uses different logistics service providers and carriers and brings them all together. A good overview can already be obtained with a single query. Paperless management has become more natural in every sector and country. Therefore it’s great to witness the logistics sector coming more and more digital.

MyDello has countless advantages as a digital platform. Let the numbers speak for themselves: almost 2,000 companies have joined MyDello in the year. According to the latest feedback, customers appreciate the most important way to compare prices and delivery methods.

MyDello shifts boundaries

The whole logistics sector has changed significantly over the last year. Nevertheless, MyDello’s first year has been very successful. The main objective, to provide services with a turnover of at least two million euros, has been achieved. Two thousand customers have joined the portal, indicating a need for a digitalised logistics service.

MyDello is currently available in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Still, we plan to continue growing and soon start offering services to Swedish companies.

Follow MyDello also on LinkedIn and Facebook.

When sending goods and selecting pallet type and packaging materials, it’s best to be careful as the wrong choice may cause additional time and be more expensive. Requirements differ according to the goods, mode of transportation and desired destination, says Peeter Vahar, the Chief Experience Officer of MyDello.

In the EU, the most common pallet is EUR (the same size as ISO1). Usually, this helps to send goods almost everywhere without any extra hustle in the customs of the country of destination. The general rule is that even if the buyer takes care of the whole logistics, it is still the consignor’s responsibility to make sure that packaging and the preparation of the invoice are done correctly. It becomes natural when sending goods more often as there are some potential risks, mainly if exporting out of Europe.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. One platform, all freight modes, instant quotes. Find out more. 

Wood must be fumigated

The main rule for international trade is that all wooden pallets and materials must be treated against pesticides and pests. Processing the wood will help prevent the arrival and spread of potentially dangerous pests in the country of destination. Suitable pallets are already pre-ready and heat-treated or have to go under the fumigation process in the port.

Also, it is good to know that all wooden parts that are used for packing or fastening the goods must be fumigated. Just an example: there is a machine that exceeds the standard size, and there are pretty no pre-made suitable packages for that. In this case, it is still necessary to secure the shipment by using different packing materials and, most probably, some wooden pieces. When using wood, it’s good to select pre-treated components or the load must be fumigated before leaving the port. Fumigating before the transportation adds extra two or three days and a certificate will be issued after the process.

In addition to wooden pallets, there are also pallets made out of plastic and metal. In terms of price and quality, the most reasonable choice is wood. The advantage of plastic is that, unlike wood, it doesn’t rot. At the same time, transport is generally in dry conditions and, for example, in a container, excessive moisture does not endanger wood.

The choice of the pallet must primarily be based on the size and nature of the goods. In different countries and regions, there are different standards for the dimensions.

 

Choose the suitable packaging materials

Packaging requirements apply to goods that may pose a higher risk to other goods, means of transport, persons or the environment in the transportation process. These requirements are regulated in international agreements. According to the type of risk, the requirements differ. For example, chemicals must be packaged in a box that withstands falls and leaks.

Suppose the goods are packed in accordance with the requirements. In that case, the transportation process does not differ, just some additional information must be provided on the goods, and the potential risks have to be avoided. However, it should be kept in mind that certain goods are subject to requirements that exclude, for example, transport in a passenger plane. For example, lithium batteries are generally only allowed to be transported in commercial aircraft.

Cardboard box

Mistakes may be pricy

If you should choose the wrong pallet or package, it probably causes some unwanted problems. Based on our experience, it is the cheapest to avoid mistakes beforehand instead of finding a solution with the customs board and the receiver afterwards. In the worst-case scenario, a wrong pallet or an error in choosing the right packaging materials may mean that the whole shipment will be confiscated. The process following the mistake generally depends on the rules of a particular country and customs, but sometimes it can be solved by simply changing unsuitable packaging. However, the customs procedure and the deposit may cause additional costs.

There have also been situations where the customs authorities do not agree to destroy nonfumigated pallets in more complex cases. In this case, the sender must pay to ship goods back to the sender. However weird it may be, an empty pallet must be shipped to the other side of the world. Usually, it is not seen as a big problem, but it sure costs extra money and time. You can be pretty sure that the delivery partner is not happy with the delays in the transportation.

