excelsior, Author at Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.

Causes of Container Imbalance-Infographic

excelsior on May 28, 2021

Container imbalance is a major problem that affects almost all shipping businesses. There are many possible causes of this imbalance, and it is important for you to identify the root of the problem before embarking on any solution.

This is often caused by the cargo being sent from one country to another in a transport container that is not equipped with enough space to transport the cargo safely. The cargo becomes oversized or simply too heavy to be handled by the transport container.

In either case, you have a severe problem, and you need to contact a freight forwarder in the Philippines or a logistics company to help sort out the issue.

Why Businesses Suffer from Container Imbalance?

One reason that you may be dealing with container imbalance is that your shipping rates are too high. Freight forwarders in the Philippines or logistics companies in the United States can help you reduce the cost of shipping your products to your customers in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world.

Rates that are too high for the average business can put a serious financial burden on the company, and it is imperative that you find ways to reduce your shipping costs. It is impossible to do this without reducing the size of your shipment or moving the cargo to a more affordable location.

Another common cause of the imbalance is that you are using a single freight forwarder to ship to several different locations. This means that you are sending your product to different vendors instead of sending it to just one customer. This makes the product available to multiple customers, and it creates an opportunity for your vendor’s cost to increase since they will be paying to serve multiple clients. This is why it is vital to use more than one freight forwarder to balance your shipment correctly.

If you are not shipping to any customers directly but shipping to a single location, there could be a couple of different causes for the imbalance. Perhaps the cargo being hauled is too light. Light cargo tends to move slowly, which can add to the delay in getting the product to its destination. Perhaps the shipment is coming from a different part of the country than was originally shipped, and the freight forwarder simply doesn’t have the capacity to handle the load.

Regardless of the reason, it is a good idea to contact your freight forwarder and determine whether they have the right equipment to help move your containers.

Dealing with Container Imbalance

There are a few solutions for dealing with container imbalance. The first is to simply wait for your shipment to clear customs before contacting a freight forwarder to help with your shipping needs. This can take some time, but it might also give you some added peace of mind.

The second option is to use a cargo service that can help with your shipping needs. These services will not only get your cargo to its destination faster, but they will also use qualified drivers to make sure that your goods arrive in good condition.

If you choose to use a service to help with your shipping balance, ensure that the service has the appropriate licensing and insurance. You can also check with your forwarder about any container balance requirements or other fees that may apply to your shipment. It’s always a good idea to double-check to know that you are not leaving anything out. Any fees that apply to shipping that cannot be paid for upfront should be clearly marked on the package.

Once you have double-checked all of your requisites, you should be ready to contact a cargo forwarder. When you reach this point in the process, you should already have an idea of how much your shipment will cost to send to your final destination. You can then negotiate a reasonable shipping fee based on the container balance. If you are able to come to a financial agreement, the cargo company may even assist you with finding a secure place to ship your goods as well. This would help you avoid having to pay dock fees or find a shipper who has containers available to move your goods.

Shipping companies are only equipped to help you out when you are already running short on time or a shoestring budget. They are also familiar with the ins and outs of the shipping industry and understand what kinds of options are available to you in order to conserve energy and space while shipping your goods. Just don’t try to do the job yourself. Hire a professional cargo shipping company to save you time and frustration.

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.

What You Need to Know Before Starting an Import/Export Business in the Philippines

excelsior on May 27, 2021

With the Philippines being one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, more foreign businessmen are eyeing the Philippines as a viable alternative to the other economic vignettes they are encountering. And it’s no wonder why. Despite being under U.S. military rule for so many years, the Philippines is an independent country that still possesses a strong sense of its own identity and pride. The country has a very diverse landscape, but thanks to its close proximity to mainland Asia, the country has to tap the full potential of being an alternative destination for tourism and as a source of raw materials.

What are the basic requirements for anyone who wants to start up an import and export business in the Philippines? Most aspiring entrepreneurs would need a wholesale importer or distributor to get their goods imported into the country. While most importers and distributors advertise on the web, there are still some that you can find through word of mouth. Getting hold of a trusted wholesaler or distributor is the key to starting an import and export business in the Philippines.

