The TradeMentorHQ team researches and writes practical, plain-language guides on Incoterms, customs clearance, trade finance, and shipping logistics for small business owners, first-time importers/exporters, and side-hustle sellers. Our articles are grounded in publicly available regulations and guidance from bodies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the International Chamber of Commerce (Incoterms 2020), and established industry practice, and we link to primary sources wherever a number or rule could change. We are not customs brokers, freight forwarders, or licensed trade attorneys, and nothing here is a substitute for advice from one on your specific shipment.
The essential export documents first-time exporters need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance certificate, and EEI filing — what each is for and when you need it.
Marine cargo insurance explained: the real differences between Institute Cargo Clauses A, B, and C, what General Average means for undamaged cargo, and what coverage actually costs.
FCL vs LCL shipping compared: the real 12-15 CBM cost crossover point, transit time differences, and the shared-container risks first-time exporters often miss.
HS codes decide your duty rate – and getting one wrong can cost 5% to 80% of a shipment’s value in penalties. Here’s how classification actually works, and how to get it right.
T/T is fast and cheap but runs on trust. A Letter of Credit is slower and costs more but shifts the payment guarantee to a bank. Here’s how to pick the right one.
TradeMentorHQ Team 
