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International logistics: what it is, how it works, and why it is key to global trade

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:32:45 +0000

International logistics is one of the silent pillars of global trade. Although it is rarely visible to the final consumer, delivery times, product costs, supply chain continuity, and the competitiveness of companies in international markets all depend on it. Understanding how it works and what elements compose it is not only relevant for large corporations, but also for SMEs and entrepreneurs seeking to import or export efficiently.

This article clearly and structurally explains what international logistics is, its main components, and why proper logistics management makes a difference in any foreign trade operation.

Do you need reliable logistics for your imports or exports? At Fenix Global Cargo we offer maritime, air, and land transportation, plus cargo insurance and customs operations.

What is international logistics?

International logistics is the set of processes, decisions, and operations required to plan, execute, and control the movement of goods between two or more countries. It includes transportation, storage, documentation management, customs procedures, insurance, and coordination among multiple actors throughout the chain.

Unlike domestic logistics, international logistics faces higher levels of complexity due to factors such as:

Regulatory differences between countries.

Different currencies and tax systems.

Greater distances and more transfer points.

Risks associated with international transportation.

For this reason, a poorly planned international logistics operation can generate additional costs, delays, penalties, or even the total loss of the goods.

The main components of international logistics

To understand how international logistics works, it is essential to know its key elements. Each one fulfills a specific function within the chain.

It is the central axis of any logistics operation. International transportation can be carried out through different modes, depending on the type of cargo, origin, destination, and budget:

Maritime transportation: ideal for large volumes and heavy cargo. It is the most widely used in global trade.
Air transportation: recommended for urgent, high-value, or perishable goods.
Land transportation: essential for regional operations and as a complement to maritime or air transportation.

The choice of transport mode directly impacts costs, timeframes, and risks.

All goods crossing a border must comply with specific customs regulations. Customs management includes:

Correct tariff classification of the goods.
Payment of taxes and duties.
Submission of mandatory documentation.
Compliance with sanitary, technical, or security regulations.

An error at this stage can stop an entire operation.

International logistics requires precise and consistent documentation. Among the most common documents are:

Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
Bill of lading or air waybill.
Certificates of origin.
Insurance policies.

Each country may require additional documents depending on the type of product.

In many cases, goods do not move directly from origin to final destination. Temporary storage in ports, free trade zones, or distribution centers allows for consolidation, deconsolidation, or redistribution of cargo according to the logistics strategy.

International transportation involves risks such as damage, loss, or theft. Having adequate insurance is not an unnecessary expense, but a financial protection tool against unforeseen events.

Why is international logistics strategic for companies?

Efficient logistics management not only reduces costs, but also generates clear competitive advantages:

Improves delivery punctuality.
Reduces legal and financial risks.
Enables more accurate inventory planning.
Facilitates expansion into new markets.

In an increasingly demanding global environment, logistics ceases to be merely an operational area and becomes a strategic factor.

Common mistakes in international logistics

Many companies make mistakes that directly affect their operations:

Underestimating the complexity of customs procedures.
Choosing transportation solely based on price rather than suitability.
Failing to properly insure goods.
Lack of documentary planning.

Avoiding these mistakes requires knowledge, experience, and specialized support.

Do you need reliable logistics for your imports or exports? At Fenix Global Cargo we offer maritime, air, and land transportation, plus cargo insurance and customs operations.

The importance of having a logistics partner

International logistics involves multiple constantly changing variables: regulations, rates, routes, timeframes, and risks. Therefore, having a reliable logistics partner allows companies to focus on their core business while experts manage the operation from start to finish.

A specialized logistics operator not only executes transportation, but also advises, prevents risks, and optimizes each stage of the process.

Conclusion

International logistics is much more than moving goods from one country to another. It is a complex system that connects markets, reduces distances, and makes global trade possible. Understanding its fundamentals is key to making better decisions, minimizing risks, and building sustainable operations over time.

Investing in a well-structured logistics operation is not a cost: it is a strategic decision that directly impacts the competitiveness and growth of any company.

Do you need reliable logistics for your imports or exports? At Fenix Global Cargo we offer maritime, air, and land transportation, plus cargo insurance and customs operations.

La entrada International logistics: what it is, how it works, and why it is key to global trade se publicó primero en Fenix.

IATA introduces over 100 changes in its 2026 manuals

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:50:32 +0000

Impact on air cargo, ground operations, and multimodal logistics

IATA has released the 2026 editions of its key manuals for air cargo transport and ground operations, featuring around 100 updates and revisions. These changes cover everything from dangerous goods and lithium batteries to live animal shipments and ground handling management — all reflecting the global logistics industry’s ongoing push for greater safety, efficiency, and standardization.

