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Freight Forwarding: In a Sea Full of Forwarding Fish, be a Whale

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Freight Forwarding: In a Sea Full of Forwarding Fish, be a Whale

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With thousands of fish in the sea of forwarding operations, be a whale

Just about everything in logistics can now be digitized. The industry has access to an astonishing number of technology platforms that can perform almost any conceivable function – from securing rate quotes and locating carrier capacity to freight visibility and dock access.

Freight-forwarders looking to bring their own unique value proposition to the industry are both blessed and cursed by the plethora of digital tools. The blessing is that digitizing functions is easy. The curse is that it’s just as easy for everyone else in the industry. And merely digitizing is no longer a value-add for an industry that’s struggling to overcome difficult challenges.

What was once the exclusive realm of tech-savvy companies is now utilized by even the smallest of competitors. The advantages that once belonged to those with access to the latest technology now belong to those who can apply the sharpest thinking to the use of that technology.

The freight forwarder who wants to stand out must add high-level strategic insight to the tools that are now available. Just providing data is no longer acceptable for freight forwarders in the eyes of their customers. The Targets, Walmarts, and Krogers of the world require actionable data that not only tells them what’s currently happening but also provides insight into steps that should be taken next. Forwarders must take the extra step and become customer driven in order to remain competitive.

Harmonizing customer needs with technology solutions during the onboarding phase.

 It’s often said that if the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Freight-forwarders who invest in certain digital technology may be tempted to recommend the “solution” that doesn’t address the customer’s problem but rather fits with the capabilities of the digital technology the forwarder wants to use.

With so many kinds of technology available, there is no reason for this approach. Freight-forwarders need to objectively consider all capabilities of every available platform, then design applications that work to solve specific problems of specific customers.

One factor that can complicate this approach is too many software implementations. What’s needed is an integration platform that brings together different technologies and aligns them to speak the same language. The marketplace is seeing high demand from companies who want more technology options – without having to grapple with the many different platforms.

When companies in the supply chain industry can plug their legacy systems into modern API-based SaaS tools to better manage things like freight visibility, pricing and compliance risk, the real strategic thinkers are in a better position to achieve the best solutions, while freeing up people to perform customer relationship duties.

Thinking strategically about where to invest in digital assets.

More digitization doesn’t necessarily lead to a market advantage. The best strategy for investing and deploying digital assets is to align them with a company’s existing brand and service offerings.

Company leaders should ask: Where do we already offer industry-leading ideas and insights? What kinds of value does the industry trust us to deliver?

Investing in digital assets to bolster those areas of strength is the best way to find a unique positioning in the market.

Of course, it’s always worthwhile to consider establishing new services that can benefit from digital tools. But either way, the key is to strategically tie digital investments to a company’s strategic positioning and capabilities.

Aligning new digital technologies with a familiar TMS.

One advantage of cloud-based technologies is that they can be aligned with a company’s existing TMS. Rather than making companies deal with a series of individual software deployments, the smart move is to simply integrate them with the system company leaders are already using – so they become one more feature in an already familiar system.

This makes it possible to move quickly past the difficult deployments and into the impact phase of heightened visibility and all-around better information. It is one of the most frequent things our clients mention as a priority.

And the industry needs effective tools like this right now. The Federal Maritime Commission is looking for better ways to examine shipping data and determine existing constraints to help the flow of cargo. FMC Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel says this will start with an examination of data already available to the public.

Some of the best data is in the TMS systems of companies that have integrated their digital assets. The most effective freight-forwarders, having made these strategic technology investments, can become industry leaders by now deploying these assets to solve the biggest problems their customers face.

The tools are plentiful. The ability to see and make use of the data has never been greater. The freight-forwarders who combine those tools with the best of their own strategic thinking will lead the way.

CAGR technologies
Archives, Commentary, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Freight Forwarding Market Experiences it’s Fastest Expansion Rate In Decade

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Ti’s latest report, Global Freight Forwarding 2022, shows that in 2021 the global forwarding market rebounded and exceeded its pre-pandemic levels. However, limited capacity and record-high freight rates present a challenging market for shippers, as well as opportunities for extraordinary ‘uplift’ in the profitability of freight forwarders.

  • The global freight forwarding market grew by 11.2% in real terms during 2021, the fastest expansion in a decade. The market is forecast to grow 5.7% in 2022 and at a 3.7% CAGR over the five years to 2026.
  • 2022 freight forwarding growth will be driven by air freight, which is forecast to grow by 6.1% in real terms.
  • 2026 forecasts are more pessimistic due to inflation, the war in Ukraine, and consumer spending slowing down.
  • The air forwarding market is forecasted to exhibit slightly faster growth, expanding at a 4.0% CAGR from 2021-2026, while the sea forwarding market is expected to grow slightly less quickly at 3.6% CAGR over the period.
  • Kuehne + Nagel and DSV lead the global freight forwarding market. The two market leaders have successfully integrated acquisitions in recent years which has helped both to top the list.
  • The entrance of shipping lines into the acquisition market has created a new driver of industry consolidation, not least due to the carriers’ almost unlimited funds and access to ‘cheap’ money.
  • Digital forwarders must combine smart technology with operational experience to be game changers in the industry. Achieving both objectives while remaining profitable will be a challenge, especially if access to capital becomes more limited in the future.

After experiencing one of its most challenging years to date amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the global freight forwarding market bounced back strongly and grew by 11.2% in real terms in 2021. This is the fastest growth rate since 2011, bringing the market value to €269,656m.

The market’s expansion was driven by global trade which reached new record highs during the year as recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic boosted demand. As well as the phasing out of pandemic-related restrictions on economic activity, government support schemes and economic stimulus packages introduced in many countries remained, keeping demand for goods at elevated levels. Factors such as the expansion of the e-commerce industry and the rise of free trade agreements have also been contributors to the growth of the global digital freight forwarding market in 2021.

As the drivers of the growth momentum are likely to gradually abate, global trade growth is expected to moderate in 2022. As a result of this continued but weakened global economic recovery, the global forwarding market is expected to grow at a slower pace of 5.7%. Continuing the trend from 2021, growth will be driven by the air freight forwarding market, which is forecasted to grow by 6.1% in real terms. The sea freight forwarding market will have to endure more months of challenging conditions caused by the capacity crunch as new capacity is not set to kick in till 2023. It is set to grow at 5.2% in 2022.

