UtilityPilot Guides
Practical resources for business calculators, customs, landed cost, freight planning, invoice timing and cross-border trade. Each guide explains the concepts behind the calculators and includes worked examples you can apply to your own shipments, invoices and operations.
Customs, Trade & Logistics Guides
HS Code and Import Duty Guide
Understand how HS codes determine import duty, why classification matters, and how origin, trade agreements and customs value affect the final amount you pay at the border.
Landed Cost Guide
Learn how to calculate the true total cost of imported goods — from product price through freight, insurance, duty, VAT and handling fees — so you can price and margin accurately.
EU Small-Parcel Duty Guide
Why low-value parcels entering the EU now face customs scrutiny, how the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) works, and what sellers, marketplaces and buyers need to know about duty on small shipments.
CBM and Freight Volume Guide
How cubic metres (CBM) drive freight pricing for sea, air and warehouse planning. Includes worked examples and explains the relationship between volume, weight and cost.
Incoterms and Shipping Cost Guide
A practical explanation of Incoterms 2020 — who pays freight, insurance, duty and delivery costs under FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP and other common terms.
China to Europe Parcel Cost Guide
Cost components, customs rules and practical pitfalls when shipping parcels from China to Europe. Covers product price, freight, HS classification, duty, VAT and de minimis changes.
Planning & Reference Guides
HS Code Classification Guide
Deep-dive into Harmonized System structure, classification methodology, binding tariff information and common errors.
Freight CBM Planning Guide
Step-by-step CBM planning workflow for importers, from carton dimensions to container selection.
Business Deadline Planning Guide
How to plan around business days, SLA windows, shipping deadlines and invoice terms.
Invoice Payment Terms Guide
Net 30, Net 60, 2/10 Net 30 and other common B2B payment terms explained with worked examples.
About these guides
UtilityPilot guides are written to help importers, exporters, logistics coordinators, finance teams and small-business operators understand the calculations they perform every day. They are not legal or customs advice.
For binding tariff classification, duty liability or tax obligations, consult a licensed customs broker, trade adviser or tax professional in your jurisdiction.