Six Essential Steps To Stop Product Damage During Transportation

On its journey across air, land, and water, a container is placed to the test. It must withstand heavy rainfall, strong wind, and intense changes in temperatures. However, it does not happen and products being shipped via air, land, and water get damaged. And it is disturbing for a business and can cause a huge loss. There is no need to mention what impact will be on the environment.   

As a business owner or a logistics company, including air freight forwarder, you need be very careful while packaging, loading & unloading, and transit. Here are some ways that can help you stop product damage during shipping:

1. Installation of a smart device inside a product container

To ensure the safety of goods, you should place a smart device inside any of containers being carried by land, air, or sea. With this, a logistics service provider can easily trace when and where the products were damaged and how they could be kept safe. You can figure out how you can stop it from happening again in the future.         

2. Monitor shipping containers

A smart monitoring device is more powerful in comparison with the standard GPS devices that are limited to track and trace shipments only. The new and advanced smart devices are able to monitor goods on a large scale of parameters, like light, humidity, temperature, and location. Whether you a businessman or a shipping solution provider, you should think about using smarter devices, but not be limited to GPS devices. 

3. Add more waypoints to receive notifications

Before the container starts its journey, you should add waypoints to the routes you are going to use in the transit of goods. For this, you can add the cities or places that will come in the way of your goods transportation from the origin to the end. The addition of waypoints will keep you informed when your goods cross a waypoint.

4. Examine the humidity and temperature inside the product container   

For a full proof transit of your goods, you should think about recording and monitoring the inside humidity and temperature of a container carrying your products. In your global business, you must do it if your goods are being shipped across a continent with varied temperature ups and downs.     

5. Detect the entrance of light and shock

In the shipment, the containers carrying your goods have to face extreme weather conditions. Your installed device can help you record the intensity of shocks and lights, especially when you have opted for multiple modes of transportation with several loads & unloads. You will receive notification each time that can help you take appropriate actions to keep the goods safe.  

6. Evaluate data and enhance the entire process

The use of smart devices will allow you have various types of data. Analyse all of them and take actions to avoid any miss happenings or damages in the future.

Summary

Whether you are business owner or air freight forwarder, the safety of goods is critical for you. The use of advanced and smart devices can help you avoid product damages during transportation from one place to another.

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.

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.

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.

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.