Import and Export Directory

A dependable import and export directory should have a comprehensive listing of all the qualified, credible wholesalers and distributors for any product you wish to import or export. In addition, the import and export directory must also have a list of the manufacturers and exporters that are authorized to undertake import or export activities. This is important as you don’t want to end up doing business with a company or an individual who is not licensed to do import and export activities.

In getting hold of the right directory, you can expect to get information on import and export duties, tariff classifications, and corresponding rates. You will also get a list of the best possible products to help you achieve your goals of making money importing and exporting. With a comprehensive list of manufacturers and exporters, you can compare prices easily and quickly. Knowing your exact product availability, shipment costs, and other important information is essential in starting an import and export business in the Philippines.

A Brokerage Firm

Setting up your own brokerage firm can also help you earn more profit in a short period of time. If you decide to go this route, remember that you have to register a business name before operating it legally. You have to secure a steady supply of raw materials and supplies, and you have to ensure that these materials are obtained at fair prices.

Customs Requirements

Planning to import and export goods from other countries requires you to follow their customs requirements. A comprehensive and clear understanding of all the necessary requirements is very essential. There are companies and individuals that offer these services. Inquire about how to start an import and export business in the Philippines with any of these companies.

Freight Forwarding Services

If you do not want to pay for the services of an import and export business broker, you can use the services of companies that offer this kind of assistance. There are several such companies that offer freight forwarders and import support. They can help you find a good and reliable transport company and a good manufacturer or exporter. You need to determine the feasibility of the service before you sign an agreement.

Taking the Big Step

If you know how to start an import and export business in the Philippines, you will undoubtedly be able to successfully conduct your operations. You have to remember that the growth of your business depends on your ability to identify the country’s needs and preferences. This is only possible if you know how to start an import and export business in the Philippines.

What Can You Get from a Freight Forwarding Service in the Philippines?-Infographic

excelsior on April 30, 2021

Hiring a freight forwarder in the Philippines may be one of the most important business decisions you’ll make. As a business owner, you would want to get the best services and facilities that can help your business grow.

Here are the benefits that you can get by hiring a freight forwarder in the Philippines:

Convenience and affordability

The Philippines is one of the busiest sea freight forwarding destinations in the world. Given that there are so many shipping services that are available to you, it would be very easy for you to get your products from other countries in no time. But since these services are not properly monitored, it would be easy for you to fall prey to frauds and scams. For this reason, it is imperative for you to have a logistics company that is well-connected to all the major shipping services. By hiring a freight forwarding company in the Philippines, you can be assured that the shipment would be delivered in the safest possible way. This would also give you great convenience, especially when you are operating in a foreign land.

Reputation and service

The good thing about the logistics industry in the Philippines is that the topmost companies have already established themselves in the country. This means that your goods will be delivered by the best logistics company in the Philippines. If there is any problem with your cargo, your nearest freight forwarding company would immediately be there to assist you.

Access to latest services

Even if you are operating in a foreign land, you still need to be updated about the latest technologies, equipment and methods of delivering your goods. There are a lot of innovative tools today that are being used by the freight forwarders in the Philippines. Therefore, it is up to you to keep yourself abreast about the latest advancements in the industry. By hiring a Filipino freight forwarder, you can easily receive updates on these and other tools. You can also request for demonstrations of these services so that you know how efficient the service provider really is.

Pricing and payment options

In any kind of industry, you will always find competitive prices and payment schemes. However, the situation with logistic companies in the Philippines may be a bit different. Since the service sector in the Philippines remains relatively new, most of the existing logistic companies have not yet established their pricing structure or payment plans. In order to ensure that you receive the best price for your goods, you should try to negotiate with a reputable freight forwarding company or agent. Although you cannot make changes on the pricing structure, you can always ask for price reductions and better payment plans.

Customer service

One of the most important factors that should come into play whenever you are looking for a logistics company is the customer service offered. For instance, should there be any breakdowns in the services? How prompt should they be? What should the company do in case of a breakdown? Before you hire a freight forwarder in the Philippines, you need to make sure that you understand all these things.