2026 forecasts are more pessimistic than previously as inflation challenges intensify, the war in Ukraine threatens global energy supplies and consumer spending slows further. As a result, the global freight forwarding market is expected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR over the five years to 2026. The air forwarding market is forecast to exhibit slightly faster growth, expanding at a 4.0% CAGR, while the sea forwarding market is expected to grow slightly less quickly at 3.6% CAGR over the period. Increases in cross-border e-commerce do however provide a bit more optimism, along with the return of capacity via passenger flights after the ending of Covid restrictions.

The report also provides a snapshot of the funding scene in the digital forwarding sector and discusses the impact that the recent surge in investments will have on established start-ups and new market entrants. The report analyses the competitive landscape in the digital freight forwarding market and compares digital forwarders against one another based on their revenues, global reach, transport mode and freight transported. The findings of Ti’s latest Digital Freight Forwarding Survey 2022 serve to assess the market penetration and outlook of digital forwarders and identify the capability gaps digital forwarders need to close.

Furthermore, the findings from Ti’s Global Freight Procurement 2022 survey provide insight into the latest logistics purchasing behaviour trends and the procurement strategies shippers are employing to better navigate the unpredictable market volatility.

“The global freight forwarding sector has been plagued by a number of supply and demand-side shocks in the past year, driving instability in the market,” said Viki Keckarovska, Ti’s Senior Research Analyst. “Despite all economic indicators pointing towards continued strong demand for cargo, capacity constraints result in lost growth opportunities. Demand for capacity continues to outstrip supply, contributing to increased freight rates and consequently increased yields and revenues among forwarders. Driven by these challenging market conditions, shippers are re-assessing their freight procurement strategies and contractual relationships with LSPs to adjust to the ever-changing environment. Finally, the digitalization trend in the forwarding industry, which was already gathering pace before the pandemic, has been accelerated further by the crisis, with the adoption of digital forwarders, online freight booking platforms and marketplaces increasing threefold since 2019.”

vendors
Air Cargo, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Trucking

In this Fraught Time for Supply Chain and Freight, not all Vendors are Partners

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Throughout the pandemic, Zoom became a lubricant for organizations to keep moving and stay connected. Sales calls, internal team meetings, external events like webinars and conferences — many of us turned to this tool for necessary face-to-face communication, and it’s been vital.

But as critical as Zoom has been, they’re still just a vendor for all of us. They offer a service, and we pay them for that service. It’s transactional, plain and simple.

That’s a parallel we can all draw to other vendors too. Though it’s become a common turn of phrase to refer to vendors as partners (and especially for your vendors to refer to themselves as your partner), you shouldn’t confuse the two terms. They’re not synonymous.

Vendors are bought. Partnerships are earned.

Elevating every vendor to partner status cheapens the word and dilutes what an actual partner contributes to your company and your goals. It can also cause you to misallocate resources and energy to the wrong relationships and potentially cause you to steer your organization in the wrong direction.

Over the last few years, we’ve all faced our own trials and difficult times. It’s been easy to see the value of partnerships and relationships. But it’s when things are calm that these bonds are really forged. If you don’t build the right partnerships when times are good — with your carriers, with your freight forwarders, with the right vendors — you’re not going to be their priority when times turn tougher.

What’s the difference between a partner and a vendor?

To me, a vendor simply wants to sell you more of their service, even if it’s not the right move for your business.

A partner, on the other hand, is a listener.  A sounding board. A confidant. A partner lives in the trenches with you, understands your business, and understands how you go to market in business. A partner brings expertise and suggestions that empower decision-making. A partner doesn’t always make a sale just because they can; a partner understands when their current technology doesn’t fully solve the problem. A solution that complements and enables the business process may or may not include my technology as part of that solution stack. As a partner rather than just a vendor, I owe it to you to tell you that. A partner prioritizes the long-term relationship and the health of your business over their own short-term profits.

Partners may sometimes say no, and they know when to say no. They have a responsibility not to go down a bad path or let you go down a bad path, even if it would mean a bigger check for them.

That’s when the partner becomes a trusted advisor and a member of the business team. After all, business partnerships have to start with the same foundation as personal relationships — trust, openness, honesty, empathy, and communication.

I have a relevant story to share. When I came to Chain.io two years ago, a part of my final interview process for a sales position with the executive team was to provide at least two references. Easy, right?  Of course. However, there was a catch: those references have to be customers that I had done business with. The Chain.io executives interviewing me wanted to make sure my customers would vouch that I had been a partner and not just a vendor. I clearly had the goods because I got the job, but I loved that they asked for customer references and saw my relationships with customers as a prerequisite for the job.

Key Takeaway

Vendors are a key part of any business. We all rely on them, and we all need them. That network looks different at every company. Perhaps if you’re lean, you can get by with only a few dozen vendors. If you’re a larger company, you may have hundreds of different vendors.

Your circle of partners will be much smaller than that, but much deeper. They’ll be the ones you can turn to in times like we’ve found ourselves over the past 18 months — the ones who will prioritize your business, your goals, and your long-term success, even if it means they’re not closing a sale.

Plus, there’s usually another great bonus when working with the right partners: They’re much more willing to buy the nice dinner and the craft IPA.

Cheers!

____________________________________________________________

As head of Shipper Sales for Chain.io, Dan focuses on helping anyone shipping goods around the world get more connected to supply chain vendors, customers, software platforms, and more. Dan is passionate about using technology to provide visibility, clarity, and ease to complex supply chain challenges that require integrating multiple generations of technologies.

Past roles include VP of eCommerce for conDati, VP of Digital Performance Management at Blue Triangle, VP of Digital Strategy at SOASTA. He’s also worked with IBM Rational, Lockheed Martin, and Mercury/HP Software.

He lives in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Dan has presented his work at many conferences including the South Florida Agile/DevOps days, StarEAST, MobileWeek, Big Data TechCon Boston, Jenkins User Conference (East), several Meetups, and at itSMF events around North America, as well as the itSMF National Conference, multiple Gartner Conferences, and many local and regional events on a variety of topics in performance engineering and the SDLC.

