Package shippingis the shipment of boxed items weighing 70-150 pounds or less, depending on the carrier. These are smaller packages that can be easily moved by a person without assistance.
When should parcel shipping be used?
For smaller loads, businesses will want to consider parcel rather than LTLshipping. Packages are a more flexible and generally economical option for people who ship several small packages at a time.
What is the package shipping fee based on?
Carriers calculate package rates by looking at three items:
Service Level
Area
Weight
In terms of service level, the carrier considers whether the shipper requires ground or air service. The origin and destination postal codes of the shipment come into play under this zone. The actual or dimensional weight of the package will also affect shipping rates.
Pros and Cons
There are many benefits to package shipping, including the flexibility to deliver your shipment anytime during business hours, fast overnightshipping, residential delivery, and increased tracking capabilities through multiple transfer points.
However, these transfer points do increase the risk of cargo damage, delays and loss. Unlike LTL shipments, where goods are palletized and securely organized on trucks, packages are placed loosely and are more likely to be damaged or lost. Properly packaging and labelling your items is critical.
There are many industry terms in the logistics world! We've put together this short logistics glossary to help you familiarize yourself with some common terms and concepts you may encounter.
3PL: Sourcing and arranging many services on behalf of clients, from shipping to warehousing and everything in between. Learn more here.
Bullwhip Effect: Companies must constantly predict what customers want to buy. Without a crystal ball, they must make forecasts based on other factors such as industry trends, supply chain structure and inventory. The bullwhip effect is a term used to describe when this complex transport process is disrupted. Learn more here.
Digital Freight Brokers: Digital freight brokers connect shippers and freight companies through mobile apps or online marketplaces. Learn more here.
Double brokerage: Double brokerage occurs when a freight broker accepts cargo and then hands it to another freight broker without telling the client. Learn more here.
Expedited Shipping: Expedited shipping is a faster method than standard shipping. Typically, expedited shipments do not stop anywhere between the pickup location and the delivery location, resulting in shorter transit times. Learn more here.
Freight Broker: A person or company that oversees efficient shipping and handling logistics. Learn more here.
Cargo Insurance: Gives you extra protection in the event of loss or damage to your cargo. Learn more here.
HAZMAT Shipping: Shippingof hazardous materials. Transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT) includes not only highly toxic chemicals and nuclear waste. Hazardous items include nail polish, perfume, batteries, and even hairspray. Learn more here.
Inbound Freight: Refers to raw materials and raw materials entering a business from suppliers or suppliers. Learn more here.
Incoterms: Colloquially, Incoterms are just a way of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the shipping process. Learn more here.
Industry 4.0: Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the continuous automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart technologies. Smart factories, 3D printing and smart sensors are just a few examples. Learn more here.
LTL Shipping: Less than full truckload, or "LTL" in industry slang, is a cost-effective alternative for smaller shipments that cannot be fully filled with trucks. Learn more here.
NMFC codes: In the shipping world, the National Motor Freight Classification or NMFC codes are used to help define and regulate products. In LTL shipping. NMFC codes are an industry-wide method of defining shipping rates. Learn more here.
Outbound Freight: Refers to the shipment of finished goods from a business to a customer or distribution channel. Learn more here.
Package Shipping: Package shipping is the shipment of boxed items weighing 100-150 pounds or less, depending on the carrier. These are smaller packages that can be easily moved by a person without assistance. Learn more here.
Transportation Management System (TMS): Global research and consulting firm Gartner defines a Transportation Management System or TMS as a solution "for planning shipments, grading shipments and shopping across all modes, selecting the right route and carrier, and Manage shipping orders and payments." Learn more here.
Full truckload: Full truckload is when the shipper pre-orders a full truck or tractor trailer. The idea is to load the tractor trailer to full capacity. Truck loads are usually picked up at one location and dropped off at another, usually without any stops along the way. Learn more here.
Supplier Verification: Supplier verification is the process of confirming that a supplier is a legitimate entity. Learn more here.