Filipino Customs Brokerage 101

excelsior on April 15, 2021

Man Wearing A Suit Jacket And Stripe Necktie

Hiring a Licensed Broker for Your Business and Country

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of economic expansion or if you just want to expand your business operations, one of the smartest moves you can make is to hire a customs broker.

What is a Customs Broker?

A customs broker, as an individual or a company, is responsible for ensuring that the shipment of your items will reach its target customers in the safest possible manner. Licensed customs brokers are highly skilled logistics experts who provide that each shipment meets all international standards, rules, and laws.

Brokers also work closely with auditing authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure that your shipments comply with local and national laws. With the assistance of a customs broker in the Philippines, you can enjoy the benefits of free-shipment services while enjoying the unique advantages of experiencing firsthand experience with their expert knowledge of Philippine customs.

A custom broker in the Philippines is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the benefits of free or subsidized import services. Because tariffs are much lower on imported goods in the Philippines than in other countries worldwide, you can enjoy significant savings when it comes to shipping and transportation costs. Since import/export customs requirements are strictly followed, you can enjoy even faster processing and delivery of your products, making it easy to meet your deadline for delivery.

Here are ways of how a licensed broker in the Philippines can help upscale your business and the overall economy of the country:

Less Worry in Complying with the Necessary Documents for Shipping

All the paperwork involved in hiring a Filipino employee is already prepared for you. Brokers usually have documents on file from the government that you will need in order to hire your Filipino employee. Brokers also have agents abroad who will represent you before the immigration authorities. They are well-versed with how to talk to immigration officers to make sure that everything goes smoothly. They will also ensure that you have the documents needed to enable you to leave the country if required.

Break the Language Barrier

Another one benefit of a customs broker in the Philippines is that you will not have to deal with the language barrier. Almost all communication skills are learned during the training period. As a result, you and your agent will get along very well. In fact, you may even learn to converse in Tagalog or Filipino. In addition, you will not have to bother yourself with the process of teaching your new employee how to use the local language properly.

Support Local Filipino Workforce

You can get almost anything you need when hiring Filipino laborers. There are many factories in the Philippines that need help with their production lines and can get almost anything that you need when you are hiring brokers. For example, you can find a lot of good workers for your business in the Philippines if you are hiring directly from the factories. This way, you can give priority to the welfare of the Filipino workers.

Five Biggest Challenges of Importers and Exporters-Infographic

excelsior on March 31, 2021

The challenges of importing and exporting goods are very real. In today’s globalized economy, economies must be prepared to deal with the volatility of trading partners and unstable currencies. As a result, even the most well-planned trade transactions can become riddled with errors, which can quickly erode the gains that have been made. Importers and exporters are therefore always at risk of experiencing currency mismatches. These occur when a country’s currency moves in relation to another country.

This kind of situation occurs for a number of reasons. For example, depending on the type of product being imported or exported, the importer may have purchased their goods from a different country at a lower price than they paid for them in their own currency. In order to counteract this, exporters will usually hold back on selling a given good until a favorable rate has been achieved. By holding back on selling a particular good, they will ensure that the foreign country becomes more likely to buy their goods.

Apart from currency mismatch, here are other challenges that importers and exporters regularly face in the competitive world of commerce:

Finding the Right Licensed Customs Broker

There are numerous licensed customs brokerage firms that offer high-quality services to their valued customers, regardless of what type of products they sell. However, some licensed customs brokers are more skilled in handling clients of a specific industry, and choosing one that possesses vast knowledge about your products is definitely an advantage. If you are looking for ways to grow your business, finding the right licensed customs broker that can provide expert advice on how to clear your products on customs authorities is a must.

Planning a Foolproof Logistics Plan

Planning your overall logistics needs for shipping products can be a recurring headache. Since it is a critical factor in any trading business, you have to be extra careful at all times. It usually consists of several processes wherein a single glitch or error could result in dire consequences, such as delays in your shipment’s arrival. Ensuring your products arrive safely on time should always be on top of your priorities.

Calculating the Total Expenses

One of the most grueling financial hurdles in international trade is paying hidden charges. When shipping products abroad, you will most likely burden yourself with additional expenses, especially if you hired an unreliable licensed customs broker.