 

MyDello is here to help


If it’s your first time sending goods somewhere far away, or you want to double-check, feel free to contact MyDello. We will identify the specific conditions and the requirements. When sending dangerous goods, our system does not automatically display the price, but we will manually check the transport compliance before you can even notice.

 

Good to know: most common pallet types

  • EUR-pallet (ISO1) pallet in size 1200 x 800 x h mm
  • EUR-pallet is usually pre-treated or fumigated, but some non-fumigated pallets are sometimes also referred to as Euro-pallets
  • Smaller EUR 6 pallet (ISO0) 800 x 600 x h mm
  • EUR 2 (ISO2) pallet 1000 x 1200 x h mm

We all need a little advice sometimes, especially in an industry as complex as logistics, give us a call and benefit from MyDello’s years of experience.  

 

Restrictions for international freight

The airspace of Ukraine is closed to any commercial traffic. European airspace is closed for all Russian airlines. As a countermeasure Russian and Belarusian airspace is closed for European airlines. As a result, flights between Europe and Asia have been disrupted as European airlines need to fly longer routes now to avoid Russian airspace. A flight between Tokyo and Helsinki used to take 9 hours, but the adjusted route adds 4 hours of flying time now. Routes between Europe and China make a 3 hours detour on average.
Russian airlines, like Air Bridge Cargo which operated a significant amount of cargo flights between Europe and Asia, are banned to operate in European Union. After numerous cancellations and rearrangements, European carriers have managed to reestablish regular service between Europe and Asia amid the restrictions.

Although Russian Railways has been added to the list of sanctioned companies, it is still possible to keep goods moving on rail from China to Europe via Russia and Belarus. It is important to keep in mind the high risks involved. Risks related to both the war situation and any potential political decisions between the EU, Russia and China can have an unexpected result for cargo on the way under not being able to enter the EU.

Most main ocean carriers have decided to stop serving Russian ports. Combined with thriving oil prices this affects freight rates. The long-term impact is yet to be seen as the market is still showing first reactions.

Coronavirus situation in China

As Coronavirus has started to spread with increasing speed in China again. China’s government has locked down Shenzhen, a city of 17.5 million people to halt the Covid outbreak. This means that also production companies cannot produce the goods. So far shipments are moving without bigger delays, but still, the risk for hold-ups is increased.

MyDello service update

The dynamics of this situation are changing fast. That’s why we are closely monitoring the situation and will report if there should be any changes or disruptions in our services. This is to ensure as smooth service as possible.

· Air freight. Service on the Asia-Europe trade lane is now recovering, but the impact of reorganizing routes and a huge increase in oil prices affects the rates. Air rates from China to Europe have increased on average by 140% over the last two weeks. For other lanes like between Europe and the Americas, there is no dramatic increase.

· Rail freight. Service on the China-Europe lane is operating with no noteworthy disruptions up to this time. Shipments on the way are moving as scheduled. From the current week, MyDello resumed accepting rail freight shipments from China to Europe.

· Ocean freight. Demand for ocean transport from Asia to Europe is increasing. This results in a longer waiting time between booking and vessel departure. As many ocean carriers have stopped serving Russian ports, the demand for feeder ships in the Baltic has dropped, which may result in a less frequent feeder schedule to Baltic ports.

More updates to come in the upcoming days.

Need advice? – Feel free to get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help your business.

Shipping hazardous and dangerous goods around the world is not impossible and uncommon it just involves more regulations and requires a bit more preparation than shipping regular goods.

What is needed to make your dangerous shipments move smoothly and eliminate as many hassles as possible?

What are classified as dangerous and hazardous goods?

Dangerous or hazardous goods are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. By identifying dangerous and hazardous goods you are taking the first step in order to reduce the risks connected. Further steps include proper packaging, handling and transportation.

MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. Instantly compare options across hundreds of shipping providers to find the best possible solution for your shipping needs. Visit MyDello to get an instant quote.

 

 

Dangerous and hazardous goods are divided into nine classes 

A good starting point for determining if your products might be dangerous is by obtaining a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer and checking the “Transportation Information.” By doing so, you will receive valuable information on the risks related to handling the products you are shipping.  

Dangerous and hazardous goods are divided into nine classes that describe different types of risks.

