Category: Logistics

If you have an international business, or even a domestic one, it is a good idea to look into getting a freight forwarder to help out. Organising the logistics of getting your products from A to B can be very difficult to get your head around. It can actually become time-consuming and you may end up making some pretty costly mistakes if you attempt to do this yourself.

Especially if you are operating on an international scale, you have different country’s importing rules and regulations to consider as well. A freight forwarder will take care of everything, from start to finish, with things like documentation, customs clearance and terms of carriage. They work closely with customs brokers to ensure that the goods make it safely (and on time) to the desired destination.

If this is something you are considering for your business, then have a read on below on how to choose a good freight forwarder:

Shipping Requirements

Probably one of the first things you need to think of when choosing a freight forwarder is your own shipping requirements. This will help narrow down your options, as some freight forwarding companies will specialise in certain shipping methods. For example, if you are looking to ship fragile items, then you need a company that has lots of experience in this area, so your products get to their destination without damage.

If you are unsure of what experience the particular freight forwarding company has, then it is a good idea to ask about their existing clients, if these clients offer similar products to you, then they could be a good option. It is also important to consider the amount of the product you are looking to ship. You need to know if the company can keep up with the number of products you are shipping.

Mode of Transport

The mode of transport that will be used to get your products from A to B is also an important point to consider. Certain freight forwarders will have relationships with certain carriers that could determine if you get special treatment, like a priority on your products, or even discounts. There are all sorts of deals and relationships going on that you could potentially take advantage of.

You probably already know which mode of transport works best, but it can’t hurt to ask a potential freight forwarder to see if they can find the most cost-effective way of transporting your products. For example, if you think most of your products will be transported by sea, then you should look for a freight forwarder is has pre-existing relationships with a shipping line. You could also use multiple modes of transport as well, so you can reach even more people.

Service Locations

Some freight forwarding companies will only operate in certain areas, and while they may operate in the area you are based in, they may not operate in an area where most of your customers are. If you are exporting your products to or from a regional or particularly remote area, then that may very well dramatically reduce the number of companies that have the potential to assist you.

Some freight forwarding companies also may have more experience in dealing with certain counties and they have a full understanding of all the requirements to ensure your products make it to their rightful destination. Some countries have particularly difficult customs regulations that can be confusing or difficult to deal with, so if the freight forwarding company has a lot of experience with that particular country you want to export to, it may be a good option.…

Suppose you want to maximise the effectiveness of your supply chain management. In that case, you should consider blending 3PL warehouse mechanics, also known as third party logistics elements, into your distribution and fulfillment services. Typically, 3PL warehouse providers specialise in integrating transportation and storage facilities to accommodate customer needs, market changes and delivery requirements. More importantly, the market for third-party logistics has been exponentially growing over the last decade, rising from $75 billion in 2014 and has since grown to approximately $157 billion. Here are some of the most notable benefits of integrating 3PL warehouse services into your supply chain management.

Improvements to flexibility

One of the best advantages of using 3PL warehouse mechanics is that it can massively improve your operational flexibility. This is because third-party logistics providers can expand their geographical distribution needs while decreasing their transportation and shipping costs. It also enables businesses and large companies to be able to manage their resources with a greater degree of certainty, whether it be workforce size, variable costs and fixed costs.

Greater strategic focus

Likewise, third-party logistics means businesses can focus on what matters to them most – their core business functions. If logistics is not something that you don’t want to waste time on, then outsource it to a company that can give it the time and resources it deserves. The most vital thing you should be focusing on is what brings you the most profit.

Much lower capital outlay

In addition, 3PL warehouse services are also very affordable and require no capital commitment at all. Think of it this way, if you wanted to do your logistics in-house, you would need to invest in transportation facilities, equipment, storage and a plethora of other assets to ensure that your supply chain management system is optimised. Imagine being able to do this without investing thousands or even millions of dollars into this type of business venture? Well, you shouldn’t need to imagine because it is indeed possible with a reliable provider of 3PL warehouse services – you need to find someone you trust!

Lower costs

Because supply chain management firms specialise in logistics and distribution services, they naturally have a more extensive network at their disposal, which they can leverage to maximise your business’ supply chain functions. They’ll have more exclusive and lucrative relationships within the sector, and as a result, be in a much stronger position to influence negotiations. This will lead to better deals with your suppliers, which will minimise overhead costs in the long run. At the same time, you can decrease your payroll expenses since you won’t need to hire staff to oversee distribution processes or finance expensive tracking technologies, among other things.

Better time management

Furthermore, enlisting the assistance of 3PL warehouse providers will help you with your time management. This is because a comprehensive, extensive logistics scheme requires a lot of maintenance, attention and updating to ensure that it is continually fulfilling its purpose. On top of this, the system often needs to be refined and adapted as your needs and wants change. Most businesses go through some form of structural change because their customers’ aims change or their suppliers’ demands change. Either way, handing this part of your business to more experienced and understandable groups will decrease your stress, augment your time management and give you more flexibility to focus on your core needs.

So, do you think your firm could benefit from 3PL warehouse services? If the answer is a resounding yes, then don’t delay and reach out to a well-respected provider in your local area. You won’t regret it.…