Some of these hidden charges in shipping include the following:

Less than Container Load (LCL) charges
Port fees
Chassis fees
Wait Time fee
Customs Exams

Preventing Document Backlogs

These involve the delays that might happen during the documentation process, primarily if the importer or freight forwarder in charge provided inaccurate information about their shipment. Complying with the requirements properly will help eliminate all the unnecessary expenses you might bear in committing mistakes in documentation like penalties.

Adjusting to New Rules and Regulations

Regulations in the importing or exporting country can change at any moment, and this alone can sometimes become a nightmare for international traders. A worse-case-scenario would be like transporting an item to a country that suddenly imposes a ban on that very same item. That is why having a freight forwarder, and a licensed customs broker with a wide area of connections can help a lot in detecting these possible fluctuations in rules and regulations.

Sources:

/6-biggest-frustrations-of-importers-and-exporters/

What You Need to Know About Bill of Lading

excelsior on March 29, 2021

A bill of lading, also known as BOL or waybill, is a bill issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of consignment for shipping. While historically associated only with ocean-borne carriage by sea, today, a bill of lading can be used for almost any kind of transport of goods. The term originally referred only to a record of consignments, but in modern times it generally refers to a bill of lading that authorizes a shipper to undertake a specific transportation activity. In order for a bill of lading to legally define a particular transaction, it usually must be signed by a notary public. This notarial act provides protection to the shipper from both fraud and a civil penalty for non-delivery.

A bill of lading should be carefully tailored to describe the specific kind of service or item for which it is intended. Unlike a bill of lading, which typically identifies a particular carrier and the parties to a shipment, the bill of lading describes the parties to a transaction and the relationship between them. For instance, when describing a long-distance load involving a tank car, the bill should specify if the vehicle is delivered on a flatbed truck, enclosed in a container, or by air freight. It should also describe the mode of transportation and how the goods are shipped. It would be absurd to allow a bill of lading to specify the method of delivery of a television when the bill is actually for satellite transmission.

As the number of international shipments continues to grow, the need for a specialized bill of lading services has increased. In today’s international trade, the bill of lading is categorized into different types based on its purpose and information that must be carried over to the chosen carrier.

Here are the different types of bill of lading based on the mode of transportation:

Ocean Bill of Lading

The most common type of bill of lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, is issued to act as evidence that a contract has been made for the carrier to ship the goods to its destination.

Ocean Bill of Lading is typically a document in the form of three originals (signed, stamped, and negotiable), together with six non-negotiable copies.

Air Bill of Lading

As the name implied, an Air Bill of Lading is used if the shipment is to be carried via air transport. This bill of lading shall be given to the consignee upon the shipment’s arrival and is non-negotiable.

Direct Bill of Lading

Direct Bill of Lading can be issued in the event that the shipper was aware that the carrier that has the cargo would bring it to its target location. This form of arrangement is optimal for saving time as it allows the exporter or importer to organize the transport of the cargo from the warehouse directly to the shipping company.

Multimodal Bill of Lading

In case a shipment is to be moved by two or more means of transport, the bill of lading that must be issued will be a Multimodal Bill of Lading. The use of such a document is situational, especially if the shipper is located in a place that cannot be easily reached inland.

Inland Bill of Lading

This bill of lading can be issued if the shipment must be carried by a vehicle in order to reach the destination inland. Often used in the form of domestic transportation, an Inland Bill of Lading is prepared by the shipper, which will be signed by the person-in-charge of the carrying vehicle.

Why Your Business Needs a Licensed customs broker?-Infographic

excelsior on February 28, 2021

In terms of importing goods into the country, one of the most important things you need to consider is hiring a licensed customs broker. The Philippine government requires its citizens to have a valid entry permit for imports and exports. Without this permit, these people are not entitled to import or export goods, and it can be a lot of hassle trying to acquire one if you don’t know what you’re doing. Hiring a licensed customs broker in the Philippines is also a great way to obtain one because they are experienced in acquiring and processing all sorts of export applications.

