(+632) 8525-9775    wecare@excelsior.ph

How China’s Latest COVID-19 Outbreak Affected the Global Supply Chain

excelsior on February 13, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled various industries worldwide. This led to many companies scrambling to keep their business afloat amid uncertain times. Contactless transactions have become the norm, and the adoption of modern solutions has significantly increased as organizations pivot to remote work and digital commerce.

And one sector heavily impacted by the global health crisis is the international freight forwarding industry. Strict lockdowns have led to international freight forwarding companies suffering losses due to a decrease in manufacturing and massive congestion in major ports worldwide. 

It’s been more than two years since the first wave of the pandemic hit the globe, and freight forwarder international firms have slowly recovered since then. But a recent COVID-19 outbreak in China has brought new uncertainties in the global supply chain, with the sudden increase in cases causing worker shortages in ports and important factories across the country. 

The Latest COVID-19 Outbreak in China

After easing their harsh zero-COVID policies amid the wide protests in big cities, China has faced what many experts consider the worst COVID-19 wave recorded. Authorities in the country estimated that almost 250 million individuals contracted the virus during the first 20 days of December 2022, making it the fastest rise of COVID patients in the nation since 2020. 

This unprecedented situation has led to businesses needing to close down again, as most of the workforce is infected or exposed to an infected individual. Reports also said that medical establishments are overwhelmed by the situation, most of which are struggling to cope with the sudden spike in COVID cases right after the government became lenient with their COVID prevention policies. 

Effects on the Global Supply Chain

As home to some of the biggest ports around the world, there is no wonder that the latest COVID surge in China significantly affected the world’s supply chain. Some crucial ports like Shanghai and Shenzhen have recorded a notable increase in shipment cancellations rate, with reports expecting it to go up to 31%. This came as factories found it hard to operate with limited people, especially with many reporting that more than half of workers were infected with the virus. 

The latest COVID surge in China also further decreased the demand, which was already down before the fiasco, for goods and raw materials coming from the country. This led to domestic and international factories experiencing delays in procuring products and consumers seeing a shortage in supply for some necessities. 

The lack of workers and reduced demand has also led to shipping companies decreasing the number of cargo ships sailing. The delays in the acquisition of freights have significantly contributed to the growth of blank sailings, referring to shipping firms skipping one port or altogether canceling their ship’s voyage. This causes delays in the delivery not only of goods but also consumer parcels in many parts of the globe. 

Conclusion

As economies continue to bounce back from the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, new disruptions brought fresh challenges to the global supply chain. China’s latest COVID surge led to factories operating at limited capacity and ports experiencing bottlenecks. Countless Chinese manufacturers could not complete orders in time, and freight rates plummeted along with it. 

The fear of another COVID-19 outbreak is already expected, especially with the country celebrating the Lunar New Year in late January 2023. But reports show that port congestion and freight procurement have improved in recent weeks, with pickup charges increasing by almost 10%. This can be a good sign that the supply chain will gradually go back to normal, despite the worries of another COVID surge in China. 

Looking for a Reliable Freight Forwarder in the Philippines? 

The whole shipping fiasco can be daunting for Filipino importers and exporters, but partnering with a reliable freight forwarding company can help you navigate the possible hurdles you’ll encounter. Excelsior Philippines has been in the industry for more than two decades, providing our clients with peace of mind that their shipments will arrive at their destination safely. To learn about our services, contact us now by clicking here or calling (+632) 8525-9775. 

International Freight Forwarding Trends for 2023

excelsior on January 14, 2023

With the new year well underway, several enterprises are trying to do everything they can to keep up with the latest trends in their respective sectors. This includes every international freight forwarding company that will leverage new technologies to keep up with the ever-changing demands on how goods will be transported around the globe.

This year will bring unique challenges to the international freight forwarding industry. From the new COVID-19 outbreak in China, several geopolitical issues, and the continuous rise in prices, every freight forwarder international firm will need to adapt to changes to survive. To get ahead of the curve, learning about the possible trends in the industry can help freight forwarders become more flexible with their operations. 