In the maritime-logistics context, these updates are also highly relevant, as air and sea freight operations — along with transshipment and multimodal transport — are increasingly interconnected.

Key Updates

1. Dangerous Goods and Lithium Batteries

One of the main focuses of the 2026 update is the growing complexity of shipping lithium batteries by air, driven by a 25% annual increase in this segment.

Among the most notable changes:

The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) now include official nomenclature for hybrid-propulsion vehicles.
New recommendations for the use of power banks and spare batteries in cabin baggage.
Updates to national variations for countries such as Thailand, France, and the United Kingdom.
Standardization of 290 operational variation texts.
The Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) introduce stricter load limits for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment and a new compliance checklist for shippers.

For maritime and multimodal logistics professionals, these adjustments highlight the need to review supply chains that combine sea and air transport — for instance, lithium batteries shipped by sea and then transferred to air — as well as packaging, traceability, and documentation standards.

2. Live Animal Transport

The Live Animals Regulations (LAR) also underwent extensive revision, emphasizing animal welfare and operational guarantees.

Key updates include:

New competency-based training for personnel responsible for animal care during transport.
Inclusion of Brazil as a country officially adopting the LAR manual starting in 2025.
New specifications for container materials and ventilation.
Updated handling guidelines for specific species, such as poultry, pangolins, hooded raptors, and birds of prey.

For maritime logistics involving combined transport or ports handling both air and sea animal shipments, these standards call for reviewing transfer processes, container specifications, compliance documentation, and coordination between transport modes.

3. Ground Operations and Passenger/Baggage Handling

The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) introduces key improvements focused on operational efficiency and ground safety:

New procedures for unaccompanied minors, disruptive or inadmissible passengers, and those with medical needs.
Updated baggage-traceability guidelines aligned with IATA Resolution 753.
Revised potable water handling procedures on board.
A comprehensive review of aircraft turnaround processes.

From a maritime-logistics standpoint, these updates have indirect but important implications: when air freight connects with land or sea transport within larger supply chains, standardized ground processes ensure smoother flows and better synchronization between modes.

4. Digitalization and Compliance Tools

Beyond content updates, IATA also expanded its digital compliance infrastructure:

Launch of the LAR Verify online portal for live animal transport regulations.
A digital database for dangerous goods and an enhanced battery classification tool, now including sodium-ion batteries.

For logistics players, this means regulatory compliance increasingly demands digital skills, system integration, and continuous updates to verification tools.

Why This Matters for Maritime and Multimodal Logistics

Although IATA manuals focus on air transport and ground handling, their implications for maritime and multimodal logistics are significant:

Many shipments that begin by sea end up in air transport or combine modes — understanding air requirements prevents delays, rejections, or fines.

Packaging, labeling, documentation, and traceability for batteries, dangerous goods, or live animals often start at sea and continue by air or land. Air standards influence the entire chain.

Harmonized ground procedures, digitalization, and traceability improve efficiency across ports, terminals, logistics hubs, and intermodal connections.

For Latin American freight forwarders, customs agents, and multimodal operators, anticipating these changes enhances competitiveness, reduces operational risk, and ensures readiness for international audits and requirements.

Recommendations for Companies in Colombia and Latin America

Review handling, packaging, documentation, and transport procedures for batteries, hybrid vehicles, and dangerous goods to ensure compliance with both IATA and local standards.

For live animal or special cargo shipments, update container selection criteria, animal welfare documentation, and staff training.

Strengthen coordination between sea and air transport, including transfer protocols, transit conditions, and traceability records.

Adopt digital tools that support compliance verification, shipment checklists, and operational variation control.

Conduct training sessions for operations, customs, traffic, and logistics personnel to integrate the 2026 IATA manual updates into daily practices.

Conclusion

The update of IATA’s 2026 manuals represents a leap in terms of safety, efficiency, digitalization, and regulatory synchronization for the global logistics chain. For those working in international freight, customs, and multimodal logistics — including the maritime sector — these changes should not be interpreted as “only for air transport,” but rather as a clear sign that integration between transport modes demands increasingly higher standards
Adopting these new guidelines can make the difference in competitiveness, compliance, and service. It is a good time to review internal policies, train teams, and optimize processes from start to finish.

Sources

La entrada IATA introduces over 100 changes in its 2026 manuals se publicó primero en Fenix.