5 Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire a Trucking Service

Moving freight from one place to another is a tough task. It requires knowledge, experience, and specific expertise to handle the entire process of goods transportation from your end to your client’s mentioned address. So, you start looking for a transportation company. 

 

Here are five crucial questions that you should ask before making a final decision on hiring a trucking service:

1. How long have you been in the logistics business?
Most of you want reliability while buying a product or availing a service. You have surety about the quality of the product/service when you have an idea about the industry existence of the respective business, like a manufacturer and product supplier. In your product shipment too, you need such reliability. Get in touch with more than one logistics or trucking company and find out how old they are. A truck service provider with several years of industry experience can serve you in a better way. 

2. Have you ever handled the logistics need I have?
Every business is different from others. And hence, their product shipment is different. For example, you need to be more careful in the transportation of products made of glass in comparison with one of the hard material. It is essential for you to ask a trucking company owner about their experience of handling transportation needs like yours. You can enquire about equipment and the process being used to manage such a requirement. 

3. Do you hold a license? Is your trucking company insured?
Any transportation company has to obtain a license for its business operation. The business owners have to take permits for their vehicles for a particular region. In your way of hiring a trucking service, know whether the transportation company holds a license or not. Further, know whether the company is insured or not. Insurance saves a company from any loss in the future. An insured logistics company is better for you.   

4. Are your drivers skilled, educated, and qualified?
A driver is a valuable person in road transportation. He should be educated. It doesn’t mean he should have a diploma or degree. However, the driver should be able to comprehend the client’s need. Further, he should have a clean background and an appropriate driving license. 

The driver should have sound traffic knowledge. Before you hire a truck, you should be ensured about the driving skills of the professional carrying the truck. In simple words, ask all relevant queries about the vehicle and the driver who will drive the vehicle. 

5. How much usual time will you take?
In your business operation, time is valuable for you. In transportation, you need to get your goods delivered at the desired location within the set deadline. So, you should know the usual time taken by a trucking company for a particular distance. Get in touch with the one that can deliver your consignments in a shorter period.

Conclusion
A truck is a crucial vehicle in road transportation for goods delivery. You can expect the safe and timely delivery of your consignments when you choose the right trucking service for your need.

3 Smart Tips to Improve Customer Experience and loyalty in 2020

A new year is around the corner, and it is time to look at the marketing trends that will take over the marketing domain in the coming year. However, one marketing trend is said to dominate even in 2020, which is improving customer experience to have a loyal customer base. 
 
The sustainability of businesses depends on both the acquisition of new customers, as well as, building a loyal customer base who will buy your product or services from time to time.  

Here are three smart steps to improve customer experience and loyalty in 2020, so read them carefully!
 
Be transparent in your dealings
Providing transparency in shipping pricing and conditions is the easiest way to improve customer experience and loyalty. You cannot hide anything from your customers, later or sooner they will know. 
 
So, it is better to keep them informed in the beginning because customers often get annoyed on learning the truth later, that is after making the purchase. If you want your customers to be loyal, then first you will have to be loyal to them. 
 
Being transparent in key areas like pricing can earn the loyalty of your customers, and also can enhance the customer experience. Don't let your customers have any unreal expectations from you, as it may ruin your reputation. 
 
Provide them with the right piece of information, such as delivery options, expected delivery dates, associated costs, and return conditions. To win the hearts of your customers, you have to be honest in your approach. 
 
Partner with the right logistics and shipping company
The logistics partner that you choose impacts your reputation. Most of the customers remain in the impression that you are the one responsible for the delivery, and no other third party is involved. 
 
Thus, any kind of delay or inconvenience causes your business to suffer. Your customers know only you and not your logistics and shipping partner. So, if any mishap occurs on the part of your outsourced logistics company, then you are the one liable for it in the eyes of customers.  
 
Several logistics and shipping companies are operating in the industry, you must choose the right one because your shipping partner will be a direct reflection of your brand. 
 
A reliable logistics and shipping company ensures timely delivery and also keeps your customers updated regarding the shipment of their order, which enhances customer experience and loyalty.
 
Have a robust customer support system
Communication is the most important aspect when it comes to increasing customer experience. You must have a robust communication flow to let your customers communicate with you without any hassle. 
 
If your customers can't reach you easily, then how will they get their queries resolved? It is necessary to provide your customers with a good communication channel to allow them to ask their queries or any information related to their order or shipment. 
 
Moreover, pay attention to your customer's problems and try to solve them as soon as possible. Also, let them know that you are working on their respective problems and will revert them soon. 
 
Conclusion 

So, these are three smart tips to increase your customer experience and loyalty in 2020. Hopefully, these tips will help you build a strong and lasting relationship with your customers, resulting in the growth of your business.

Importance of Logistics and Shipping Firms in the Contemporary Scenario

Today, businesses operating in the supply chain are thriving speedily. If you too belong to this industry, then you will acknowledge the importance of logistics and shipping firms. They help in keeping pace with customer demands and outperforming competitors. 
 
Every business owner wants to expand its business on a global level. And a logistics firm can propel you to the route to success by cutting down the cost, improving the efficiency of work, and saving the time you spend on moving your goods from one point to another.  

 

Here are some benefits of outsourcing your logistics to a professional logistics and shipping firm, and these benefits explicate their importance in the current scenario.
 
Improve the efficiency
Whether you own a small business or a big, you cannot manage your logistics and shipping operations efficiently on your own. 
 
You need professional assistance who can streamline your logistics. Logistics and shipping firms extend their hands to improve the efficiency of your supply chain and overall business. 
 
Partnering with reliable logistics and shipping firm that has a global network helps to minimize the cost and maximize efficiency.
 