Freight Forwarders to be More Prepared

There were many issues in 2022 that challenged the freight forwarding industry, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Suez Canal obstruction, and the continual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These events resulted in a massive disruption in the global supply chain and firms suffering billions in losses. This year, international freight forwarders are expected to be readier when facing unexpected events disrupting the supply chain. 

Data collection and analysis have been more efficient in 2022, and freight forwarders are using this technology to make accurate predictions of what will happen in the next year. This will allow them to promote resiliency in their operations and be more agile, flexible, and visible in the market despite adverse situations.  

Mergers and Acquisitions will Continue 

The pandemic has brought growth and revenue to the transportation and logistics industry. This enticed various private equity firms looking to put their money into fast-growing sectors. And although mergers and acquisitions (M&A) slowed down recently, experts project that they will continue in 2023. 

The war in Ukraine, new COVID variants, equipment shortages, and supply chain disruptions resulted in some of the major players in the industry trying to acquire more businesses to leverage the supply chain. M&A will allow them to expand their services and potentially optimize the workforce.  

Sustainability will be a Key Goal for Forwarders 

A Sustainable Freight Buyers Alliance report said that freight transport is responsible for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. And this is projected to increase to 42% by 2050. To prevent this, freight forwarders can opt for more sustainable products and practices to help the logistics industry become more environmentally friendly. 

By asking for and buying products that are good for the environment, freight forwarders and shipping lines can help move the dial and reduce emissions. They can also promote green practices and technologies that can make the supply chain more efficient, effectively boosting sustainability in the sector. 

International Freight Forwarders Will Go Digital 

The logistics industry, like other fields, has also undergone a digital transformation in recent years. And in 2023, it is expected that more forwarders will use modern solutions to transport goods and reduce paperwork in the freight forwarding process. 

Freight forwarders can also measure supply and demand more accurately, improve efficiency, and automate simple tasks by transforming their operations. This will also allow their employees to work remotely, which is still seen as the norm this year.  

Conclusion

By keeping up with these trends, freight forwarders can stay competitive in the market despite various disruptions. This can also be an excellent opportunity for further growth and advancements in the field, allowing them to remain engaged in improving their services for their customers. 

If you are looking for the best freight forwarding company in the Philippines, then Excelsior is for you. With almost 20 years in the industry, you can guarantee that Excelsior has everything you need regarding logistics. Our mission is to ensure that your shipment will arrive at its destination safely.

If you have inquiries, contact us at (+632) 8525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph. You can also visit our website for more information about our services. 

A Guide to the International Freight Forwarding Process

excelsior on December 15, 2022

Import and export of goods via trade is the heart of every economy in the world, which is why  international freight forwarding organizations are some of the most importance firms around. International freight forwarders closely work with sellers and buyers in different countries to make sure that goods get where they need to go.

International freight forwarding companies act like the middlemen of the trade, helping both sides ensure the success of shipping. They strictly follow freight forwarder international standards which helps guarantee that the goods will be delivered on time. So, if you are a merchant or consumer that wonders how freight forwarders work, here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Stage One – Export Haulage

Export haulage is the process when an exporter moves their cargo to the freight forwarder’s warehouse. The forwarder use trucks or trains are used to move the cargo and might take a few hours to a couple of weeks depending on the location and other external factors.

Stage Two – Checkpoint

Checkpoint is the process of checking goods for damages or irregularities. When the export haulage stage is over, the freight forwarders who are getting the goods will check the shipment to make sure that the goods aren’t damaged in transit.  

Stage Three – Export Customs Clearance

Every cargo requires clearance from the country of origin before being transported to another nation. Custom brokers do this by submitting details and supporting documents about the cargo. If a freight forwarding company does not offer this service, it is required to find a third-party customs broker service to help with the process.

Stage Four – Import Customs Clearance

The country where the shipment is going has to check the import customs documents once the shipment gets there. The freights forwarder or the customs broker chosen by the shipper can get this done before the cargo arrives as doing so can expedite the next steps of the shipment.

