5 must-use services to minimize risk and maximize efficiency in ocean-based supply chains
Ocean-based supply chain operations, as critical as they are to international commerce, are also inherently filled with risks and inefficiencies. This is because they depend on many uncontrollable and unpredictable factors such as fuel prices, weather, and sea state. Such factors lead to a lack of control on shipping costs and timelines, and lead to inefficient supply chain operations for international shippers.
However, that does not mean that, as an international shipper, you have no control whatsoever on ocean-based logistics. In fact, there is a lot you can do to plug cost leaks before your consignment ships, such as ensuring accurate and timely documentation processes, estimating future shipping prices based on historical data, and digitizing your invoicing and accounting procedures, to begin with. And as you may already know, all of this and much more can be easily achieved by enlisting the services of a digital freight forwarder like Freightwalla.
But you can, and should, go beyond even that to take control of every part of your supply chain process that can be controlled. You can easily do so by recruiting a partner like Freightwalla who can offer you the following services:
Pre-shipment cargo testing
International businesses that import goods often find themselves in trouble when the goods delivered to them do not meet quality and regulatory standards. Importing non-conformant products can lead to disruption in supply chain operations and can even necessitate product recalls and consequent financial problems. For example, a US distributor had to recall multiple lots of MDH products from India when the FDA found these products to contain salmonella.
Cargo quality is especially important for importers who deal with international OEMs. Even small defects in imported parts can lead to major problems in the end-product, potentially causing irreparable reputational and financial damages. While most suppliers do their best to ensure the quality of their goods, the difference in import laws among countries can be hard to keep track of. This can result in the rejection of goods at destination ports. Therefore, it is vital for importers to check the cargo before it is even shipped from source.
Pre-shipment cargo testing enables importers to test products before they are shipped from the source location. Therefore, they can avoid paying for non-compliant goods. Freightwalla offers third-party cargo testing for international traders importing from India to minimize risk of buying non-standard supplies.
Pre-trip container inspection
Often neglected as an insignificant component of the overall supply chain operations, the condition of the containers and trucks carrying your cargo plays an important role in ensuring uninterrupted logistics processes. Damaged containers can likely damage the goods within them and can also be rejected by port authorities for non-compliance in many countries. Thus, containers must be periodically checked for defects and damages and fixed to avoid damage to goods as well as retention by customs authorities.
To ensure a hassle-free shipping experience for international shippers, Freightwalla offers pre-trip container inspection before the shipment leaves the source. As part of this service, not only are the freight containers checked for their compliance with the required technical specifications but also inspected for adequate dunnage and packing. This ensures that the container is completely safe for transporting the cargo, thereby eliminating risks and unnecessary holdups.
Container temperature control
Temperature-sensitive cargo, such as chemicals, perishables, and healthcare-related goods require extra care during transportation. They necessitate refrigerated containers or reefers that require special technical expertise to operate and maintain. Not maintaining the temperature within the specified ranges can lead to the deterioration in the products’ quality and can lead to their rejection by buyers. This can be especially damaging for shippers paying for reefers as they cost multiple times more than general purpose containers. Therefore, it is critical to not only hire a reefer service but also monitor and maintain it at the right temperature levels throughout the voyage.
Freightwalla goes beyond offering basic reefer features and enables shippers to monitor and control the temperature in their containers. As a result, shippers can rest assured that their temperature-sensitive cargo is always maintained at the optimal temperature to avoid degradation and rejection.
Cargo insurance
As mentioned above, ocean-based supply chain operations are risky. There is a considerable likelihood of you losing your shipments due to bad weather, piracy, and other unavoidable events. It is therefore a smart move to insure your cargo every time, regardless of the volume being shipped. However, finding the right kind of insurance from a reliable provider, in addition to finding the right shipping carrier, can become hasslesome for shippers who import or export on a regular basis. This can lead to many shippers overlooking cargo insurance while engaging in international trade, making them highly susceptible to potential losses.
Freightwalla, in addition to offering a convenient way to find and book the right carrier for every shipment, also offers cargo insurance through its partners. Shippers can, hence, conveniently book freight as well as get insurance all under a single roof.
Container fumigation
While container hygiene has always been a key requirement for international shipping, it will be especially important in the post-pandemic era. Container fumigation ensures that your cargo is protected from all kinds of pests and insects. A fumigation certificate is also necessary to meet the trade regulations of the importing country, without which cargo may be stuck at the destination port and lead to bottlenecks in the supply chain. However, it can be a hassle to find an accredited fumigation agency ensure the documentation meets the necessary requirements
In addition to offering all the aforementioned services, Freightwalla also offers container fumigation services to shippers, so that they don’t have to spend time finding a reliable fumigation agency.
By using these services, or even better, delegating them to a partner like Freightwalla, you can find your supply chain operations becoming much smoother. More importantly, you will have fewer things to worry about as you will be in complete control of your supply chain operations. You can then focus on more important things, such as scaling up your trading operations and capitalizing on new business opportunities, which is also something Freightwalla helps you with through its easy-to-access trade financing service!
