/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Container Fumigation

 

Container Fumigation
Container Fumigation

Fumigation is a form of pest control by which the disinfection procedure is carried out in a dry manner. This method, also known as phytosanitary treatment, is widely used today and is becoming more common in different market segments (especially when shipping goods by container).

Why is fumigation so important?

Container fumigation procedures are designed to prevent foreign quarantine pests from entering the cargo. In this procedure, special products are used to eradicate or control the international spread of pests already present in the shipment.

You may be wondering what are quarantine pests?

Quarantine pests are any form of pests or parasites that, under natural conditions, cause damage to plants and animals in an area. These pests can pose a significant threat to international health when exposed to new environments. There are many types of quarantine pests, but none are as trivial as the Asian lady beetle. This beetle is commonly found in containers and woody materials used to hold loads. For this reason, it ranks among the world's worst-hit quarantine pests.

How does the container fumigation program work?

Container fumigation controls any type of pest through an efficient, safe and dry disinfection process, usually done with gas. The most commonly used gases in the fumigation process are methyl bromide and phosphine. While both maintain the same level of effectiveness, methyl bromide is more commonly used in containers. To receive fumigant, the container must be of good construction. The fumigation site must be isolated within a 5-meter radius, and a sticker containing basic information such as the start and end date and time of the treatment, as well as the information of the treatment company and technician responsible for the operation, must be affixed to the container door. The gas is injected through a probe inserted into the container. This process only happens when the door is closed. Appropriate protection of surrounding personnel must be provided with personal protective equipment, and collective protective equipment is recommended for fumigation sites. After the specified exposure time, aeration should be performed for commodity release.

What are the requirements for fumigation?

Do I need a fumigation certificate?

As you saw at the beginning of this article, any type of cargo and its wooden packaging can be refused entry into the destination country if not processed. To verify this, the Port Authority requires a written permit, certificate or other proof of processing. Therefore, every fumigation container, if done in the right way and by the right company, will be accompanied by a certificate. Fumigation is a legal requirement for the buyer, so a fumigation certificate is usually issued by the fumigator or approved for fumigation by a licensing body. This certificate, sometimes referred to as a pest control certificate, is a document confirming that any wood packaging material used in the shipment of goods has been properly fumigated. This document contains details such as purpose of treatment, fumigant used and temperature range.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How to Find a Heavy Equipment Shipping Partner You Can Trust

How to Find a Heavy Equipment Shipping Partner You Can Trust
How to Find a Heavy Equipment Shipping Partner You Can Trust

When shipping heavy equipment (or any cargo), working with a shipping provider you trust can have a profound impact on your experience. The right shipping partner will ensure that the entire process runs smoothly from start to finish, minimizing your work, stress, and often costs and any risk to your company.

When looking for a shipping partner you can trust, it's easy to find and choose the wrong one.

Here are some suggestions to help you avoid choosing the wrong heavy equipment shipping partner:

  • Taking the time now to choose the right heavy equipment shipping provider will save you a lot of trouble
  • Not only look for trusted heavy equipment shipping providers, but watch out for those you don't trust.
  • Pay attention to the right details when vetting potential heavy equipment (and other freight) shipping partners.

Here is some information you should ask for during your initial conversation with any potential shipping provider:

  • Evidence of financial stability
  • Safety record
  • Insurance and authorities
  • Communicate
  • Cargo transportation knowledge

A reputable and trusted partner will have this information and be happy to order quickly. This is a major warning sign if a potential shipping provider asks questions, delays providing you with this information, or otherwise attempts to circumvent your request.

Hope you don't get lost if you choose the wrong heavy equipment shipping provider.

If you find yourself working with a shipping partner you cannot trust, then you must review your contract with them. Determine what your partner is contractually obligated to provide and be ready and willing to take legal action if necessary.

Then, look for a trusted shipping provider as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, the right partner may be able to help you with your current situation. At the very least, he or she will be able to prevent and mitigate any potential problems.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Key Benefits of Vehicle Tracking Systems

Technology is developing rapidly and taking new steps in every aspect and industry. Managing a fleet of vehicles can be a daunting task for any company that considers commercial vehicles an essential part of its operations. Adopting a telematics solution can reduce operating costs and increase the efficiency of overall fleet management operations.

Improve efficiency

Real-time communication can provide overall efficiency and effectiveness to improve overall fleet utilization. Using fleet management software can improve operations, delivery times, driver management and scheduling. Hence, this results in an efficient workforce that can take your business to the next level. Track accurate information to increase efficiency and reduce costs when necessary.

