News & Insights
Industry news, guides, and best practices from the CargoLinked team.
8 Contingency Questions to Ask Your Freight Forwarder Before the Next Disruption
Every forwarder handles a normal shipment. 2026 showed which ones handle a closed corridor. Eight questions that reveal whether your provider has a real plan B.
Peak Season 2026 Came Early: How Shippers Should Book Through It
Front-loading ahead of tariff deadlines pulled peak season forward into the second quarter of 2026. What that means for booking, allocation and Q4 capacity.
EU ETS and FuelEU Surcharges: What the Emissions Line on Your Invoice Means
EU ETS reached 100% coverage for shipping in 2026 and now includes methane and nitrous oxide. How carriers calculate the surcharge and how to check the number.
Asia-Europe Rail vs Ocean in 2026: When the Landbridge Wins
Cape routing pushed Asia-Europe ocean transits past six weeks. That changes the rail comparison for the first time in years. A cost, speed and risk breakdown.
Agentic AI in Freight Forwarding: What It Actually Does in 2026
AI in freight has moved from predicting problems to acting on them. A practical look at what agentic systems do well, where they fail, and what to ask your forwarder.
Customs Audit Readiness: The Import Records You Must Keep
Duty rates rose, so audit activity followed. A practical guide to the records importers must retain, how long to keep them, and the four findings auditors raise most.
Freight Budget Planning in a Volatile Market: A Scenario Method
A single-number freight budget fails in a year where lanes move 50% in a quarter. A three-scenario method that survives contract season and gives finance a defensible range.
Switching Freight Forwarders Without Breaking Your Supply Chain
Changing forwarder is operationally risky and routinely botched. A phased transition plan covering data, in-transit cargo, customs continuity and the 90-day handover.
How Much Does Freight Forwarding Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide
What drives freight forwarding cost in 2026: how FCL, LCL and air quotes are built, chargeable weight, common surcharges, and who pays under each Incoterm.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do? (And Do You Need One?)
A plain-English guide to what a freight forwarder does, how they differ from carriers, NVOCCs and customs brokers, and whether your business needs one.
Customs Clearance Explained: Process, Documents & Duties
A clear, global guide to customs clearance: the step-by-step process, the documents you need, HS classification, duties and taxes, and when to hire a broker.
How to Choose a Freight Forwarder: 10 Questions to Ask
Choosing a freight forwarder is a trust decision. Use these 10 questions to vet lane experience, licences, network, insurance and pricing before you book.