Stage Five – Destination Arrival and Handling

This is the stage where the cargo finally arrives and is taken care of by the freight forwarding company. Once the cargo arrives, international freight forwarders will receive documentation about the shipment from the office at origin. Here, the shipment is also transported to the forwarder’s warehouse before getting delivered or picked up by the buyer.  

Stage Six – Import Haulage

This operation moves the merchandise from the warehouse to the intended receiver’s final location. Freight forwarders usually help deliver the merchandise to the shipping address. However, the consignee can also choose to pick up the shipment directly from the warehouse should they wish to.

How do Freight Forwarders Work?

Many people would think that freight forwarders have planes or ships they use to transport cargo vessels. However, this is not always the case. Instead, these companies simplify the process for both importer and buyer as they act like the main point of contact for these people throughout the shipment process.

The freight forwarder takes care of all the details of the shipment from start to finish. This includes tracking the arrival of the cargo ship and getting in touch with trucking, airline, or shipping companies to make sure the shipment is picked up and delivered on time. The freight forwarding partner handles all of these details and tells clients what they need to know.

Deliver Your Goods Using an Experienced Freight Forwarder

Excelsior is an international freight forwarder with 20 years in the industry. Our company is present in across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and will make sure that your cargo is being transported at the right time safely whether by land, air, or sea. If you want to have your goods delivered by professionals, you can contact us at (+632) 8525-9775 or visit our website at https://excelsior.ph.

The Importance of Sustainability in the Shipping Sector

excelsior on November 14, 2022

According to the World Bank, the international freight forwarding industry is responsible for 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) annually. If no action is taken, the international freight forwarding industry will account for 17% of global GHG emissions by 2050. 

Every international freight forwarding company is responsible for these emissions, and sustainable transport is the biggest challenge for the shipping industry. Shipping is crucial for economic growth, helping nations move essential products to cater to the demand. Every logistics company in the Philippines, freight forwarding enterprise, and shipping company should do their best to make shipping sustainable. 

Here are some reasons why sustainability in the shipping industry is essential. 

Why is Sustainability Important in International Freight Forwarding?

Online e-commerce has grown exponentially since the pandemic, and the global shipping industry is needed now more than ever. Joining the fight against climate change is a way for the worldwide shipping industry to thrive more. Shipping companies choosing to continue their operations via sustainable means reduce environmental threats as they step towards green and sustainable shipping.

Sustainability is also the current trend when it comes to different transport industries. Automobile manufacturers have constantly been developing electric cars for the longest time. The aviation sector is also doing its part to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the point where flights today generate 50% fewer emissions than flights in the 1990s. 

A sustainable shipping industry does not only reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. It also prevents oceans from having oil spills which can harm various organisms living in different water bodies and limit people’s access to clean water.  

How Can the Global Shipping Industry be More Sustainable?

Compliance with environmental regulations is one of the best ways to have a sustainable shipping industry in a country. Nations and businesses in the maritime world have agreed to comply with the global conservation goals of the following three decades set by the International Maritime Organization and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative. 

Creating a sustainable work environment can also promote sustainability in the sector. Making eco-friendly ports, switching to alternative fuels, and investing in green technologies can go a long way in fighting the rising global greenhouse emissions. Having a greener shipping environment also benefits the safety and trust of workers within the industry, enabling them to build more vital trust and transparency in the workplace. 

In addition, increasing vessel efficiency can also be a game changer for many international forwarding firms. They can do this by using cleaner ballast water, decreasing marine litter, using alternative fuel sources, and enhancing the ship recycling process. And when vessel efficiency is optimized, less carbon footprint is produced. 

Shipping Companies that Go Green

As economies rebuild after the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shipping industry will continue to be an essential part of society. But various traditional practices in the sector have led to the rise of GHG emissions over the years, resulting in the need to adopt sustainable methods to protect the environment and workers in the industry. 

If you need a sustainable international freight forwarding company with exceptional service, Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics has been one of the leading shipping companies in the Philippines for almost 20 years. We provide freight services for land, sea, and air. Excelsior has everything you need regarding logistics, and our mission is to ensure that your shipment will arrive at its destination safely.

