Notes from
the yard

Plain guides, rate updates and port news from our freight desk in Chicago. Short reads that help you ship smarter. New posts every two weeks.

Topics we write about
SVRU 612048
5
SVRU 612053
0
SVRU 612069
6
SVRU 612074
1
SVRU 612080
2
SVRU 612095
2

Fresh from the freight desk

Our two newest posts, written by the people who book, clear and deliver your freight.

FCL or LCL: when a full container costs less than a shared one

FCL or LCL: when a full container costs less than a shared one

Above about 14 cubic meters, a full 20 ft box is often cheaper than LCL. Here is how to run the numbers…

How to read a bill of lading, line by line

How to read a bill of lading, line by line

The bill of lading is a receipt, a contract and a title document in one. Here is what each box means and…

Guides and market updates

How-to guides for importers, and what we see on the main lanes this season.

Peak season 2026: book ocean space eight weeks early

Peak season 2026: book ocean space eight weeks early

Space on Asia to U.S. lanes is filling fast. Here is our advice for…

Five ways to cut your warehouse costs this quarter

Five ways to cut your warehouse costs this quarter

Small changes to how you store and pick stock can cut storage bills by…

Air or ocean? A simple way to choose for urgent stock

Air or ocean? A simple way to choose for urgent stock

Air freight costs more, but a late product launch can cost even more. Use…

What a good cold chain partner checks before every trip

What a good cold chain partner checks before every trip

Fresh food and medicine need the right temperature from start to finish. Here is…

Get the next
note first

Leave your work email and we add you to our mailing list. We never share your address.

What you get