Reduce operating costs

An integrated GPS tracking device helps reduce overhead costs as it prevents fuel consumption, unnecessary overtime charges and unauthorized vehicle use. Tracking systems help you monitor driver activity more efficiently. Fleet managers can create optimal routes and also analyze the current condition of vehicles to reduce vehicle maintenance costs.

Retain/attract drivers

Telematics facilitates seamless communication with drivers as it allows them to communicate effectively with managers in any emergency. Fleet owners can identify and monitor driver performance and set a reward system for drivers who exceed their efficiency and safety goals. This is useful for retaining/attracting long-term committed drivers.

Route management

Fleet managers can help drivers find the most cost-effective routes. Minimize travel miles and make your delivery operations more viable as this will help fleet managers increase the number of deliveries. New-age GPS technology reduces operating costs and generates more revenue.

Improve safety and security

For an effective fleet management system, organizations should ensure the safety of drivers and transported goods. The best vehicle tracking systems prevent drivers from violating safety protocols, such as speed limits, emergency braking, and more. It offers drivers the opportunity to communicate during downtime as integrated telematics improves safety.

Optimize vehicle performance

You will be able to receive alerts for engine problems and other diagnostic issues. This information will also help drive fleet overhaul and replacement programs. Maintenance is known to be a critical issue, as preventive maintenance ensures that the fleet is always in top shape. Handling incident management and maintenance is an important part of a fleet management system.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Cross-border delivery of products

Cross-border delivery of products
Cross-border delivery of products

Why you should ship internationally ?

Deciding to ship your products internationally can be a tough one, but the chances of an ecommerce business reaching new customers and increasing revenue often outweigh the initial process required to set up.

But if you're still on the sidelines, it might be helpful to know that now, better than ever, it's better to start shipping goods overseas, as we see a dramatic increase in the global middle-class population. This opens up new markets that were previously inaccessible in places like Asia, Africa and South America.

Choose your shipping process

Determining your shipping and fulfillment process starts with understanding your business model and target market. Do you ship directly to consumers, or sell to other businesses? Do you want to handle the details yourself, or would you rather work with an expert to resolve red tape and deal with customs authorities? Based on your answers to these questions, you will be able to determine what shipping arrangements are best for your company.

D2C, B2C or B2B?

What type of company are you? What do these three-letter options mean to you? If not, don't worry - we're breaking them down for you. It all depends on who you sell your product to.

Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)

- This is a popular choice for wholesaler companies. In this business model, middlemen are removed and customers buy directly from the manufacturer. Customers generally benefit from lower prices, so many choose to do business with D2C companies when possible.

Business to Consumer (B2C)

- This is the most popular e-commerce business model and is where a business sells products to a specific niche of customers. They don't make actual products, that's what differentiates them from D2C companies. Any consumer can order directly from their website, and the orders are usually small to medium.
Business to Business (B2B)

- If you are a business, manufacturer or distributor, and you sell directly to other businesses, then you have a B2B model. The typical consumer would not buy directly from this type of business, and the order size would be much larger.

Tips for reducing friction for you and your customers when shipping internationally

We like to think that where there is a challenge, there is a solution. We show you three inevitable hurdles you may encounter when you start shipping internationally. Now, here are some tips and possible solutions to overcome the potential challenges that international shipping can present.

  • Always ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) whenever possible - this removes the unpredictability of customs duties and duties in the destination country. And, as mentioned earlier, it offers your buyers an added benefit by adding a level of security and confidence, as they will avoid risks during shipping.
  • Negotiate discounts based on quantity whenever possible. Shipping rates are usually negotiable, so if you ship a certain quantity each month, you should be able to apply for a discount, especially if you can guarantee the same quantity each month.
  • If you can find a reliable and well-known logistics service provider, choose a regionally focused logistics service provider. Follow the tips we covered earlier and let a regionally focused freight provider handle the details for you. The time you save is money in your pocket.
  • Book with your freight forwarder early in the shipping cycle. This allows you to secure space with the airline or shipping company as early as possible. This is critical, especially in the uncertain times we are in the COVID-19 pandemic.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Will electric trucks save the freight industry?

Will electric trucks save the freight industry?
Will electric trucks save the freight industry?

For several years, the trucking industry has been forced to deal with widespread problems. Rising fuel prices, a lack of qualified drivers and federal regulations including the authorization of electronic records are killing profits. Trucking companies of all sizes are looking to reduce the volatility of the freight market so they can better control their budgets. Experts say electric trucks have the ability to improve the trucking industry. But can this technology really prevent several of the problems facing the trucking industry? Take a look at the benefits of electric semi trucks to find out.