If you want to know more, call us at (+632) 8525-9775, email us at wecare@excelsior.ph, or message us through our contact page. 

How to Import to the Philippines?

excelsior on October 14, 2022

The Philippines is a strategic trading location as it shares maritime borders with many different countries, including China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Palau. Its top import partners aren’t limited to its neighbors as it also imports goods from Korea and the United States. Because the Philippines continues to comply with ASEAN-wide economic integration, the opportunities for both importers and exporters will only continue to grow.

Importers and exporters will need to rely on experts knowledgeable on the latest updates in the shipping scene. For example, if any crises affect trade routes, customs brokers will be critical to ensure that products can still be imported and exported promptly.

Written below are the top things to keep in mind when importing products. Knowing how to import to the Philippines will ensure that businesses will have smooth customs clearances.

How can New Importers Start?

New importers will need first to submit the following relevant documents, as listed by the Bureau of Customs, to be accredited:

  • Duly notarized accomplished Application Form and signed by the owner, for Sole Proprietorship, Responsible Officer, for Corporations, the Chairman, for Cooperatives, or authorized partner, for Partnerships
  • Bureau of Customs Official Receipt or BCOR showing proof of payment of the Php1,000.00 processing fee
  • Corporate Secretary Certificate for Corporations / Affidavit for Sole Proprietorship / Partnership Resolution for Partnerships / BOD Resolution for Cooperatives designating its authorized signatories in the import entries
  • Two (2) valid government-issued IDs of Applicant, President, and Responsible Officers
    • Passport
    • Driver’s License
    • SSS ID
    • UMID Card
    • For aliens, Alien Certificate of Registration and Alien Employment Permit
  • Applicant’s NBI Clearance, issued within three (3) months preceding the application
  • Photocopy of either DTI Registration or SEC Registration / Articles of Partnership and Latest General Information Sheet or Cooperative Development Authority Registration and latest Cooperative Annual Progress Report
  • Applicant’s, President’s, and Responsible Officers’ Personal Profile
  • Proof of Lawful Occupancy of Warehoouse and Office Address
  • Updated Lease Contract under the Corporation or Proprietor’s name
  • Affidavit of Consent from the owner and the Title of the Property under their name
  • In case of Sublease, certification from the Lessor or Owner allowing the sharing of office
  • Printed Client Profile Registration System or CPRS of the Company and updated notification of “STORED” status
  • BIR Form 2303 or Certificate of Registration
  • If applicable, Income Tax Return or ITR for the past three (3) years duly received by the BIR
  • Valid Mayor’s Permit certified by the Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office
  • Proof of Financial capacity to import
  • Bank Certificate or other financial certification
  • The Top 1,000 Taxpayers and those under SGL Companies are exempt
  • If applicable, endorsement from the District Collector
  • Detailed sketch map ofthe  office and warehouse address
  • Company Profile with geotagged pictures of the office with proper and permanent signage and pictures of warehouse or storage area

After getting accredited, businesses can start importing products to the Philippines.

Documents Required when Importing Products

Businesses importing products must provide the following required import documents, as shown here, once their goods arrive:

  • Duly endorsed Airway Bill or Bill of Lading, or certification by the carrier or agent of the vessel or aircraft,
  • Commercial Invoice or any other verifiable commercial document proving payment if there is no sale for export
  • Packing list
  • Duly notarized Supplemental Declaration on Valuation or SDV
  • Certain documents as may be required by certain rules and regulations, including:
  • Import Permit or Clearance
  • Authority to Release Imported Goods or ATRIG
  • Proof of Origin for Free Trade Agreements or FTAs
  • Copy of an Advance Ruling, if the ruling was used in the goods declaration
  • Load Port Survey Reports or Discharge Port Survey Reports for bulk or break-bulk importations
  • Document evidencing exemption from duties and taxes
  • Other relevant documents like a Tax Credit Certificate or TCC or Tax Debit Memo or TDM

When importing animals, plants, food, medicine, or chemicals, importers must also obtain a Certificate of Product Registration from the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration.

