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Get a quoteFreight Logistics Resources
Plain-English guides to the terms, charges and decisions that come with moving freight through the ports.
Freight logistics resources for importers and shippers
These freight logistics resources explain how port logistics works, in plain language, with sources for the regulations and figures they cite. They are written for importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and shippers who want to understand charges and choices before they book.
The guides are vendor-neutral. They describe how each service, charge and rule works in general, so you can compare providers and ask the right questions.
Freight logistics guides
Start with the topic you need, or use the reading paths below.
Freight Glossary
Plain-English definitions of 70+ port, drayage, customs, warehousing and trucking terms.
Learn moreWhat Is Drayage?
What drayage means, the types of drayage moves, who is involved, the rules that apply and what drives drayage cost.
Learn moreWhat Is a Bonded Warehouse?
How customs-bonded warehouses work: the 11 CBP warehouse classes, the five-year rule, entries and withdrawals, manipulation and how they differ from FTZs.
Learn moreWhat Is a CFS?
What a container freight station is, how LCL cargo moves through one, CFS vs. CY terms, the U.S. customs rules behind CFS work, and how CFS charges are billed.
Learn moreTransloading vs. Cross-Docking
Plain definitions of transloading and cross-docking, how each works, where they overlap and a decision framework for choosing between them.
Learn moreFTL vs. LTL
How full truckload and less-than-truckload compare on size, cost, handling and risk, with a break-even method.
Learn moreDemurrage and Detention
What demurrage and detention are, who charges them, how to avoid them, and the FMC billing rules that govern the invoices.
Learn moreLast Free Day (LFD)
What the last free day is, how it is calculated, how holds affect it, and what to do when you are about to miss it.
Learn moreIn-Bond Shipments
How IT, T&E and IE in-bond movements work under 19 CFR Part 18: who files, who carries, the 30-day, 15-day and two-business-day rules.
Learn moreShipping Container Sizes
External and internal dimensions, door openings, capacity and weight limits of 20', 40', 40' high cube and 45' containers, plus pallet counts and road-weight math.
Learn moreImporting Through LA & Long Beach
The complete, vendor-neutral guide to the U.S. side of importing through the San Pedro Bay ports: filings, bonds, holds, free time, drayage, in-bond, warehousing, costs and a pre-arrival checklist.
Learn moreWhich guide answers your question
Our logistics guides grouped by the stage of an import they help with.
| Stage | Question | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | How does importing through Southern California work end to end? | Importing through Los Angeles and Long Beach |
| Planning | What fits in each container type? | Shipping container sizes |
| At the port | What is drayage and what affects its cost? | What is drayage |
| At the port | When does free time end and what happens after? | Last free day |
| At the port | What are demurrage and detention, and how do I dispute them? | Demurrage and detention |
| Customs | How do in-bond moves work? | In-bond shipments |
| Customs | When does a bonded warehouse make sense? | What is a bonded warehouse |
| Handling | What does a CFS do? | What is a container freight station |
| Handling | Should I transload or cross-dock? | Transloading vs cross-docking |
| Delivery | Is my shipment FTL or LTL? | FTL vs LTL |
| Any stage | What does this term mean? | Glossary |
How to use these port logistics guides
- First import through the ports: read the importing guide first, then last free day and demurrage and detention, since those charges cause most first-time surprises.
- Customs not ready at arrival: read in-bond shipments, then the bonded warehouse guide, and share both with your customs broker.
- Freight going to several destinations: compare transloading with cross-docking, then FTL with LTL for the outbound leg.
When you are ready to move freight, see our services or request a quote.
How these freight logistics resources are written
Each guide opens with a plain definition, then explains the mechanics, the costs involved and the common mistakes. Where a guide cites a regulation, such as the CBP in-bond rules in 19 CFR Part 18, bonded warehouse law in 19 U.S.C. 1557, or the FMC's demurrage and detention billing rule in 46 CFR Part 541, it links to the official text in its sources list.
Cost figures in the guides are illustrative examples with round hypothetical numbers. They show how charges add up; they are not quotes or published rates. Every guide shows the date it was last reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides specific to Los Angeles and Long Beach?
Most concepts apply at any U.S. port. Where a guide discusses local practice, it refers to the San Pedro Bay ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Are the regulations in these guides current?
Each guide lists its sources and the date it was last reviewed. Rules and charges change, so confirm details with your customs broker, carrier or terminal before acting.
Do these import shipping guides replace a customs broker?
No. They explain the process. A licensed customs broker files entries and advises on classification, duty and compliance.
Which guide should I read first?
If you are new to importing through Southern California, start with importing through Los Angeles and Long Beach. It links to the more detailed guides at each step.
Who are these guides written for?
Importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and shippers, from first-time importers to operations teams who want a quick reference to share with colleagues.
Where do I find definitions of shipping terms?
Our glossary defines common port, customs and trucking terms in plain English.