What Is the Difference Between Logistics and Distribution?

 

Are you also wondering that there is no difference between Logistics and the Distribution? Well, then this article will surely solve all your related queries about it. The term logistics and distribution has a huge difference when it comes to the supply chain sector. The necessary information to start with this section would be that both processes transport goods but have different functionalities.

 For example, the Afghan Logistics will indulge in creating a triumphant strategy to transport the cargo within safety protocol. And the distribution process will transport the goods with basic ideas. If you are still brainstorming for the difference between the two methods, then you must read further!!

 What is Logistics? 

Logistics is the strategy that is designed specifically for the transportation of products. This process involves planning, coordinating, managing, and delivering the product to the location. The most incredible feature of this process is that the process gets a kickstart from the first day of product manufacturing.

 This process will also acquire every beat of information from the start to end to victoriously complete the task. You will also have to sync your system to the buyer’s network to cope with logistics facilities. Even the Afghan Logistics will ask you for syncing systems as this will help in proper transparency of work. It will also render with smooth handling of orders and its shipment. 

Thus, logistics is a full-prove plan of transporting the goods or products in the safest way possible, and the process starts right from the manufacturing stage. The best part of this adaptation is that your work will be reaching its destination will guarantee safety within the deadline. 

What is Distribution? 

Distribution is the process of shipping goods from one place to another. But unlike Afghan Logistics, you have to create the plan on your own. The distributors will only act according to the project you have created for shipment. This process will only lend a hand of help in the physical efforts of transportation, and the strategies and coordination will be at your part. Your distributor will only enlighten you about the cost and methods of shipment. Apart from that, it will also let you know any possible hurdles that might be harmful to the products. 

How is Logistics different from Distribution? 

Until now, you must be aware of the fact that both the process needs a plan to ship the products, but there are few differences to give a clearer view. If you choose Afghan Logistics, it will have a keen eye in the entire transportation process and enhance the warehousing system. Logistics will nurture the smooth flow of shipment and make sure that the goal is achieved. But, if you choose Distribution, then you will only get help in physical transportation. In other words, Distribution does only half part in comparison to logistics.

 These are few features of both the process which will give a perfect idealistic view for your plans:

 Logistics will bestow- 

●       Management for shipment

●       Management for fleet

●       Management for warehouse

●       Management for material handling

●       Management for inventory 

The Distribution will bestow- 

●       Product packing

●       Product storing

●       Handling of returns from vendors

●       Shipment of product 

Bottom Line

All said and done; this article has explained each aspect of logistics and Distribution. We at Afghan Logistics promise to bestow the right delivery strategies that will double your transportation business. Contact us today and get the best offers and deals!! 

4 Simple Ways To Turn Chaos Into Opportunity

As per the incidents and pandemics held in the past, we can say that every big problem comes with a hidden opportunity. And we all have to find out that opportunity to move forward.

In the current world, the outbreak of Covid-19 has affected everyone. Supply chain of every business sector, except essential goods, has faced the worst hit. Keep in mind chaos breeds opportunity and so, you should work on to take the benefits of that opportunity. Here are some steps for your assistance:

1. Calculate the data to estimate tariff impacts

Confident and matured businesses have gone beyond the spreadsheets. They have done this, as they know that if they miss utilizing the current time they will not get new opportunities to take their businesses to the next level.   

Your spreadsheets give a narrow scope to you for the management of the tariff impacts on your products. You should have all your HTS codes for every product listed in the spreadsheet. With this, you will be able to identify the list of all exclusions, to do a VLOOKUP, or to decide what products will have more impact of tariffs. With the support of a reputed Afghan logistics, you will easily carry out this task.

2. Comprehend the fine print

One should do the posts related to exclusions and new lists each few weeks, and you should closely review the same before their postings. Keep the fine print in the mind and pay attention to the corrections to the earlier exclusions. For instance, there was a change to the exclusions on particular compressor types, changing value from $400-$800 to $100-$1000. Such a correction type will significantly help you find out who is more impacted.    

3. Get ready for extra scrutiny

The trade war between China and the US has placed a microscope on US importers. Between the year of 2017 and 2017, the CBP (the Customs and Border Protection of the US) collected 49% more penalties. There is an expectation this number will be higher in 2020. Smart importers know that they need to be more vigil and careful while filing their customs duty to stay away from getting penalized, investigated, and audited. An experienced broker of an Afghan freight forwarding company will ease this job for you.

4. Look for other options

The time has come when you should decide to start looking for alternative options. Instead of being completely dependent on China, you should look for more than two alternatives. Choose more countries for importing goods for your import business. Having more options in hand will enable you face any situation well in the future.

Conclusion

Turning chaos into an opportunity can remain incomplete if you ignore the importance of your Afghan logistics partner. With a healthy and sound business relationship, you can easily face the bad condition and keep the supply chain of your goods well maintained. Take every possible effort, data calculation, extra scrutiny, and having many options for product import, to move forward in your business.

