Point To Point

For many, the name Savannah evokes images of moss-draped oaks and historic cobblestone streets. Yet beneath this picturesque Southern charm lies another reality altogether: the city's role as one of the most important logistics and distribution centers in international trade. Several factors contribute to Savannah’s rise as a global logistics hub.

Freight shipping is a fundamental element of global trade and the backbone of supply chains worldwide. It involves the movement of goods from manufacturers to markets, which is vital in keeping the wheels of commerce turning. Understanding the principles of freight movement is essential for businesses and individuals engaged in shipping or receiving goods.

The United States and Canada have long enjoyed a special relationship forged by shared geography, similar values, and strong economic ties. They share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2.6 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. Despite some challenges in recent years – such as domestic economic anxiety, COVID-19, and national security concerns – the two countries retain a partnership model unlike any other. In fact, the U.S. continues to be the primary source of goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second.

Mobile, Alabama — well-known for its historical importance and cultural heritage — is quickly establishing itself as an essential logistics hub in the Southern United States. This shift is not only transforming the city's economic landscape but also highlighting its strategic role in transportation and supply chain management.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of North American trade, businesses face a critical challenge: managing the increasing freight congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border. This bottleneck not only slows down operations but also adds significant costs.

The e-commerce landscape has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years. In 2022 alone, e-commerce sales in the U.S. exceeded a staggering $1 trillion. This shift has prompted businesses of all types to reevaluate their distribution strategies to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for faster deliveries.

Initially, the concept of transloading might raise concerns about complicating the supply chain and triggering extra costs – whether due to transit delays or other variables. However, reality presents a different picture.

Jumping headfirst into any new industry can be overwhelming, especially in the transportation industry.  Understanding the common terminologies and industry jargon used in conversations can feel particularly daunting at first. To help you jump right into conversation with your peers, we’ve put together a list of nine key industry terms that you should become acquainted with. 

International trade can often seem like a labyrinthian maze of jargon and abbreviations. It’s a world with an extensive list of unique rules, procedures, and terminology that can seem daunting at first glance. And one word that gives many new global shippers pause is the abbreviation “Incoterms.”