Customodal designs, executes and optimizes transportation logistics programs for businesses of all sizes to support client strategies and enhance client competitive advantage. Carrier negotiation, shipment execution, track and trace, waybill audits, performance scorecards and supply chain visibility are all part of Customodal's added value.
Are you paying too much for shipping? Shipping costs are a major consideration when determining the cost of doing business. Some companies can make a living with parcel shipping, but most manufacturing companies and the larger industry rely on less-than-truckload shipping at some point. LTL ("less than truckload") shipping can be expensive - especially if approached. Fortunately, there are options that prevent you from overpaying for shipping, andTJ chinafrieght can help you with that.
The first step is to collect data about your current shipping situation.
Before you can determine if you are overpaying for shipping, you must determine what you are actually paying for. It is important to understand what these costs are so that we can predict future changes in shipping costs.
Shipping rates are unlikely to drop anytime soon.
Remember, shippinghas operating costs for them, and as those costs rise, they need to increase the rates they charge us to maintain their profitability. 3PL Corporation is in the business of providing customized shipping solutions to its clients and clients. This can mean anything from a dedicated account manager acting as a liaison to your company's shipping department to a dedicated service offering you co-design. Depending on the specific nature of your shipping needs, the type of 3PL service you require will vary.
LTL shipping is an essential shipping service for businesses of all sizes and in all walks of life.
As the economic landscape of the freight industry changes, the cost of traditional LTL shipping can be more challenging to your business bottom line. Fortunately, there are many tools your business has at its disposal to try and better meet your shipping needs. Want to learn more ways to save on shipping? Contact TJ chinafreight today!
A national fuel surcharge is a fee charged by freight companies to cover fluctuating fuel costs. It is calculated as a percentage of the base rate and is usually added to the shipper's freight bill to cover operating costs. Fuel surcharges for LTL and trucking companies are updated weekly...usually on Tuesdays.
Most car carriers charge a "long distance" fee and a fuel surcharge (FSC). They also have many other surcharges or surcharges for additional services, but in general the FSC is only calculated based on line charges. FSC is usually a percentage of line shipping (just like sales tax) or a per-mile rate. LTL FSC is almost always %; but truck loads either way.
Each carrier builds some fuel price assumptions into their pricing model, resulting in line rates. Then, so they don't have to keep updating the whole model, they build a fuel surcharge table that (essentially) says "when the fuel price is between x and y, add z to the line freightto cover the extra fuel cost". These fuel surcharge tables usually start with the carrier's fuel price in its base model.
Where the carrier gets its fuel costs is another variable. Most of them use an internet tool provided by the U.S. government that publishes average fuel prices for gasoline and diesel in the U.S. as a whole and in different regions. Each carrier specifies which index numbers they will use in their fuel surcharge tables.
When you're dealing directly with carriers, it's important to understand how their rates and fuel surcharges work together, and when they update fuel surcharges. Did they quote you before or including the FSC? How often are interest rates right? and many more
When you use TJ chinafreight, the quotation (whether LTL or truck loading) always already includes FSC. Our LTL rates are for 7 days and our truck loading rates are for 24-48 hours. Need more explanation on fuel surcharges? We are happy to help!
Are you considering a career in logistics? Here's everything you need to know about a career in logistics! Logistics is one of the fastest growing industries and an excellent career path that offers many opportunities. From working in warehouses to sales, from engineering to supply chain logistics management, there are various ways of working in this field. Logisticians are responsible for a business's supply chain, and their typical job responsibilities involve supplier relationships, material transportation, working with customers, and minimizing transportation costs.
Logisticians oversee activities including purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing. They can direct the movement of a range of goods, people or supplies, from general consumer goods to military supplies and personnel, and manage the entire life cycle of a product, including how it is acquired, distributed, and delivered.
Logisticians use software systems to plan and track the movement of products. They run software programs specifically designed to manage logisticsfunctions, such as purchasing, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.
This includes logistics coordinators, inventory analysts, warehouse managers, fleet managers, sales, warehouse workers, and more. It's a fast-paced industry!