You can find DAn at @DanBoutinUST or at a conference or meet-up near you.

freight
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Proven Ways to Grow your Freight Brokerage Business

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A quick look at the current shipping industry will show you that there is no shortage of freight brokerage businesses. Numerous companies offer their services all around the world, with various degrees of quality and cost. So, among all that competition, is there a way for you to grow your freight brokerage business? The short answer is yes, there is. But, like with most things in freight shipping, it is not going to be easy.

Understanding the ongoing changes in the freight industry

Growing your freight brokerage business is a multilayer process that we will elaborate on in the following passage. But before we do, it is important to give you a perspective of what the current shipping industry is like. Even before COVID-19 hit, the shipping industry as a whole was experiencing some significant changes. So, while we will go over the most notable aspects, keep in mind that these are just some broad strokes. Technological advancements, both in logistics and in shipping capabilities, came as quite a surprise.

Developments in AI allow for a much greater sense of efficiency and safety, which is why future freight companies won’t be able to stay competitive without it. Eco-friendliness is also a significant concern as fossil fuels tend to be the least-favorite choice among the current companies. We are still far from relying solely on renewable energy sources, but energy development is going in an eco-friendly direction. The final point to keep in mind is that modern customers’ demands are higher than ever. Due to offers like overnight shipping, customers have grown to expect a high degree of service. So, if you are going to stay competitive, you need to ensure top efficiency.

Grow your freight brokerage business – step by step

Seeing how big the freight shipping industry is and how many emerging technologies there are, you shouldn’t try to tackle all of it. The safest way to grow your freight brokerage business is to outline a particular aspect of freight shipping and excel at it.

Step 1: Identify your target audience

Who your target audience depends on numerous factors. Your location, which services you have available, which industries are predominant in your area, etc. If you wish to grow your freight brokerage company, your primary job is to first outline your target audience. The clearer you can pinpoint to whom you can cater your freight brokerage service, the better. Seeing that finding new customers will likely be an ongoing task, we suggest that you outline the “Ideal customer”. That way, your employees can more easily identify potential customers.

Step 2: Outline their needs and requirements

The second step you need to take is to clearly outline the needs of your target audience. You will likely have an idea of what they need. But you won’t have the complete picture until you start doing research and asking questions. Most agents will be more than happy to outline their needs and whether the current provides are satisfactory. Some might even give you ideas on which services are most lacking and where you can easily get ahead of your competition.

Step 3: Improve your technology so that it can facilitate the needs of your customers

Once you understand the needs of your audience, you need to alter your company so that it can best fulfill them. By this, we mean implementing new technologies that allow for more efficiency. Apart from logistics technologies, you can look into CRM solutions and communication technologies to help your customers more expediently.

Step 4: Tackle marketing with due care

One of the common mistakes people make in the freight industry is not tackling marketing with enough vigor. Believing that having a simple website or running a social media profile is enough for a serious company is something you ought to avoid. To draw in and keep your audience, you need to run an active website. This not only means tackling your SEO and posting the necessary blogs. But also managing your social media and ensuring that you have the proper brand recognition. Good freight brokers know that projecting an idea of efficiency and stability is essential to drawing in new customers. And the only way to make that possible is to adapt your online presence to your needs and ensure that your marketing is on point.

Step 5: Set up performance metrics and keep track of your endeavors

Finally, to ensure that your effort produces results, you need to set up performance metrics. Besides measuring how many new customers you get each month, you also need to track how effective your marketing is. Even in B2B marketing, you need to invest substantial funds to develop an online presence. So, do yourself a favor and ensure that your investments are paying off. By setting up clear performance metrics, you can see how your business decisions impact your revenue and whether you need to make any alterations.

Final thoughts

The main point to keep in mind to grow your freight brokerage business is to stay within your niche. The better you can outline what your target audience needs, the easier it will be to make cost-effective business decisions. If you manage to become the top local freight brokerage business within an area, we are sure that you will have no problem spreading your business out to other areas. But, it is essential to develop a healthy base and a firm understanding of what your customers need. Modern industry requirements don’t allow you to spread yourself too thin. Doing so is not only ineffective but is likely to cause you substantial loss in revenue. And seeing how fierce the competition is, it has become more important than ever to excel within a relatively small niche.

___________________________________________________________________

Ryan Smith has worked as a shipping manager and a logistics consultant for over 20 years. He now focuses on writing helpful articles for tbmoving.com and other relocation and shipping companies, as well as providing consultation for large-scale logistics planning.

WEN-PARKER LOGISTICS
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

NIXCOVID ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH WEN-PARKER LOGISTICS

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Medical equipment and technology company NIXCOVID is proud to announce their partnership with leading global freight forwarder WEN-PARKER LOGISTICS, as their official partner for global shipping.  

“Wen-Parker Logistics is very excited to enter into this partnership with NIXCOVID to continue on our company’s missions of bringing critically-needed supplies to those affected by this global pandemic,” said Brady Borycki, Executive Vice-President, Global  Business Development at Wen-Parker Logistics. 

The Elmont, New York-based Wen-Parker Logistics, a leader in wearing apparel transport since 1997, in 2020 delivered over 1 Billion pieces of PPE on chartered flights from Vietnam to the United States through several US gateways. 

Ms. Kathryn Bonesteel, co-founder of NIXCOVID and Nixie Technologies Inc., states that, “Wen-Parker has been a strategic ally since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When many of the world’s largest freight forwarders could not meet the incredible surge  in demand, Wen-Parker Logistics was able to deliver cost-efficient and optimal solutions for our ever-changing supply chain needs.” 

This newly-minted partnership just completed two shipments involving over 2.5 million examination grade nitrile gloves that will go to Illinois and 100 million gloves that will arrive weekly over the next 6 months.  

“Our collective team has delivered hundreds of millions of pieces of essential products working together directly for governments, hospitals, publicly-traded corporations and other essential frontline workforces. We are proud to formalize our longtime partnership and continued efforts to supply the world with products to keep people safe,” continued  Bonesteel. 

