International Logistics, Explained Like You’re Running the Shipment
Clear thinking on freight, customs, Incoterms, and risk control for global trade.
About Michael Redford
Written by: Michael Redford
Michael Redford is an international logistics writer focused on real-world freight decisions, customs fundamentals, and risk control across global shipping. He breaks complex shipping topics into clear, practical guidance for shippers and operators.
I’m Michael Redford. I write about international logistics the way it actually works in the real world: trade-offs, constraints, paperwork, delays, and the decisions that separate a smooth shipment from an expensive problem.
Over the last decade-plus, I’ve worked across the moving parts that make global freight function, from planning shipments and choosing transport modes to navigating customs requirements, Incoterms responsibilities, packaging standards, and time-critical coordination across multiple parties. I’m not interested in theory for its own sake. I focus on what helps shippers, procurement teams, operations managers, and growing businesses move cargo reliably and predictably.
This site exists for people who need clarity. Not hype. Not vague “supply chain tips.” Clear explanations, practical frameworks, and realistic scenarios based on how freight moves across borders.
What I focus on
1) Freight decisions that affect cost and lead time
Air vs sea vs multimodal, consolidation strategy, routing, service levels, and what actually changes pricing and transit time.
2) Customs, documentation, and compliance basics that prevent delays
Commercial invoices, packing lists, HS codes, permits, declarations, and the common causes of holds, inspections, and fines.
3) Incoterms responsibilities and risk control
Who pays, who insures, where risk transfers, and how to avoid disputes when shipments go wrong.
4) Packaging, handling, and cargo protection
How damage happens, how to reduce it, and how to think about packing, labeling, stowage, and claims.
5) Operational reality
Port congestion, cut-offs, demurrage and detention, peak seasons, and why “ETA” is not a promise.
How I write and what you can expect
I aim for clarity over jargon.
I separate what is generally true from what depends on route, carrier, commodity, or local regulation.
When something has multiple valid approaches, I’ll show the trade-offs rather than pushing a single “best” answer.
If there’s a common mistake that causes losses, I’ll call it out directly.
Who this is for
If you ship internationally, manage purchasing, coordinate operations, run an e-commerce business with cross-border supply lines, or simply want to understand global freight without being overwhelmed, you’re in the right place.
If you want to get in touch, use the contact us page.
