excelsior, Author at Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.

What is Transportation Management? What Every Enterprise Should Know– Infographic

excelsior on October 20, 2021

Transportation management is a comprehensive discipline concerned with realizing the transportation requirements of an organization. This requires the systematic analysis of an organization’s transportation processes and systems and the identification of the key relationships among these processes and systems.

Transportation management system or TMS is a powerful software application that integrates multiple real-time systems and algorithms that align a business supply chain, logistics process flow, warehouse process modeling, linehaul express shipping, freight capacity planning, and off-loading.

With this software, the speed and efficiency of an organization’s transportation and warehousing activities can be improved through the collective efforts of the transportation and warehousing staff. In fact, real-time transportation and warehousing data can significantly improve the operational productivity of an organization.

A well-designed transportation management system can achieve this by reducing logistical errors, schedule delays, excessive over-crowding in the warehouses and delivery locations, and other factors that hinder the smooth flow of goods and materials. TMS can help in the:

Real-time inventory management – A major advantage of a truck and delivery tracking applications and TMS is that they provide real-time inventory reports of loads carried by vehicles in the system. These reports are used by trucking personnel to assess their routes, forecast their loads based on past performance, and plan for additional routes or route changes that help in optimizing fleet performance. In addition to this, the tracking of loads and other parameters provided by the software, such as route, time value of money, and fuel consumption of the vehicle, can also be useful for controlling costs. An example of the common usage of truck tracking reports is for companies involved in transporting hazardous waste. TMS can also track hazardous material shipments by alerting companies when specific routes or shipments are being used by the shipper, for example, for hazardous drugs.

Real-time information about the land and sea-borne freight – In today’s fast-changing and interconnected world, a company need not wait for shipment or cargo arrival time to evaluate the cargo status. Real-time information about the land and sea-borne freight in the system allows organizations to evaluate their inventories more efficiently. The information includes estimated unloaded weight, destination, and date of shipment, among others. Trucking companies can access and evaluate all this information through real-time tracking systems using GPS-enabled handheld devices.

Visibility and availability of resources – It is no longer enough to rely on paper records to monitor inventory, supply chain, and shipment status. Trucking and Logistics companies need to have access to real-time visibility and availability of personnel, trucks, resources, and vehicles. This is essential, especially during emergencies when supplies and services may be badly needed. TMS can also help minimize the impact of emergencies and other unexpected events on logistics operations and business. Trucking and Logistics companies need to have TMS applications that provide real-time visibility of resources. In addition, the system should allow for flexible scheduling of deliveries, route mapping, reroute management, and other activities.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for those who are willing to learn. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience worth more than a decade in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

The Current State of the Freight Forwarding Industry in the Philippines

excelsior on October 15, 2021

The freight forwarding industry has been around since the 1800s and has come a long way since then. In modern times, freight forwarding is a major factor in companies moving their products from one international location. With advances in technology and the Internet, freight forwarding is now more convenient and affordable than ever. A freight forwarder can easily send products and goods all over the world.

Many freight forwarding trends are happening across the globe today, especially in the Philippines. Let’s take a look at some of these freight forwarding trends in the Philippines.

More and more businesses and individuals are using freight forwarders to help them expedite their shipments. Small and big establishments have realized that a Filipino freight forwarder can greatly increase the speed of their shipments. They can also help businesses to save time and money in the long run.

Free stock photo of cargo, cargo ship, city

More Goods Overseas

Another popular trend in the freight forwarding industry in the Philippines is that more people are sending their goods overseas. Most people in the Philippines are familiar with the country’s long coastline. They also know how long it takes for international freight services to arrive at their desired destination. Because of this, most freight forwarders have plans to send freight from Manila to foreign countries regularly. This allows the shipment of large amounts of goods.

Two-Way Shipping Services

Freight forwarding service providers often offer two-way shipping services to help clients send shipments overseas. These shipping services enable clients to track the status of their goods in different parts of the globe. Since tracking your shipment is important, this is a great way to ensure that you receive the shipment in the quickest amount of time.

