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Logistics Guides & Insights

In-depth guides on freight classification, tariff strategies, customs compliance, and warehouse operations— written by experienced logistics professionals.

Customs & Tariffs

Customs & Tariffs14 min read

U.S. Customs Bonded Warehouse: How Duty Deferral Works in 2026

Complete guide to bonded warehouses, duty deferral, Type 1–6 facilities, and when bonded storage makes financial sense.

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Customs & Tariffs14 min read

Tariff Stacking in 2026: Section 301, 232, and the New Section 122

How Section 301, Section 232, and the new Section 122 universal tariff stack together in 2026 — with real examples and a step-by-step calculation guide.

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Customs & Tariffs6 min read

Section 122 Tariff Raised to 15%: What US Importers Need to Recalculate

The Section 122 universal import tariff was raised from 10% to 15% on February 22, 2026. Here's exactly what changed, which goods are affected, and how to recalculate your landed cost.

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Customs & Tariffs6 min read

USTR Launches Two Sweeping Section 301 Investigations: What Importers Must Know Before July 2026

USTR has formally initiated Section 301 investigations targeting 60+ countries for manufacturing overcapacity and forced labor — with tariff determinations expected around July 24, 2026.

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Customs & Tariffs5 min read

Section 232 Auto Parts Inclusions Window Opens April 1: A Two-Week Window Importers Cannot Afford to Miss

The Commerce Department has opened a Section 232 inclusions window for automobile parts — importers have until April 14 to request that specific parts be added to the 25% tariff scope, or face unexpected duty exposure without a voice in the process.

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Customs & Tariffs12 min read

Section 301 Tariffs Explained: What is Still in Effect in 2026

Understand current Section 301 China tariffs in 2026. Learn which lists remain active at 25% and 7.5%, affected products, and tariff engineering strategies.

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Customs & Tariffs11 min read

Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Current Rates and Exemptions

Understand Section 232 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2026. Learn which products are covered, derivative articles, exclusion requests, and mitigation strategies.

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Customs & Tariffs10 min read

How to Read an HTS Code: A Shipper's Complete Guide

Master HTS tariff classification codes. Learn the 10-digit structure, how to look up codes, why classification matters, and when to hire a customs broker.

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Customs & Tariffs13 min read

USMCA Benefits: How to Qualify for Duty-Free Treatment with Canada and Mexico

Qualify for zero-duty USMCA treatment. Understand Rules of Origin, Regional Value Content, and recordkeeping requirements for Canada and Mexico trade.

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Customs & Tariffs12 min read

Foreign Trade Zones vs Bonded Warehouses: Which Saves You More?

Compare FTZ vs bonded warehouse costs and benefits. Learn when to use each for inverted tariff relief, duty deferral, and manufacturing flexibility.

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Customs & Tariffs12 min read

What Is a Customs Bonded Warehouse? Complete Guide for Importers

Operate in customs bonded warehouses: CBP regulations, staff requirements, inventory tracking, and compliance pitfalls.

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Customs & Tariffs6 min read

USMCA Exemption From Section 122 Tariff Extended Indefinitely: What Importers Need to Know

On April 2, 2026, the administration extended the USMCA exemption from the 15% Section 122 tariff indefinitely for Canada and Mexico. Here's how it affects landed cost calculations and what importers should do now.

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Customs & Tariffs5 min read

Section 232 Tariffs Restructured: New Tiers for Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Derivatives — Effective April 6, 2026

President Trump's April 2, 2026 proclamation restructures Section 232 into a three-tier system effective April 6. Pure metal products stay at 50%, but derivative articles now face 25% on their full entered value — a significant cost increase for many manufacturers and importers.

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Customs & Tariffs18 min read

2026 Tariff Impact on Freight Costs: What Importers Are Actually Paying

How the 2026 tariff landscape — Section 301, 232, and the new Section 122 — is driving up total freight costs beyond just duties. Real-world landed cost examples, carrier rate impacts, and strategies to reduce your total import spend.

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Customs & Tariffs5 min read

April 2026 Section 232 Proclamation: UK Gets 25% Steel & Aluminum Rate, Plus What Importers Need to Know

The April 2, 2026 presidential proclamation restructures Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. UK importers benefit from a 25% preferential rate, while derivative article duties shift to 25% on full entered value.

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Freight Shipping

Freight Shipping25 min read

What Is Freight Class? The Complete NMFC Guide for Shippers (2026)

Comprehensive guide to all 18 NMFC freight classes with density ranges, interactive calculator, step-by-step calculation, commodity examples, Docket 2025-1 updates, and proven tips to reduce your class and save on LTL shipping costs.