  • Class 1: Explosives 
  • Class 2: Gases
  • Class 3: Flammable Liquids
  • Class 4: Flammable Solids
  • Class 5: Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides 
  • Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances 
  • Class 7: Radioactive substances 
  • Class 8: Corrosive substances 
  • Class 9: Miscellaneous batteries

Dangerous goods class 1: Explosives

Class 1 items are divided into six subdivisions that describe the potential hazard posed by the explosive. They cover substances that have an explosion hazard, explosions that may project fragments and firebrands, and fire hazards. The movement of class 1 materials is tightly regulated. 

Dangerous goods class 2: Gases

Class 2 items include all gases which are compressed and stored for transportation and are divided into three divisions: Flammable (also called combustible), Non-Flammable/Non-Poisonous, and Poisonous. This classification is based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of these Goods – Model Regulations.

Dangerous goods class 3: Flammable Liquids

Class 3 comprises liquids or mixtures of liquids that have a flash point of not more than 60 °C (140 °F), or any material in a liquid phase with a flash point at or above 37.8 °C (100 °F) that is intentionally heated and offered for transportation or transported at or above its flash point in bulk packaging. The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapour within a test vessel in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.

Dangerous goods class 4: Flammable Solids

Flammable solids are any materials in the solid phase of matter that can readily undergo combustion  in the presence of a source of ignition under standard circumstances, i.e. without Flammable solids are divided into three subdivisions that include highly flammable solids, solids that are likely to spontaneously and substances that, if they come into contact with water, emit flammable gases.

Dangerous goods class 5: Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides

An oxidizer is a chemical that readily yields oxygen in reactions, thereby causing or enhancing combustion. This class is divided into two subdivisions and covers agents that react with oxygen and organic pesticides.

Dangerous Goods class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Poisonous material is a material, other than a gas, known to be so toxic to humans that it presents a health hazard during transportation. It is divided into two subdivisions and includes substances such as cyanide, arsenic, vaccines and pathology specimens.

Dangerous goods class 7: Radioactive substances

Radioactive substances are materials that emit radiation. 
Class 7 covers materials that have a specific activity greater than 70-kilo becquerels per kilogram.

Dangerous goods class 8: Corrosive substances

A corrosive material is a liquid-or-solid material that causes full-thickness destruction of human skin at the site of contact within a specified period of time. Corrosive items include battery acids, sulfuric acid and mercury. When shipping corrosives, care should be taken to ensure that incompatible corrosive materials cannot become mixed, as many corrosives react very violently if mixed.
https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/what_is_hazmat/

Dangerous goods class 9: Miscellaneous

A miscellaneous hazardous material is a material that presents a hazard during transportation but which does not meet the definition of any other hazard class. This class includes:

  1. Any material which has an anaesthetic, noxious or other similar property which could cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to a flight crew member so as to prevent the correct performance of assigned duties; or
  2. Any material that meets the definition in 49 CFR 171.8 for an elevated temperature material, a hazardous substance, a hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.

Note: Refer to the dangerous or hazardous goods transportation regulations of the country of interest.
https://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/TDG/Class_9_Goods.html

15 different dangerous goods signs

Dangerous and hazardous goods signs

Certain rules regarding quantities 

Goods that pose a possible risk have different rules when it comes to quantities. If you are shipping samples of any goods that might be considered dangerous, there are some options to move the goods in Excepted Quantities (no additional documents or full set of labels needed), Limited Quantities (labels, declarations needed, no certified packages needed) or Normal Quantities (Full set of documents, labels and packages needed). Shipping as small samples (Excepted or Limited Quantities) might give you an advantage in shipping costs and opportunities to move the goods. What is regarded as Excepted, Limited and Normal quantities might be depending on the certain classification of the dangerous or hazardous goods. 
https://www.gov.uk/shipping-dangerous-goods/transporting-limited-quantities

Proper packing of dangerous goods 

When dangerous goods are shipped, it requires proper packing. Some dangerous and hazardous goods require certified boxes and tapes that have proper markings. For example, regular plastic or painter’s tape might not be sufficient and armed tape is needed.  In addition to packaging, proper labelling is needed. All boxes that contain these classification of goods need to have respective labels on them. Also, if the boxes are placed on a pallet and shrink-wrapped, additional labelling is needed on top of the shrink-wrap.  