2. A college degree is not required to work in logistics.
While some positions require a bachelor's or associate's degree, work experience, industry credentials, and certain skill sets are sometimes more important. Some roles, such as sales, just require a passion for learning. A good logistician has good communication, critical thinking, customer service, problem solving and organizational skills.
3. Logistics business is booming!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of support workers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. On average, around 24,500 support staff positions are expected to open each year during this decade.
4. The work environment varies by industry.
This means you can choose the industry you like! Some logisticians work in the back office of a company, while others work in companies that specialize in logistical work, such as trucking companies. Manufacturing employs about 24% of logisticsstaff.
When it comes to shipping, it's not just shipping costs to consider. LTL ("Less Than Truckload") shipping can be expensive - especially if not handled carefully, but in addition to cost, there are the overall goals of your business. You want to get the best price possible while achieving your goals as a business in the most efficient way.
There are many advantages to using 3PL. Shipping rates can be confusing, and dealing with the complex world of shipping alone isn’t easy, that’s why having industry experts help. Find out how 3PL can help you meet your supply chain challenges.
When considering who to entrust your freightneeds to, it's important to find a partner who can deliver products on time and put your company first. Read the TJ chinafreightway. These are the values that our team upholds and practices every day. We don't want to just sell you something - we want to understand what makes your business a success and how we can help maximize its potential for growth now and in the future.
While shipping costs are an important part of your manufacturing business (or any business), they're not the only factor to consider. We encourage you to contact a partner likeTJ chinafreghtfor the most efficient business solution. We work with companies around the world - finding solutions that make sense for you. You succeed, we succeed!
If you've ever found yourself wondering "Why is my shipment taking so long?" it might be time to rethink how you move your products. Working with a logistics partner like TJ chinafrieghtmeans better control of your costs, less time contacting multiple carriers, access to an LTL network with nationwide discounts, and unified billing for your convenience. In an industry that is constantly changing and evolving, you don't have to be an expert - that's our goal. Now, back to your original question...
Mother Nature is always in charge, and everything from floods to tornadoes to snowstorms can affect travel and cause product shipping delays.
Current events
Remember when a container ship got stuck in the Suez Canal or a truck stopped near the Canadian border? The logisticsworld is vast, and there are always things that affect planning. The good news is that when you work with a logistics partner, you don't have to worry about current events. We will solve this problem for you.
Labor issues
Labor shortages can have a major impact on the flow of goods. It will take longer to get from point A to point B if there are not enough truckers or dock workers to deliver the goods.
Now, what if your shipments take so long?
Well, as you may have guessed, if you haven't already, you need to find a logistics partner you trust! Don't just focus on the bottom line, but find a company that takes time to understand your business and find the best solution for your needs.
If you have a logistics partner, the first thing you need to ask yourself is, "Do I need this product now, or do I want it now?" From there, your logistics partner (like TJ chinafreight) can work hard to meet the time and cost related expectations. When it's a "want" situation, there's no reason to pay a "need" cost.
Due to the large carrying capacity of ships, sea freightis the best way to transport heavy or oversized cargo. Different containers of various sizes can accommodate oversized sea freight. The smallest container height is 20 feet and the largest available is 45 feet.
If you are shipping heavy and oversized shipments by sea, we recommend that you ship with Full Container Box (FCL) to maximize your costs.
Tips for reducing costs when transporting heavy loads
Shipping heavy and oversized cargo can get very expensive. But there are ways to keep costs down.
1. Adjust the packaging
Packing can expand the cargo even further, and sometimes this is not recommended if you want to save on shipping costs. However, you can adjust the packaging by reducing packaging, packing more product into one container, or deflating the plastic packaging. These can reduce the space your cargo takes up and reduce costs accordingly.
2. Consider bulk shipping
If you're a frequent shipper, you can make the most of your shipping costs by maximizing less frequent orders. For example, consider shippingorders in bulk rather than weekly. This scheduling strategy will reduce your vessel and cost per shipment. However, for time-sensitive cargo, this may not be a viable option.
