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A freight forwarder simplifies international shipping by acting as your logistics partner. Freight forwarders coordinate carriers, manage documentation, ensure compliance, and handle challenges along the way, saving you time, reducing costs, and keeping your cargo moving smoothly.

An NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission to act like an ocean carrier without operating ships. Unlike freight forwarders, an NVOCC like Freight180 can contract with multiple carriers, issue its own Bill of Lading, consolidate loads, and offer more route flexibility and competitive options for customers.

Choose a freight forwarder with experience on your trade routes and strong infrastructure at the origin and destination. The right partner should offer additional services, such as customs support, insurance, and intermodal options, to ensure your shipments are safe, fast, and cost-effective.

International shipments typically require a Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Depending on the type of cargo, you may also need an Export License, Certificate of Origin, or Phytosanitary Certificate. Freight180 will guide you through the process and help secure all required documentation to ensure your shipment moves smoothly and in compliance.

Ocean freight is generally more economical and better for large or heavy shipments, though it takes longer. Air freight is faster and ideal for urgent, smaller, or high-value cargo, but it costs more. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and cargo type.

An intermodal shipment uses two or more modes of transport, such as truck, rail, and ocean, under a single contract. This increases efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures smoother long-distance moves. For example, your container might go by truck to a rail ramp, travel cross-country by train, and then continue by ship to its final destination.

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is the official contract between the shipper and the carrier that confirms the receipt of cargo for transport. It serves three key purposes: it’s a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage that outlines terms and conditions, and in some cases, a document of title that can be used to transfer ownership of the goods. In short, it’s one of the most important documents in international shipping.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardized trade rules that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international shipping, including the arrangement of transport, payment of costs, and handling of risks. Choosing the right Incoterm is crucial because it directly impacts your costs, responsibilities, and risk exposure. The correct term ensures smoother operations, avoids disputes, and protects your business in international trade. Freight180 can guide you in selecting the most suitable Incoterms for your shipments, helping you save time, money, and avoid unnecessary risks.

We ship worldwide. As a U.S.-based freight forwarder, we manage cargo across all major global trade lanes. However, our strongest expertise is in shipments moving between the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where we handle high volumes and have built deep local knowledge. This enables us to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions and personalized support in the markets where our customers operate most frequently.