If you are planning to expand your target market abroad, here are the other reasons why hiring a licensed customs broker in the Philippines is beneficial for your business:

Versatile and Fast Export/Import Process

Hiring a broker in the Philippines is an excellent option because these brokers in the country are specialized in all

sorts of export-related matters. These include importing and exporting automobiles, electrical equipment, textiles, clothing, and other types of products. A broker in the Philippines can help you get things done fast, regardless of your business. You’ll have to be prepared to shell out some extra cash for their services. However, rest assured that you will get the best deal out of your money soon.

Establish Rapport with the Government

Dealing with customs requirements is not an easy task, with a bunch of documents that must be processed in order to legally transport your goods from one country to another. As the liaison between the business owner and the local authorities, a licensed customs broker’s knowledge about clearing customs requirements will help streamline your logistics needs.

More Transport Options

A licensed customs broker can also be your most essential asset in getting better deals with carrier companies. They can

even expand your choices by keeping in touch with multiple carriers via air, sea, and land. These services are often categorized by freight, sea, and truck freight services.

Opens New Opportunities

A licensed customs broker can open new opportunities for your business with a quick and efficient service by reaching new target markets. This, in turn, increases your customers, which ultimately leads to more sales.

Finding the best licensed customs broker in the Philippines

There are a few things that you need to look for when choosing a broker in the Philippines. First, ensure that they have experience in dealing with your type of goods. Most importantly, check on the firm’s background and reputation. As a client, you should be able to find out whether a company has a good reputation or not. Ask around, browse through the internet and read reviews about the various brokers in the country. It’s also a good idea to ask for a sample of the services they provide so you can really see how their services work.

Why Hiring a Reliable Licensed Customs Broker is Important?

excelsior on February 25, 2021

Licensed Customs Broker

The primary reason why people in the Philippines seek out the services of a licensed customs broker is that they do not have access to information regarding tariffs and customs duties that they may need to pay when importing or exporting goods. A customs broker in the Philippines can provide a wealth of knowledge to individuals that are either exporters themselves or are looking to expand their business into the Philippine market.

Licensed customs brokers are an invaluable asset to companies that are unsure of the requirement and regulations that they need to comply within the country. For instance, a company that is considering exporting vehicles from the Philippines needs to be aware of all the applicable laws and requirements that it will need to procure a vehicle. Without a proper understanding of these regulations, it is unlikely that the shipment will make it through the borders and into the hands of its intended destination.

However, in order to provide the best services, one essential characteristic that a licensed customs broker must have is reliability. A reliable customs broker enables any business owner to get rid of all of the worries brought by the complexities of international shipping

Below are the following reasons that make it worth the investment of hiring a licensed customs broker:

They can Ensure the Timely Arrival of Your Shipment

Time is a crucial factor when shipping products abroad. Apart from unexpected events like natural disasters (which are beyond our control), problems with the customs authorities of the receiving country might arise, resulting in unwanted delays. Licensed reliable customs brokers can help you prevent such issues as the core of their job revolves around applying their knowledge when it comes to complying with different customs regulations.

They can Lessen Your Expenses

Working on customs responsibilities typically requires some software or hardware that can automate several parts of the process. These programs might already cost a lot, especially in terms of maintenance alone. A competitive and licensed customs broker is capable of saving you the trouble of paying for these expenses as their service entitles them to use the latest technology to make your shipping more seamless and hassle-free.

They Never Hesitate to Tell You Their Specialization

Companies or agencies offering customs brokerage services often hire professionals that can do their job regardless of the type of product that must be transported. Nevertheless, asking the specialization of a customs broker can be an advantage as the licensed ones are usually endowed with enough experience and knowledge in shipping a particular type of product. Reliable customs brokers are always ready to provide an honest answer to this kind of question.

They can Accomplish Their Duties with Your Company Goals in Mind

Another sign of a reliable customs broker is that aside from clearing your shipment from customs authorities, they also have the initiative to study the goals of your business operations, as well as your company as a whole. With your company goals in mind, it is possible for the customs broker to formulate a more efficient and personalized strategy in legally shipping your products.

Jumpstart Your Shipment Needs with the Best Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers in Manila

At Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistic and Excelsior Customs Brokerage, we ensure that your shipments will be able to cross international borders safely and efficiently. And because we strongly believe that your time is a critical element in your business strategy, we want to offer you a customs brokerage service that is well-grounded on professionalism, integrity, and efficiency. To know more about Excelsior, visit http://www.excelsior.ph.

