Introduction On 2 March 2026, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and the world changed overnight. What began as an escalation of the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has become, in the words of FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero, "one of the most rapid and severe disruptions to global commodity flows in recent times." In a matter of days, outbound crude oil shipments from the Persian Gulf fell to virtually zero, LNG tankers anchored and waited, fe

Difference between EXW FOB CIF and DDP When shipping goods internationally, understanding Incoterms is essential. Short for International Commercial Terms, Incoterms are globally recognised rules developed by the International Chamber of Commerce that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during the transportation of goods. Among the most commonly used Incoterms are EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP. Each term determines who is responsible for transport costs, customs clearan

If you've shipped goods internationally in 2026, you've almost certainly asked it: "Why has my shipping cost jumped, and is it the tariffs?" It's the most-searched question in global freight right now, and the answer is more nuanced than most people realise. Tariffs don't directly raise the price of a shipping label, but they dramatically increase the total cost of getting goods into a country. In 2026, the US trade policy landscape has been among the most volatile in decades

The Crisis in Brief: Strait of Hormuz freight forwarding 2026 Since 28 February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been effectively closed to normal commercial shipping. The closure followed US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which prompted Iran to blockade the strait in retaliation. The consequences for international freight have been swift, severe, and far-reaching. For context:

Since 28 February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical maritime chokepoint — has been effectively closed to international shipping. What began as a geopolitical flashpoint has rapidly become the largest disruption to global energy and trade flows since the 1970s oil crises. Here in the UK, the effects are already being felt. This is what you need to know. What Is the Strait of Hormuz, and Why Does It Matter? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway — at its

Transporting exhibition equipment across borders is a high-stakes operation. Tight deadlines, valuable assets, and strict venue schedules leave no room for error. Whether you're attending a trade show in Europe, the US, or further afield, understanding how to manage international logistics efficiently is critical. In this guide, we break down exactly how to move exhibition equipment internationally, and why choosing the right event freight forwarding UK partner makes all the

In the world of air freight and global supply chain management, few situations demand faster response times or more specialised logistics expertise than an Aircraft on Ground — commonly known as AOG. Whether you are a freight forwarder, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, or an airline procurement team, understanding AOG freight is essential to delivering time-critical cargo solutions and keeping operations airborne. This blog explores what AOG freight is, how it fits wit

How the Iran–Middle East Conflict Is Disrupting International Shipping in 2026: Rising Fuel Costs, Airspace Closures, and High-Risk Routes The escalation of tensions involving Iran in early 2026 has created significant disruption across the global logistics and freight industry. International shipping—particularly air cargo and maritime freight moving between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—has been heavily impacted by rising fuel costs, airspace closures, and increasing ge

What Is a Commercial Invoice? A Commercial Invoice is a fundamental export document used in international trade that formalises the sale of goods across borders. It is issued by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) and serves as both a bill of sale and a legal contract for the goods being shipped. This document plays a central role in customs clearance and is essential for ensuring that your shipment moves quickly and smoothly through international borders. Why Com

We’re delighted to announce that AOG Worldwide has won the "Outstanding Customer Service Award 2026" at the Christchurch Business Awards! This achievement simply wouldn’t be possible without our customers. Your continued business, feedback, and trust drive everything we do. Every shipment delivered, every customs clearance completed, and every late night email responded to reflects the dedication of a team that genuinely puts customer service first. We also want to acknowledg

The shock of opening an email that looks genuine but feels wrong is something almost everyone has experienced. That moment of doubt matters. It is often the only barrier between a safe delivery operation and a damaging security breach. Fraudulent courier messages are rising fast, especially this time of year, and their sophistication has taken many businesses and individuals by surprise. Knowing how to recognise a scam is no longer optional. It is essential! How to spot a sca

Import Export Post-Brexit - What Every Forwarder Needs To Know Right Now The shock of the post-Brexit trading environment has not faded. Many exporters still feel the frustration of delayed shipments, unexpected costs and opaque customs rules. Yet beneath the noise is an opportunity that many freight forwarders are already seizing. Their success signals something important: exporting from the UK has changed, but those who adapt fastest are winning market share at a remarkable

If you work in freight forwarding or logistics, you already know the feeling. That mix of pressure and possibility when an ecommerce shipment must move faster, cleaner and with zero errors. The brands you serve expect instant delivery. Customers expect perfection. Yet behind the scenes, fulfilment can feel like organised chaos. This guide will show how to turn that chaos into a competitive advantage. At AOG Worldwide, we see one truth repeat itself daily. The companies that m

Why AOG Worldwide Ltd in Bournemouth is Your Time-Critical Solution In today’s freight forwarding sector every minute matters. When you’re faced with a high-value shipment, a production line stoppage or an urgent AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation, standard transport just won’t do. At AOG Worldwide Ltd, based in Bournemouth, Dorset, we specialise in delivering a true hand-carry courier service that gives you both speed and control. What Is a Hand Carry Courier Service? A hand

Few things are more frustrating than waiting for a delivery that never arrives. Whether it’s an online purchase, a gift, or an important document, missing parcels can cause inconvenience and stress. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to track your parcel, recover missing deliveries, and protect yourself in future. This guide explains how to track your parcel in the UK, what to do if it goes missing, your legal rights (with or without insurance), and how to preven

When it comes to moving goods around the world, few professionals are as essential as the freight forwarder. Whether you are importing products from Asia, exporting goods to Europe, or managing domestic logistics, a freight forwarder plays a key role in ensuring your shipments arrive safely, on time, and within budget. But what exactly does a freight forwarder do, and why are they so important in global trade? Understanding the Role of a Freight Forwarder A freight forwarder

When importing from China, one of the most common questions for UK businesses is how long shipping takes. Whether you are managing eCommerce fulfilment or large-scale freight forwarding, understanding transit times is essential for accurate delivery planning, cost control, and customer satisfaction. The shipping duration depends on several variables, including the mode of transport, port locations, customs clearance, and carrier efficiency. This guide breaks down the typical

In international shipping, not all cargo can be treated the same. Certain products are classified as dangerous goods, meaning they pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. For freight forwarders, understanding what qualifies as dangerous goods is essential to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and protect supply chains. Defining Dangerous Goods in cargo Dangerous goods in cargo are substances or items that are hazardous in nature and requ

In the fast-paced world of international trade, there are times when standard shipping methods are not fast enough. This is where hand...

Customs clearance is a vital part of international shipping. For freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, understanding the process is essential to avoid costly delays, penalties, or disruptions in the supply chain. This guide explains what customs clearance involves, the documents required, and the best practices for ensuring smooth international freight forwarding. Customs Clearance Guide In this Customs clearance guide we will explain the process of preparing and subm