Ensure timely delivery
Customer experience plays a decisive role in the success of your logistics operation. Today, every business consistently strives to evolve with time to meet customer demands and provide better results. To match up to your customer's expectations, your logistics needs to be both cost and time-efficient. 
 
Delayed deliveries may lead to bad customer experience, destroying your reputation in the industry. However, logistics and shipping firms make sure that your cargo reaches its destination at the right time and in the right condition. 
 
Thus, by delivering your goods on time and eliminating delays, they not only build your business reputation and but also enhance customer experience and loyalty. As a result, you get to witness an abrupt growth in the business world. 

Provide tracking facilities
An ideal logistics and shipping firm is well-equipped with the latest technologies to offer you leading-edge logistics services. They offer real-time tracking services to their clients to let them monitor their goods. 
 
By providing tracking solutions, they further reinforce the timely delivery of goods. Besides, they keep their clients and the customers updated about the shipment that adds to the customer experience. 
 
Tracking facilities assist businesses in numerous ways. Not only they help businesses to know about the delayed delivery but also the reason behind the delay, which helps them to improve their services. 
 
Result into business growth
Logistics and shipping firms contribute to the growth of business significantly. A supply chain business can thrive only by offering impeccable logistics service, and a good logistics and shipping firm ensures good logistics services. 
 
Moreover, by taking responsibility for the logistics on their shoulders, they let business owners focus on their core business to ensure growth and productivity. 
 
Every business, who is operating in the supply chain domain, needs an effective and well-organized logistics partner to get an edge over their competitors. 
 
Conclusion

By handling various logistics responsibilities and playing a key role in the growth of businesses, logistics and shipping firms have proven their significance in the current scenario where logistics businesses are flourishing rapidly. Hopefully, now you know the importance of logistics and shipping.

Significance of IOR Services in International Trade

If your business is global and deals in international trade, then there are some rules and regulations that you must adhere to. Moreover, customs and paperwork involved in international trade can be intimidating and time-consuming. 
 
Here comes the role of IOR (Importer of Record), who is accountable for ensuring that goods imported are cleared properly through customs and all the required paperwork is done. Besides, they are also responsible for the payment of any due fines and duties. 
 
As per the customs Modernization Act of 1993, the importer of record was developed by the Customs and Border Protection to view imports/exports fully to restrict any terroristic deeds and ensure payment of duties involved in import/export.  

 

Thus, the responsibility of IOR/EOR is to ensure all imported goods comply with local laws, payment of duties, fees, and tariffs on imported goods, preparation and submission of all required documentation to custom authorities, seamless flow of large shipments through customs, and delivery of the products to the final recipient on time. In short, IOR makes sure customs clearance goes smoothly.
 
The IOR can be the owner, purchases, or the customs broker, who has the right authorization. However, it is often recommended to hire a customs broker who offers both IOR and EOR services. Here are some of the benefits of IOR services. 
 
Compliance with laws 

 
Import laws are different in different countries and learning about the regulations of each country would be a very daunting and time-consuming task. 
 
But IOR services takes the burden off your shoulders by ensuring compliance with local laws. So, you don't need to worry about compliance. 
  
You don't need a legal entity 

 
Your partnership with IOR (Importer of Record) provides you with an on-ground consignee with all required legal permissions. 
 
IOR services allow your company to import goods without an authorized business or legal entity because they act as the importer for customs purposes at the time of import. 
 
Ensures timely delivery 

 
In international trade, there are possibilities for your goods getting stuck at customs checkpoints due to incorrect documentation or any other reason. Moreover, the process of collecting all necessary licenses for importing may take a few months. It may lead to unwanted and unforeseen delays. 
 
However, ideal IOR services let you use the import licenses of an already existing company, which acts as a consignee instead of obtaining your licenses. Thus, you can start importing your goods immediately. 
  
Lets you focus on your core business 

 
As your company doesn't specialize in international trade, fulfilling the customs requirements may consume your lot of time. Besides, importing your goods is itself a tedious process. Thus, you may not be able to devote your time properly to your core business, and as a consequence, your business might suffer. 
 
However, by partnering with an IOR, you can get the time required to lay your focus on your business. So, IOR services enable you to concentrate on your core business, which is essential for its growth.

So, these are benefits of IOR services that validate its significance in the international trade domain.

How Logistics Functions in an Organization?

The logistics process involves the delivery of goods from one place to another. However, logistics does not mean the transportation of goods only. Logistics functions in numerous ways in an organization to identify and satisfy the needs of customers. 
 
Organizations that deal with supply chain management need various logistics solutions to ensure the smooth running of their business. 
Businesses or organizations need to make sure that their goods reach to its destination at the right time and they may suffer a loss on failing to do so. Logistics help organizations by ensuring the organized movement and storage of goods.  

Here are 5 ways how logistics functions to streamline the supply chain process of organizations.
 
Inventory planning and management
Inventory management involves the supervision of inventory (non-capitalized assets) and stock items. It concerns the planning regarding the amount of type & material stored at the various facility location. 
 
Thus, in a nutshell, under inventory management, you plan what type of inventory you will hold, and where and for how long it will be held. It is the core aspect of logistics that increases the efficiency of the logistics operation. A good inventory management strategy enhances the accuracy of inventory orders and offers real-time and monetary benefits. 
 
Warehousing management

Warehousing provides a centralized location or space for your goods and makes it easier to track and manage inventory. It allows organizations to pack and grade their goods as per their customer needs and legal requirements. 
 
An effective warehousing management system offers optimized warehouse space, better control over stock, quicker inventory turnover, and improves customer service. 
 
Material handling management 

Material handling involves the movement, storage, protection, and control of goods throughout warehousing and distribution. The process of material handling includes various equipment and automated software to aid the flow of goods, such as conveyors, lift trucks, integrated material handling systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, crane, forklift, dock equipment, and many more. 
 
