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Causes of Shipment Delays Every Business Owner Should Know

excelsior on June 15, 2021

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

What Shipment Delays Occur?

Extreme Weather Conditions

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

Issues with the Freight Company/Supplier

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

Climate

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

Pandemic

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

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.

Filipino Customs Brokerage 101

excelsior on April 15, 2021

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.

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 Hiring a Reliable Licensed Customs Broker is Important?

excelsior on February 25, 2021

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

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.

5 Tips before Selecting Your Shipping Carrier

excelsior on November 16, 2020

Managing a business where you have to deal with international clients is not an easy task, especially if you sell products that are in need of some logistical aid. Ensuring that your products will successfully arrive from point A to point B is crucial to maintain a stable supply chain, high customer satisfaction, which ultimately leads to more profit despite the ongoing pandemic.

Choosing a carrier is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to shipping your products. It can be a challenging decision to make since your daily operations will have to adjust to any situation that involves the shipping carrier.

For a start, you have to pay attention to your company’s purpose and capacity to avail the service of a shipping carrier. But of course, there are other things that you can do so that it will be easier for you to find the most appropriate shipping carrier for your business as fast as possible.

Here are five things you should remember before selecting your shipping carrier:

FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

The nature of your business

You have to grasp the specifics of which particular shipping services you need. Find potential carriers that offer the services you’re looking for and see if all of them can handle your shipping needs. If there is a necessity for your products to be transported via different carriers, it could cost you more money in the long run. Try to go for a carrier that offers multiple shipping services.

The experience of the Shipping Carrier

Take some time to research your potential shipping carriers. Find out more about how long they have been in business or whether they have adequate resources to sustain their operations, such as a fleet of trucks and trailers. Owning a warehouse that is stable and reliable is another plus point.

Pricing

The outcome of most business transactions, especially when negotiating with shipping carriers, often relies on the agreed price of both parties. Have a word with any potential carrier and ask if they can provide you competitive rates that are on par with the quality of their service/s.

Discussing the Safety of their Services

Safety must also be a primary topic that you can bring up with any of your carrier prospects. It is essential not to overlook the low price only to discover that your chosen carrier has a high accident rate and rule-breaking records. It would be a wise decision to deal with a carrier that gives you a slightly higher price in exchange for the assurance that they can ensure the timely and safe arrival of your goods. If such a carrier has an excellent safety rating among its former clients, then you are good to go.

The Benefits of Partnering with a Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders in the Philippines can be an individual or an agency that can handle some of the most time-consuming logistics tasks for your business. One of these tasks is negotiating with the right shipping carrier that can benefit your business. They can also take care of all types of documentation, clear other shipping related requirements, and track your goods as they arrive at their destination.

Sources:

https://blog.bisontransport.com/8-tips-for-choosing-the-right-carrier

https://www.energytribune.com/the-advantages-of-hiring-a-freight-forwarder/

What You Need to Know When Handling Packages During the Pandemic

excelsior on September 30, 2020

The role of transportation in business has become even more evident during the spread of the pandemic. Since most people are afraid of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus, they tend to spend a lot of time indoors. While several countries like the Philippines are currently experiencing all the negative repercussions of such a crisis, there is still a high demand for different sorts of products, especially those that can be purchased online.

Making business transactions using your device and waiting for your products to arrive at your doorstep is a better idea than rushing to nearby grocery stores and malls. Surely enough, buying stuff on the internet is the safer option than exposing yourself to large crowds. However, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of you getting the virus – the packages you regularly receive have been moved and touched by several people. Now, the question remains unanswered among many consumers: what are the precautionary measures that must be applied when handling packages that they brought online?

COVID-19 from Packages

According to information from the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), the type of novel coronavirus that leads to COVID-19 can survive on surfaces of any form of materials for days. Based on an article published in Wirecutter, a study has been conducted to test the lifespan of the virus, suggesting that it can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours.

CDC also stated that the virus has a low risk of infecting more people because packages normally undergo a long shipping process, which can take days or even weeks. The virus that’s been potentially infesting the package might have already died before it can even be brought to anyone’s home.

Handling Packages during the Pandemic

Experts in the field of virology already stressed the main reasons for how COVID-19 can be transmitted from one person to another – through respiratory droplets. There is still the possibility of contracting the virus by engaging physical contact with an infected surface, but there is little to no evidence to support this claim.

Given all the collective knowledge that we have on the virus’s behavior, CDC continues to recommend the public that the best way of preventing the spread of the disease is by washing your hands regularly and observing physical distancing with other people. There’s no harm in spraying disinfectants on your packages, but always ensure your hands are sanitized after touching the products. You can also be more cautious by taking the items you need and disposing of the parcel right away.

