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

The Role of a Licensed Customs Broker in the Logistics Industry: A 2024-2025 Guide

excelsior on November 8, 2024

One factor contributing to the growth of the world economy is the logistics industry, which has been boosted when international freight forwarding becomes more relevant. In fact, the global logistics market was expected to elevate its value to 15.79 trillion in the year 2028.

While this growth has proved that importing and exporting goods are significant to the economy, the procedures have also become more intricate. Hence, hiring a licensed customs broker is vital. They serve as an intermediary to assist importers and exporters. They also provide services in acquiring and processing the documents and applications needed in international trade.

Licensed Customs Broker: The Bridge for Smooth International Shipping

A customs brokerage service processes importing and exporting applications. It oversees all customs-related transactions, including documentation, tax collections, and the importation and exportation of goods.  

A customs broker also enables importers and exporters understand the laws and requirements needed for shipping. They have become invaluable assets for companies as they have enough networks with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and trade authorities. This has led them to eliminate complexities in the international shipping process, making the clients’ shipment operations seamless.

The Roles of Licensed Customs Broker in the Logistics Chain

Below are the duties and roles of a licensed customs broker in logistics:

Dealing with Customs Transactions

For importers or exporters, the arduous process of transporting a product takes a lot of time. To lessen the time consumed in processing, customs brokers can help clients with their paperwork. This includes transferring documents needed for the customs department, reviewing, protecting, and clearing goods or supply chains, and processing the entire shipping process.

Fee Management

Broker customs also manage customs expenses. They calculate all the fees, duties, taxes, and expenses, which are then paid and delivered directly from the client’s account.

Client Representative

With customs brokerage, clients are represented when they need to engage with customs-related operations. A licensed customs broker usually deals with authorities and communicates with their clients about changes in regulations or the progress of procedures.

Customs Operations’ Documentation

Similar to freight forwarders, customs brokers are involved in record-keeping their clients’ confidential and necessary transaction records. They also monitor the shipping of goods to ensure their safe entry and arrival at the destination.

Why Hiring a Licensed Customs Broker Matters?

Working with a customs broker is crucial for businesses and shippers, as it hugely offers value in the logistic chain:

Lesser Expenses

In customs, specific software or hardware is required to automate the process, which can be costly for clients. But brokers already offer services using the latest technology to streamline goods shipping.

Proactive Shipment Solution

Items’ shipping occasionally causes undesirable delays due to unforeseen circumstances. A reliable customs broker can help clients deter conflicts and propose a solution. They are also knowledgeable in various customs regulations and have established connections with authorities, allowing them to accomplish logistics needs without problems.

Boost Sales

The efficient and streamlined service provided by licensed customs brokers in shipping a client’s goods opens a vast opportunity for business owners. Since most consumers want their products to be received in a short period, new markets will be reached, and more sales are most likely to boost.

Hassle-Free Shipment

Hiring brokers is a tremendous advantage for clients who strive to achieve a hassle-free customs transaction. These brokers are capable of handling operations in export and import-related matters. They can get things done fast and can ensure a smooth operation without letting the clients worry.

Searching for the Best Licensed Customs Broker

The logistics industry remains developing, and this transformation creates a more complex process. Dealing with the customs regulations and authorities takes time.

Therefore, the best solution to start faster and seamless shipping is to foster collaboration with licensed customs brokers from Excelsior. Excelsior is a logistics corporation that delivers high-quality shipping services. They can assist clients achieve a hassle-free logistics transaction, guaranteeing protection to their shipped goods to safely arrive at the right destination.

Read more:

Why are Customs Brokers Critical in Crises?

Why Your Business Needs a Licensed Customs Broker?

The Role of a Licensed Customs Broker in the Logistics Industry: A 2024-2025 Guide! Infographic Image 23242

How to Build Healthy Relationships with Customs Officials and Why It Matters?

excelsior on October 23, 2024

The ever-changing international freight forwarding market has become more significant, as it is expected to expand to $18.69 billion by the year 2026. While logistics has become an integral part of the world economy, the processes have also become more intricate in ensuring that shippers and customs brokers follow the regulations imposed.

Navigating complex operations, particularly in international shipping, requires extensive regulatory compliance and clearance processes to allow businesses, importers, and exporters to ship their goods successfully. This is why maintaining healthy and strong relationships and business partnerships with customs officials matters.