Material handling equipment offers several benefits like improved inventory management, reduced inventory excesses, streamlined and constant workflow, and increased productivity. 
 
Packaging management 

Packaging helps organizations to ensure the maintenance of material in the right condition through the logistics process. Packaging offers some indispensable advantages, from preventing damage, making shipping easier, ensuring efficient storage, and more. 
 
It allows the product to reach its destination in the most economical way possible. Moreover, packaging can also display or convey all the properties or important information of the product to customers.

Transportation management

One of the major functions of logistics is the transportation of goods. It involves the physical delivery of goods from the company to the end customer. The transportation cost depends on inventory management and warehousing. Better is the warehousing and inventory management, more economical will be transportation. 
 
One of the most vital aspects of transportation is the selection of the right mode of transportation, like air, water, rail, and road, based on the speed, reliability, freight rate, size of inventories, and external market influences. 
 
So, this is how logistics functions and promotes the growth of an organization by carrying out effective logistics operations.

Industries Using 3PL Companies to Increase Efficiency & Profitability

Logistics services are designed to solve the problems of the supply chain for the businesses in various industries to move goods from the source to the destination. 

Apart from retail industries, there are a lot more other industries that are widely using the services of Third-party logistics companies to manage the workflow efficiently.  

Here is a look at the top 5 industries that take bits of help of transportation and distribution work of 3PL companies: 

1. Manufacturing 

Manufacturing and logistics industry goes hand in hand. A manufacturer must receive all the key components and raw material in time to run the production efficiently. A little mismatch in timings or planning may lead to the whole factory or production can come to halt. 

An experienced 3PL company can quickly and efficiently move the required parts to long distances without fail. They can maintain the steady flow of raw, materials to keep the production moving without hindrances. Using services of a logistics service provider can be beneficial for manufacturer both in terms of time and money involved in managing own fleet of trucks for transportation. 

2. Pharmaceutical 

Just like the medical industry, the pharmaceutical industry has to abide by the strict rules of construction. Moving shipments of various medicines and health care products require constant attention to protect the integrity of the products being transported. Various medicines do need cold storage during transportation requiring capabilities of the transport truck. Various services of warehousing by logistics can help in the efficient movement of these medicines.  

A transportation company works by understanding the importance of transporting medicines in the required state to meet the high industry standards. These experienced professionals can maintain strict temperature control required. Temperature controlled logistics enables to keep control of the supply chain from production to market. 

3. Restaurants / Hotel Industry 

Managing a restaurant or hotel requires a fast supply of ingredients and other groceries. Getting the ingredients on time is the foremost requirements of the hotel industry to serve its customers. To preserve the quality of the service industry, proper attention is required to sequence properly all the operations of the supply chain. 

A transportation company works with regional suppliers and vendors to cut down the extra time in exportation and fulfil the urgent requirements. Quick transport and warehousing services can preserve the quality and flavour of the dishes and other provided services. 

4. Construction Industry 

For the construction industry, the sequential workflow is extremely necessary to keep the production on time. A minor delay in supplying the raw materials or pieces of equipment may result in huge losses in terms of the cost involved. A construction manager needs to have a close eye over raw material procurement and proper supplies. 

A Third Party logistics company can provide the services of order management, raw material procurement and handling supplies of the equipment by maintaining contacts with various dealers. A 3PL company has strong contacts and can provide timely solutions to all transportation and distribution-related issues.  

Final Thoughts 

Many 3PL companies are promising to provide solutions for the business. But a business person should choose judiciously that service provider who matches with the unique requirements of the particular industry only.

5 Logistics Problems that can be Solved Using a 3PL Company

If you run a business that requires shipping and transporting goods to customers, chances are you need to focus on product quality along with pleasant customer experience.  

Collaborating with different service providers for different processes can negatively impact the business, and managing all the logistics process such as distribution, packing and transportation all by yourself can be very intimidating. That's where Third-party logistics can offer some assistance. 

Let's look at the most common challenges faced by the businesses in logistics and how a 3PL company can help in facing those challenges.

1. Space restrictions
The basic nature of any retail, manufacturing or any other industry is that it will require space to store their products before they are removed for delivery. Goods need to be stored somewhere safe before they are moved further in the supply chain. Owning warehouses individually requires maintenance and labours which can be unaffordable for the small businessman.  

If your business is expanding more than the warehouse capacity, a 3PL company can provide you with long term solutions for warehousing and distribution to facilitate your business growth.

2. Labour Shortage
Hiring and retaining the skilled workforce in the supply chain is among the biggest problem faced by businesses. More than 50% of the business owners find it difficult to manage the need of the staff to enhance customer satisfaction.  

You might find yourself unable in the process of recruitment, but a 3PL company has all the resources and skills required to recruit and retain the employees on your behalf. With the increasing expectations and customer demand, a 3PL company can help you to retain a dedicated team that can support you to ace the competition.

3. Increased Volume of Orders
With the increasing online shopping trends, businesses need to be on their toes by keeping most of the products in stock for online delivery. A sudden change in trend can lead to bulk orders at any time. Catering to these bulk orders requires increased investment for storage and packing.  

A right 3PL company can help to expand this online business by managing the huge order quantities and by successfully collaborating with various suppliers and vendors .

4. Lack of Transparency
Increased demands and supply chain processes have made the logistics operation complex. Tracking the movement of goods and raw material without the help of any technology is nearly impossible. Having advanced software technology often results in the poor return of investment due to under usage of the various applications. 

A 3PL service provider can help a business to get the most out of the already installed technology by tracking the real-time status and requirements of goods and raw materials. 

5. Unnecessary Costing
Traditionally, a business should invest in warehouses, managing own fleet of vehicles, labour workforce. But in reality, a business can prevent all these unnecessary expenses by taking the services of a third-party logistics provider.  