Mr. Blake Sherwood, Strategic Partner and Director of Supply Chain Logistics at  NIXCOVID and Nixie Technologies Inc. shares this sentiment, “Through this strategic partnership, we have a strong and secure distribution of all products, including PPE, in the U.S. and around the world. After having gained significant insight and expertise transacting PPE, I’ve been extremely impressed with Wen-Parker and their global capabilities.”  

_______________________________________________________________________

About NIXCOVID: 

NIXCOVID is a global supply and technology company, founded by Kathryn Bonesteel  and Jeff Wood to help nix the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, and its parent  company, Nixie Technologies Inc, are internationally known for their significant impact  to supply and donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to frontline workers.  NIXCOVID operates globally with factory and strategic partnerships in over 20  countries. To learn more about NIXCOVID, visit https://www.NIXCOVID.com/ 

About Wen-Parker Logistics 

Wen-Parker Logistics currently services more than 80 countries across six continents  and has been recognized as a Great Supply Chain Partner for five consecutive years by Supply Chain Brain Magazine and was named a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics  magazine in 2020. To learn more about WPL call 888.978.7817 or visit www.wen parker.com. 

Media Contact – WPL 

Lewis C. Leoce 

Marketing Manager 

c 914.815.5784  

LLeoce@wen-parker.com

supply chain
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Exclusive White Paper: Managing Inbound Supply Chains – Cost, Capacity & Delay Are The Supply Chain Manager’s “Nightmare”

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The Covid-19 Pandemic which impacted global supply chains hard in February of 2020, has grown as on “steroids” as we approach the 2nd Quarter of 2021.

There is no professional logistics service provider, freight forwarder, NVOCC, Carriers, 3PL, customhouse broker, consultant, or any expert in the industry who would have anticipated what has happened in the past 12 months and likely to have a legacy well into the balance of this year.

Demand had impacted capacity and capacity has impacted cost. Ocean freight rates have doubled and in some trade lanes have tripled and air freight pricing has multiples of 4-8 times more than we witnessed towards the end of 2019.

Making this all worse is how long this crisis has developed with no specific end in sight.

Tied into capacity and cost are the logistics delays, doubling and tripling expected ETA’s.

This past year has been a “nightmare” for all supply chain managers who are looking for relief … when very little is in-sight.

The biggest influence can be observed on the Asian to North American market where the impact has been most disruptive.

In our Supply Chain Management Consulting Practice, we have been approached by hundreds of companies desperately seeking assistance in finding options and providing some relief. We will share some of our recommendations at the end of this article.

Over the 40+ years of our practice in the global supply chain, we have witnessed other times where craziness and disruptive behavior impacting freight markets. There have been at least 6 times from 1981 to 2020 where the supply chain has been disrupted in a major way.

Most professionals point to the poor management of the carriers, who have difficulty managing capacity, assets, and client’s supply chain needs when disruption is looming. While that is true to some level, there are numerous other influential areas that add to the crisis. The impact of Covid-19, greater global demand for PPE, expeditious replenishment of global inventory levels, and uncertainty in consumer and commercial spending, are but a few of the other contributing factors.

Also keep in mind, that in North America the entire domestic transportation market is also experiencing increased costs, capacity issues, and delays in providing timely, comprehensive, and cost-effective transportation services.

While we have all this “gloom and doom” in front of us, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some recommendations that we offer:

1. Recognize that in all the other times (of which we estimate that there were 6 events) of disruption in the global supply chain … in time … balance and normality eventually prevailed.

The issue in this Covid-19 Freight Dilemma … is when will we see normality? Many experts advise by April and May 2021.

Our best estimate is that while we may see some sunlight by May, supply chain executives should plan that the disruption will last till September.

Demand planning, freight purchasing, and contract negotiations would best be accomplished by anticipating freight and supply chain issues not being seriously resolved till the Fall of 2021.

2. As a supply chain executive, create a greater reach into alternative options for the acquisition of logistics services. Come out of your comfort zones, your traditional “go-to” providers, and open the doors to a larger web of players in the freight market.

3. Alternative options should include:

-Direct to Carriers

-Integrated Carriers

-3PL’s

-Freight Brokers

-Logistics Consulting Companies

-Customhouse Brokers

-NVOCC’s

-Freight Forwarders

-Freight Purchasing Groups and Associations

-Consolidators

4. Friendly competitors also can present an option where you can combine your purchasing power and leverage your freight spend.

5. Evaluating your freight spend. Consider consolidating your freight with one company by putting “all your eggs in one basket” where you may achieve getting the best value for your dollar. However, when placing all your eggs in one basket, recognize the risk associated with that option and manage that basket diligently.

6. Hire very capable staff that can bring resources, contacts, and industry relationships that might prove beneficial.

7. Work with your suppliers who also may be able to provide lower-cost or more expedient freight solutions. It is their interest as well to make sure their customers are well-served and happy.

8. Work tightly with your demand planning teams to provide timely and comprehensive information flows, so they can better plan when placing manufacturing orders. Lead times may need to be doubled and tripled. This also means working more closely and proactively with your suppliers and vendors to enhance their performance in increasing capacity and on-time capability.

9. Consider where you distribute from. Consider the demographics of where your customers are. This may conclude you adding on or expanding the warehousing locations so you can meet clients’ needs less costly and timelier. The example is if your customer base is throughout the USA and you singularly distribute from one warehouse in Baltimore Maryland, what is the cost and time element to service a customer in Chicago and one in Los Angeles?

Additionally, if the freight is sourced from China, compare the time and cost to ship from Shenzhen to Baltimore to Shenzhen to Long Beach. The warehousing and distribution costs become part of your overall competitiveness. Any steps that can be taken to help offset and mitigate the impact of higher inbound freight costs can provide various levels of some relief.

10. Be open, honest, and transparent with all the partners in the supply chain, including your customers. Extoll these virtues and they will come back to you in spades.

Working with more integrity creates camaraderie, team efforts, affords a better understanding of common concerns, and allows better partnerships to form, which ultimately produces better outcomes for all parties to an international business trade or transaction.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has turned the world of international freight upside down. It has caused a lot of frustration, headaches, loss of markets and clients, and multiple areas of serious concern for everyone involved in managing all aspects of global supply chains.

