The supply chain and logistics sector is set to grow in the coming years. Tech analytics firm CB insights says $5 billion will be invested this year alone – which is an astounding 1,300% jump from what it was just three years ago. Accordingly, there will be more service providers offering their services, and increased competition among them.
Every industry has different expectations of a freight forwarder. In some businesses, the freight forwarder’s role is limited to transporting cargo from point A to point B at a competitive rate, whereas other businesses may use freight forwarders for more than shipping their goods. Regardless, all businesses want to work with a trusted freight forwarder who will help them grow.
Here are some things to consider when evaluating a potential logistics partner:
Capacity
Is the prospective freight forwarder big enough to handle the volume of shipments required by your business during peak season or an unexpected, but urgent large volume shipment request.
Industry Specialization
Rules and regulations regarding products that can be shipped vary from country to country. A good freight forwarder will have sufficient knowledge and awareness of mandatory shipping documentation requirements.
Global Reach
Freight forwarders with a good network of agents at overseas ports can help ensure your shipments move ahead without delays.
Tracking Capabilities
It is essential to have a complete view of the cargo services transport details, status of current and pending orders, at any stage during the transit of goods.
Documentation
Freight forwarders must be highly organized in the] documentation process of shipping goods in and out of the country. Mistakes in documentation can prove costly. Processing and claiming insurance in such circumstances wastes time and resources.
Packaging expertise
Packaging is an important facet of a good freight forwarder. Some goods are fragile and other goods may require special packaging. Freight forwarders should have specialists to pack goods according to the product requirement. The products should have primary and secondary layers of packaging to ensure safe transport to the retailer or end customer.
Good Insurance Coverage
Ensure that the forwarder has a high level of cargo insurance so that damage or loss of shipment is properly compensated.
Financially Independent and Prompt
In situations where the business has paid the freight forwarder, they should promptly pay the ocean carrier for smooth transport.
Ask for references
It is always best to make decisions based on positive reviews or word of mouth when deciding your logistics partner.
Pricing
It is also important to partner with a freight forwarder who provides competitive pricing.
A freight forwarder who works efficiently, provides excellent information flow and who is always aware of the customer’s cargo status will become a trusted and valued business partner.
Things You Need to Consider When Loading a Container
Containers, which are one of the most important means of maritime transportation, are used for the transportation of the goods. The total transportation costs companies have to pay in transportation are directly related to the container area. Therefore, the less containers used during transportation, the lower the transportation costs will be. There are various details that need to be considered when loading containers in order to both reduce transportation costs and save time in placing and unloading the products in the container. In addition, various security measures must be taken when loading containers onto ships or other transport vehicles.
Container Stacking and Loading
Container stacking is generally used to mean the proper stacking or loading of the cargoes that need to be transported into the container. These processes mean placing the loads inside the empty containers rather than loading the loaded containers onto the ship or other transportation vehicles. The collection of products created by bringing together different loads is called a stack. Containers or cargo recovery services groups created by using different loads in partial transportation are called stacks.
In container stacking and loading operations, various security measures should be taken in order to transport the loads in the container in a safer way. Basically, the goods stacked in the container must remain fixed in the container. For this reason, the stacks must be fixed to the sides and rear together with the container floor. Thus, precautions are taken against all shocks and similar situations that may occur during transportation. In order to fix the stacks inside the container, rope, package or similar systems are generally preferred. In addition to fixing the stacks, the container lids must be closed easily so that the stacks can be loaded into the container easily and unloaded at the destination port.
Container Loading Types
During the loading of stacks or goods into the container, it is necessary to choose the appropriate loading type, taking into account the needs of these goods. All the goods loaded into the container have different stacking methods. Goods are usually loaded with methods such as packages, boxes or stretch film for safer transportation in the container. However, according to the needs of the loaded goods, different loading methods such as barrels, crates or bags are also preferred. Container loading types can be expressed as follows:
Loading with Boxes and Cartons
One of the most preferred methods of container loading in logistics operations is to stack the goods in containers after placing them in boxes or cartons. Boxes are used to protect the goods in the container to prevent them from being damaged during transportation. Additional protective materials such as foam or paper are placed in these boxes in order to transfer the transported goods in a safer environment.
Loading with Packages
Packaging made in accordance with the dimensions of the product ensures that the products move less in the container and that these products are affected by the ambient conditions at a minimum level. For this reason, one of the most preferred container loading methods today is package loading.
Loading with Barrels
Barrels are the loading method used to transport liquid or semi-liquid fluid materials. For the transportation of liquid substances in the ADR group, these substances are first placed in the barrels and then the barrels are stacked together and placed in the containers. Various precautions should be taken to ensure that the barrels in the container are loaded vertically and that the cover parts are not opened.
Loading with Crates
Crates, which are generally produced specifically for the goods to be transported in containers, are preferred for the transportation of more valuable goods. Due to the fact that they are produced specifically for the goods to be transported, they have high costs compared to standard loading and transportation methods. The chests are designed using different sizes, colors and materials. In this way, the needs of the goods transported directly are also met. Crates should also be fixed inside the container and to other crates for more reliable stacking of the crates during loading.