What Is CIF in International Shipping?

Source: Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock.com In the shipping industry, CIF stands for cost, insurance and freight. It’s an umbrella term used to determine accountability when moving goods overseas or from one country to the next. A lot of things can go wrong when you’re moving your freight around the world, and CIF is an easy way to make sure both the shipper and receiver understood the terms ...

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Answering International Shipping Questions: What Is FOB?

Source: adtapon duangnim/Shutterstock.com When it comes to shipping internationally, FOB stands for “Free on Board.” It’s a common term used to pass liability from the seller to the buyer. If the goods are destroyed or damaged along the way, one party will need to assume responsibility and pay the fees associated with replacing the goods in question. FOB also includes the cost of shipping ...

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Evaluating the Pros and Cons: OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Source: FabrikaSimf/Shutterstock.com Drivers have so many options when it comes to adding parts and accessories to their vehicles. The aftermarket parts industry is alive and well as more companies come up with products that can be used with dozens of makes and models. The combined worth of the U.S. automotive aftermarket is estimated at $281 billion as of 2020. (more…) Read More

How to Choose a Warehouse Management System for an OEM Warehouse

Source: panuwat phimpha/Shutterstock.com The best warehouses use software programs to collect data on their operations so they can track individual products, orders and shipments in real-time. If you’re in the market for a new warehouse management system (WMS), there are several key factors to keep in mind. (more…) Read More

How to Band a Pallet for Your Automotive Warehouse

The automotive industry is on track to sell and ship 69 million cars this year alone. Behind every make and model, there are tens of thousands of individual parts. From the latest smart computers to bulky items, nothing could be more important than making sure your goods and parts arrive at their destination safely. One mistake can tarnish your reputation as a manufacturer or distributor, leading ...

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How Much Does It Cost to Automate a Warehouse for the Automotive Industry?

Source: Phonlamai Photo/Shutterstock.com So, you want to invest in warehouse automation, but you’re not sure how much it costs? The answer all depends on the scale of your operations and what you’re looking to achieve. You don’t need to automate your entire facility to improve efficiency and reduce costs. (more…) Read More

Calculating Shipping: How to Estimate Freight Costs for Industrial Equipment Manufacturers

Source: Pakorn Khantiyaporn/Shutterstock.com Freight costs tend to vary rapidly throughout the supply chain industry. The total cost depends on a variety of factors that go beyond size and weight. Reducing freight costs can help you save hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, depending on the size of your operations. It’s an essential part of your business so do your best to reduce costs ...

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How to Wrap a Pallet for Steel Fabrication

Source: Studio Dagdagaz/Shutterstock.com If you’re looking to wrap a pallet when shipping steel, you’ve come to the right place. Most people don’t realize steel fabrication is behind around 50 percent of the products we use on any given day, from cell phones to cars and the knives in our kitchens. (more…) Read More

How to Use a Pallet Jack in Your OEM Warehouse

Source: Siwakorn1933/Shutterstock.com Where would your OEM warehouse be without a pallet jack? This simple yet amazingly helpful tool has been a staple of the warehousing and manufacturing industry for decades. Every product counts when it comes to running an OEM facility. Dropping a package or damaging one of your containers could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. In some cases, ...

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Answers for Industrial Equipment Plants – How Many Square Feet Is a Standard Pallet?

Source: Petinov Sergey Mihilovich/Shutterstock.com Every warehouse or industrial plant needs a durable set of pallets, but there are plenty of options to choose from. When loading your equipment or goods onto the pallet, be careful not to exceed the dimensions or you risk damaging your inventory. (more…) Read More

Are Pallets Treated? Safely Reusing Them for Food Processing Plants

The mighty pallet can do no wrong. They have become an essential component of the warehousing industry, helping workers and carriers transport goods quickly and safely. But every industry comes with its own considerations. If you own or manage a food processing plant, you need to use caution when bringing shipping materials into your facility. The wrong purchase can lead to the spread of debris, b...

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How Much Weight Can a Pallet Hold? A Guide for Steel Manufacturers

Source: Siwakorn1933/Shutterstock.com Trying to get a heavy load off the ground? You’ll need a strong pallet. But exactly how much can a pallet hold? It’s an important question with a surprisingly complicated answer. There are lots of different types of pallets to choose from, so it all depends on what you have on hand.  (more…) Read More