/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

 

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers
Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

With more than 1,500 countertop manufacturers in the U.S., the fragmented nature of the market leaves manufacturers without significant resources or leverage when it comes to shipping. Also, the nature of the product, especially the long size, makes shipping unattractive for many carriers, resulting in surcharges and penalty rates.

Countertop Manufacturer Industry Definition

Countertop manufacturing primarily cuts, shapes and finishes kitchen and bathroom countertops. Countertops are made from a variety of materials including: wood, plastic laminate, stone, faux marble, ceramic and concrete. The industry does not include countertops constructed on site by building contractors.

Key Industry Insights:

  • The market size was over $89 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2.8% to over $111 billion by 2027.
  • Material innovations, namely various artificial stone and artificial marble products, and the use of recycled materials such as glass are exploding. Unique, architecturally significant countertops are driving higher prices and profits for manufacturers.
  • Innovations in manufacturing technology, especially 3D printing, have simultaneously produced unique one-off products, reducing manufacturing labor, shortening manufacturing time and increasing profits.
  • Growing interest and investment in refurbishment and remodeling is driving the industry's growth above new construction. New construction is expected to remain strong due to the imbalance between U.S. housing starts and households over the past five years.
  • Durable laminate countertops make up the largest portion of installed countertops in the U.S., and demand will be strong even as engineered and natural stone grow in popularity.
  • Concerns about natural radiation (i.e. radon) from natural granite and its high purchase price will hinder the growth of engineered and farmed products.
  • Residential demand will continue to be the primary use market.

Logistics considerations for countertop manufacturing

Shipping costs are serious business for many countertop manufacturers. Smart, growing countertop manufacturers are using experts to help them gain a competitive advantage in shipping.

Shipping countertops presents some unique challenges:

  • Size - Most countertops are long and narrow. Small package shippers such as UPS and Fedex limit the total size of packages they will handle and charge exorbitant surcharges before rejecting package sizes. For the past few years, less-than-truckload (less-than-truckload) carriers have been using surcharges to block shipments over 8 feet.
  • Packaging - Packaging countertops to withstand shipping environments require proper design and judicious use of packaging materials
  • Weight/Density - Depending on the material, the countertop may or may not be heavy. But because of their size, countertops rarely fit in the cargo configuration most carriers need.
  • The destination-home delivery trend is driving the need for more and more countertop deliveries directly to the installation site. For trucking companies, these mostly "one-off" residential deliveries are less efficient than comprehensive deliveries to stores or warehouses.
  • Damaged - Countertops, especially when packaged improperly, are prone to damage, resulting in unhappy customers, delays and additional costs.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world
The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world

A common question we see in the shipping world is "What is the busiest seaport in the world?" The size and scope of the shipping industry is difficult to understand, which is why working with experts can be so helpful for businesses. At TJ chinafreight, we work with various manufacturing and other companies to meet their transportation and logistics needs.

Currently, the busiest seaport in the world is Shanghai Port (according to Marine Insight). The name is based on the daily container flow through the port, meaning the biggest ports are not always the busiest. The port is located in the Yangtze River and the East China Sea with convenient transportation and consists of a deep sea port and an inland river port. The total area is 1,397.5 square miles! Shanghai beat Singapore to become the world's busiest port with 37.1 million TEUs of cargo in 2019 and is considered the world's fastest-growing economy. About 2,000 container ships depart from Shanghai Port every month.

Learn about the harbour

A seaport is the place of origin, transshipment or arrival of seaborne cargo. Simply put, maritime transport is the movement of goods, raw materials and commodities across the world's oceans and waterways. More than 90% of the world's goods are transported by sea. Without shipping, the world economy would come to a screeching halt—without electronics, manufacturers without raw materials, and store shelves half empty.

Ships are one of the oldest forms of transportation. Today, ships still sail through the former sea trade routes. Interested in learning more? TJ chinafreight would love to hear from you!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What is dual brokerage?

What is dual brokerage?
What is dual brokerage?

What is dual brokerage?

Double brokerage occurs when a freight broker accepts cargo and then hands it to another freight broker without telling the client. (i.e. after accepting a proxy load, if the broker re-proxies the load to another carrier, this is double proxying.) That's not what a broker should do.

Some background

Brokers, carriers and freight forwarders are the three recognized forms of transportation providers. "Dispatch services" are new to the market and try to circumvent the rules by acting as a broker, carrier or both...without abiding by the rules and regulations of either party. This means that shippers have no legal protection when it comes to delivery services.