Establishing connections is a good strategy not to dodge the bullet in strict regulations but to create a streamlined process, faster transactions, and prevent miscommunication.

Here are some practical tips and strategies on how to build a positive and healthy relationship with customs officials:

Adhere to the Rules and Regulations

One of the most crucial steps in building healthy relationships with stakeholders and customs is understanding the enforcement regulations in shipping.

A shipper must be knowledgeable about the requirements, such as licenses, certificates, permits, and other documents that need to be presented before shipping. It is also essential to be well aware of the potential consequences and risks that might be acquired due to compliance failure.

Being informed of the rules and regulations in logistics reflects how professional and respectfula shipper is to the logistics industry officials. Being aware of the rules to follow also creates open communication with the customs officers, which prevents risks and violations.

Establish Proper Communication

The second step to maintaining a relationship with customs officials is to communicate clearly to ensure that trust, collaboration, and transparency will be created. This implies that it is vital to provide the correct information and data related to shipment to keep the customs well-advised.

For instance, your goods’ shipping details need to be changed. Hence, the first thing to do is inform the officials of those changes so they are aware and can provide assistance. This could also prevent misunderstandings and possible conflicts with the customs administrations when shipping your goods.

Stay Proactive

The next step in creating a good relationship with customs officials is to be proactive. Whenever you are planning to engage with a logistics company in the Philippines, it is important to anticipate potential disruptions, conflicts, and risks that may emerge.

Moreover, a business shall be prepared on how to deal with and adapt to such circumstances. Being proactive in engaging with logistics reflects a business’s responsibility and innovation in handling potential concerns.

Ask For Feedback and Recommendations

Securing connections with customs officials can be achieved by seeking their advice and feedback. This enables a business to enhance its performance and efficiency in handling shipments.

As customs officials have expertise in logistics, their opinions and recommendations matter in addressing concerns and potential disputes that might occur.

Seeking help and assistance from customs also restates a business’ dedication and willingness to achieve a conflict-free logistic process.

Apply What You Learn From the Customs

Lastly, one strategy to validate the customs officials’ effort in your logistic clearance and documentation is to apply what you have learned. This means that a business shall integrate its advice, such as using the best practices to improve its logistics process.

In return, it is fundamental to express recognition of their contributions to allow your business to be seamlessly processed.

Establishing contacts with customs can also strengthen a business’ competency, loyalty, and partnership with the officials.

How to Build Healthy Relationships with Customs Officials and Why It Matters? Cover Image 99845

Conclusion

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, having a good connection with customs officials matters a lot. It cannot only help a business ensure faster shipment processes and transactions but also allow the gaining of essential insights, advice, and tips to enhance a business’s shipment performance.

Fostering collaboration with customs officials may be an advantage for shippers and businesses, but it is critical to remember that maintaining this professional relationship is what matters most.

If you are too busy to deal with customs officials but need help keeping transaction records and documenting your freight forwarding process, a licensed customs broker from Excelsior can help. Excelsior is a logistics corporation that offers reliable shipping services worldwide. It can help clients track their shipments and ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

Read more:

Logistics Restrictions: List of Banned Products in the Philippines

excelsior on October 8, 2024

While logistics persist to thrive in the global economy, economic growth has also arisen. Logistics plays a powerful role in the global trade industry. It ensures the seamless flow of products and services, allows international shipping and economic integration, boosts the employment rate and operation of small businesses, enables reaching broader markets, and provides essential support in varying industries.

In the Philippines, the freight and logistics market is estimated to reach USD 25.38 billion by 2028 due to the massive growth of the e-commerce sector. As more people purchase products on different platforms online, the freight forwarding industry has become more in demand, as extensive amounts of goods are needed to import or export from suppliers to consumers.

However, countries like the Philippines have laws like Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), that restrict and ban the importation of specific items unless permitted by law or regulation.

To ensure the state of national security, order and morality, and environmental and public health protection, below is the list of  some Philippines’ banned and restricted imports:

Drug Substances

The CMTA prohibits the importation of any products containing marijuana, coca leaves, opium and other illicit drugs, narcotics, nicotine or synthetic drugs, tobacco, and other smokeable products. Also, importing items such as e-cigarettes, vape brands, e-liquids, and any drug paraphernalia that is utilized for taking or injecting drugs is banned. All these prohibited and regulated products will only be allowed by the Philippine administration once authorized by the Dangerous Drugs Board for medicinal purposes.

