How to choose the appropriate mode of transport to avoid the risk of international shipping timeliness

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Time of issue：

2024-10-18 18:04

In international shipping, the control of aging risk can be started from the following aspects

　　Preparation before 1. transportation

　　Choose a reliable freight forwarder and shipping company

Comprehensive assessment of freight forwarders and shipping companies. Understand its market reputation, business history, financial status, etc. Choosing freight forwarders and shipping companies with good reputation, rich experience and stable operation can greatly reduce the aging risk.

For example, when a large multinational company selects a freight forwarder, it will look at the forwarder's global network coverage, customer evaluation, and ability to handle emergencies. At the same time, the shipping company's route stability, ship accuracy and other indicators are analyzed to ensure the selection of reliable partners.

Check the certification of freight forwarders and shipping companies. Such as international freight forwarding enterprise qualification, shipping company's international shipping business license, these certifications can be used as an important basis for its legitimacy and professionalism.

For example, havingInternational Freight ForwardingFederation of Associations (FIATA) certified freight forwarders are usually more secure in terms of quality of service and professionalism.

　　Accurate estimated transit time

Consider various influencing factors, including route distance, mode of transportation (direct or transit), port congestion, seasonal factors, etc. Make a reasonable estimate of transit time by querying historical data, consulting a professional, or using shipping data analysis tools.

For example, for a shipping route from China to Europe, the transportation time may be extended due to port congestion during peak season. At this time, a certain buffer time needs to be added to the estimated time.

Communicate with freight forwarders and shipping companies to understand their commitments and safeguards on shipping time. Some freight forwarders and shipping companies will provide guarantees of shipping time, and if they fail to arrive on time, they may give certain compensation or compensation.

For example, some shipping companies promise that the transportation time on a particular route will not exceed a certain number of days, and if so, they will be compensated in accordance with the contract.

　　Monitoring during 2. transportation

　　Real-time tracking of cargo location

Use modern logistics technology, such as global positioning system (GPS), electronic data interchange (EDI), etc., to track the location and transportation status of goods in real time. It can be queried through the online tracking platform provided by the freight forwarder, the website of the shipping company or the third party logistics tracking software.

For example, enterprises can check the transportation progress of goods at any time through mobile phone APP, understand the current location of goods, estimated arrival time and other information, so as to adjust the production plan and sales arrangement in time.

Establish a communication mechanism with freight forwarders and shipping companies to obtain regular updates on cargo transportation. In case of abnormal situations, such as ship delay, port congestion, etc., communicate with relevant parties in time to understand the causes and solutions.

For example, when it is found that there is a delay in the transportation of goods, immediately contact the freight forwarder, ask him to provide a detailed description and estimated settlement time, and communicate with the customer to negotiate the adjustment of the delivery date.

　　Dealing with emergencies

Formulate emergency plans and formulate countermeasures in advance for possible emergencies, such as bad weather, port strikes, ship failures, etc. Including alternate transportation plans, temporary storage arrangements, communication strategies with customers, etc.

For example, when the ship is delayed due to severe weather such as typhoons, the emergency plan should be activated in time, the situation should be explained with customers, and the goods should be temporarily stored in a nearby safe port, and the transportation should continue after the weather improves.

Maintain close cooperation with freight forwarders and shipping companies to jointly respond to emergencies. Freight forwarders and shipping companies usually have more resources and experience, and can take effective measures in the first place to reduce the risk of aging.

For example, when there is a strike at a port, the freight forwarder can assist the company in finding alternative ports for unloading, or negotiate with the shipping company to adjust the route to ensure that the goods can reach their destination as soon as possible.

　　Summarize experience after 3. transportation

　　Assess transportation aging

After the goods arrive at the destination, the timeliness of the entire transportation process is evaluated. Analyze the difference between the actual transportation time and the estimated time, and find out the main factors affecting the aging.

For example, by comparing the transportation time of different batches of goods, it is found that the transportation time of some routes in a specific season is significantly longer, which may be due to seasonal factors leading to port congestion.

Collect feedback from customers on the transportation time limit. Customer feedback can help companies understand the impact of transportation aging on their business, as well as customer expectations and needs, and provide reference for future transportation decisions.

For example, customers feedback that the arrival time of goods is a few days later than expected, which affects their production plan. Enterprises can adjust transportation strategies and improve timeliness according to customer feedback.

　　Optimize the transportation process

Based on the results of the assessment, lessons learned to optimize the transport process. This includes adjusting transport routes, choosing more reliable freight forwarders and shipping companies, and improving cargo packaging and handling methods.

For example, if you find that a port is often congested, you can consider choosing other alternative ports for transportation, or negotiate with freight forwarders to optimize the cargo handling process, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the time spent at the port.

Sustained attentionInternational ShippingMarket dynamics and industry trends to adjust transportation strategies in a timely manner. With the changes in the international trade environment and the continuous development of logistics technology, the international shipping market is also constantly changing. Enterprises need to understand these changes in time and adjust transportation strategies to meet market needs.

For example, with the advancement of the "Belt and Road" initiative, new trade channels and routes continue to emerge. Companies can pay attention to these new opportunities and choose more efficient and convenient transportation methods.

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September 2024 is the busiest month for international shipping at the Port of Long Beach (829,499 teu processed in September)