Why Freight Forwarding?

Other than regular shipments, many freight forwarding companies offer freight forwarding services for specific reasons. One of these is when a business or individual needs to ship their goods to a specific destination outside the country. For instance, if an American company wants to ship its products to China, it will first search for a freight forwarding company that can do so. After finding a provider, they will tell what products they want to ship and where they want the products to go. The provider will then search for a container in the area suitable for storing the shipment until it is shipped to its intended destination.

The freight forwarding industry is still growing in the Philippines. Many factors contribute to the growth of this industry, including the country’s economy, the growing number of international businesses that choose to ship goods to the Philippines, and the increasing popularity of shipping services such as Air Asia and Oceania. This growing industry has shown no signs of slowing down and will continue to thrive in the years to come. The key to success in the freight forwarding industry in the Philippines lies in continued research and development to improve on existing freight forwarding trends and develop new methods to make shipping easier and more efficient.

What You Need to Know About Port Congestion – Infographic

excelsior on September 23, 2021

Port congestion is when a ship coming into a port for the express purpose of cargo or passenger operations is either unable to berth at the desired location or needs to wait for an opportunity for docking.

In such a case, there is no space for the ship to unload cargo, and therefore all operations stop. Port congestion is a major problem faced by most ports worldwide. It can occur for different reasons such as extreme weather conditions, shortage of fuel or diesel, breakdowns, etc.

To combat port congestion, ships are often required to call at sea or port to unload their cargo. However, this is not always possible, and therefore the only solution is to store the excess tonnage normally used on board and ensure that the ship has space available when called at sea.

Why does Port Congestion Happen?

Increased fuel surcharges, stricter tankers rules, tougher security procedures, global events, and a tightening economy contribute to port congestion. Cargo that used to arrive at its specified time and date may now take longer due to weather concerns and extra time spent checking for illegal or dangerous material loads. Even smaller shippers can encounter extra time delays when shipping lines wait for their overseas carriers to return from a trip. These factors combine to cause congestion, especially when extra time is added to each shipment’s delivery date.

Port Congestion in the Philippines

With increasing international trade and immigration, the Philippines is experiencing port congestion. The burgeoning of container activities has resulted in a large build-up of material at sea and land in the country. A large portion of this build-up occurs at the main international port in Manila.

The rising population and increased traffic at the country’s ports have resulted in inefficiencies in its transport system – in which Manila has long been a major problem area. In some areas, there are physical problems caused by the number of ships and containers. In other areas, the inefficiency caused by inadequate infrastructure makes it difficult to use the existing ports to their fullest potential.

In addition to affecting the overall transport system of the country, port congestion has also affected the handling of goods. Many goods come by sea to the Philippines either by land to the larger cities or across the island on trucks. Businesses are affected when port congestion forces goods to be unloaded at each port and then transported to larger harbors. The delays caused by port congestion can affect an exporter’s profit schedule, making the whole exporters line more difficult than usual.

Preventing Port Congestion

The solutions provided by a global freight forwarding company can alleviate these problems. A company that can help an international trade broker better manage its supply chain can help them avoid common mistakes that can occur during port congestion.

Freight forwarding companies can also provide advice on the best way to streamline their operations and increase their ability to meet the demands of their customers. These experts can help ensure that the long-term viability of an international trade business is not put at risk due to short-sighted actions by shipping companies and brokers.

A Guide for Searching a Reliable Freight Forwarding Partner

excelsior on September 20, 2021

Finding an excellent freight forwarder is very important, especially if you want your shipping business to run smoothly. A shipping company should always be able to provide their clients with great service and a great deal of flexibility in their operations. These two factors will help you maximize your profits and minimize the time you need to deliver your freight.

Of course, the best thing that you can do for your clients is to make sure that the freight company you are dealing with has excellent employees who can take care of the needs of their clients at any given time.