Five Money-Saving Tips for Importers

excelsior on January 30, 2021

Money-Saving Tips for Importers

Saving money in importation is crucial for any business that aims to provide high-quality products to its loyal customers. However, successful importing requires effective communication, and getting good deals with international traders is not an easy task.

Some economic factors directly affect the practice of buying products overseas. One example is when a country imposes certain import duties on the goods coming from another country, the importer has to shell out a lot of money to get the goods at low duty rates. This further strengthens the need to learn ways to save money when importing goods.

If you own a business and is currently having some trouble with your expenses in the importation process, here are some tips that can help you minimize the costs:

Tip #1: Talk with Local Exporters

A straightforward way of saving money in importing is through getting in touch with local exporters. Most of these local exporters may have the details you need about the duties on imported goods and ways to save money in importation (from your country’s perspective). You can contact these local exporters directly and ask for advice on saving money on importation. The knowledge, especially in how they give rates to their products, will provide you with a rough idea of how you can deal with exporters from other countries.

Tip #2: Prefer Partnering with Suppliers for Neighboring Countries

As much as possible, try to negotiate with suppliers that are close to your home country. For example, if you are based in the Philippines, it would be better to partner with businesses situated in the East and Southeast Asian regions. Nearby countries can lower transportation costs and make it easier for your chosen freight forwarder to offer you better deals in carrying services.

Tip #3: Make a Checklist of Your Expenses

For those who are new in this practice, here are some of the expenses that you will likely incur to sustain your importation needs:

Trucking
Ocean Freight
Duty/Tax
Storage/Warehouse
Brokerage
Documentation
Shipping Charges

Tip #4: Buy in Large Quantities

Importing a large number of products on your first import can be a gamble as you don’t have any idea if it can sell well on your local market. Once you think that importation can be a promising venture for your business, it would be better if you will purchase in bulk. Large quantities are usually easier to negotiated deals with and will likely reduce the price per unit as you order more.

Tip #5: Track Your Imports

Knowing the condition of your imports, as well as being aware of its route, can provide you with details on how to speed up your other imports in the future. Freight forwarders are professionally trained to ensure that your imports will arrive on time and increase your chances of more saving money in the process.

What You Need to Know about the Container Imbalance and COVID19 – Infographic

excelsior on December 15, 2020

Container imbalance is one of the most serious issues that can happen in the logistics industry. Such a phenomenon can lead to a series of outcomes that negatively affect the global economy. Lack of available containers for shipping can disrupt the supply chain of many businesses, especially those that cater to products with a low shelf life to their customers overseas.

Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, container imbalance is currently rampant in some parts of the world. It all started in March 2020, when lockdowns were strictly implemented in many countries, including the Philippines. The government prohibited public gatherings and other outdoor activities for a long time, which severely brought the entire nation’s economy to a halt.

During these periods of lockdowns, the operations in ports became slower. Not all employees at the port are allowed to work outside, limiting the movement of the cargoes. Moreover, some factories temporarily closed their facilities, leaving massive numbers of containers stuck at the port. These problems prompted the shipping lines to avoid further loss of income by reducing the vessels they use in transportation.

China, the world’s leading exporter of goods since 2009, managed to control the infection rate of the COVID-19 earlier than most countries. Starting in the month of July, China is slowly regaining its economic activities, reopening its factories that encouraged many businesses to rely on China-made products.

The shipping lines with a limited number of vessels weren’t able to transport all the products from China, let alone carry empty containers. This sudden surge in the volume of exports created an imbalance in the current capabilities of shipping carriers in transporting products to countries that are still recuperating from the pandemic.

Another reason for container imbalance lies in decreased manpower. The containers used today for shipping purposes normally undergo a lengthy process before it can be emptied and returned to the port. Shipping containers are often loaded on a truck and sent to faraway places to deliver their contents. The loss of port employees also means that there will be a shortage of drivers, which will take the containers at least a week to be returned.

With China as the center of the world’s exports during the pandemic, the demands coming from other countries will gradually increase during the holidays. This means that the container imbalance might linger until next year or at least a few months after the pandemic finally subside.

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