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Freight Shipping10 min read

How to Reduce Your LTL Freight Costs: 8 Strategies That Work

Practical strategies for LTL shippers to cut freight costs without sacrificing service or margins.

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Freight Shipping10 min read

What Is Dimensional Weight? How Carriers Calculate DIM Weight

Understand how dimensional weight pricing works, which carriers use it, and how to calculate billable weight to avoid surprise freight charges.

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Freight Shipping11 min read

How to Calculate CBM for Ocean Freight and Container Shipping

Learn how to calculate cubic meters (CBM) for LCL and FCL ocean freight, understand container capacities, and avoid costly volume miscalculations.

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Freight Shipping9 min read

How Fuel Surcharges Work in LTL and Parcel Freight

Understand how freight fuel surcharges are calculated, why they fluctuate weekly, and how to audit your carrier's charges to avoid overpaying.

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Freight Shipping12 min read

NMFC 2025 Docket Changes: What Shippers Need to Know

July 2025 NMFC docket reclassified Classes 50 and 55 using density scales. Learn which commodities changed and how to update BOLs.

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Freight Shipping14 min read

Freight Class for Common Commodities: Complete Reference Table

Comprehensive freight class lookup for 50+ commodities: food, hardware, electronics, automotive, apparel, industrial equipment, furniture.

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Freight Shipping11 min read

How to Avoid LTL Reclassification Fees: A Practical Guide

Prevent costly LTL reclassification charges by measuring correctly, completing accurate BOLs, and understanding carrier audit procedures.

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Freight Shipping13 min read

LTL vs FTL: When to Switch and How to Decide

Compare LTL and FTL shipping: breakeven analysis, cost per mile, transit time, damage rates, and real-world examples to guide your decision.

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Freight Shipping14 min read

10 Ways to Reduce Your Freight Spend in 2026

Actionable strategies to cut freight costs by 10-25%: class optimization, consolidation, negotiation, and technology.

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Freight Shipping12 min read

Accessorial Charges Explained: The Hidden Costs of LTL Shipping

Breakdown of LTL accessorial fees, rates, avoidance strategies, and how to negotiate blanket waivers.

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Freight Shipping13 min read

How to Negotiate Better Freight Rates: A Data-Driven Approach

Strategies for negotiating LTL carrier rates: data preparation, timing, benchmarking, volume commitments, and contract structure.

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Freight Tools & Software

Freight Tools & Software10 min read

Best Freight Management Software for Small Shippers (2026)

The top freight management and shipping software platforms for small to mid-size shippers in 2026 — from LTL TMS tools to multi-carrier parcel platforms.

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Import Logistics

Import Logistics12 min read

Port of Charleston 2026: Terminal Updates, Capacity, and Transit Times

Discover Port of Charleston 2026 terminal expansions, increased capacity, deepwater access, and transit times to major inland hubs.

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Import Logistics13 min read

Importing Through Charleston vs Savannah: A Cost Comparison

Compare Port of Charleston and Port of Savannah costs, drayage rates, ocean freight, and inland reach for Southeast importers.

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Import Logistics11 min read

Drayage Costs at Port of Charleston: What to Expect in 2026

Detailed breakdown of Charleston drayage rates, chassis fees, and strategies to minimize port-to-destination transportation costs.

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Legal

Legal2 min read

Affiliate Disclosure — FreightFigures

FreightFigures affiliate and compensation disclosure. We may earn commissions on some links, at no cost to you.

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Ports & Logistics

Ports & Logistics11 min read

Port of Charleston: What Importers Need to Know in 2026

Port operations, infrastructure, dwell times, and nearby bonded warehouse options for Southeast importers.

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Warehouse Operations

Warehouse Operations13 min read

3PL vs. In-House Warehousing: A Cost Comparison for Importers

Total cost analysis of 3PL vs. in-house warehousing, hidden costs, and when each makes sense.

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Warehouse Operations12 min read

Warehouse Cost Breakdown: What Every Line Item Means

Understand warehouse pricing line items: storage, receiving, pick and pack, handling, and surcharges. Learn benchmark rates and red flags.

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Warehouse Operations13 min read

How to Choose a 3PL Provider: 15 Questions to Ask

Evaluate and select a 3PL provider using 15 critical questions. Learn what to benchmark and red flags during RFP.

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Warehouse Operations11 min read

Pick and Pack Fees Explained: What You're Really Paying For

Understand pick and pack fee structures: per-order, per-line, per-unit, and packing materials. Learn how to model costs.

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