Electric Truck Market

Currently, the electric truck market is just getting started. There are currently three pre-production models of Class 8 semi-tractors:

  • Tesla Semiconductor
  • Nikolai One
  • Thor Trucks ET-One

Each of these Class 8 tractors are able to withstand the current weight limit of up to 80,000 lbs. Where they differ is in the specs. For example, the ET-One is an all-electric truck with a battery-powered range of 300 miles. The Tesla Semi is another all-electric semi-trailer with a range of up to 500 miles. Meanwhile, the Nikola One, a hydrogen-electric tractor, has a range of up to 1,000 miles. The new trucks are expected to enter production for the Tesla Semi and ET-One in 2019, while the Nikola One will enter the commercial market in 2020.

Improving the state of the trucking industry

The freight industry is changing rapidly thanks to advanced technologies ranging from safety features to fully electric semi-autonomous. These trucks will change the way the industry works, which most industry professionals see as a positive evolution. We can expect fluctuations in shipping and shipping rates during this period of change.

Impact on Driver Productivity

One of the biggest questions facing electric semiconductors is how this technology will reduce operating costs. Part of that involves driver productivity, because the more miles a driver can cover, the more money they can make for the company. In addition to being electric, these new trucks are also designed with flat panels in place of dials and gauges. They are also equipped with self-driving safety features. All of these features are expected to reduce the stress associated with operating large drilling rigs. Less stress and easier truck driving promise to boost productivity.

Driver salary increase

Right now, the driver shortage is creating a competitive wage market featuring massive signing bonuses and benefits. Electric trucks don’t currently fully alleviate the driver shortage, so wages remain competitive. However, we can also see that truck drivers need to be educated in advanced trucking techniques to help them operate these types of trucks. This can increase wages based on the amount of training required for the type of job.

Save money on diesel

What's the biggest part of any trucking company's expense report? Fuel tickets represent 30 to 40 percent of a driver's cost per mile. This is the largest part of trucking operating costs.

In theory, yes, but they also need to consider setup costs to run this electric fleet. On the surface, this is a huge financial gain for trucking companies of all sizes. This could save those smaller carriers or companies from debt by giving them a financial boost, but only if they can afford to adopt fully electric trucks and technology.

Improved driver performance

Ultimately, trucking companies that wisely choose to invest the extra revenue in their own fleets will have the ability to improve driver performance. With the automated safety features of these new electric trucks, operators are also finding success in the areas of driver safety and performance. These features include Autopilot, which automatically focuses the driver on the road. This helps drivers avoid collisions. The design of the new truck is also more aerodynamic. As a result, they have a low center of gravity, which helps prevent rollovers.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Why Hiring a Freight Forwarder Is Good for You

Why Hiring a Freight Forwarder Is Good for You
Why Hiring a Freight Forwarder Is Good for You

What is a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a service that most importers and exporters use to arrange shipments. Freight forwarders are licensed experts who understand how the end-to-end shipping process works and can do it on your behalf. Think of them as travel agencies for freight - just like travel agencies, they come in many shapes and sizes.

Some are freight companies or freight brokers in nature and are not involved in international shipping. Some specialize as ocean or air freight forwarders. Smaller freight forwarders often limit their reach to a few popular countries where they have working relationships with local logistics providers. At the other end of the scale, the larger freight forwarders offer global shipping services.

Choose the right freight forwarder

Choosing the right international freight forwarder can be a make-or-break choice for importers as international business is unpredictable. Poorly selected freight forwarders can result in government penalties, lost or damaged shipments, incorrect invoices, and inconsistent pricing.

The Importance of Hiring an International Freight Forwarder

International freight forwarders are an important part of the world economy and play a key role in every country as they are the only suppliers of goods and services to end consumers. Here are the dimensions in which they play an important role:

The internet

Freight forwarders help build and maintain friendly relationships between shippers, officials, carriers, and other freight forwarders, while facilitating fast shipments. Additionally, they limit friction between supply chain stages and add bottom-line value to it.

Negotiation

Some effective freight forwarders can easily find the balance between appeasing all trusted relationships and practicing all savvy trade deals, even if it needs to keep the business open to receive bids from other carriers.

Inventory management

It includes the most important parts of the supply chain, including the arrangement, maintenance and storage of inventory. It also includes business support in other areas, including procurement and production.

Schedule

The task of all freight forwarders is to book cargo hold in more than one mode of transport, which requires the coordination of all entities within the supply chain, including suppliers, manufacturers, carriers, etc.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What is inventory optimization?

What is inventory optimization?
What is inventory optimization?