Keep in mind the other things you come in contact with upon touching the package, such as your doorknob, table drawers, etc. You have to consider sanitizing them as well to minimize your risks of infection further.

Sources:

The Future of Supply Chain Management

excelsior on September 15, 2020

According to investopedia.com, supply chain management refers to the practice of organizing the flow of goods and services which also involves the processes of transforming raw materials into final products. Many businesses today, especially those who wanted to streamline their profits, focus a lot on supply chain management every time they set their eyes on a new potential target market.

Supply chain management can also be helpful in gaining a competitive advantage when it comes to maximizing customer value. Despite the lack of customers and other competitors due to the pandemic, it’s also essential for enterprises to elevate their supply management strategies through the use of modern technology.

This article will provide a sneak peek on some of the popular tools that can dominate the supply chain management methods and techniques in the near future:

Automation

In the past decades, keeping the stability of the supply chain had been made possible with the help of manual collection, analysis, and tracking of specific data, as well as inventory and invoices. But with the continuous integration of automation in the world of commerce, it’s most likely that every menial task that was once crucial for supply chain management will be replaced with more efficient automated systems that will make the job easier. Examples include radio-frequency identification (RFID) and transport management system (TMS).

Security Systems

Privacy protection is becoming more of a big deal for businesses that rely on digitalization. Software developers are on the verge of creating new platforms and tools for tracking and managing the route of cargo without compromising other important aspects, such as the accuracy and speed of product transportation.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs

Formerly known as a popular idea for science-fiction films and literature, unmanned aerial vehicles are now gaining more recognition as one of the future technologies that will greatly benefit many businesses. At the moment, UAVs are used to aid logisticians in managing trailer yards and warehouses, which can provide a more detailed view of its contents from above. UAVs are expected to be major mechanisms in future supply chain management solutions, especially in surveying the condition of warehouses, as well as keeping eyes on remote areas.

Artificial Intelligence or AI

The rise of AI might lead to reducing the need for manual processes in the field of supply chain management. Artificial Intelligence can significantly help in providing accurate analysis of data that can lead to businesses capable of identifying flaws in their operations and coming up with a highly efficient solution in addressing most issues.

Advanced Analytics

Highly correlated with the use of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics also require The Internet of Things (IoT) in streamlining supply chain management. This will make a vast amount of data produced by daily business operations more organized and structured. From customer insights to the network of carriers, businesses can have access to information that can guide them to make better decisions and become more responsive to the challenges that they regularly face.

Sources:

https://www.universalcargo.com/5-ways-technology-will-simplify-supply-chain-management/

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/scm.asp

Getting the Best Rates from Your Freight Forwarder

excelsior on August 15, 2020

Many businesses today, such as those that specialize in importing and exporting goods, seek the help of a skilled freight forwarder in order to ensure a seamless and hassle-free transportation process. The reason behind the popularity of freight forwarding services lies in the fact that most products, especially the imported ones, are prone to damages and late arrivals. On top of that, transporting goods can be a time-consuming process, with a list of requirements to be submitted to the customs authorities for legal purposes. All of these issues can be solved by hiring a freight forwarder who can take over the duties of complying specific customs requirements, as well as tracking the condition of the goods in real-time.

If you are a business owner looking for a freight forwarding service, the first thing you must consider is your preferred budget. Costs for freight forwarding services may vary depending on the company, and surely enough, the best services often demand a higher price. However, there are some tricks of how you can increase the odds of getting the best rates while negotiating with your chosen freight forwarding agency:

Always Plan Your Shipments

When it comes to booking shipments, freight forwarders are usually fine in accomplishing some last-minute requests, though it might indicate that they have to use their connections to keep the cargo moving, which may require a higher fee. Planning your shipments can help you to notify your freight forwarding agency ahead of time, allowing them to complete all of the requirements without any pressure, potentially minimizing your expenses in the long run.

Learn How to Consolidate Shipments

Consolidating your shipment comes with many benefits, and one of them is affordability. Try to do some research about the difference between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Container Load). Some businesses that transport goods in lower quantities often choose LCL because it is way cheaper than FCL.

You can read more about the pros and cons of LCL here.

Consider Your Shipments’ Transit Time

Transit time is an important factor that directly affects a freight forwarding service. For instance, if you want your goods to be transported at the earliest time possible, you might need to book an air shipment, which will cost you a lot. Other intermodal methods, such as ocean carriers, can offer a lower price in exchange for a longer transit time. Let your freight forwarding agency know about your current projects and plans so that they can provide you with expert advice regarding your available options in terms of carriers and see what suits your budget.