Cutting down unnecessary expenditures can be the first step towards upgrading the business and concentrating on core activities of trading or manufacturing. It also protects the business from excessive loss due to shutting down of any division.

Final Thoughts 

A 3PL company can accurately analyse the existing logistics operations and help you in cutting down the unnecessary costs and touchpoints. Using the above-analysed information they can recommend better options for an efficient work environment.

How to Negotiate Better Shipping Terms with Shipping Companies?

Do you operate a business which needs an overseas shipment of goods? Then you probably have a fair idea of how important and difficult it is to negotiate shipping terms with cargo shipping companies. No matter how cheap and affordable shipping rates you have, if your shipping partner is not trustworthy for timely delivery, the negotiation stands of no use. 

Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to avail better shipping terms along with affordable rates from shipping companies. Here are some tips to help you negotiate in a way that can decrease the overall cost with better facilities:

Know the Terminology
Before jumping into the process of negotiation and pricing it's better to have a fair idea about the glossary of shipping terms. Terms like Forwarders, Agents, Insurance Covers, Pilferage etc. are some of the terms that are eagerly used in the world of the shipping industry.

Before your service provider traps you in this terminology, it's better to have a brief idea about all these terms by yourself. Even if you are new to the business, having a fair idea of these terms will make you look experienced and provides you with an upper hand during negotiation. 

Conduct a Through Market Research
Entrusting your precious consignment on the very first offer might not be beneficial for you. You can get price quotations from at least 3 other suppliers to compare their prices and other services offered in the industry. This acquired knowledge will help you create value as you deal with the shipping company. You can also demand some extra services based upon other quotations. It will provide you with knowledge of existing challenges in the industry.

Clarity over Refunds and Penalties
When you opt for a particular carrier, there is some standard of services that they promise to offer, timely deliveries being one of them. Failing to comply with timely delivery can result in unhappy customers and may sometimes end up in refunds and penalties. The main reason being the delay in deliveries from shippers end. 

That is the reason that you should never waive your right to claim service refunds. While negotiating with the supplier make sure you have the money-back guarantees and service refund options if the carrier doesn't meet the specific standards of services.

Having Good Inter-Personal Skills
If you clearly define the services you want, you can easily grab better pricing and offers. Its easier to explain yourself better to the people with whom you share a better relationship.

Maintaining good relationships with your carrier representatives is extremely important to grab better services and discounts. These are the people who can help you with negotiations and makes your business better and easier. Sometimes they can also help you to get access to much-discounted rates that only representatives can work out.

Final Thoughts
However there is no strict rule book applicable on pricing and shipping terms, you can always find better negotiation options for special cases. As you grow in the business, you can develop better strategies apart from those above-mentioned tips.

Using 3PL Logistics to Optimize your Supply Chain Management

The supply chain is an inclusive process that starts right from the manufacturing and ends upon the delivery of the goods to customers. Everything from the procurement of raw material to storage and transportation of manufactured goods comes under the single roof of Supply Chain Management.

There is no doubt that global supply chains are becoming complex day by day, and there are many companies out there who don’t have the right expertise to handle these operations effectively.

That is the reason that companies and international business persons are working with Third Party Logistics companies to not only manage cargo but to move cargo as well. 

 

Here are 5 reasons why collaborating with a  3PL company can help you in optimizing the supply chain:

One-Stop Solution 
One of the largest benefits of including a 3PL service provider in your business is having the bundle of services. There is no need to roam around for demanding pricing quotations and available services in the market. When you have a project in hands which needs to be completed, you can avail services like freight forwarding, inbound logistics, warehouse and distributions all from a single service provider.

Growth Opportunities
When you are managing all the supply chain function in-house, you may find it difficult to manage all the resources and norms of various countries. The professional people working in Third Party Logistics companies have a varied knowledge of various countries. With the help of these people expansion of business in distant countries is possible without being burdened of knowing different rules and regulations.

Extended Experience

These Third Party Logistics companies are well-versed with industry practices. These companies keep track of the latest technology and cost-saving facilities. Upon getting more than one facilities from these companies, you can have cost-effective solutions for various business needs. When it comes to dealing with the complicated procedure of handling custom clearances and paperwork, their years of experience becomes useful by restricting the possibility of something getting wrong throughout the supply chain.

Consistency

Dealing with a single service provider for all your supply chain needs, there would be no surprise in obtaining different services. You will be well-versed with the working style of the company, along with all the due-diligence and quality checks applied to those services. Whether the new project you are taking is long-term or short -term, you will be assured that the job will be done with the utmost care.

Increased Resources and Network

While working with a professional logistics service provider, you can get access to the vast world of connections and resources. By taking the expert services of these service providers, you can safeguard your business from possible threats and inconsistencies of the world trade. You not only get access to private fleets, but you can also grab an opportunity to grab special contracts as well.

Final Thoughts

All in all, a Third Party Logistics company can provide you with a lot of features that can help in expanding your business with increased customer satisfaction. They provide you facility of being in touch with the shipment process and updates you about the proceedings as well.

Significance of Documentation in the International Shipping of Cargo

Documentation is one of the main aspects of international trade. It represents the contract of carriage, detailed description of the goods, the terms and conditions under which the logistic operation takes place, payment terms, and the ownership of goods. Moreover, it verifies that the goods were delivered in the right condition. 
 
There are various documents involved in the international shipment process that we shall discuss here. These documents are obligatory while dealing in international trade, so read them carefully! 
 
Performa Invoice

Performa invoice can be said to be a precursor to an invoice. It is a type of quotation form used in an international transaction to specify the exact rates and services/products that the other party will receive. 

A proforma invoice is required to plan for financing, to claim the goods at customs, and to apply for the proper import licenses, and more. 