There is no question that the challenges of 2020 and the legacy now in 2021 have become ground zero for supply chain managers, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The above outlined ten recommendations have been time-tested, battle-worn, and seasoned successful concepts in managing the risks, lowering the costs, and allowing for better-managed logistics in global supply chains.

__________________________________________________________________

Thomas A. Cook is a 30 year seasoned veteran of global trade and Managing Director of Blue Tiger International, based in New York, LA and West Palm Beach, Florida. The author of 19 books on international business, two best business sellers. Graduate of NYS Maritime Academy with an undergraduate and graduate degree in marine transportation and business management. Tom has a worldwide presence through over 300 agents in every major city along with an array of transportation providers and solutions. Tom works with a number of Associations providing “value add” to their membership services and enhancing their overall reach into global sourcing and in export sales management. He can be reach at tomcook@bluetigerintl.com or 516-359-6232.

global trade
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Stories

Global Trade and Logistics: Adapting to Constantly Evolving Needs

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Global trade managers have to deal with the complexities of multiple languages, time zones, currencies, taxes, and modes of transport. There are several laws governing global trade, and these are highly complex and ever-changing. So how do organizations manage these complexities and how can you get a competitive edge?

Current scenario

The complexity in global trade management exposes you to a lot of risks. While companies want to make the most profitable trades, it is important to balance counterparty and credit risk. Organizations must review and act on large volumes of regulatory information, which is often published on paper in varying formats and maintained in spreadsheets throughout the organization. Visibility into the entire trading value chain provides the key to making smarter, more profitable decisions. Raw materials and commodity businesses need accuracy int three key areas:

1. Flow of Information

Companies need a complete view of budgeted and actual trade-related P&L across contracts, shipments, invoices, and payments. They need to ensure documents are accurate and comply with business agreements and have a clear appraisal of all order edits, shipment changes, and related documentation.

2. Flow of goods

Companies need to track shipment and order related activities, manage all information related to the movement of the physical goods, and implement credit checks of all counterparties during contract negotiations, shipment, and invoicing.

3. Flow of cash

Good cash flow management is essential to profitable trading. Companies must diligently record the flow of letters of credit from creation to final presentment and record and track loans. They must manage resolution flows among multiple trading partners.

A Comprehensive and Modern Solution

Traditionally, global trading organizations spend most of their time and resources manually screening shipments and updating them. The solution should ensure that the process is automated, enabling organizations to screen their shipments more often, more efficiently, and more accurately, ensuring the actual shipment status is reported to the required parties.

In addition, companies should be able to track and trace shipments from origin to destination and boost operational efficiencies. They are aware of delays and deviations and can overcome shipment delays. By comparing costs and charges, companies can determine the best voyage strategies.

These challenges are difficult to master without a comprehensive solution that is simple but has the capability to manage numerous complex global trade activities and is designed to save time and effort, enabling companies to focus on core work. A modern solution that would streamline the entire lifecycle of the supply chain – automating manual processes would help reduce the cost, time, and risks in quantifiable and auditable ways.

Eka Software Solutions is a global leader in providing digital commodity management solutions driven by Cloud, Blockchain, Machine Learning and Analytics.

Transport Management
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Quality Tips for Better Transport Management

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With the world becoming more interconnected than ever, the pressure and expectations from the transport industry have increased exponentially. Everyone wants a smooth, safe, and secure journey whether they are moving for their jobs or to meet someone. Moreover, the expectations from the logistics companies have been increased too. 

Transportation management is no more about just moving freight at a lower cost. The technology has advanced and the structure of the supply chain is no more linear. Along with complex structures, many other factors are compelling shippers to improve their services in order to gain a competitive edge in the market. 

Increased demands:

Customers are looking for quick, efficient, and secure deliveries where they are constantly updated about the location of their products too. 

We cannot deny that in the context of supply chain operations,  logistics and transport management are interrelated. Transportation plays a major role right from manufacturing to the final delivery of the product. Better transport management can lead to successful order completion. There can be a different outcome if there is a flaw in the logistics or transport policies. Let us find out the things you can do in order to have a more efficient transport system network. Below, some tips to improve transportation networks are discussed.

Using Technology for Various Transport Operations

Technological advances in the communication and transport industry can help bring sustainability and adaptability in transportation networks. One of the most significant jobs belongs to the transport managers since they can encourage and advertise buying and adapting technologies that support cleaner and greener vehicles and eco-friendly technologies. Potential advantages include:

-Reduced emissions

-Lesser vehicle expenses 

-Less fuel utilization

Go for Automated Solutions

There is no simpler method to smooth out your transport management than to automate the whole process. An automated transportation network can simplify and streamline all operations. With automation, transport managers can constantly keep themselves updated and know:

-If the trucks are operating

-Real-time location of the fleet

-Their destination

ERP Framework:

One of the best approaches to examine and save money on working expenses is to embrace mechanized arrangements like an ERP framework. This product robotizes the whole cycle, guaranteeing each cycle runs rapidly and decisively so any blunders that lead to misfortunes can be limited. Moreover, the framework likewise empowers you to assess salary and costs for a specific period so you will have the option to plan your spending all the more carefully.

Big Data

Constant improvement in viable transportation the executives are currently regularly acknowledged by key transporters on account of the expanded utilization of technology and using air freight framework giving the capacity to obtain informative reports for meaningful business knowledge. This enormous development towards more utilization of the information to gather bits of knowledge made by measures inside innovation is known as “Big Data.” 

How Can Transport Software Help?

The latest transport management software can provide other facilities including:

-Keep a track of journeys 

-Organize delivery trips

-Monitor the usage of fuel per vehicle

-Allocate and track drivers 

-Analyze the collected data

Transit Applications

Develop transit applications to provide real-time information regarding the route and location of the vehicle. This can also help the drivers to adopt the best and the most efficient route and improve the overall services.

Analyze the Overall Performance

Time to time analysis of the performance is necessary. The initial phase in making economical arrangements is to completely investigate and understand everything related to the whole transportation including:

-Costs

-Policies

-Procedures

-Operations and activities

This gives the information to create noteworthy sustainable systems. Fleet managers can begin by exploring existing measurements and observing devices to evaluate the use of vehicles, patterns, and mileage. This will help spot all the pros and cons and new improvement open doors in various business zones.

