The Drip Capital Blog

Insights on finance, working capital, and the realities of international trade: exports, imports, shipping, logistics, and customs clearance.

Resource Library

What Are High Cube Containers in Shipping? Meaning, Types & Uses

What Are High Cube Containers in Shipping? Meaning, Types & Uses

Maritime shipping has witnessed a steady growth between 1980 and 2020 with over 1.5 billion tons of cargo being transported in 2020 alone. Shippers prefer containerization as the most efficient and cost-effective means to load cargo at the departure and unload them at the destination.

20 February 2026 7 min read
What Is a Dry Van? A Complete Guide on Dry Van Shipping

What Is a Dry Van? A Complete Guide on Dry Van Shipping

The efficacy of cargo-shipping and logistics depends on embracing new technologies and fostering interdepartmental communication. Logistics companies look for the most affordable and versatile options to enable smoother transportation of shipments.

19 February 2026 8 min read
What is Harbor Maintenance Fees? Guide on HMF in US

What is Harbor Maintenance Fees? Guide on HMF in US

Ocean freight requires thorough information about the cargo contents, purchase prices, origin and destination. When maritime cargo passes through US ports at least once during their journey, they are liable to attract a harbor maintenance fee and merchandise processing fee on domestic shipments and imports alike.

19 February 2026 5 min read
What is a Top Open Container? Types, Designs, Specifications & Dimensions

What is a Top Open Container? Types, Designs, Specifications & Dimensions

The basic structure of shipping containers is much more significant than what many people may think. That’s because factors such as the safety of goods being carried, the quantity of goods that can be accommodated, and others depend heavily on it. Essentially, there are several types of cargo containers.

18 February 2026 6 min read
What is MPF (Merchandise Processing Fees)? A Complete Guide

What is MPF (Merchandise Processing Fees)? A Complete Guide

The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is a payment that needs to be made to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for imports into the US. MPF is considered to be an ad valorem tax, meaning that it is a percentage of the estimated value of the imported goods.

18 February 2026 6 min read
What is A Switch Bill of Lading? Meaning, Procedure & More

What is A Switch Bill of Lading? Meaning, Procedure & More

In international shipping, a Bill of Lading (B/L) acts as a receipt and contract between the shipper and the carrier. It contains all the details needed to process the shipment and create accurate invoices. This document is crucial for maintaining transparency and complying with laws of two or more jurisdictions, especially during cross-border trading.

18 February 2026 9 min read
What Is TSA Known Shipper? Everything about Known Shipper Management System

What Is TSA Known Shipper? Everything about Known Shipper Management System

The TSA — short for Transportation Security Administration — is a public body in the USA that is responsible (in part) for the coordination and governance of all the physical and digital security of transportation systems in the country.

18 February 2026 6 min read
What is A Line of Credit? Meaning, Types And Uses of Line of Credit

What is A Line of Credit? Meaning, Types And Uses of Line of Credit

A line of credit is a loan account that allows businesses or other entities to draw funds as and when they need them on an ongoing basis. It acts as an open-ended loan in which the lender decides the maximum credit amount that a business can access, giving the borrower the flexibility to draw funds whenever they need them.

17 February 2026 8 min read