This article will focus on factors to look for a freight forwarder so you can ensure that you find the best one:

Expanding Your Choices Online

A good way to find a good freight provider is to research online and then make some calls. Find out what companies other people are using to ship their products and how satisfied they are. You can also find out what type of pricing model they use and what other services are included in their shipping package.

It is best to find a freight company that will provide free quotes for their shipping services. A quote can be obtained by visiting freight websites and enter your shipping information. The quotes will give you a price range to compare. Choose a company that has the lowest quote and that fits your budget best. Make sure that the company has been in business for at least five years.

CRM

One of the things to look for in a freight forwarding company is its customer relations management or CRM. The company should have a system in place to keep track of its customers, the type of goods they are shipping, the contact information of the customer, and other important information about them. This system should give the customer information regarding the status of their package, what the shipping company’s name is, and other important information regarding the forwarding company.

If you want to save time whenever you talk with your customer or when you need to check on the status of a package, your customer should easily access this information through the company’s CRM. Customer relations management is extremely important because it streamlines operations, ensures customer satisfaction, and promotes brand loyalty among your customers.

Customer Service

The freight forwarding company should ensure that it maintains an excellent customer service program. For instance, your client may get in touch with you to ask you about the best rates available for their shipment. If you cannot provide them with the answer they are looking for, the customer may decide to change shipping companies in the future. It pays to always be ready with your client’s wants and needs.

The Type of Good to be Shipped

You will also have to consider the type of goods you will be shipping. There are different types of freight like cargo transportation, hazardous goods, international freight, and even items that are difficult to ship, like custom-made goods from countries outside the Philippines. When it comes to these kinds of shipments, the freight company you choose should have a good variety of options that it can use to transport your goods. Whether you want your products transported in a closed container or in an open trailer does not matter. The company you choose should determine the most appropriate container for your shipment based on the size and weight of your merchandise.

7 Factors that Influence Ocean Freight Rates – Infographic

excelsior on September 16, 2021

Ocean freights are a lifeline for companies nowadays, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that engage in international business affairs. Without them, importing or exporting goods packed inside containers from one location to another is nearly impossible.

Besides, ocean freights are also a cost-efficient method, as a typical cargo ship can handle 18,000 containers at a time. And that’s the reason why a logistics company in the Philippines and other related service providers gain popularity and is always on demand among companies that want to save money and assure that the customers’ orders will arrive on the exact date.

However, the cost of transporting goods isn’t constant, and it changes every time for varying reasons. Given such a fact, business owners and their companies should consider these different factors affecting ocean freight rates.

Container Route

The English Channel is said to be the busiest ocean freight route in the world. It serves as a passageway for more than 500 carriers each day, every year.

Before getting in touch with a logistics company in Manila, business owners should understand that if there is a high demand, the competition becomes more aggressive and it makes a particular route busier than usual. And this turn of events increases the price rate of transporting.

Currency

As the shipping fee covers all expenses, transporters like logistics freight in the Philippines need to pay attention to the exchange rate and the fluctuation factor during the transaction period to avoid delays at work.

We all know that countries have different currencies. Yet, in international transactions, the dollar serves as a common denominator. And this universal rule also applies to cargo shipment, as fuel value is always dollar-based. Also, the currency for port and operational charges also depends on the country where cargo ships will go.

Fuel Prices

Without fuel, maritime and land transportation won’t exist. Indeed, the availability of oil makes good transport possible. Yet, the ever-changing oil price affects the shipping fee of logistic companies. If there is an oil price spike, ocean freights service providers will pass the additional expenses to the company asking for shipment.

On the contrary, if fuel prices go down, there is the perfect opportunity for businesses to afford sea freights at a lower cost.

Additional Seasonal Charges

Sea carriers often apply extra seasonal charges if there is a high demand for them every year. Transporters may add Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) or congestion charges to their temporary overall ocean freight cost for transporting your goods.

Container Type and Size

Enterprises should know and understand that containers have different types and sizes, and their prices vary. Taller and larger containers cost bigger than their smaller counterparts. You may reduce the shipping fee by choosing the best container type and size fit for your goods, as well as secure them.