Using Metrics

It is necessary to monitor the transportation footprint and network. One can do it by using metrics. With huge amounts of data, identification of key operating indicators can help you look for the right information. The management must have the ability to convert the data into useful information.

Identify the Needs and Priorities

The transport business is focussed on the need to satisfy the customer’s needs. A sustainable approach in transport management can lead to more profit and better performance.

To achieve this, the business policies and priorities must be understood thoroughly.  Business needs could incorporate operational data, for example:

-Where vehicles are based and how they are planned,

-Their journey

-Stacking 

-Strategy necessities

Sustainability

The pressure on companies to go for sustainable solutions is increasing. Ecological targets could incorporate carbon decrease, practicing air quality control, and improvement of the eco-management tracking. Sustainable measures can include:

-Driverless fleet

-Cleaner vehicles

-Inclusion of eco-friendly technologies

-E-cargo bikes

Self-Driving Trucks:

The innovation for self-driving trucks is still under the process of development and it needs to defeat certain hindrances, for example, improving driverless programming to make it ready to proficiently work on urban streets with heavy traffic. No one can deny that it’s one of the transportation future trends. Transportation organizations need to plan for upcoming innovation changes inside the business and begin including self-navigating management systems in their trucks that can learn from genuine drivers.

E-Scooters

According to reports, the popularity of scooters has increased and the number of bike users has increased exponentially. This indicates that citizens are also contributing to a greener environment.

Cargo e-bikes can reduce congestion and deliver faster. They are environmentally friendly as they are charged with battery and can be ridden on sidewalks. Amazon and UPS have already started delivering through them.

Don’t Miss Out on the Chances to Improve

A significant improvement can be brought by keeping a track of fuel expenses and its total consumption along with fulfilling all the arrangements and travel demands. Effective management of transportation is impossible without the worker’s awareness and his/her adherence to the company’s strategies. To promote a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, and commitment among the employees, the managers need to have:

-Continuous monitoring

-Improvements in the operation

-Acknowledgment of employee’s good performance

These improvements combined not only prove to be profitable for the companies but can also help them to have a stronger logistics network that can reduce:

-Accidents

-Traffic congestion

-Pollution

Scalable Business Operations

By going for scalable solutions, companies with larger networks can deal with demand and complexity issues. Joining all the separate supply chains can help view everything from a single lens. A centralized system can assist in analyzing the role of each department including customer service, marketing, and sales efficiently.

At the point when all the steps included are run manually and independently, it can become hard for the supervisor to recognize issues, screen progress, and take actions. That is why it is crucial to embrace a centralized structure that joins all the steps.

Appropriate Planning and Preparation

The first step towards effective transport management is to have proper planning. The reason to invest in planning is to achieve maximum output in a shorter amount of time. There are numerous components associated with this, from the acquisition of products and their storage to their final delivery. 

Other important things:

Other things that need to be taken care of are time, transportation, and expenses. Supply chain administrators must have the option to build up an extensive work process to guarantee the efficient running of operations. 

Unexpected Situations:

Though the planning is done to get the best possible results and efficient performance, yet the possibility of uncertain threats must not be overlooked. The best example of an uncertain situation can be taken from the recent pandemic which led to numerous supply chain problems all across the globe.  It is better to be prepared for surprising conditions, including:

-Bad weather

-Shortages 

-Delays 

-Damages to goods, etc.

Training and Guiding Employees

Your employees play an integral role in the growth of your business. No job should be considered trivial or unimportant. All the departments and all the workers including the drivers, delivery guys, warehouse workers must be given proper guidance and training for productive performance. 

Agility

It is the company’s job to improve their abilities and bring agility in the operations. They all must be well aware of the:

-Company’s rules

-Their jobs

-Technologies they are working with

A centralized HRM system can monitor the performance of the workers and help conduct training.

Streamline Your Warehouse Management

Transportation jobs can’t run easily without proper inventory management. The capacity of products and course of action of distribution centers influence the transportation cycle. In this manner, make sure that all things are organized.

Accessibility of Products:

Efficient transportation management takes into consideration the accessibility of materials and customer’s requirements, guaranteeing that those goods are ideally used and distributed. Moreover, the degree of consistency helps the transporter carrying out his job in a better way.  

-Accelerate the picking cycle

-Simplify forklift working

-Use barcode scanners to add more speed and accuracy

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Danielle Gregory is a full-time Writer, Traveler, and Marketing Expert who is Currently Working for QAFILA. Danielle’s writing relates to a range of subjects such as logistics and IoT. Besides writing, she enjoys traveling, Cooking, and Riding

freight forwarders
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Top Cities

20 FOR 2020: THE TOP 20 CITIES FOR FREIGHT FORWARDERS

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Even domestic shipping can be complicated. That’s why freight forwarders exist—they handle much of the complex paperwork and hassle needed to move cargo across borders. For freight forwarders, some cities are definitely better than others.

To find out the best cities for freight forwarders, we asked Carlo De Atouguia, the chief operating officer of Western Overseas Corporation. For more than four decades, Western Overseas has provided freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, distribution, cargo insurance, and e-commerce services to small and large companies across the globe.

Atouguia zeroed in on a common theme to come up with the top 20 cities for freight forwarders. “These cities are key because they are integral gateway cities for both ocean and air,” he explains. “I believe it is an advantage having representation in these cities because it allows you to develop a personal business relationship with the major players in all facets of the freight forwarding supply chain in that city. These business relationships are key when negotiating spot rates, late cut-offs, drayage and expedited handling on cargo arrival.

