Infographic Archives - Page 2 of 7 - 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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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