Not all items can be imported into the Philippines. For more information, see this list of prohibited and restricted items.

Conclusion

Knowing how to import to the Philippines involves plenty of technical know-how that reliable licensed customs brokers should know. Businesses must look for a reliable customs broker in the Philippines to ensure that their shipments will arrive on time without difficulty.

When importing goods to the Philippines, you’ll need to rely on a reputable international freight forwarding company and licensed customs broker. Let Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics help you handle both on your behalf.

Why are Customs Brokers Critical in Crises?

excelsior on September 15, 2022

The COVID-19 crisis and the Ukraine War heavily disrupted various supply lines worldwide. Different countries already had different laws and regulations in place that usually changed frequently, and the pandemic brought with it more regulations that customs brokers needed to navigate through. The war in Ukraine made things worse thanks to sanctions and the closure of air, sea, and land routes, among others, that disrupted shipping costs and the overall shipping process.

Even if crises are occurring anywhere in the world, businesses still need to import and export products to continue their operations, and it’s the customs broker’s job to ensure that the shipments get to their target destinations.

Customs brokers are vital parts of a supply line, and the following are some of the reasons why they’re critical in crises:

customs brokers

They are Knowledgeable about the Changes in Shipping

The COVID-19 pandemic changed freight requirements and regulations in line with the closing of borders and other changes in line with the pandemic. Because of this, customs brokers had to keep up with the changing rules and ensure that the shipments were delivered and received in compliance with regulations.

The war in Ukraine further negatively affected shipping, on top of the already difficult situation with the ongoing pandemic. Not only did fuel costs increase, but fast and efficient shipping corridors were also no longer safe for shipping, so international freight forwarding companies had to use other routes through other countries to ship cargo. New routes mean new regulations to keep in mind and a few new challenges.

Customs brokers must stay on top of changing regulations and new challenges as they adapt to new language barriers and document processing procedures to ensure that cargo and freight get to their target destinations. They can offer different transport options to ensure the timely arrival of shipments. Without customs brokers, freight forwarding companies and shipping lines will have difficulty with their shipments.

They can Handle the Documentation Process

The documentation process has always been a necessary pain to deal with for shipments. Many business owners had already had a stressful experience dealing with the required documentation before the pandemic started, and the war in Ukraine practically redrew route maps. The process is even more stressful now because previously established processes have changed.

Businesses can rely on reliable customs brokerage services to handle documentation. A licensed and reliable customs broker is versatile and can help open new opportunities because they know how to handle the documentation process. This also guarantees that shipments will arrive on time and businesses won’t miss deadlines.

They can Keep Costs Down

Customs brokers can help businesses reduce import costs basically by doing the following:

  • Save time on paperwork
  • Reduce errors on customs documentation
  • Handle duty payments

Customs brokers already kept costs down before the pandemic started, and they still do so to this day. Without customs brokers, businesses will have difficulty with their imports and exports. Customs brokers can also more readily adapt to the changes in the documentation process because they know all the necessary documents and the most efficient ways to prepare them.

Conclusion

Customs brokers are critical to keeping businesses from wasting money with missed deadlines to other costs resulting from the difficulties that sprung up from different crises. The world still hasn’t recovered from COVID-19, and the ongoing war in Ukraine made logistics worse as different shipments continue to sit in ports for weeks or months, so reliable customs brokers and freight forwarders, by extension, are necessary to keep the supply line up and running.

Without customs brokers, businesses will have difficulty importing and exporting products. Let Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics help you handle the following customs services on your behalf:

  • Prepare important shipping documents
  • Filing & processing customs entry
  • Expedite delivery of imported cargo to clients

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for anyone willing to learn about import and export. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience of more than 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Why are Fuel Costs High and How it Affects the Shipping Industry?

excelsior on June 30, 2022

The Philippines is currently seeing high fuel prices, and the public transportation sector is currently reeling from the effects as drivers are forced to pay for expensive gas. Although rollbacks could happen in the future, it won’t change the fact that fuel costs are still high worldwide.