As part of the regulations, shippers should know who they have contracted for goods and whether they have contracted with a broker, carrier or freight forwarder.

It is generally accepted that an entity (company) should be one of three: a broker, a carrier or a freight forwarder. However, it is common practice for carriers (especially) to accept more loads than the trucks they own and then "lay off" the extra loads to other carriers. These carriers may or may not have broker authorization...but in either case act like a broker (and re-broker) without disclosing (i.e. act like a co-broker).

Companies that refer freight are notorious for "disappearing" and don't pay the carrier or break up or hold the freight hostage until the shipper (broker) pays. In general...if you don't follow the rules you are doing it on purpose and for a reason...

Going back to dual brokerage...this practice has many risks and relatively no benefits. When one broker hands over their cargo to another, they no longer know who is actually handling the cargo, or if they are using the proper licenses and insurance, nor can they track the cargo.

While technically legal, dual brokerage is a contentious issue in the shipping world. (Side note: It may be illegal if a broker accepts payment for an agent shipment, forwards it to another shipping company, and then does not pay the carrier after the shipment is shipped.)

Freight brokers can avoid double brokers by not "biting too much". In other words, if you can't tow the goods yourself, don't say you can tow the goods. If you cannot handle shipping and need to pass it on to another broker, you must do so with the client's consent.

Dual brokerage should not be confused with joint brokerage, which can be a beneficial practice. Co-brokering is when a freight broker cooperates with another broker to meet demand - a collaboration that is known to all parties. Ultimately, co-broking is there to help clients. Sometimes brokers have a specialized niche, so it makes sense to co-broker with the company instead of rejecting client requests.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Deliver your product on time

Deliver your product on time
Deliver your product on time

How to help ensure products are delivered on time

1. Understand the reasons for poor on-time performance

There are a variety of factors that can affect shipping times, both within and outside of your control. Everything from road construction to poor planning can lead to delays. As the shipping industry becomes more volatile, external risks increase. That's why it's important to work with a logistics professional to help ensure everything within your control is properly managed. For example, understanding how and when to implement short-term shipping fixes and how to handle the supply chain is critical to staying on track. TJ chinafreight can help!

2. Learn about transportation

There are many ways to ship products from point A to point B. In order to deliver your product on time, it's important to understand what's going on between these points. Truck loading, air freight, trains, cargo ships… the list of options available is extensive. Knowing what to use and when to use it is the key to maximizing efficiency. It is also helpful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different industries and how they work together.

3. Simplify your supply chain

Improving supply chains involves identifying weaknesses and identifying alternatives. For example, complex supply chains tend to drive higher levels of customization and complexity among manufacturing partners. By diversifying your customer base, you won't be as interdependent as other companies. More successful supply chain tips can be found here.

4. Communicate with your logistics broker

Your LTL shipping partner is here to help you, but they won't be able to help unless they know the full story. Hiring an LTL freight brokerage is a smart move for your shipping needs, especially if you are on the same page as the broker. At TJ chinafreight, we strive to get things right the first time.

Ready to switch? We would love to work with you!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What to expect from supply chains in 2022

What to expect from supply chains in 2022
What to expect from supply chains in 2022

As far as supply chains are concerned, we are still "in" the midst of a pandemic. Supply chains will continue through 2022 amid the pandemic. The drivers of the surge in demand, the bullwhip effect, labor shortages, political agendas and elections, Fed policy, and oh yes… the rest of the Covid infection are all interconnected. Supply chain expectations in 2022 are a complex issue!

For 2022, I expect:

  • Economic growth will continue, but at a slower pace to 2-3%
  • By 2022, macro-level transport networks will "catch up" and normalize
  • Less-than-truckload carriers are pushing above-average general rate increases while adjusting other tariff rules to discourage certain shipments, such as over-lengths. At the same time, carriers will add trucks and drivers wherever possible, creating a potentially competitive rate environment in 2023 or when the economy slows.
  • FTL operators will see rate peaks before EOY in 2021. Higher contract rates introduced during 2021 will keep prices above multi-year averages, but rolling stock growth is expected to soften by EOY 2022 as new trucks are delivered.
  • Small-package operators, already close to a monopoly, will see astonishing universal rate increases in 2022 after 2021. They are building the last mile network of the future and increasing profits for shareholders.
  • Ocean carriers as a group have been the most disciplined during the pandemic, and they will continue to discipline themselves in 2022 by limiting volumes early and often raising prices. They just made too much money and it wasn't worth it. However, container traffic will normalize by mid-2022, which will allow restrictions to be cleared and return transit times to be more reliable. Don't expect interest rates to return to pre-pandemic levels...forever.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Your Holiday Package Shipping Guide

Your Holiday Package Shipping Guide
Your Holiday Package Shipping Guide

What is parcel shipping?