Logistics companies are constantly striving to optimize their supply chains. Inventory optimization (IO) is one of the most important parts of the process. IO can be defined as "the act or process of identifying and reducing waste in an inventory system".

Key Elements of Inventory Optimization

Optimizing your inventory means you'll determine exactly how much and when of each SKU you need to order to consistently serve your customers. Inventory optimization takes into account seasonality and activity as well as supplier delivery times and schedules. That way, you'll always have the right product in the right warehouse without taking up too much inventory. This blog post will briefly describe the key elements of optimizing inventory and links to resources that will give you more details on each key concept:

1. Demand forecast

There are several ways to forecast demand, including looking at last year's or previous period's demand or a salesperson's request forecast. This works for some SKUs, but on other projects, these approaches can send you down the completely wrong track.

2. Inventory Policy

The next step is to determine your inventory policy, which means deciding which products to stock and how much to keep in each unit.

3. Replenishment

Last but not least is inventory replenishment. This is to calculate reorder points and order quantities and convert them into actual orders.

The benefits of inventory optimization in the logistics industry

Inventory optimization in logistics is a process designed to maximize the use of available space and time while minimizing the number of shipments. Achieving the best inventory optimization strategy depends on the supply chain, demand patterns, and inventory management systems. The main benefits of inventory optimization for the logistics industry are:

Improve customer satisfaction

In the logistics industry, one of the most important things is customer satisfaction. Not only is this because you want to keep your customers happy, it also increases your profits when they are happy with their purchase or service. It can be difficult for companies to figure out what customers are looking for. Businesses need to meet customer demand by determining how much inventory is needed and where it is located. Inventory optimization software can help solve this problem.

Reduce costs

By monitoring the time it takes for goods to move through the supply chain, you can reduce transportation costs such as storage and shipping fees. This means increasing the profit margin of your business. The logistics industry is always looking for ways to reduce costs. Inventory optimization is one of the best ways to do this because it reduces inventory levels and reduces storage and handling expenses.

Inventory management helps reduce your spending on warehouse space, labor and shipping costs. It increases productivity, thereby reducing overtime and turnover for driver-operators and customer service personnel in distribution centers. The store management course will teach you the techniques and knowledge to systematize a distribution center or warehouse.

Improve service quality

Service quality is an important factor in the logistics industry. However, achieving and maintaining a high level of service is difficult due to the complexity of managing inventory and assets in these systems. Improved service quality is one of the benefits of inventory optimization that can lead to more profits for a business like yours. The goal of any business owner should be to provide customers with high-quality service that meets their needs. Inventory optimization can help you do just that!

In conclusion

The logistics industry is one of the most important industries in the world. It is responsible for delivering goods to their destination on time and with less chance of damage or loss. Without inventory optimization, it would be impossible for these companies to effectively do what they need to do. Fortunately, implementing an inventory management solution into your company's processes brings many benefits!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

3PL vs. 4PL Logistics Services

3PL vs. 4PL Logistics Services
3PL vs. 4PL Logistics Services

What is Third Party Logistics (3PL)?

Third-party logistics (or 3PL) refers to the outsourcing of e-commerce logistics processes to third-party operations, including inventory management, warehousing, and fulfillment. 3PL providers allow e-commerce merchants to do more and use tools and infrastructure to automate retail order fulfillment.

What are the benefits of 3PL services for your business?

-Cost Savings- Your company will definitely have less supply chain functions than a professional logistics company. Thanks to their exclusive relationship in the field of logistics, you can save a lot of driving costs.

-Expert Fulfillment - Supply chain logistics is not that simple and can be a daunting task without the help of experts. Expert shipping, warehousing and fulfillment is something you cannot ignore. That's what 3PL Logistics Services offers you while simplifying the entire process.

- Shorter lead times - 3PL service providers will definitely specialize in shipping services. Their large delivery fleet will expedite the entire delivery process and provide your customers with same-day delivery.

-Reverse Logistics - It's very frustrating when a customer returns your product. However, it is part of the business. Plus, you don't have to bother collecting returns because 3PL convenience includes reverse logistics in the transaction.

What is (4PL) Fourth Party Logistics Service?

4PL or fourth party logistics service is a supplement to the existing 3PL logistics service.

In this operating model, not only 3PL services but also other supply chain facilitation are provided.

Manage the resources, infrastructure, technology and other related aspects of a specific business.

4PL Logistics consists of a partner (company) who is responsible for all outsourced logistics as well as accessing, building, operating and designing supply chain solutions.

What are the benefits of 4PL?

There are many benefits of 4PL logistics services, one of the main advantages is trusted publicity.

