We live in an ever-changing world today.
In the last 50 years, we have gone from the BC (Before Containers) era to the container age, and even within this era, regulations and standards continue to evolve. Ships have grown from carrying 1,500 containers to more than 24,000+ TEUs.
During the BC days, it would take a ship up to 14 days to discharge and load its cargo. Today, this is achieved in just a couple of days, even though the volume of cargo carried on a single vessel has vastly increased.
Technology has advanced beyond recognition. Many will remember the days of vintage shipping when bills of lading and bills of entry were printed manually, often leaving your hands and clothing purple. Today, such processes are digitised and automated, handled seamlessly through computers and electronic documentation systems.
Originally, freight forwarding companies were known as 1PLs (first-party logistics providers), dealing mainly with forwarding and clearing cargo.
Today, many of these companies offer end-to-end supply chain solutions, becoming 3PLs or even 4PLs. With this advancement in technology comes the necessity for continuous learning and knowledge development in the ever-changing field of international shipping.
Beyond technological progress, countries often introduce new trade barriers that can have serious effects on business operations. These barriers, such as tariffs, can dramatically affect product pricing in importing countries.
This raises crucial questions: Is my product still competitive in that market? How can I adapt my supply chain strategy accordingly?
Understanding market access, compliance, and international requirements has therefore become an essential part of professional development in trade and logistics.
It is not just about knowing your product, it is about understanding how to package and mark it correctly, meeting the specific requirements of destination countries. The language on the marks, for example, must be in the language of the importing country.
Laws governing dangerous goods are another area of constant evolution. Take, for example, batteries. Sodium and lithium batteries are classified as hazardous goods and require specialised packaging, labelling, and documentation. Some airlines even refuse to transport them altogether.
Regulations dictate that all individuals involved in the transport of dangerous goods must undergo refresher training every two years, a requirement that ensures safety, compliance, and competence.
These examples highlight a broader question: How is your company keeping up with the latest requirements and regulations?
Ongoing professional training and refresher courses are critical for ensuring that knowledge remains current and relevant.
It is also important to exercise caution when sourcing information online. Not everything found on the internet is accurate or up to date. For instance, there have been false claims circulating on social media about “Incoterms® 2023”, which do not exist.
The latest valid version is Incoterms® 2020. Some online sources even mix multiple versions of the rules, such as 2000 and 2010, leading to confusion and misinterpretation.
Similarly, outdated references like the F178 form or misuse of terms like CTO (Container Terminal Order) in South Africa continue to appear online, despite being obsolete or limited to specific cargo scenarios.
This underscores the need for individuals and organisations to rely on verified, official sources for trade information. When in doubt, contact official bodies such as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), local Chambers of Commerce, or the consulate of the relevant country.
These institutions can provide up-to-date guidance on trade requirements, preshipment inspections, certificates of origin, and documentation obligations.
In addition, regulations concerning occupational safety and professional competence, such as those covering dangerous goods handling, lifting machinery, and first aid, legally require refresher training every two years.
For insurance professionals, continuous professional development (CPD) hours are also recommended to maintain compliance and ensure up-to-date understanding of industry practices.
Refresher courses are not merely about ticking compliance boxes. They are essential to improving professional performance, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring that individuals and businesses remain competitive in an increasingly regulated global trade environment.
Training, in this context, should not be seen as an expense but as an investment, one that enhances operational efficiency, mitigates risk, and strengthens overall industry capability.
Continuous learning keeps professionals informed about new trade barriers, documentation updates, regulatory reforms, and international best practices.
Staying updated with these changes is vital, not only for career growth but also for ensuring that global trade continues to move safely, efficiently, and ethically.
About the Author – Alexander Robertson is an industry professional with a rich background in education and training, particularly in the fields of Freight Forwarding and Customs compliance. He is fully accredited with TETA to present the SAQA qualification 59365, a National Certificate at NQF level 3, boasting 130 credits. You can learn more through his site www.cargoconsult.co.za..