Space Availability

The cost of ocean freights also depends on the availability of space and equipment. During peak seasons, shipping companies use the high demand for shipment to wage their transport cost higher.

Terminal Service Charges

Shipping companies may apply charges to cover their expenses in processing containers from their origin and destination ports. Additional fees include labor fees, use of equipment, and limited time storage. Most importantly, terminal handling services are different in every country.

Transporting goods through ocean freights is a tricky task. Therefore, business owners should consider all the factors listed above to reduce costs and secure their cargo.

What is the Difference between FOB and CIF?

excelsior on September 15, 2021

When a business carries out an international deal, understanding the different terms used for the movement of goods is necessary. The shipments of goods must undergo legal agreements. In that way, the risk is minimal when things go wrong because it points out the responsibility passed from one party to another – the buyer or the seller. It would be better to choose a trusted logistics company in the Philippines for a smooth and fast transaction without causing delays that might affect the business.

Besides, moving freight from international ports requires numerous handling, various methods of transporting, and most cases happen when the shipment stops before reaching the point of delivery.

To avoid these issues, there are agreements commonly used to define who will take responsibility for the shipment of goods: Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) and Free On Board (FOB).

Cost, Insurance, and Freight

In CIF, the seller is in charge of clearing the goods for export, insurance, freight charges, and documentation. It is the seller’s responsibility to look out for the goods until it reaches the buyer. In other words, once the goods reach their final destination, the ownership promptly transfers to the buyer.

Additionally, the seller takes responsibility for transporting products to the nearest port, loading them on the ship, and pay a freight forwarder that delivers to the harbor the buyer chose. It includes all the necessary documents required by the departing and arrival countries to ensure the safety of the goods at the destination and paying insurance costs.

As a seller that chooses to ship the goods to the buyer with this Incoterm, it is advisable to look for a freight Forwarder in the Philippines that offers a less-expensive service and assumes the responsibility for shipments.

Free On Board

In contrast with CIF, Free on Board (FOB) is a trade term used to indicate that the seller takes the responsibility to pay for the transportation and loading costs and clear the products for export. In addition, the seller also takes charge of loading the goods to the vessel.

Once the stocks are on board, the buyer and seller divide the risks and cost – the seller already fulfilled the obligation for the shipment, and the buyer will bear all costs the moment it arrives.

The good thing about FOB from a buyers’ perspective is that they can save on costs in freight and insurance. Also, they have better control over the shipping process, and the price is cost-effective. From the seller’s perspective, they don’t take the obligation since the buyer books a vessel for the product shipment for the destination harbor of their choice. The seller does not need to sign an insurance contract for the products taking full responsibility for the product value.

Conclusion

Each Incoterm has specific advantages and disadvantages for both the buyer and the seller. In some instances, a seller prefers FOB while the buyer chooses CIF, but some trade agreements look for one procedure convenient for both parties. CIF and FOB are two of the available freight agreement options for international trade. Choosing the best option that suits the given business is essential. It is better to check thoroughly before proceeding with the freight agreement option to prevent delays and problems during product transactions.

Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Logistics Service Provider

excelsior on July 30, 2021

Logistics Service

Logistic services contribute to the economic growth as it incorporates a wide range of services, including transportation and cargo distribution. They play a vital role in the Philippines in terms of enabling the movement of goods and products.

Outsourcing logistic services for your business is an excellent way to guarantee efficiency and prevent disruptions to your business operations. While you may be able to find several companies offering logistic services, you must partner with a reputable logistics company in the Philippines whom you can trust for the transfer and shipping of your provided commodities.

Here are the main questions that you must ask to ensure you select a reliable and trustworthy logistic service provider for your business:

How long have you been in operation?

The number of years is not the basis for you to trust them right away. You have to ensure that the logistics provider can prove that they have established relationships with other business partners. Understanding their history is one of the most important things to consider; knowing their identity, purpose, and goals help you to finalize a decision to hire them to provide logistics service for your business.