It contains certain information like description and classification of the goods, the details about the buyer and seller in the transaction, the payment term of the sale, delivery details including the delivery charges, and the currency used in the quote. 

Commercial Invoice

After sending the proforma invoice and receiving their orders, you will be required to produce a commercial invoice that contains detailed information of the entire export transaction.  

 

 

Although it looks like a proforma invoice, it gives necessary specifications regarding the nature of the goods, including its identification, market value, purchase order number, etc. 

It is this document that specifies the details of the transaction to the tax authorities, that is why it is significant for the party importing the goods. 

Certificate of Origin

Often some countries ask for a certificate of origin that specifies the country of origin of goods. This certificate is accepted only when it is signed from a country’s consulate office.

Even though you have specified the country of origin of goods in commerce invoice, it is vital to prepare the certificate of origin. Also, make sure that it conforms to all the laws and regulations while creating it. 

Packaging list 

It helps in identifying the items in the shipment. The list includes specifications about the goods, invoice member, the gross weight, and dimensions of the package. 

Moreover, it identifies any shipping marks and numbers on packages, along with any special instructions for the safe delivery of goods. The packaging list can be used by the shipping company to create the bill of lading for the shipment.
Bills of lading

Bills of Lading is one of the most critical transportation documents needed for international shipping of goods. It provides crucial information to the shipment staff that guides them throughout the shipment process. 

From the location to where the package is headed, the number of items the package contains, to how to handle the package, the bills of lading comprises everything. There are three common bills of lading documents, namely ocean, inland, and air waybill.
 
Conclusion

Along with the above-stated documents, Dangerous Goods Forms and Bank Draft is also required. So, these are the vital documents needed in the process of international shipping of cargo. 

However, the right shipping company provides complete assistance in the documentation, so choose your logistics partner wisely.

What are the Various Job Responsibilities of a Freight Agent?

When you are dealing with international business, using the services of freight forwarding becomes essential. A freight forwarder or freight agent is the person who acts as a middleman between the businessman and transporter. 

The process of freight forwarding might seem very difficult if you try to do international shipment without the help of freight forwarders.  

Following are some of the responsibilities fulfilled by these freight forwarders:

Planning and Advising 

Services of freight forwarder may vary from others, depending upon the services chosen by you. Depending on the services provided, there are some services that you can avail from these forwarders for hassle-free transportation of goods/consignment. These agents can help you in deciding the production cost, other freight expenses.  

They can also help in deciding the most viable route for effective transportation. They can also help by acting as a middleman and save a lot of time for your business by choosing the most appropriate freight forwarder for you. 

Knowing All the Restrictions 

While importing or exporting it is very essential to know the import/export restrictions of the destination country. Freight agents are the people with experience, knowing all the rules and regulations of different countries.  

They can guide you about the permissible quantities of the goods allowed. Although the list of prohibited and restricted goods vary from country to country, yet a common list of restricted items include Dangerous goods, drugs, alcohol, etc.You need to be extra careful and know the rules if you want to export/import these goods. 

Customs Clearance for the Client 

Every country has its own rules and regulations for custom clearances. Knowing all these rules is not possible for a businessman hence, here comes the role of a Freight agent or freight forwarder.  

A freight agent knows all the documents required for customs clearance and works in favour of the client by assisting in the fast clearance of the goods. They take responsibility for all the paperwork and documentation. 

Maintaining a Vital Network 

The strong network and contract of the freight forwarders help the clients to have timely deliveries. They are professional people and can manage adverse situations easily.  

When goods are delivered, there are many possibilities that goods or consignment gets stuck on the port or it may face any other difficulty. But you can trust these experts for their reliable services. 

Ancillary services 

However, during overseas transportation, the responsibility lies with the importer/exporter itself. But these freight forwarders can provide you with various services such as; 

• Bill of Lading
• Export License
• Commercial invoice, etc. 

Conclusion

When there are so many providers out there, to provide you with various assistance in logistics and freight forwarding, you need not worry about customs clearance. These are the professional people working in this direction for so many years to provide cost-effective transport solutions to the businesses. 

Doing good market research before choosing a freight forwarder will ensure timely delivery of the goods and consignment.

How To Successfully Apply Logistics Strategies In Business?

The ultimate goal of a business is to, maximize its profit by remitting customer-oriented services. To have a competitive edge in the world full of businesses, it is very important that you collaborate and outsource, various services. By doing this, you can excel in every department of trade worldwide.  

Why do you need a logistics strategy?

A business is the consolidation of various processes, partners and stakeholders. Working through a supply chain is a critical process and requires proper planning for getting the work done in minimum possible expenses.  

The supply chain is constantly changing and hence, strategies applied should be flexible and should be changed along with the time and circumstances.

Steps to implement a successful Logistics Strategy for your Business

By following the below-mentioned steps and guidelines you can ensure that your strategies for logistics are completely aligned with the business processes and goals of the organization.  

• Planning: Before moving on to further processes, it is very important to carefully plan a review of the present logistics system, customer base, their requirements and geographic distribution of various processes. 
  
  In the planning phase, all the relevant decisions and features are listed down on the paper. It is mainly created by top-level management by keeping the goal and vision of the business in mind.
  
• Organization: To have a successful strategy for your supply chain, you need to carefully consolidate all the available resources of the business. Resources of the business include available manpower, work timings and outsourcing cost. The process which can be eliminated should be eliminated at this stage to cut out unnecessary expenses.   
  
• Staffing: For the successful implementation of business strategies, it's important to appoint only qualified personnel to handle different processes. If you are short of staff or need to recruit specialised people to handle various duties it might be better to opt for outsourcing the same from some third party logistics company.  
  
• Implementation / Execution: After all the preliminary planning and organization work, now its time for you to implement and execute the strategy to your business. You can opt to choose an in-house supply chain by employing various personnel on the desired process or you can opt for outsourcing supply chain functions from experienced service providers.
  