4PL providers make long-term commitments to customers. The association is a valuable partnership and is very effective in achieving the common goals of the business.

4PLs are responsive in terms of customer connections, utilizing online interfaces to meet the modern needs of customers.

The main idea of ​​this logistics service is to eliminate inefficiencies and simplify business work.

In short, business expansion is completely possible and feasible with the assistance of professional partners of 4PL Logistics Services.

3PL vs 4PL: What's the Difference?

When researching 3PL, you may come across the term 4PL. 4PLs add an additional level of separation between e-commerce merchants and the 3PLs that ship their products: When businesses contract with 4PLs, 4PLs manage and arrange 3PL services for customers. This is sometimes called "dual agency".

4PL companies typically provide customers with end-to-end supply chain management, including 3PL services, manufacturing, inventory procurement, and more.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Update on Brexit import controls
Update on Brexit import controls

The UK government has announced an updated approach to import controls to help ease current cost-of-living pressures, and has suggested that the remaining import controls on EU goods will not be imposed this year. Instead, traders will continue to move their goods from the EU to the UK as they do now.

The government will review how these remaining controls will be implemented and further details will be published in the new control regime, which is targeted to come into effect by the end of 2023.

Specifically, the following controls planned to be implemented from July 2022 will no longer be in place, they are:

  • Require further Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) inspection of EU imports currently at destination for transfer to Border Control Points (BCPs)
  • Safety and Security Declaration Requirements for Imported Products in the EU
  • Requirements for further health certification and SPS inspection of EU imports
  • Ban and limit the import of chilled meat from the EU

The controls that have been introduced will remain the same, they are:

  • The highest risk imports of animals, animal products, plants and plant products will continue to apply to customs controls already in place
  • Safety and security checks introduced last year remain in effect as part of existing customs controls introduced in 2021
  • If businesses import goods into the UK from other non-EU countries, they are still legally obliged to submit an S&S Entry Summary Statement (ENS) for these movements

Regarding safety and security statements (also known as ENS documents or "EUICS"), the current requirements are:

  • UK and Northern Ireland to EU = EU requires ENS
  • Rest of world to EU = EU requires ENS
  • EU to UK and Northern Ireland = not needed, postponed now
  • Rest of World (non-EU) to GB and Northern Ireland = GB/Northern Ireland requires ENS
  • GB to Northern Ireland = ENS required for Northern Ireland
  • Northern Ireland to GB = GB No ENS required

A GB EORI number is required for any UK port application.

Any declaration at EU ports requires an EORI number from the EU customs authority.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

New Implementing Regulations in the Turkish Strait

Below are the latest updates to the Turkish Straits Passage Regulations, which were published on April 18, 2022, and will come into force on May 15, 2022.

The most significant change is the tug escort requirement for tankers over 175m in the Istanbul Strait, which currently only applies to lengths over 200m, and there is still no daylight limit.

  • LPG vessel with LOA up to 150m. and above should use pilotage services to pass through the Turkish Straits.
  • LOA 150m LPG carrier. And only use pilotage services and tugboats to assist through the Turkish Straits during the day.
  1. Vessels with an LOA between 150m and 200m should use tugs of at least 60t bollard towing capacity to pass through the two straits.
  2. Vessels with an LOA of more than 200m should use tugs of at least 90t bollard towing capacity to pass through the two straits.
  3. Depending on sea/weather conditions, the number or capacity of tugboats may increase.
  • Tankers with an LOA of 250m and above should be escorted by pilots and tugs through the Canakkale Strait during the day*
  • Tankers with an LOA of 200m and above should be escorted by pilots and tugs through the Istanbul Strait during the day. *
  • Tankers of LOA 175m and above should be escorted by pilots and tugs through the Istanbul Strait. *
  • Vessels with an LOA of 250m and above should be escorted through the Istanbul Strait during the day by a tugboat escorted by a pilot and a tugboat*

Vessels that refuse to be escorted by tugboats will not be scheduled as usual and will wait until the VTS Centre deems it safe to pass, which will certainly result in long delays to the schedule given the current weather and sea conditions.

For tankers with an LOA of more than 200 million, the fixed tug escort fee in the Istanbul Strait is USD 6.000 and the fixed tug escort fee in the Canakkale Strait is USD 6.500.

Tug escort charges for tankers in the Istanbul Strait are up to LOA 199,99m. is $4.000.

Please note that on May 9, 2022, Coastal Safety revised the Istanbul Strait tugboat escort fees as follows, which will be effective from May 15, 2022:

New Implementing Regulations in the Turkish Strait
New Implementing Regulations in the Turkish Strait