For the first time, the world faces simultaneous disruptions in two major global trade waterways. Transits were almost slashed by half. Attacks on shipping affecting the Suez Canal and severe drought in the Panama Canal are reshaping the world’s trade routes and posing economic and environmental challenges. In the wake of escalating global trade disruptions, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published a critical report titled “Navigating Troubled Waters.” This document provides an in-depth analysis of the maritime challenges that have emerged as significant t ..read more

As the industry starts to somewhat normalize after the effects of COVID-19, the world has introduced to us a score of new challenges as we welcome 2024. Australia, heavily reliant on international trade, faces a challenging situation with political tensions, strikes, and shipping delays threatening to create a sense of déjà vu reminiscent of the pandemic disruptions. The ongoing state of international shipping International shipping has been riding choppy waters for years now, and those waters are only getting choppier.  The persistent disruptions in the global supply chain have been fur ..read more

Understand how sea freight works, step-by-step, from an importer’s perspective. Sea freight serves as the backbone of global logistics, facilitating the movement of goods across oceans. Whether you’re a seasoned importer seeking to optimise your logistics or a complete newcomer to the industry, this guide is designed to provide you with valuable insights into the nuances of sea freight. What is sea freight? Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, is a fundamental component of international trade, enabling the transportation of goods across vast distances via the world’s oceans. You may also ..read more

We’ve interviewed Ronald Spahr, the Managing Director of ICE, who has spent five decades in the freight forwarding industry. We explore his unconventional path into the field, the inception of ICE and his thoughts on the future of the industry. Tell us your journey of how you went from living in Germany to first starting in the industry. My journey into the world of freight forwarding had an unconventional beginning. I began my career with a few false starts – first as a seafarer and then doing work experience with the police. But I soon found myself on a different course. It was my mother wh ..read more

11 fire tenders in 2011: Behind the successful export of fire trucks from Melbourne to Lae No project is too challenging for ICE. During our 35+ years of experience, we’ve shipped a wide range of goods, including fire tenders. In 2011, ICE arranged an export shipment from Melbourne to Lae, Papua New Guinea, as a donation from the Australian government. This sponsorship provided an exception of GST and storage charges. Our team liaised with relevant governmental bodies and arranged customs clearance and steam cleaning prior to export, following quarantine requirements. The successful project c ..read more

Vietnam is one of the world’s success stories when it comes to economic development. Originally one of the poorest nations in the world, it has now become the third largest market in Southeast Asia with its 2021 GDP reaching more than $352 billion USD. Vietnam is an important trading partner to Australia. As the Southeast Asian export powerhouse continues to rely on Australia for supplies of raw materials and services, Australian consumers also continue to enjoy the high-quality products from Vietnam. If you’re a business looking to import goods from Vietnam into Australia, then you ..read more

From dropping the cargo onto the wharf to saving thousands of dollars in tax duty for the client. ICE’s Melbourne Director and Branch Manager, John Mangiafico, shares the successes and challenges in handling his first project cargo at ICE, in 1993. My first project undertaking at International Cargo Express involved the importation of a LOVAT tunnel boring machine. This endeavour was made possible through the collaboration of Trans Urban, who facilitated the purchase of the equipment in Canada, and our team at ICE, in conjunction with our Canadian partners. A crucial element in our success wa ..read more

International trade is integral to Australia’s economy and especially to the shipping and logistics industry.  Australia enjoys the benefits of numerous free trade agreements with other countries whilst importing and exporting several goods ranging from machinery and minerals to meat and aluminium. In this article, we’ll explore Australia’s top imports and exports, especially looking at some of the industries that make up Australia’s international trade as well as who are the most important partners and players. Australia’s Top Ten Imports While Australia has traditionally been ..read more

Lighting is in high demand in Australia. The market is expected to reach a market volume of US$2 billion by 2028. Businesses import lighting products from overseas for many reasons, ranging from lower manufacturing costs to achieving economies of scale through bulk ordering. However, the logical process of importing lighting is complicated. Australia has stringent customs and biosecurity regulations that require careful navigation. This includes compliance with packaging requirements, ensuring all documentation is in order and classifying each product correctly. Any mishaps in complying with t ..read more

The 1st of September of 2023 marks the 35th year anniversary of International Cargo Express. Our achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our clients and stakeholders. Their trust and collaboration have been the cornerstones of our success. We sincerely thank you for the support and look forward to maintaining lasting relationships and providing exceptional service as we move into the future. We asked our staff across Australia to share a word in celebration of our 35 years of success. Here is what we heard: Ronald Spahr  – Managing Director and foundin ..read more