“The other key factor is the sheer number of carriers and cargo flights available in a particular city,” he continues. “The more options you have, the better you’re able to service your customers’ freight forwarding needs.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Air cargo and mail moving through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been steadily climbing for the past few years, from more than 624,000 metric tons in 2015 to a little over 704,000 metric tons in 2018, according to Statista. Which is why it wasn’t a shock that Georgia’s $40.6 billion worth of exports in 2018 was the highest in that state’s history. In fact, exports in Georgia have grown by 71 percent over the last decade, according to U.S. Census data. It’s no wonder there are more than 20 freight forwarders in the Atlanta area.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

In the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, 15 ship-to-shore gantry cranes move about 900,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) every year, according to 2018 figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation. It’s also one of the most diverse ports in the U.S., with the six public marine terminals handling autos, roll-on/roll-off, containers, forest products and project cargo. The 11 million tons of cargo that moved through the port this past year was a new record, and the nearly 2.9 million tons of cargo the port handled in between April and June of 2019 also set a new second quarter record.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

The Port of Charleston is ranked ninth in the U.S. in terms of cargo value, according to the South Carolina Ports Authority. That translated into $72.7 billion worth of imports and exports in 2018. The port’s cranes handled 2.2 million TEUs that year. Thirteen of the world’s biggest container companies tie up there. While the port can already accommodate most post-Panamax vessels, efforts are under way to deepen the harbor from 45 to 52 feet. That’s why it wasn’t surprising when the port authority revealed in November 2019 that Charleston had doubled its cargo volume over the last decade.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is ranked sixth in the nation and seventh in the world in terms of the number of passengers and volume of cargo handled, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. More than 60 freight forwarders, customs brokers and international service providers use CLT’s Air Cargo Center, which has 570,000 square feet of available space and 2.2 million square feet of aircraft ramp space. The CLT also links to the Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines. It processed 128,000 tons of cargo in 2015.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Since the 19th century, Chicago has been a railway and ocean hub for commerce. Even today, a quarter of all rail freight in the U.S. passes through the Chicago rail yards. (It’s also the only gateway in the U.S. where six of the seven major railroads can interchange traffic.) An amazing 30 percent of all consumers in North America live within a one-day truck ride from Chicago. But in terms of cargo value, the Windy City is the top international air gateway in the U.S., with about 2 million metric tons of cargo moving through O’Hare International Airport every year, all worth more than $200 billion, according to Chicago’s Department of Aviation.

CINCINNATI, OHIO

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which provides non-stop service to 38 of the top 40 U.S. markets, moved 1.2 million tons of cargo in 2018 and is the eighth largest cargo airport in the U.S., according to the CVG airport authority. For the past three years, it’s been the fastest-growing cargo airport in the U.S. It’s also the location for one of DHL’s three “global super hubs,” from which it serves 220 nations. Amazon also has plans to build a $1.5 billion hub at CVG, which will support more than 100 Prime Air freighters.

DALLAS, TEXAS

Because many of the warehouses and distribution centers that stand between international suppliers of goods like China and retail outlets are located in Texas, Dallas is perfectly located to serve as a freight hub for the rest of the nation, according to a 2018 FreightWaves e-newsletter article. Indeed, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport considers itself “the nexus of Latin America-Asia transit freight.” More than 900,000 tons of cargo moved through the airport in fiscal year 2018. According to the DFW Airport Authority, 55 percent of it was domestic and 45 percent was international.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

The Port of Houston is one of the most heavily used water gateways in the country. According to the port authority, in 2017 it ranked first in the nation in terms of foreign waterborne tonnage (173 million short tons), second in total foreign and domestic waterborne tonnage (260 million short tons) and third in overall value of foreign cargo. It’s also the largest Gulf Coast container port, handling nearly 70 percent of all container traffic in that region. A little more than a million containers (imports and exports) moved through the port in 2001; today, that number stands at nearly 2.5 million.

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Long Beach has one of the busiest seaports in the world. The Port of Long Beach says its 68 Post-Panamax gantry cranes move around 7.5 million TEUs every year, all valued at close to $200 billion. That translates into 82.3 million metric tons of cargo moved in/out on more than 2,000 vessel calls. It’s the second busiest port in the U.S., and the 21st busiest container cargo port in the world. All told, the port accounts for a third of loaded containers moving through all California ports. About 90 percent of the shipments moving through the port are part of trade with East Asia.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Let’s start with the fact that the Port of Los Angeles has been the top container port in the U.S. since 2000. In 2018, its 83 gantry cranes handled 9.5 million TEUs—the highest number ever moved by a port in the western hemisphere—making it one of the busiest ports in the world. Then there’s Los Angeles International Airport, the world’s fourth busiest, which handled nearly 2.5 million tons of cargo in 2018. According to Los Angeles World Airports, FedEx is the dominant airfreight carrier at LAX, carrying nearly 16 percent of the freight that moves through the airport.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Situated on the Ohio River, Louisville is well placed to handle all sorts of cargo traffic. In fact, Jefferson Riverport is one of the few inland ports in the U.S. that connects to three railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern and Paducah & Louisville. The city is also, as the State of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is fond of pointing out, about a day’s truck drive away from 65 percent of the U.S. population. What’s more, Louisville International Airport is home to the UPS shipping hub—the world’s largest fully automated package-handling facility. One hundred thirty aircraft move through it each day, and it processes a remarkable 1.5 million packages daily.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

In 2018, Miami International Airport ranked fourth in the nation in terms of both total cargo and total freight, and No. 1 in international freight, according to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. That year, 2.31 million tons of freight moved through the airport, nearly three percent higher than the previous year. At the same time, a thousand cargo ships docked at the Port of Miami—the East Coast’s closest deepwater container port to the Panama Canal—carrying 1.1 million TEUs worth around $27 billion. Nearly half the TEU imports to Miami came from Asia, while 70 percent of the exports went to Latin America, according to the Miami Port Authority.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Primarily due to FedEx, Memphis International Airport is the top international gateway in the U.S. by weight and the No. 2 cargo airport in the world. In 2016, 11.9 million short tons of cargo moved through the airport, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. FedEx accounts for a reported 99 percent of the cargo moving through Memphis International Airport, which carries out 450 combined arrivals and departures every day. Memphis is also home to the fifth largest inland port in the U.S., which is very close to the airport and lies at the juncture of major north-south and east-west interstate highways, as well as that of five major railroads.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

The only container port in Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has six gantry cranes that can handle 840,000 TEUs a year. Containers make up about 60 percent of the cargo handled at the port, according to the Port NOLA authority. The port also ties into the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, offering daily intermodal service to Memphis, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal. Regular container-on-barge service also connects the port to Memphis and Baton Rouge.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

The Port of New York and New Jersey handled 41.3 million metric tons of general cargo worth more than $188 billion in 2018, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Put another way, the port handled 52 percent of all the unloaded and loaded TEUs on the North Atlantic. Add this to the 1.4 million tons of cargo that moved through JFK International Airport in 2018, and you can see why New York City holds such importance in the world of freight.

