--- title: Freight Fundamentals | Cole Marketing (3) description: Freight Fundamentals (3) --- - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) -   -   - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - 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[Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news) - [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news) - [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) - [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) - [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) × ### Request Info # Freight Fundamentals Move goods across the globe with greater clarity We break down the complexities of the logistics industry. Understand the ins and outs of moving goods and master the principles, processes, and practices of shipping. --- ## [The differences between a pro forma invoice and a commercial invoice](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-differences-between-a-pro-forma-invoice-and-a-commercial-invoice) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20ALL%20MODES%202.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-differences-between-a-pro-forma-invoice-and-a-commercial-invoice) While a pro forma invoice is used in evaluating and preparing for a deal, you will still need a commercial invoice to ship your goods to Canada and clear customs. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-differences-between-a-pro-forma-invoice-and-a-commercial-invoice) ## [The role of the commercial invoice in shipping](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-role-of-the-commercial-invoice-in-shipping) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20Warehouse%201.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-role-of-the-commercial-invoice-in-shipping) The commercial invoice serves as the foundation for the shipping process. It outlines the terms of the sale, facilitates the movement of goods, helps with customs clearance, and supports compliance. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-role-of-the-commercial-invoice-in-shipping) ## [Understanding demurrage and detention to avoid extra shipping fees](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/understanding-demurrage-and-detention-to-avoid-extra-shipping-fees) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20ALL%20MODES%201.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/understanding-demurrage-and-detention-to-avoid-extra-shipping-fees) Demurrage and detention charges are common in global shipping. These costs can be controlled through careful planning and efficient logistics management. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/understanding-demurrage-and-detention-to-avoid-extra-shipping-fees) ## [Choosing between FCL and LCL shipping for ocean cargo](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/choosing-between-fcl-and-lcl-shipping-for-ocean-cargo) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20Ocean%202.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/choosing-between-fcl-and-lcl-shipping-for-ocean-cargo) While FCL provides speed, security, and cost efficiency for larger shipments, LCL offers a flexible and lower-cost option for smaller loads. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/choosing-between-fcl-and-lcl-shipping-for-ocean-cargo) ## [How Incoterms define shipping responsibilities](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-incoterms-define-shipping-responsibilities) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20ALL%20MODES%202.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-incoterms-define-shipping-responsibilities) Incoterms define who pays for shipping, who manages logistics, and when risk shifts in global trade. Choosing the right term helps keep your shipments moving and your costs under control. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-incoterms-define-shipping-responsibilities) ## [The difference between a sufferance warehouse and a bonded warehouse](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-difference-between-a-sufferance-warehouse-and-a-bonded-warehouse) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20Warehouse%202.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-difference-between-a-sufferance-warehouse-and-a-bonded-warehouse) While storage in sufferance warehouses is mandatory for goods not immediately released into Canada, bonded warehouses are an option for businesses that want to store their goods long-term and defer duties and taxes. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/the-difference-between-a-sufferance-warehouse-and-a-bonded-warehouse) ## [Before you ship: Do you need an import permit?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/before-you-ship-do-you-need-an-import-permit) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20Air%202.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/before-you-ship-do-you-need-an-import-permit) Some goods are regulated for health, safety, or environmental reasons, and failure to secure the right import permissions could delay or stop your shipment. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/before-you-ship-do-you-need-an-import-permit) ## [What is a bill of lading?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-a-bill-of-lading) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20ALL%20MODES%201.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-a-bill-of-lading) The bill of lading is a key document in shipping. Understanding how it works can help you navigate global trade with confidence and have better control of your supply chain. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-a-bill-of-lading) ## [How to choose the best shipping method for your business](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-to-choose-the-best-shipping-method-for-your-business) [![](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20Truck%201.jpg)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-to-choose-the-best-shipping-method-for-your-business) There’s no single best shipping method for all businesses. It all comes down to making the right trade-offs and choosing a path that supports your supply chain, customers, and business goals. [Read more](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-to-choose-the-best-shipping-method-for-your-business) [![Subscribe to Industry Insights](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/interactive-205968276886.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKoGhuqXj5RI3IwKVFU5JRryHbrjmUIqDU5l%2F0lOuOUUpHUWsFifSrIhGtjklSvF76tTwMjvWHqcEUsya1V72LVp2hAus9pL5o3mYYMAertAgwN4cKKBnTtgKaYW0MvTy8VMWXE4C71j%2F%2FIltVCIycTqLVRo9X8dbwdAxpWd13BkKJfOQqDvkDdi%2FNSc0BJyEcHAukGqcNPN7JL5C2mUHxX%2F4AEn3KVOoenbUFGcT3FMM1ZX0Vg7c4GatZiZK6yvsWtfTC5mDJOMDkOq2ZmDhsfbG%2BfBl89wa8RtbOoDpkkiQMReUo%2BXbLiMJHKaPq2McvHgE7q70ecO65zGjjVMkf4ZJlqRBBU5qkH0reUl1EEOSZmWyyeLzwa8VkIvkX09y7moSkfGTqeAObTccfQyWRxUZSbPrULX4HyT%2Bua4PMrEPDj4JYO%2FYRn6n4wruROvOKxNXT%2FsrOthVY8tkGFJ7mexLVjcb4yzk9IeDk68pPGNT4%2FZHD6e1Eil2aqwJbR9RwlK8DqXXC8Bf8NAI3kB6tnv3dKeiBEfr26tA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=205968276886&portalId=4433425) ### Latest Articles - [When to file a freight claim for lost or damaged cargo](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/when-to-file-a-freight-claim-for-lost-or-damaged-cargo) - [What is an air waybill and how does it differ from a bill of lading?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-an-air-waybill-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-bill-of-lading) - [What is dimensional weight and how does it affect your freight invoice?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-dimensional-weight-and-how-does-it-affect-your-freight-invoice) - [A simple guide to common freight charges](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/a-simple-guide-to-common-freight-charges) - [4 strategies to manage transit delays](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/4-strategies-to-manage-transit-delays) ### Archive - [August 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/08) - [July 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/06) - [May 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/05) - [April 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/04) [Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) Page 3 of 3 - - - [1](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/author/cole-marketing/page/1) - [2](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/author/cole-marketing/page/2) - [3](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/author/cole-marketing/page/3) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/cole-logo-horizontal-white.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting. #### Contact us today - [ Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771) - [ Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281) -  Fax: 403-262-7301 -  Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039 #### Corporate office 1111 49 Avenue NE Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8V2 P.O. 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