Dachser once again named one of Germany’s most successful logistics brands

A learning evolution

The coronavirus pandemic is transforming global trade, the economy, and even how we work. Employees are leaving the office to work from home and personal communication has gone digital. This calls for new approaches, including for exchanging knowledge and training employees. Niko Zdravkovic, Department Head DACHSER Academy, explains how content is being communicated in this exceptional time and how employees can stay on top of their jobs.

Incoterms 2020

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will release new Incoterms 2020 around the 10th of September, providing certainty and clarity to businesses trading across borders everywhere. The new Incoterms will be effective as of January 1st, 2020. 

Every 10 years, the International Chamber of Commerce evaluates and revises the International Commercial Terms, better known as Incoterms, as a means of creating greater uniformity and effectiveness across the shipping industry. The latest version, Incoterms 2010, will stay in effect until January 2020.

What does "Incoterms" stand for?

It is an acronym standing for international commercial terms. Incoterms is a trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce, registered in several countries.

The Incoterms rules feature abbreviations for terms, like FOB (“Free on Board”), DAP (“Delivered at Place”) EXW (“Ex Works”), CIP (“Carriage and Insurance Paid To”), which all have very precise meanings for the sale of goods around the world. These terms hold universal meaning for buyers and sellers around the world.

The main Incoterms changes that are being considered are as follows:

The removal of FAS (Free Alongside Ship) as it is being used infrequently, separating FCA (Free Carrier) into two separate Incoterms, one for land delivery and one for maritime delivery and the committee is also considering bringing back the terms FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), instead of the FCA and CIP (Cost and Insurance Paid to) used for non-container shipments. There is also a debate about the creation of a new Incoterms called CNI (Cost and Insurance) to bridge the gap between FCA and CFR/CIF (Cost and Freight/Cost, Insurance, Freight). Currently, FCA includes the cost of international insurance on account of the seller-exporter, while CFR/CIF does not include the cost of freight. And lastly, to alleviate questions surrounding the party responsible for paying Customs fees, the ICC will evaluate the creation of 2 Incoterms to replace DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

Other issues and updates being evaluated during this round include:

• Transportation security
• Regulations on transportation insurance
• Relationship between the Incoterms and the International Sale Contract

We will provide another update once the official Incoterms 2020 rules have been announced by the ICC. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

National Day Golden Week holiday in China

From October 1 to 7, most companies and factories in China will be closed. The week-long holiday in one of the world's most important economies has an impact on the international supply chain. Early preparations minimize possible disruptions here.