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Situated two and a half hours from the open sea, the Port of Norfolk’s 22 Suez-class cranes moved 2.7 million TEUs in 2017, according to the port authority. It’s also so rail-friendly, with two class 1 railroads operating on-dock, that 37 percent of all cargo moving in and out of the port comes by rail—the largest percentage of any East Coast port. Norfolk International Airport also operates one of the most efficient cargo operations in Virginia, moving 30,000 tons of air cargo every year. FedEx, Mountain Air and UPS all use Norfolk International extensively.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

For Philadelphia, location is everything. The city is about a day’s drive from nearly half the nation’s population, as well as six of the eight largest U.S. markets. There are also 400 distribution centers located within Philadelphia’s immediate vicinity. PhilaPort can handle cargo carriers holding 12,200 TEUs. The CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads both serve the port. In 2016, Philadelphia International Airport handled about 427,000 tons of cargo, and is home to nearly 40 freight forwarders. The airport sits next to I-95, which runs from Maine to Florida, and is close to both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the New Jersey Turnpike.

PORTLAND, OREGON

The Port of Portland, the largest in Oregon, handles about 11 million tons of cargo every year, according to the port authority. The port can move containers, autos, breakbulk and drybulk. There are on-dock rail connections throughout the port, and BNSF Railway ties the container terminal directly to Seattle/Tacoma. Portland International Airport, located 12 miles from downtown Portland, is centered in the Columbia River Industrial Corridor. Eight cargo carriers use PDX, including UPS, FedEx and DHL. There are 47 freight forwarders serving the Portland area.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

About 488,000 tons of cargo moved through San Francisco International Airport in 2018. Nine cargo carriers operate out of the airport, serving destinations all over the world. Additionally, the Port of San Francisco’s five deepwater berths can accommodate a wide variety of container and bulk carriers. In all, 1.4 million tons of cargo moved through the port in 2017, according to the San Francisco Port Authority.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The Port of Savannah bills itself as the largest single container terminal in North America, and it is the second-largest container exporter in the U.S. (13.3 million tons). Two class 1 railroads serve its nine deepwater berths, which operate 27 container cranes. In 2018, the port handled 4.4 million TEUs, a new record for the port. Its major satellite facilities include warehouses and distribution centers for Target, IKEA and Heineken USA. Savannah Hilton Head International Airport handled a further 8,600 tons of cargo during 2018.

customs
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Trade Cycle

Traits of Reliable Customs Clearance Agents

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Do you know anything about freight forwarding companies and customs clearance agents? If you are getting ready to ship your belongings abroad, you need to get familiarized with these two notions. In order to complete a successful freight forwarding process, choosing reliable customs clearance agents is essential. These entities are essentially agents who specifically handle the customs clearance aspect of the shipping process. Given how your belongings will be in the hands of customs clearance – you want them to be experienced and trustworthy.

Every shipment delay can turn out to be harmful to you, whether you are a trader or just an individual trying to send goods overseas. And customs brokers are there to help your shipment avoid latency and to clear the goods you want to have shipped from all ports and officials.

So, what kind of traits should you look for when searching for a reliable freight forwarder? Let’s take a look at some of the things you should pay attention to.

Experienced customs clearing agents should be able to handle every organizational challenge

One of the most significant traits of reliable customs clearance agents is the organizational skills they possess. Your customs brokers need to be organized and able to handle each and every piece of shipping documentation. All of the services they offer should be tackled efficiently and in an organized manner. You, as a client, will be the one who pays the ultimate price if anything during the shipping and clearance process goes wrong and not according to initial plans. Overseas freight forwarding is a serious endeavor and any disorganization may cause great problems. Your goods might even end up being shipped to the wrong country!

Experienced and reliable companies offer insurance for issues such as this one. However, there’s no need to waste any time or money on this tiresome actions. All you need to do is make sure your customs clearance agents don’t lack organizational skills and experience.

Before you hire a customs clearance agent:

Make sure they have a proper license

The customs broker you hire needs to be licensed and approved by the respective country’s government. Naturally, the set of policies, regulations, and rules that are necessary for someone to be a licensed customs clearance agent can vary from one country to another. If we take a look at the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, we can see that it has a set of strict rules and policies. So in order to make your freight forwarding process seamless, choosing an agent that has the necessary licenses.

Your customs clearance agent should go through the right training process

Just like in every industry, customs clearance requires trained professionals. In order to possess all the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties, customs brokers need to undergo proper training process. Being a reliable customs clearance agent means being familiar with all the rules and regulations. Also, they should be familiar with trade-related information and understand all the mandatory rules.

Your reliable agent should be updated with the most recent changes in freight forwarding policies

Whether you’ve been aware of this or not, freight forwarding and shipping policies can be really complicated. They are known to be able to cause many headaches to customs clearance agents. So, in order to ensure your shipment has a seamless clearance process, you need to hire agents who keep track of these rules and stay updated with the latest changes in freight forwarding policies and rules. A well-connected and experienced customs broker should have no issues with this requirement.

Whatever goods you need to have forwarded, your agent should have the necessary knowledge about it

No matter what line of industry you are a part of, your agent needs to have knowledge about it. In order to provide you with a professional piece of advice about your shipments and merchandise, your chosen customs clearance agent ought to be well-informed about the type of goods you are having forwarded. Since they have so many responsibilities when it comes to your merchandise, they need to know essential information about it.

There are certainly many benefits of hiring responsible, experienced and reliable customs clearance agents. But you need to be careful and choose the right one – your goods and the entire process of your shipment may become jeopardized if you make the wrong choice. So, try not to rush things. Take your time and make sure your agent has all the traits that mark a reliable customs broker. You won’t regret doing so.

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Jamie Lynch is a blogger and freelance content writer. His years of experience working with international companies such as Kokusai Express Japan have enabled him to share his knowledge about freight forwarding and international shipping.