Shipping, Freight & Customs Resources
Use the right resource for parcel shipping, air freight, ocean freight, customs brokers, ports, and international logistics.
Start with how the goods are moving
Freight terminology becomes easier once you separate parcels, air cargo, less-than-container loads, full containers, and final-mile delivery.
Parcel / Express
Best starting point for smaller shipments where carrier pricing and country restrictions can be checked directly.
Air Freight
Faster for higher-value or time-sensitive cargo; dimensional weight and airport handling matter.
Ocean Freight
Common for pallets, LCL, and full containers; terminal, documentation, and port charges matter.
Domestic Delivery
Drayage, trucking, warehouse, and final-mile costs belong in the landed-cost model.
Find regulated ocean intermediaries
The Federal Maritime Commission regulates Ocean Transportation Intermediaries, including ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs.
Search FMC OTI Directory ↗Find U.S. customs brokers
Use CBP's broker resources and port information when you need a licensed customs professional.
CBP Broker Resources ↗Check postal-country rules
For smaller postal shipments, use the USPS International Mail Manual for country conditions, forms, prohibitions, and limits.
USPS International Manual ↗Do not compare freight rates in isolation.
A cheap line-haul quote can become expensive after origin pickup, documentation, fuel, terminal handling, customs brokerage, port storage, duties, and final delivery are included.
- Ask whether the quote is port-to-port, door-to-port, or door-to-door.
- Confirm which Incoterm applies to the supplier sale.
- Identify charges that are estimates versus guaranteed.
- Ask how demurrage, detention, storage, or customs exams are handled.
- Put all known costs into the Import Cost Calculator.
Not just the headline freight price.