From regular commuters to international freight forwarding companies, many people are heavily affected by rising fuel costs that effectively increase gas prices, transportation rates, and shipping costs.

international freight forwarding companies

Why is Gas Expensive?

Increased Demand After Strict Lockdowns

The price for crude oil initially went up when the demand for oil and gas returned as the global economy emerged from strict COVID lockdowns. Both oil and gas prices went up as major economies reopened. Because the Philippines is a net oil importer, gas prices in the country will naturally go up when international oil prices spike.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the top five oil producers in the world in 2021 are the following:

  • United States – 18.88 million barrels per day or 20% of the world’s total
  • Saudi Arabia – 10.84 million barrels per day or 11% of the world’s total
  • Russia – 10.78 million barrels per day or 11% of the world’s total
  • Canada – 5.54 million barrels per day or 6% of the world’s total
  • China – 4.99 million barrels per day or 5% of the world’s total

These five countries contribute 53% of the total world oil production, and anything that can affect both the production and sale of these countries’ oil will affect the cost of oil. Since oil becomes fuel when refined, expensive oil will then become expensive gas.

While the initial oil and fuel price hike were because of the increased demand, the situation worsened thanks to the Ukraine war.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Cut Down Oil Supply

Because Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the world responded with multiple sanctions to penalize Russia. Due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States, and other economies, Russia has been selling less oil in the market, resulting in lower supply and higher prices.

Europe started ditching Russian oil by reducing the amount of oil they buy from Russia while shopping around for alternative sources. Some countries still buy some Russian oil because they have become too dependent on it, making it hard to look for alternatives. Because there aren’t enough oil alternatives in the market due to oil producers winding down production, oil prices will remain high until Russian oil returns to the market.

As the war sees no sign of ending anytime soon, it’s unlikely that the global oil supply and prices will return to normal anytime soon.

Effects on the Freight Forwarding and Shipping Industry

Even before the Ukraine War, shipping operators in the Philippines had already imposed bunker fuel surcharges to recover from high fuel costs. Fuel accounts for a freight forwarder and shipping company’s operating costs, so they’re recovering the losses through surcharges. In fact, the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board has already upgraded the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 4, which equates to P108 to P411 per passenger for one-way domestic flights and P543 to P5,026 per passenger for one-way international flights.

The current surcharge is Level 11, which equates to P355 to P1,038 per passenger for one-way domestic flights and P1,172.07 to P8,714.84 per passenger for one-way international flights. Cargo fuel surcharge is also Level 11, which equates to increases of P1.82 to P5.34 per kg for domestic flights and P6.03 to P44.80 per kg for international flights.

Adding the war in Ukraine to the equation, fuel prices will naturally go up. Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, or PMTLAI, president Marilyn Alberto noted that trucking costs would continue to spiral as fuel costs continue to increase. International air freight forwarders in the European Union and the United Kingdom were barred from flying in Russian airspace, creating difficulties in going to East Asia, effectively increasing fuel consumption which then increases fuel cost and transit times.

Alberto said that even if the Philippines does not make any significant trade with Russia and Ukraine, the country will still feel the ripple effect of the following:

  • Higher fuel costs
  • Long transit times
  • Suspension of services
  • Delays due to inspections of cargo bound to Russia to comply with sanctions

The ripple effect increases air and ocean freight rates due to longer container routes, high fuel prices, and possible high surcharges.

Conclusion

The reopening of multiple economies increased the demand for fuel and oil, resulting in higher fuel costs. Both the Ukraine War and the ripple effect of lower oil supply and longer transit times also added to the already high fuel costs. The cost of international freight forwarding will remain high, and it will take time for it to go down. Even so, freight forwarders and logistics companies will continue to operate, and it’s more important than ever to rely on a reputable company.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for those 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 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.

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.

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:

freight provider

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.

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.

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.

7 Factors that Influence Ocean Freight Rates-01

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.

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 excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.

Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.