Firearms and Weapons

Unregistered products that could cause harm, such as knives, all sorts of guns, hand weapons, bullets, firearms, explosives, and related accessories used in war, dynamite, gunpowder, explosives, and other paraphernalia that could be mistaken as firearms, are prohibited. These items can only be imported once authorized by law.

Human Remains and Live Animals

Human remains, body parts, and fluids are banned from being imported into the Philippines. Meanwhile, live animals, insects, endangered, exotic, and domesticated species, or any of their parts, are also forbidden as they must adhere to laws and regulations in animal protection.

Gambling Materials and Apparatus

CMTA also refused to import goods such as gambling materials and apparatus. These included roulette wheels, pinball machines, mechanical devices used in gambling, cigarettes, marked cards, and gambling outfits.

Goods That Pose Threat to National Security

CMTA bans the importation of any products or goods, be they printed or written, that advocate treason, insurrection, rebellion, and sedition against the Philippine government. Further, written or printed goods that contain threats in any form, such as inflicting bodily harm and taking life upon any person in the Philippines, are also not allowed.

Adulterated Goods for Human Consumption

Importing misbranded items, such as food products or medicine, meant for human consumption is also prohibited in the Philippines as it could violate relevant laws and regulations. All goods intended for human consumption shall be authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and shall secure necessary documents, permits, licenses, and clearances.

Final Thoughts

Logistics plays an integral role in businesses and the global economy. As the logistics industry in the Philippines continues to grow, Philippine laws and regulations regarding the importation and exportation of products become more rigid. Unless approved and authorized by appropriate agencies, these items will remain on the list to ensure the integrity of morality, national security, and public health and safety.

If you are exploring relevant services that offer worldwide logistics, check out Excelsior now. We are a logistics enterprise that provides shipping and logistics services.

Discover more about the freight forwarding and logistics industry by reading these articles:

10 Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Five Money-Saving Tips for Importers

Logistics Restrictions: List of Banned Products in the Philippines! Infographic Image 44435

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier vs Freight Forwarder: What Are the Differences?

excelsior on August 19, 2024

The global transportation of goods in the business landscape continues to pave the way to the development of the economy. Whilst breakbulk and international shipping do have complex logistics processes, the global logistics market is still forecasted to skyrocket to $18.69 billion in 2026.

Moreover, international shipping involves various services for a single transaction, including the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and Freight Forwarder, which are commonly mistaken to be similar in functions.

What Are NVOCCs?

NVOCC is an ocean carrier that provides transportation services to shippers without operating ships or its own vessels. Instead, NVOCC purchases space from vessel-operating common carriers and resells it to shippers. Further, NVOCC serves as the middleman in logistic services, particularly in transferring cargo.

Roles of NVOCCs

NVOCCs, though offering cost-effective shipping and low freight rates, offer varying functions in shipping:
 Cargo Consolidation

NVOCC delivers and receives cargo as carriers. They collect shipments from various sources to optimize container space and produce cost-efficient loads and flexible shipping options.

Documents Facilitator

NVOCCs process documents. They prepare the house bill of lading and paperwork concerning booking space for shipping lines and regulations. NVOCCs follow regulatory measures to ensure the legality of goods transportation and streamline the movement of commodities.

Rate Management

NVOCC’s other role is arranging payments for essential charges. Their company has access to international shipping routes in the global market. They set freight rates and shipping costs for shippers.

What is a Freight Forwarder?

Meanwhile, freight forwarders are experts and multi-functional operators. They facilitate the seamless movement of cargo, whether through rail, road, air, or ocean transportation. However, freight forwarders are the agents to shippers, only functions to arrange the transaction, not the ones to move the cargo.

Functions of Freight Forwarder

With the task of arranging and planning the logistics, freight forwarders have their primary roles in transportation services:

Logistics Planning

A freight forwarder plans the most cost-efficient route for shipping goods. They arrange customs clearance and cargo movements for local and international destinations and prepare documents for shipment activities. They also manage cargo consolidation by applying freight forwarding trends.

