For industries that rely on regular material flows such as steel, energy, and manufacturing, short-sea shipping can be a practical and cost-efficient transport option. It supports stable supply chains between coastal production sites and distribution hubs, while also contributing to environmental objectives by helping reduce road congestion and emissions. In this article, we explain what short-sea shipping is and outline its main advantages and disadvantages within modern freight transport. What is short-sea shipping? Short-sea shipping...

Each year, billions of tons of freight are transported by rail. To support this, railroad companies choose from a wide range of railcar types, each designed for specific cargo types and logistical needs. In this article, we discuss the most common types of freight railcars. But let’s start with a little terminology. In this industry, various terms are used for railcars. Common alternatives include freight train cars, railroad cars, and railroad freight cars. This overview...

Railroads move billions of tons of freight each year. To meet this demand, many businesses choose leasing over ownership, benefiting from lower upfront costs, tailored contracts, and professional fleet support. In this article, we discuss the benefits of railcar leasing, outline the different lease structures, and list the top 20 leading leasing companies in North America and Europe. On this page Benefits of leasing railcars Types of railcar leases Types of railcars for leasing Top...

With a potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, the first carrier capable of transporting freight from coast-to-coast could emerge. The railroad freight industry is a growing market that offers several advantages over other modes of transportation. In this article, we explore the key characteristics of the industry, examine the advantages and disadvantages of rail freight transport, and list the most important railroad shipping companies. Characteristics of the U.S. rail freight transport industry The...

Train robberies have long been a part of American folklore, with notorious outlaws like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy hijacking trains to steal thousands of dollars. However, train robberies are not just relics of the past. On the contrary, they are on the rise. Particularly California has become a hotspot for train cargo theft. In this article, we will explore the modern-day crisis of train cargo theft, a billion-dollar problem that remains largely unnoticed by...

Freight and cargo damage pose significant financial and reputational challenges in the shipping industry. Due to the industry's complexity and diversity, exact statistics are difficult to determine, but global freight damage losses amount to billions of dollars annually. In this article, we provide key strategies to minimize the risk of freight damage. What is Freight damage? Let’s begin by defining freight damage. Freight damage refers to any harm, loss, or compromise that goods experience during...

Though cargo theft statistics vary, the global financial loss of cargo theft runs into billions of dollars each year. Moreover, in the third quarter of 2024, CargoNet recorded 776 incidents in the U.S. and Canada, a 14% increase compared to the same quarter in 2023. The states of California, Illinois, and Texas accounted for 52% of all thefts in the third quarter of 2024. News items like the following are, unfortunately, no exception. The most...

The Full Container Load (FCL) shipping market was valued at approximately USD 392.75 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 551.77 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. In this article you will learn what FCL shipping is, the differences with LCL shipping, and benefits and drawbacks of FCL shipping. FCL meaning. What is Full Container Load shipping? FCL meaning in shipping refers to Full Container Load,...

Nigeria is the fourth-largest economy in Africa and has the largest population on the continent. Because of its growing economy and population, it has become an attractive destination for foreign businesses and investors. To export products to Nigeria, a SONCAP certificate is required. In this article, we will explain what a SONCAP certificate is and how you can obtain one. What is SONCAP? The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP) is a product...

Global trade continues to expand and growth could more than double in 2024. The world is flat as Thomas L. Friedman stated and with a single mouse click products can be purchased from the other side of the world. As a consequence less than container load shipping (LCL shipping) has become more popular and is estimated to grow 3.5% from 2024 to 2029. In this article, we'll delve into what LCL shipping is, how it...