  Every strategy should be implemented in such a way that it adds functionality to the desired procedure by increasing efficiency and time-saving.
  
• Changes: Implementation of a successful strategy for the business is not a one-time affair rather, it needs to be updated from time to time. Just after application, the manager needs to update the changes. The procedure is continued to serve the customers in the best possible way in a cost-effective manner.  

Note: You need to review these strategies from time to time to keep a track on changing needs of the business and customers. 

Conclusion

The organizations who are committed to keeping the service level high should always ensure that they incorporate these strategies in their business line for cost-effective business.
As your customer base changes you need to re-implement the changed strategies for better performance.

Significant Services Offered by Third-Party Logistics Company in Afghanistan

If your business deals in the supply chain domain or logistics field then outsourcing 3PL services are worthwhile. Logistics operation involves various complexities that require the assistance of experts. From planning, good procurement, material handling, packaging, inventory, storage to transportation, logistics covers all these stages. Third-party logistics companies in Afghanistan provide several services that ensure success at each of these stages of the logistics process.  

Here are the significant Afghan logistics services provided by 3PL companies in Afghanistan that streamlines your supply chain process. 
 
Freight Forwarding Services

Freight forwarding is one of the most important aspects of international trade. Freight forwarding services providing firms acts as intermediaries between shippers and carriers. There are different types of freight forwarding services that include air freight, sea freight, and road freight services. All these freight shipping services cater to the different needs of the client. 

For example, if the client needs quick freight forwarding services for the transportation of goods to another country then Air freight is considered as the most suitable option. Similarly, if the client needs to transport the goods in bulk then sea freight is the aptest choice. Along with shipment, freight forwarding company also provides custom brokerage services to handle documentation and facilitate the customs clearance process. 
 
Warehousing

Third-party logistics company provides warehousing and storage facilities. Good warehousing is a key to the success of the business. Not only it is important to transport the goods at the right time but also in the right shape and condition. 3PL companies in Afghanistan provide expedient warehousing services.  

They store your goods safely and take all the security measures to prevent any damage or loss. These 3PL companies are equipped with all the resources and personnel required to manage goods effectively. Moreover, by partnering with them, you can save your pocket from the managing costs of your warehouse. 

Project Cargo

Project cargo refers to the transportation of heavy and large pieces of equipment. 3PL logistics service providers in Afghanistan provide project cargo services that include heavy lift cargo, bulk shipment, warehousing, cargo handling, cargo tracking, road studies and more. 

They help in determining the best route option for your project and make sure that your project cargo reaches its destination before the deadline in its perfect condition. With the help of their dedicated and experienced team, they ensure that your heavy equipment shipping is in safe hands. 

5 Best Third-party Logistics Companies in Afghanistan 

Not every Afghanistan-based logistics company can be trusted with your logistics service requirements. To help you to choose the best 3PL company in Afghanistan, here is a list of 5 best Logistics companies that provide robust Afghan Logistics solutions and services. 
 

• AS Logistics
• ACTO Logistics
• Logistan 
• FGI Logistics
• Agility

Be careful while choosing the right Afghan Logistics service providing company in Afghanistan!

What are the New Age Developments in Freight Forwarding Companies?

In terms of market share, after the digital industry, freight forwarding or logistics industry is the second place holder.  The whole world has become a small room for business. The growing need for transportation from all over the world can be considered as a reason behind such fast development.

In order to ensure timely and right delivery of your goods and consignment to the required destination, you need a middle man called freight forwarder, and the companies providing the services of freight forwarding are known as freight forwarding companies. 

Since years, these freight forwarders ensure timely delivery of the goods to almost any location whether it is being a warehouse on the main road or a house at the end of the road. This all has been possible only with such a big network of these transporters in different parts of the world. With the help of growing technology these freight forwarding services have become more cost effective and time efficient.

Among the numerous benefits provided by these forwarders, it is your duty to find one the one matching with your needs. New age freight forwarders can be fruitful in many situations but given below are some of the latest developments in this business which led to such a market share and importance:

Credit periods

One of the most common issue in doing business is maintaining liquidity in the business. A business for its proper development and easy flow need flow of funds at regular interval. In past times payments to these companies were made in advance resulting in a block of funds but now if you have good relationships with your freight forwarder they can provide you with more credit terms so that you can purchase more inventory and goods by this credit flow.

Timely Arrivals

With the help of advanced technology and equipment, timely delivery of consignments has become a common trait of these service providers. They now guarantee a specific slot for the arrival of shipment with assured services.
The goods are delivered in the same condition as they were delivered in most of the cases without fail!!  

Handling International Documentation/Custom Knowledge

With the knowledge and experience of years, these forwarders have expertise in handling international shipments and custom departments. Through the internet and other sources, they have the best way out in any situation. With the latest and updated information, they can complete the framework which is now paperless in most parts of the worlds. Paperwork is completed even before the arrival of the shipment to avoid any unnecessary delays in customs clearance.

Specialized Services

By specializing in any specific service area or mode of transportation now customised combination of services can be chosen. Based on the requirements and experience of various service providers a particular combination of different services can be applied to the business. These new age freight forwarders understand business needs and on the basis of which they choose the best route suitable to the owner.   Previously this work has to be done by the conjunction of many transport companies but now these all services are provided at one place only.

Competitive Rates

With the presence of so many companies in the market, these forwarders are unable to charge depending upon the time and needs. In order to provide the best rates quotation to their client, they even collaborate with other transporters so that the minimum rates are provided to the business owner(s). A freight forwarder can do this by consolidating consignments of many businesses as a single unit or can consolidate with other shipping services to take advantage of bulk transport. This procedure definitely cuts freight charges to a minimum.

