The FT spent days requesting information from shipping companies regarding their shipping records and cargo handling practices in order to conduct their research. All the companies they spoke with merely offered generic figures on the cost of shipping a container. They were also given comprehensive information regarding shipping expenses in general; however, this did not contain charges particular to certain regions or goods. The FT also spoke with a number of freight forwarders and transportation firms over the phone. There were several commonalities among the companies that provided the FT with shipping charges. They all appeared to have connections between their global offices in various nations and their international shipping businesses.