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.

What Impacts of Returns can be on Your Supply Chain?

Returns are part and partial of businesses, especially ecommerce one, during holiday or festive seasons. As per the data of the National Retail Federation, approximately 55% of customers plan to exchange or return redundant presents. Another report states that more than 70% of people have returns in mind while placing their product orders online.

 Patrons always expect to get what they wish, how and when they want to get it without any extra charge. Further, they expect that returns should be convenient as well easy for them. Companies that accept returns have more needs for packaging, paperwork, allied jobs. What happens when a customer returns the product? Here are a few usual impacts of returns:   

Warehouse build-up

After peak season, your storehouse can experience a huge backlog of numerous returns. The professionals working at your warehouse feel enough pressure during holidays or festive season. Your backlogs can get double or even triple, and you can face a bad impact on your demand supply if you have no enough staff at your product depository. In addition, you can have issue with your inventory management.   

In the current world, customers expect fast returns as they ship their orders back. You have to issue a credit to your patrons as you scan the return label into the return cycle. After the issuance of credit to buyers, your packages are idle to come back again into inventories, creating a discomfort to your planning. 

The appearance new return options 

In the forthcoming days, ecommerce owners will not need to take packages from shippers or locations of returns. Several players are working on to diversify the capabilities of their fleets and to offer more convenient and new options. 

Drop packages to return stations are coming in large numbers at different locations such as shopping centres. Some of logistics providers will take packages from your doorstep. As a business owners, you need to reshape your returns process so that you can focus on how to sale more and earn more profits.      

Specific distribution centres 

All of the distribution centres work as a return centre. They can ship your bulk orders, but they may not handle all or any returns.  

Companies across the world have started to spot core return centres so that only 2-3 locations will have an impact of returns, on contrast with the entire supply chain. Supply chains must work on to spot optimal return centres to exceed customer expectations, optimize the process, and enhance efficiency. The negative impact occurs when customers do not receive their credits after a fixed date of shipping products back to the company. So, issuing the credit is essential to avoid any negativity on your customer relations.   

Conclusion

Returns affect a lot to your business supply chain. The impact of returns can create to enhance your storage capacity, work on setting up new return centres and establish specialised distribution centres. Besides, you need to utilize advanced analytics to keep your supply chain smooth and to have a better relationship with your customers. 

7 Simple Tips To Choose Ideal Warehousing Services For Your Business

In your business operation, you have to execute several tasks. You have to go through product storage and distribution if you are running an e-Commerce or Import/export business. Most of you love to outsource your product handling works, like storage and retrieval to keep yourself free for other operational works. As a result, you look for a company offering warehousing services. You come across numerous options in your search. Here are some practical steps for your help:   

1. Know your storage needs

You should have a clear idea on your product storage requirements. Keep all things, like compatibility of goods being store with each other, appropriate square footage, or bulk/racked storage, in mind before you start looking for the repository. Evaluate the facility before finalizing your decision.

2. Look for one with diverse capabilities

You should work with the one that can offer you an integrated solution for all product storage, distribution, and fulfilment. By working with a firm that offers an extensive range of services, you will increase your supply chain efficiency and service reliability. You will have increased flexibility and efficiency for consignment pick-up and delivery, along with ease in coordination.       

3. Consult one that is equipped with advanced technology

The storehouse must be automated with sophisticated EDI and warehouse management software. A warehousing company equipped with the latest technology can help you in inventory management and order monitoring, along with shipment transit. The firm you will contact for your product storage should be capable of installing tools and equipment for further automation.

4. Ensure the availability of workers for loading and downloading

For efficient product shipment, you should select the repository that can help you with the required workforce for product loading and downloading on and from a carrier. The availability of labourers is critical for you to efficiently manage the order fulfilment and timely delivery of products at your customers’ doorstep. Collaborate with the provider of warehousing services that can ensure the availability of workers for 24/7.

5. Value safe storage

You need to be sure about the safety and integrity requirements if you are looking for a storehouse for your product storage. The company must be capable of storing hazardous materials or perishable food items safely. For instance, the firm must have sprinkles, alarms, risk management processes, and secured entry to handle sensitive goods safely and efficiently.

6. Decide an ideal location

You need to value the location in your selection of warehouse. Apart from final-mile distances to end patrons, deciding the expenses from and to the storehouse can help you in selecting the right provider. In the current world, customers consider transit time in hours instead of days.

7. Talk about lease considerations

You should be aware of your particular needs when you are looking for a rental contract for your product storage. Selecting the company with flexible warehousing accommodations would be an ideal choice for you.

Conclusion

For a better goods storage and the execution of allied works, you should choose the provider of warehousing services that can ensure to manage all the associated works like transportation, inventory management, workforce, etc.  

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.