6 questions on Shein, Temu, de minimis, and the U.S. shipping market

1. What is the de minimis exemption? The de minimis exemption lets you import merchandise with a retail value below a certain amount duty and tax free. The Latin expression “de minimis” means trivial things—stuff too minor to merit consideration. The rule was originally designed for people who traveled abroad and brought back souvenirs. Lawmakers […]
The devil’s in the surcharges

You’ve probably heard that in the last weeks, both UPS and FedEx announced their rate increases for 2025. Exactly how these changes affect your costs depends on your shipping profile, so if you’d like to understand what this means for your bottom line, feel free to DM me for a free, no strings attached shipping […]
Ship Smarter, Not Harder: 3 Steps to Your 2025 Carrier Budget.

As 2025 approaches, is your carrier budget ready? Many small and medium businesses assume carrier budgeting is only for large enterprises. The truth? It’s a critical tool for businesses of all sizes. A well-thought-out carrier budget enhances decision-making, supports planning, improves money management, keeps costs in check, and streamlines your logistics strategy. Let’s explore the […]
Navigating 2025: What Shippers Need to Know

2025 is off to a dynamic start, with Inauguration Day just around the corner. It looks like this year won’t be a quiet one, with major shifts already underway. What should shippers focus on this year? Here’s a concise breakdown of key developments impacting the logistics landscape. Tariffs on the rise Foreign producers are rushing […]
Shipping in the Age of Uncertainty

I’m not a big fan of memes, but this one pretty much sums up the mood in the shipping industry since January 20: The shipping industry has been anything but predictable in recent weeks. Every time we think we have a clear strategy, new tariffs, surcharges, or sudden regulatory changes keep everyone on their toes. […]