Conclusion

Due to the above-mentioned advancements, these freight forwarding companies have been proven very beneficial in international transport. The new age advancements have definitely reduced a lot of pressure with reliable transportation services in all corners of the world.

What is the Work Flow of a Shipping Company?

Definition/Meaning 

As 90% of the world's international trade is done through the ocean, the importance of shipping agent is very important in the process of sending goods and consignments from one country to another via ocean route. They are responsible for handling shipments at harbors worldwide.  

Before understanding the workflow of a shipping company lets first understand what are the shipping company and its agents. To start with we can say a shipping company is an individual or company who acts as an agent between business owners and port authorities. These companies work on behalf of exporter or importer as the case may be. They provide services for cargo handling, ship owning, etc. 

The Process 

 
It is commonly believed that the shipping process starts from the uploading of goods on the ship and ends on the unloading of consignments on the destination port. Rather the process of shipping starts from the time when the importer feels the need for the particular need and enquires for the exporters worldwide who can fulfill the need. 

There is a particular flow of the process that needs to be followed by the shipping companies in order to ensure timely delivery of goods and consignment.

 

• Uploading: Generally, goods are transported to the origin port using trucks and packed in designated sizes. These packed containers are uploaded on the ships when the ship is ready for the voyage. Along with the goods/consignments, the required documents such as the bill of lading, origin certificate, etc are also shipped from the origin port to destination port. 

• Export Custom: Before the goods are loaded on the ship or vessel and shipped, all the goods to be exported are custom cleared and only after payment of required export duty, these goods can cross the borders of the country. After payment of export duty, Bill of lading is handed over to the shipping agent.

• The Journey: Generally the whole journey of the consignment is completed in a single vessel but sometimes due to international rules and some technical difficulties, it may lead to the transfer of goods from one ship to another ship. When goods are transferred, the above bill of lading is also handed over.

• Import Custom: Once goods reach the destination port, these goods are unloaded by paying freight and demurrages. For clearance of goods, customs duty needs to be paid first by the individual or his agent.

• Handling Goods at Destination: From the time the goods are unloaded to the time goods are taken home or exported to some other place, these goods need to be kept safe in custom warehouses for which extra charges are paid. 

All the steps should be completed in a proper synchronized manner to ensure a cost-effective service. 

Conclusion 

As there is a number of participants and agents involved in the international shipping process involved in it. Most of the businessmen and exporters find it to be very cumbersome and time-consuming. This problem can be tackled by employing a shipping company for handling consignments from its origin to the destination for handling all the custom clearances and documentation part.
These shipping companies make the process very easy and cost-efficient for the businessman worldwide. They have a predetermined supply chain of people who are expert in handling daily cargo in international trade.

What Makes Warehousing An Essential Part Of Supply Chain?

As the name suggests Supply Chain is a term used to define a series of various interlinked activities which starts with raw material procurement and ends with the delivery of desired/ produced goods to the end user.

Generally, there is a time gap between order procurement and order fulfillment. In this meantime, the goods are stored safely in a place called Warehouse. So, warehousing or storage refers to preserving the goods in safe custody until they are dispatched. All the elements of Supply Chain Management or SCM works cohesively to maintain an uninterrupted flow of goods from its source to the final destination.
 

Warehousing is not a new concept in business, it has sustained decades of usefulness. If we talk about today, warehousing cannot be just referred to as storage of goods rather it is a whole group of activities responsible for the safe custody of goods resulting in timely fulfillment of orders. 

All the activities in warehousing help in optimizing the process of the supply chain. By reading below the mentioned points you will clearly know the important role played by warehousing in supply chain management:

Seamless Production: For an uninterrupted production and flow of goods is essential for producers to maintain a stock of raw material ready for production. Warehousing bridges this gap by providing an on-time supply of the required quantity is that the production doesn't stop. 

Fulfilling Periodical Demands: There are many businesses such as clothing business which has a seasonal demand. The woolen clothes production is completed in summers to fulfill the demand but these produced clothes need to kept safe somewhere and that place is a warehouse.

Benefits of Bulk Production: By investing a little in warehousing facilities a businessman can take advantage of large scale productions. These goods produced in large quantities can be stored in these warehouses and can be sold as per the needs of the market.

Fast delivery: By having warehouses in nearby locations. Order procurement becomes easy and safe. Perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and almonds need proper cold storage. These warehouses are created nearby the store for quick order fulfillment.

Custom Clearance: When goods are imported or exported to a foreign country, it needs to be custom cleared before it is handed over to the importer. Till the time goods are custom cleared, these goods need some safe storage. These type of warehouses are called bonded warehouses which are created by government nearby custom ports.

Conclusion

All the elements of Supply Chain are definitely an integral part of smooth working. A business can choose between various warehouse options available as per the needs. A smart business should use warehousing services strategically in its supply chain for creating time utility. If you own a large business it is better to own a personal warehouse but if you have a small business, it is better to rent out some space. You can choose from various service providers, providing services of renting a warehouse at very low costs.

Why Choose Sea Routes Services while Shipping?

Transportation is considered as one of the biggest constraints in the successful running of a business. After the cost of the product, the next big factor is the transportation cost which affects the overall profitability of the products and services. 

Business exporters and importers cannot afford to own their transportation methods hence, it is better to have some experienced service provider to do the job.   

For shipping to and from foreign countries like Afghanistan, it is a well-known fact that using sea route for shipping is much more cost effective than using air freight. Especially when you are transporting through India or Pakistan, the ocean route takes much time but is a cheaper source of finance. This is the reason why maximum foreign business is done via sea routes. 

 

There are many sea freight services Afghanistan and service providers who can provide easy shipments and transportation. The key advantages of choosing these service providers are listed below. 