What kind of customs services do you offer for my business?

Looking for brokerage services in Manila with a firm grip on your business is vital – they should always meet an accurate perspective in your establishment. A logistics provider that can recommend what’s best for your customers through a supply chain movement means that they can be a good partner – and that is a good sign for you to choose them; substantial knowledge for your service needs reflects their accountability.

Also, this can help you to learn more about the services they can provide; you can understand their service limitations.

Is your company technology integrated?

You have to look for a company that is technology deft. Everything is faster and seamless with technology. The technology operates information such as order information, real-time access to inventory, and others; technology-driven applications can notify delivery status.

If you choose a logistics provider that can process and analyze operations swiftly, that would be much helpful for your business.

How do you anticipate disruptions?

In business operations, unexpected disruptions happen. You have to look for a firm offering logistics freight in Philippines that can deal with unforeseen events and provides an efficient solution to solve concerns. Besides, logistic service providers should think of some challenges that might happen during the operations.

Can you provide references from clients with the same businesses?

It is also a good idea to ask for references from a logistics service provider to ensure that you chose the best one. In that way, you can list down all the minimal concerns that you can tell them for improvement. You can trust them with their services since they have catered to similar businesses like yours.

Logistic service providers, like Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, serve as a dominant component in the success of every business company that takes part in dealing at a national and international level. They take part to achieve competitive advantages from business operations that involve buying and selling in global commerce.

Attracting Foreign Buyers for Your Products Infographic

excelsior on July 15, 2021

In this age of technology, finding potential foreign buyers for your products is now more convenient. As simple as setting up a business website can expand your target market on an international scale.

If you have an online store, you can easily list your products for sale and attract buyers from all over the world. Most of the time, when a buyer searches for products on the internet, they are looking for the best deal. They want to save money and find a good quality product. With the current economic situation in the US, finding potential buyers of your products has never been easier.

Why is Online Commerce Booming Nowadays?

One of the main reasons that so many people are turning to the internet to sell their products is because it is cost-effective. The shipping costs are one of the biggest expenses for shipping products from one country to another. Even if you do not ship your items yourself, the shipping costs associated with shipping your items can eat into the profits you are trying to make.

Freight Forwarders Can Save Your Day

When you list your products on an online store, they will be shipped by freight forwarders. Freight forwarders are companies that will specialize in shipping merchandise from one country to another. They have storage space, and they have specialized shipping trucks that will be able to transport your items from place to place. The great thing about these types of companies is that they have access to various global ports. This means that your products will be shipped all around the world.

Finding the Best Freight Company

If you are only going to ship your items to Asian countries, you will need to make sure that you keep a few things in mind. You need to make sure that the freight company that you use has low shipping rates. You also need to make sure that the shipping rates do not hurt your bottom line. If you are only shipping to Asia once a year, and that is all you do, then you will not need to worry about the shipping costs as much as if you were frequently shipping.

If you are selling to non-Asians regularly, you will be able to take advantage of eBay’s marketplace. eBay has an interface for international sales. All you will need to do is register an account, login, and take a look at the listings. There, you will see the various countries around the world that someone might be interested in buying from you. You can also locate sellers near you that may be interested in selling to your customers. You will just need to advertise your products on eBay and wait for potential buyers to contact you.

So, there you have it. Now that you know the best ways for finding potential foreign buyers for your products, all that remains is for you to start your search. You should also remember to add your country of origin to your site’s address line, so you can be found by people who are searching for your products. Good luck!

Utilizing the Power of Logistics for Business: What You Need to Know – Infographic

excelsior on June 30, 2021

Logistics has become a major and integral part of any business, and it helps improve a company’s overall performance and profitability. However, many businesses still do not see the importance of logistics in their overall supply chain management or marketing strategy.

If you want to be competitive, you need to have a robust supply chain and incorporate good marketing strategies. The following tips can help you improve your logistics and make the most out of your overall marketing efforts.