Package shipping is 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 LTL shipping. 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 overnight shipping, 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.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What is the difference between Skid and Pallet?

What is the difference between Skid and Pallet?
What is the difference between Skid and Pallet?

Difference Between Skid and Pallet Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Wondering what's the difference between a skid and a pallet? Forklifts can access the skids from either side, but pallet jacks cannot. This is because the pallet jack arm is fixed at a certain height and width, and the forklift arm can be adjusted to the ground and left and right

Pallets can be accessed from any of the four sides by a forklift or pallet jack. This is because all four side and center rails are open to allow access to the pallet jack stationary arm.

Why does this matter?

Over the years, many in the shipping industry have used either label to refer to pallets and skids. But the use of pallet jacks is expected to continue to grow as more and more less-than-truckload shipping operations are shifting from all forklifts to a mix of forklifts and pallet jacks due to constraints such as labor shortages and insufficient training. Combine that with the high capacity utilization of LTL trucks on the market today, and suddenly it matters if you're transporting pallets that can be loaded on pallet jacks, or skids that can only be loaded in one direction. This ultimately translates into your shipping costs.

If you need help, please contact TJ chinafreight, if you want to make an inquiry, please go to click to Send  Inquiry.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Notice before exporting goods

Notice before exporting goods
Notice before exporting goods

Regardless of the size of your business, exporting offers you a great opportunity to expand internationally. However, several steps must be taken to ensure that your company is export-ready. Exporting is a complex process. If you are considering exporting for the first time, we recommend that you work with a logistics partner to ensure you are complying with all laws, properly managing costs and expectations, and taking advantage of opportunities. In this post, we share the knowledge before exporting.

Companies need to solve three challenges to grow into an export business:

Sales/Marketing Angle

Determine the target market for your product, including which country to start from and which sales channels in that country will sell and/or distribute it. It is wise to focus on one new export market at a time.

Manufacturing/Operations Perspective

Adapt your products to new market demands, systems and regulations. The most common example is the voltage difference between Europe and the US - appliances must meet a system inherent in the target market country. Check out our Manufacturers Resource page here.

Logistics point of view

Logistics providers that design and execute the movement of goods between countries using a variety of methods such as sea, air, and truck are known as freight forwarders. Logistics providers experienced in handling shipments to your target export country will save you time and money through their network of suppliers, experience handling country-specific paperwork, and knowledge of how it works behind the scenes .
Growing your manufacturing business by exporting doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right help from federal and state programs, you can successfully understand how exporting can grow your business, create a plan to effectively expand into export markets, and benefit from the experience of other manufacturers who have already done so.

A logistics partner can help you:

  • Arrange and manage your customs broker relationships. A customs broker is a required party for any cross-border shipment.
  • Arrange and manage any long-term import and export bonds. In some cases these are required. In other cases, they're just being financially smart, depending on the volume of shipments. In some cases, only 4 shipments per year can justify shipments with annual bonded and shipping surcharges.
  • Provides information and helps set expectations regarding international cargo transit times and in-transit cargo visibility. Hint: We are spoiled in America!
  • Strategies to help you determine how to ship your cargo from a variety of options, such as full vs. partial ocean containers or economy vs. priority air.
  • Help you determine your Incoterms strategy. Incoterms define who is responsible for transportation between buyers and sellers and where the ownership of goods actually changes hands. Novice exporters often learn very expensive lessons because they are negotiating with overseas buyers who understand the value of the correct incoterm.

TJ chinafreight provides international freight forwarding services to more than 100 countries around the world for export to the world by air or sea.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Fuel surcharge explained

Fuel surcharge explained
Fuel surcharge explained

Fuel surcharge explained

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 freight to 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!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

All you need to know about a career in logistics

All you need to know about a career in logistics
All you need to know about a career in logistics

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 logistics functions, such as purchasing, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.

Knowledge about careers in logistics

1. There are many career paths in logistics.

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 logistics staff.