Key Advantages 

Cost Effective

For all the business owners, achieving low-cost transportation is one of the biggest tasks in the supply chain. For saving those extra bucks it is always advisable to choose sea freight services Afghanistan for delivery. If any entrepreneur chooses air freight, it is definitely going to affect the cost budget in an adverse manner. The transport medium should be utilized and monitored closely. Sea freight services Afghanistan provides a flexible and economical solution through bulk shipping. Unless and until the product is required on an urgent basis it is advisable to utilize sea freight services in Afghanistan to gain the maximum advantage of these service providers. 

No Limitation on Dimensions 

While shipping through land and air routes, its been regularly witnessed that dimensions and weight of the containers have generally brought hindrances in shipping. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the size and weight of goods on containers to be shipped. Sea freight services Afghanistan offers flexibility in choosing the size and weight of the containers and goods to be shipped.  

Delayed Payments 

Shipping through sea routes will definitely take some more time than any other routes. In the mean time, it can be easier for the businessman to arrange some funds for payments. Also, there are some sea freight services Afghanistan who provides financial assistance for payments. 

Go-Green method 

The whole world is aware of the bad impact on the environment made by industries and their harmful by-products. Using sea freight services Afghanistan helps in this initiative to save our environment from more damage. Air route and land route transportation are often more harmful to the environment. The ships in the sea route have huge capacities and can carry heavy goods effectively and efficiently.

Choose the Best Shipping Company!

Shipping constitutes one of the major components of the Logistics operations. Choosing the right shipping company that serves your need is very important for a successful shipment process. However, considering the following factors will help you to choose the best shipping company.  
 
Product

You choice shipping company largely depends on your products. The size and kind of product you will be shipping determines your choice of the shipping company. For example, if your product is hazardous or fragile which needs to be handled with additional care. 

In such a case, make sure that the shipping company has expertise in handling such goods. Also, examine the policies of the company carefully. Know if there are any size or shape restrictions in the policies of the shipping company or any restriction that might not suit your product.  
 
Multiple Transportation Methods

The type of delivery method you choose determines how fast your product can be delivered. Choose the shipping company which offers multiple delivery methods like road transportation, Sea Freight, and Air Freight.  

Choose the delivery method which fulfills your requirement, for example, if you need expedited or fast delivery then air freight would be the most suitable option. Thus, the shipping company should provide all the transportation methods to allow you to choose the best-suited method. 
 
Licensed

To ensure the quality of the services, it is necessary to partner with a licensed shipping company. Ensure that the shipping company that you have chosen is licensed from the recognized body. 

Always choose the registered and licensed shipping company to ensure that they are in compliance with the moving industry.   
 
Tracking facility

A carrier facility with remarkable tracking services makes the best choice. A good shipping company provides a tracking code or number to the customer. With the help of it, the customer can track its product and can know its live status. It enables customers to know if there is any delay in the delivery process. 

Not only to the customers, but it also allows you to monitor the delivery updates of the product. Thus, allowing easy coordination with your customers. Select the shipping company which is technologically equipped to provide you with tracking services. Often times, many shipping companies charge extra for this particular service.
 
Speed

In the shipping industry, speed matters the most. All your customer wants from you is to deliver the product on or before time. Every customer wants to receive it as soon as possible. 

The faster is your delivery services, better will be the customer experience which will further enhance your reputation. The shipping company should meet the demand of the customer. Check the past records of the shipping company to evaluate how fast can they deliver the item.
 
Insurance

A good shipping company must provide insurance services. Many times, in the journey, the items or goods get damaged or lost. Knowing that your goods are guaranteed insured will give you peace of mind. 

Choose the shipping company which can provide you compensation or replacement in case of any loss. Especially, if your item is expensive, it is important to have its insurance from the shipping company.

Tips on Creating an Effective Logistics Strategy

When a company creates a logistics strategy, it always ensures that a logistics organization wants cost-effective services. Because supply chains are changing and evolving constantly, a company may develop a number of logistics strategies for specific product lines,  countries, or customers.

Always keep this in mind that the most important goal of any logistics strategy is to deliver what your customers want and when they want it and getting that done by spending as little money as possible. This clearly means that working with your logistics partners throughout your supply chain.

Why There is a Need to Implement a Logistics Strategy?

There is no arguing with the fact that supply chain constantly changes with time and that will affect any logistics organization. To adapt to the flexibility of the supply chain, it is important for companies to develop and implement a formal logistics strategy. This will ultimately allow a company to identify the impact of possible changes and make organizational or functional changes, ensuring service levels are not reduced.

How To Create an Effective Logistics Strategy?

Following are the steps that will help you create an effective logistics strategy. Let’s talk about them in detail. 

1. Focus on Connectivity: It is quite important for you to design the logistics strategy in a manner that connects you to the suppliers, corporations, and manufacturers that are located across the globe. In addition, make sure you have the most updated technology to link all the entities in a way that can enhance visibility and streamlines processes so that you can meet challenges in real time. Regardless of their location, you could use solutions that can deliver to everyone in the supply chain. 

2. Go for a Solution: Make sure you choose to implement a configurable solution instead of a forced fit. It is important for you to find a solution that can be configured fully to the different needs of your supply chain. 

3. Take Actions Backed by Facts: When you have real-time access to information and rely on facts, you can take actions that help your business to reach its maximum potential with a minimum investment of time. It is important for you to avoid turning to old company customs if they are irrelevant in the current times.

4. Use Accurate & Relevant Data: When you have accurate data, you can make decisions that can help you plan for future success. Make sure you are not afraid to use innovation to plan ahead. You could consider implementing automated systems that offer accurate data about almost everything you need.

5. Consider Adopting New Technologies: It is quite important for you to incorporate innovations such as the use of truck scales, cloud technology, track and trace technology, and voice technology in your logistical processes. Most importantly, you must keep an eye out for new developments such as 3D printing that could impact a lot in the near future.