Coordinate Your Supply Chain

It is quite important for any enterprise to properly manage its own logistics to achieve maximum productivity and improve the overall profit margin. You should have proper coordination between the various aspects of the supply chain, including the manufacturer, the distributor, the importer, the wholesaler and the retailer. Proper coordination and communication are vital for the overall performance of any enterprise logistics system.

Take Advantage of Modern Technology

There are many advantages of having a strong and efficient logistics and distribution system. With improved technology, there are new opportunities that any business can grab. You can leverage the benefits offered by the internet, periodicals, online reports and even telesales and make your enterprise logistics and distribution centers more effective. Suppose you want to ensure that you improve the efficiency of your regional distribution center or the main distribution center. In that case, you need to carefully monitor and check the inventory levels, the transportation of the products and how they are stored. You can use any software programs specifically designed to streamline the various aspects of any logistics and distribution system.

Consider Getting an Inventory Management Services

Some of the logistics providers offer customized inventory management services as well. They can give you detailed information on how your products are stored, organized and moved around the warehouse. You can use the appropriate software programs that can help you improve your productivity and cut down on costs incurred during warehousing. Some of the companies also provide customized solutions for the trucking industry. To optimize your logistics management, you should have the proper training to manage and administer your warehouse and its products. There are many factors like the volume of your merchandise or the size of your operation that should be considered before hiring an organization for your logistical management.

Knowing the Logistics Costs of Your Products

The most important factor when determining the logistics cost of a product is the size of the enterprise. For instance, if the items are sold in bulk, you may need to incur additional charges such as customs fees or other costs that may not be included in the stated price. If you purchase the products from a wholesaler, the retailer will incur shipping costs and other distribution services. Thus, the size of the retailing enterprise also determines the logistics cost.

Contacting Multiple Logistics Providers

If you want to improve your retailing enterprise and reduce your logistics management costs, it is best to contact several logistics providers. These organizations can help you enhance your sales by providing timely and efficient service. By partnering with these logistics providers, your enterprise can achieve greater profitability.

Causes of Shipment Delays Every Business Owner Should Know

excelsior on June 15, 2021

Delays occur for a variety of reasons. Depending on the laws of the country in which the cargo is coming and the type of goods being shipped, certain situations may require extra attention. If a country requires extra documentation before the shipment, such as an international address or a credit card number, extra steps must be taken to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Knowing what causes shipping delays can help companies prepare for these situations and make their shipments go as planned.

What Shipment Delays Occur?

Extreme Weather Conditions

One of the leading causes of delay is terrible weather conditions. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, and floods can cause transportation problems. In some cases, goods may have to be held at the port while waiting to be transferred to the final destination. If a shipment is delayed in a natural disaster, it could lead to extra charges because it takes extra time to unload and re-store damaged goods.

Issues with the Freight Company/Supplier

Other causes of shipment delays are problems with the freight company or suppliers. Sometimes, shippers simply cannot meet the needs of their clients. Suppliers may experience a sudden lack of business, or they may be experiencing financial difficulties themselves. In these cases, the goods may have to wait extra few days or even longer before they can be shipped. If goods are held at the wrong port or facility, they may also be sent to destinations that are not appropriate for them, which leads to extra expenses for the clients.

Climate

Changes in climate can also lead to delays in the shipment of goods. In areas where snow or ice makes transport very slow, it takes more time for the products to reach their destination. In some cases, a company’s inability to get goods to its clients may result in lost income and a negative impact on its image. Climate conditions can also cause delays in moving goods from one location to another. For example, in the case of a shipping time delay caused by severe weather, a company would have to spend additional time waiting for weather conditions to clear up, which increases the cost of transportation.

Pandemic

Pandemic outbreaks are another cause of shipment delays. A pandemic is a widespread infection of a disease that spans worldwide. Because it is hard to identify where an outbreak is likely to occur and because many people tend to get sick quickly, a shipment delay can lead to losses. As a result, many companies may choose to avoid sending people who may be carrying the virus or doing things that can cause an outbreak.