April 28, 2020By: Eric Zybura
It’s safe to say that the current environment is offering a host of challenges to businesses of all types. Many are seeing significant disruptions in sourcing, especially when it comes to overseas suppliers. Others are seeing demand shift unexpectedly on a dime. And still, others are seeing uncertainty in shipping methods they’ve relied on for years. Additionally, many businesses find themselves in the position of needing to manage their cash flow more aggressively than ever before. In uncertain times, planning for your future is more important than ever. Despite the current challenges, many businesses are looking ahead to a time when operations will resume. How...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020By: Eric Zybura
On January 15, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump signed what the administration is calling “Phase 1” of a trade deal with China. If you’re importing goods from China, this initial deal may offer you some relief from the U.S. tariffs on many Chinese imports that started in 2018. That being said, many of the tariffs put in place by both the U.S. and the Chinese governments will remain. So if you’re currently doing business with China—or considering a new venture that revolves around Chinese imports—these costs will continue to affect your bottom line. Below, we’ll give you a brief rundown of what’s changed and what...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020By: Eric Zybura
Many of Hawaii’s nine million annual visitors fall in love with the Aloha State. If you’ve experienced the magic of the Hawaiian islands as a tourist, you might find yourself sitting at the airport with a heavy heart, planning your return—not just to visit, but to make Hawaii your home. And as part of that plan, you might dream of starting your own business in the islands. Many Hawaii residents share this entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, around 800 small businesses get started in Hawaii every year. A WalletHub study of the best small towns to start a business ranked Hilo, Hawaii, and Kahului, Maui right around the...
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2020By: Eric Zybura
Last Updated: 9/15/2024 If you’ve ever looked at a bill of lading (BOL), you’ll see three parties named on the document: the shipper, the carrier, and the consignee. If you’re new to the logistics world, these terms may be unfamiliar—or confusing. In order to make it simple for you to 1) understand your bill of lading and 2) give your freight forwarder the information they need to effectively move your shipment, we’ll walk you these three main parties on your bill of lading. What Is a Bill of Lading A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document issued by a carrier that contains all the information it needs to correctly move a shipment, including the type, quantity, and destination for the cargo. ...
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019By: Eric Zybura
A freight forwarder can be a crucial partner for shipping supplies and delivering goods to customers. Additionally, an exceptional freight forwarder can be more than just an intermediary between you and the carriers who move your freight. In this article, we’ll explain: What is a freight forwarder, exactly? What does a freight forwarder do? What kind of advantages can they offer a business? If you’re not already working with a freight forwarder, this article will help you evaluate potential partners. And if you’re already working with a freight forwarder, this article can help you get more out of your relationship—and secure an even bigger advantage...
Read MoreSeptember 18, 2019By: Eric Zybura
Why is Employee Engagement Important? Employee engagement has become a hot topic among executives across industries—and with good reason. Employees who give their all are the lifeblood of your business. They go the extra mile to make sure your organization’s objectives get met. They keep your customers happy. And perhaps more importantly, engaged employees stay with your organization, keeping your recruitment costs down. Although Gallup recently reported that employee engagement is on the rise, that isn’t the whole story. When you look at Gallup’s numbers as a whole, 66% of employees report being “actively disengaged” or “not engaged at all.” In other words, as many as two out of every three members of your team are disinterested in...
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