3. Correct container type
There are other costs associated with different sized containers. For example, moving a 40-foot container is more expensive than driving a 20-foot container. So it will help if you have a good idea of the size of the selected container.
Freight Handling Professional and smooth shipments
Freight handling, also known as hauling, is the delivery of your cargo from the loading dock/carrier or premium warehouse to your booth and back to the loading dock/carrier at the end of the show. Hauling includes the delivery of materials to your booth, the handling of empty containers in and out of your warehouse, and the removal of your materials from your booth for reloading onto your outbound carrier. Freight handling should not be confused with the cost of materials to and from the show.
The safe handling of goods depends on the relevant personnel following the relevant procedures and applying the necessary skills to handle them. Therefore, this qualification is designed to provide learners in the freight sector with:
Comprehensive practical and theoretical foundations of freighthandling.
The ability to work more effectively with others.
The skills necessary to maintain and improve the level and quality of service expected by customers.
Knowledge and understanding of key business principles leading to the transformation, transferability, economic growth and social development of the freight handling industry.
Freight handlers play a key role in the movement of goods because they represent the physical link that ensures that goods are handled efficiently and safely. Warehouse and distribution companies hire freight handlers to unload their incoming cargo. The warehouse's freight handlers have offices on-site and on-site management. They generally use forklifts and pallet jacks provided by the warehouse. Their work is the main business because not only do they play an important role in inbound freight, but now they are starting to be used for outbound freight because they are cost effective. Freight handlers contract through warehouses and distribution centers for periods ranging from one to five years. Once at the warehouse, the carrier can choose to unload its own cargo or hire a freight forwarder.
The warehouse has a full-time third-party employee who spends nothing during the dead time, and basically they don't go to work.
Once the driver decides to hire, it is the responsibility of the unloader to unload.
The driver pays for the unloading of the semi-trailer
There are no warehouse or distribution charges for unloading of goods.
Another great benefit of this deal is that warehouses and distribution centers get rebates or cash back on all business generated.
It was a winning situation for both sides.
Freight handlers can also be trained to perform all duties around the warehouse. Then, when your company employees start working overtime, you can release them and use temporary service employees to
fill those positions. This is a great way to keep working hours low and profits high.
The unloading service of cargo is paid for by the cargo, box or pallet, they are usually never paid by the hour. This is great for productivity as they will work hard to stay productive because if they are not productive it will hurt their paycheck.
A good freight handling service provides weekly productivity reports so they can analyze where the problem is and come up with solutions to maintain control of the terminal. A good trucking service can help you recruit by letting you hire their staff. This gives you the advantage of trying before you buy. The best services don't even charge you for this benefit. This can be a free training ground for your future employees, giving you time to learn about their work. By outsourcing, you can develop a robust warehouse or distribution service.
Over the past year, global supply chain disruptions, port congestion, capacity shortages, rising ocean freightrates and the ongoing pandemic have created challenges for shippers, ports, carriers and logistics providers.
Looking ahead to 2022, experts estimate that pressures on global supply chains will continue - with the light at the end of the tunnel not appearing until the second half of the year at the earliest.
On top of that, the consensus is that the pressure on the ocean freight market will persist in 2022, with freight rates unlikely to fall back to pre-pandemic levels. Capacity issues and congestion at ports will continue to be combined with strong demand from the global consumer goods industry.
German economist Monika Schnitzer expects the current Omicron variant to have a further impact on global shipping times in the coming months. "This could exacerbate an already existing delivery bottleneck," she warned. "Transit times from China to the US have increased from 85 days to 100 days due to the Delta variant and may increase again. Europe is also affected by these issues as the situation remains tense."
Meanwhile, the ongoing pandemic has sparked a standoff at major ports on the U.S. West Coast and in China, meaning hundreds of container ships are at sea awaiting berths. Earlier this year, Maersk warned customers that wait times for container ships to unload or pick up at the port of Long Beach near Los Angeles were between 38 and 45 days, with restrictions expected to continue.