Taping carton box with armed tape

When packing hazardous goods regular plastic or painter tape is not sufficient. The armed tape is needed.

Global regulations for hazardous goods 

These goods require special safety-focused handling and transportation. Various regulatory authorities control the transportation of hazardous goods internationally and nationally. Some of the most common frameworks for transportation include the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions. 

Dangerous goods declaration 

Dangerous goods usually require a separate declaration, which describes the products in detail. Before filling out the declaration, make sure you consult with your forwarder or carrier. Responsibility for packaging and declarations is generally the shipper’s responsibility, but professional forwarders or advisors usually have experience and are able to help. 

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

When the hazardous cargo is shipped the carriers will ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet, which is known as MSDS. This data sheet must contain full information regarding the product being shipped. MSDS is very important for the carriers to consider acceptance of the product onto the vessel. It basically provides the instructions and the full requirements for handling this dangerous cargo and it must be created by the manufacturer of the product as they would have full information on the item. 

MSDS is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner and includes information such as physical data (melting point, flash point, boiling point, etc.), disposal, toxicity, reactivity, health effects, first aid, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures. Most developed countries have similar regulations and requirements however MSDS formats can vary from source to source within a country depending on national requirements.

Dangerous goods regulations for different transport modes

Air freight

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)has developed dangerous goods regulations for air transport of hazardous materials that are based upon the UN model but modified to accommodate unique aspects of air transport. Individual airline and governmental requirements are incorporated with this by the International Air Transport Association to produce the widely used IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).  
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/faq/

Ocean freight

Similarly, the International Maritime Organization  (IMO) has developed the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (“IMDG Code”, part of the  for transportation of dangerous goods by sea. IMO member countries have also developed the  to provide compensation in case of spills in the sea.

Rail freight

The Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail  (OTIF) has developed regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (“RID”, part of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail. Many individual nations have also structured their transportation regulations to align with the UN Model in the organization as well as in specific requirements. 

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals  (GHS) is the internationally agreed-upon system set to replace the various classification and labelling standards used in different countries. The GHS uses consistent criteria for classification and labelling on a global level.

Conclusion 

We all need a little advice sometimes, especially in an industry as complex as logistics, give us a call and benefit from MyDello’s years of experience.  

In general, shipping of these goods are more expensive and time-consuming. It’s reflected well in the shipping & packaging costs. Nevertheless, with proper planning and discussions with your forwarder, he or she can help you to make it happen – smoothly, safely and surely!  MyDello logistics specialists can help you out.

Restrictions for international freight

The current situation between Ukraine and Russia is impacting everyone. This is a tragedy that will, first and foremost, cause great human suffering for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Recent days have brought decisions which among others are directly influencing international trade and global logistics.

Air traffic sees multiple restrictions. European Union has decided to ban all Russian-registered, Russian-owned or Russian-controlled aircraft from EU airspace. This means that mentioned aircraft cannot take off, land or overfly the territory of the EU.

An increasing number of EU air carriers are banned by Russian Federation or have chosen to avoid Russian airspace, which results in longer routings, extended transit times and higher costs between Asia and Europe.

Numerous sanctions have been established, which are impacting trade with partners in Russia and Belarus. Shipments with origin or destination in Russia or Belarus have restricted options.

 

MyDello service update

During these hesitant times, changes can occur within hours. That’s why we are closely monitoring the situation and will report if there should be any changes or disruptions in our services. This is to ensure as smooth service as possible.

  • Air freight service on the Asia-Europe trade lane will see disruption in flight schedules, as carriers are rearranging routings to avoid Russian airspace. Please expect longer transit times and an increase in cost for shipments between Europe and Asia.
  • Ocean freight service from Asia is currently operating as usual, but increased waiting time is needed
  • Rail freight service on the China-Europe lane has been operating with no noteworthy disruptions up to this time. However, the fast-changing political situation in regard to Russia and Belarus has created a high probability of additional restrictions, which may severely impact rail service. As a result, we have decided to not accept any new bookings for rail service at this time. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will open the service for new bookings as soon as possible

More news to come in the upcoming days.

Need advice? – Feel free to get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help your business.