The world of global transport requires speed and safety. Transporting sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals, electronics and other valuable materials can expose several challenges, from regulations to potential hazards.
Read also: Leveraging Technology to Enhance the Safety of Sensitive Cargo in Transit
In order to maintain onboard security and customer expectations, it’s important to exercise the practices meant to reduce the risk of these logistics.
1. Pre-Transport Planning
Ensuring that the supply chain remains untouched begins even before the sensitive cargo is shipped off land. Logistics professionals must adopt pre-transport planning practices to figure out what can minimize accidents mid-travel.
It starts with the risk assessment. For instance, dual-use goods are both classified for civilian use and military applications. However, the companies behind them may face severe legal consequences like fines should there be gaps in access and it fall into the wrong hands. Some may even go as far as being stripped of their export privileges.
Shipping companies handling those kinds of products should apply proper regulations and privacy when moving them. Keep an eye out for possible ways thieves may try to infiltrate the transportation unit and increase security.
Route optimization is also a key part of pre-transport planning. Route optimization lowers the distance traveled by 10% and fuel consumption by 11%. Companies can also avoid more dangerous paths in the long run.
2. Proper Packaging Techniques
Global transport is more than just moving goods from place to place. Many are accustomed to applying protective packaging to these different products to ensure they arrive in optimal condition. It’s especially important for sensitive cargo, which may be prone to damage or failure.
Lithium technology is becoming a more common commodity that is utilized for portable electronics, large appliances, electric vehicles and so much more. The rechargeable batteries may malfunction and cause a fire while in transit. Thus, it’s best to seek specialized packaging, like aluminum casing with fireproof inserts, to contain such a risk.
Inserts also help with keeping aesthetic items in pristine condition. For instance, painted and polished auto parts can scrape against one another. Adding a divider between them can minimize contact and preserve their appearance.
Packaging should include proper labeling and documentation. Employees should be aware of what sensitive freight is grouped together and where on the ship they are placed. This practice is especially important if a unit is accommodating multiple kinds of goods.
3. Transportation Mode Selection
Reducing risks with sensitive cargo can also come with vehicle selection and their impacts. Trucks and other automobiles are ideal for short-term travel, and rail is also understandable. However, the demands of global transportation would mean choosing between ocean and air travel.
Some hazardous materials may not do well on cargo planes due to the air pressure when flying up. Meanwhile, other options like live animals and perishable freight are not ideal for cargo ships due to the long duration of their traveling. Fleet companies must be meticulous in seeking what fits for different situations.
Aside from the unit of transportation, there’s also the carrier type that the items will get into. For example, classic vehicles are better for enclosed transport carriers rather than open ones for extra protection. Depending on the nature of the product, they may fare better with the former rather than the latter as well.
Capacity is also another aspect to look into. Understanding the needs of carriers and the capacity of different transportation modes can answer the question of what the safest and most efficient option is. It also helps companies mitigate the higher costs of global travel.
4. Technology for Real-Time Monitoring
Technological advancements have benefited the transportation units used in global shipping. Several products can assist with real-time monitoring and showcase problems should they arise. For instance, GPS provides stakeholders with the locations of their goods.
Aside from ensuring supply chain visibility, the GPS also acts as a deterrent to infiltrators who want to steal the high-value items onboard. Even if they were to compromise the transportation unit, the tracking devices would still display where they are.
There are also temperature data loggers. Sensitive cargo like seafood products may perish if temperatures are disrupted. The loggers can absorb data on temperature variability in seafood processing and serve as information for time and temperature storage while in transit.
Maintaining ample temperatures and keeping humidity at bay is key to ensuring these items stay fresh until they get to their destination. Should food safety regulations be violated, businesses may build a bad reputation for seafood suppliers.
5. Employee Awareness Training
Fleet owners must exercise employee awareness training for the future. Up to 85% of maritime accidents in the shipping industry can be attributed to some form of human error. While it is preventable, it’s important to educate workers from the get-go.
Start with having training programs on how to handle the items. Having a proper routine for loading the products, checking product temperature, inspecting their condition and allowing proper air flow should be common practice.
These steps are especially important for sensitive cargo, as they have a higher value and increased risk compared to other products. Give responsibility to those who have paid attention to the training and understand what it takes to keep the items safe and sound.
People at a managerial level should also manage their teams well. If anything has changed with the standard operating procedures since the initial onboarding program, update members. Dedicate time toward this orientation to refresh their memory and keep operations intact.
6. Insurance and Risk Mitigation
The next step toward reducing risk is having insurance for sensitive freight. The global cargo insurance market is estimated to reach $105,975.1 million by 2032, growing at a healthy CAGR of 4.1%. Having this kind of financial protection when things go south on board can minimize the monetary risks associated with the products.
There are different kinds of freight insurance, with all-risk insurance the most all-encompassing one. It would protect both the cargo owners and employees along with the cargo itself. Check with providers regarding the details and see what fits with company operations.
7. Post-Transport Analysis
As sensitive cargo arrives from Point A to Point B, it’s imperative to unload these items with care. Run an inventory check to ensure everything has arrived safely without any damaged or missing units. If anything is missing, notify management immediately.
Request feedback from the recipients of the products. Have a questionnaire prepared regarding the conditions of the cargo and their satisfaction. The insight can be utilized for future process improvements.
Protect Sensitive Cargo, Lower Risk
Understanding the risks of moving sensitive cargo empowers logistics professionals and fleet owners to take proactive measures. The right routines will ensure the shipments arrive on time and in working condition, translating into better business reputation and customer satisfaction.