Customs Processing

Freight forwarders handle the paperwork when dealing with customs. They act as jacks of all trades, ensuring compliance with regulations and seamless shipping of international trade through proper cargo insurance and inventory management.

Handling and Negotiating of Contracts

On behalf of the exporters, they are the ones negotiating contracts with the carriers to ensure cost-efficient shipping deals. Freight forwarders can also issue the house bill of lading and facilitate their freight contract.

Main Differences Between NVOCC and Freight Forwarder

As service providers for shipping logistics, there are differences between NVOCCs and Freight Forwarders:

Relationship With Shippers

NVOCC serves as an intermediary between the shipper and vessel operator to conduct transport services. Meanwhile, freight forwarders collaborate directly with shippers to make decisions and plan the logistics process.

Primary Purpose

The exporters or importers defined NVOCC as a carrier to the shipper that works independently through third-party companies to support them. Besides, freight forwarders act as agents to shippers; they may also function as NVOCC’s agents.

Mode of Transportation

NVOCCs are mainly assigned for ocean transportation, which differs from freight forwarders, as the latter can offer different modes of freight transportation, whether through air, land, or ocean, for the buyers to monitor and control the commodities.

NVOCCs vs. Freight Forwarder: Choosing the Best Service Provider

To select the best service provider for transporting goods, whether it is an NVOCC or international freight forwarding company, it is essential to consider the following:

Level Of Service

Selecting between NVOCC and freight forwarder depends on the shipper’s needed service. For instance, there is only a need to book the transfer of goods in an ocean vessel, so NVOCC is an excellent choice for cost efficiency. Therefore, if a shipper needs guidance to identify the best route and rate for shipment as well, it is better to select a freight forwarder.

Best Freight Rates

When it comes to freight rates, it is recommended to choose NVOCC when there is a money constraint, as a shipper could save more fees. Compared to a freight forwarder, this agent will assist with the entire logistics process and services, which could be costly.

Conclusion
 Understanding the concept of different logistics services like NVOCC and freight forwarders is vital, especially when a shipper looks forward to streamlined commodity shipping. Both services may differ in crucial aspects but can ensure smooth and cost-efficient customs brokerage service for a positive logistics experience.

If you are looking for relevant services that offer freight forwarding and worldwide logistics, visit Excelsior, a logistics corporation that offers reliable shipping services.

Read these informative articles to learn more:

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier vs Freight Forwarder: What Are the Differences? Infographic Image 0000099

Container Congestion in Singapore: How It Affects Worldwide Logistics?

excelsior on July 30, 2024

Port congestion is considered the most compelling issue in the shipping industry today. It is a situation where ships experience backlogs while waiting to load or unload cargo due to overbooked capacity ports, leading container ships to berth instead.

This logistic concern has led to numerous concerns regarding supply chains, higher shipping costs, and major shipment delays.

In fact, Singapore, known as the world’s largest transshipment hub and the second-busiest port in 2023, is also exposed to and affected by container congestion, which disrupt operations and lead to lengthier transit times.

According to Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s transport minister, the issue concerning Singapore port congestion has gotten worse as 90 percent of the container ships arrive off-schedule.

This Singapore congestion has been aggravated by the Red Sea Crisis, which prolonged the rerouting of vessels and ocean carriers between Asia and Europe and damaged global ocean shipping.

With this concern affecting not only Singapore but also worldwide logistics, various factors have been added to the list, which has generated huge impacts on the shipping industry and consumers.

Sources of Port Congestion

Weather Conditions

Severe weather conditions, like storms and rough seas, hinder the normal operations of shipping services. Given that cargoes and goods are transported out of the channel by sea, massive delays are possible, which could knock ports and customers off their feet.

Labor and Manpower Disputes

Port workers, such as truck drivers, dockworkers, port operators, and other staff members, are responsible for packing, unloading, document checking, cargo clearing, and cargo moving. Strikes, disputes, stoppages, and other job working conditions could limit and drastically slow down these services.

Poor Infrastructure and Equipment

Container congestion is largely caused when ports lack cargo handling equipment like chassis, and there is insufficient storage, container yards, and berths. Due to infrastructure deficiencies, major backlogs lead to the piling up of cargo and containers, which could lead to delays.

Demand Surges

The influx of imports and exports from the e-commerce market and platforms has become prevalent during the pandemic and continues to the present. The demand surges swamped the port’s capacity, causing service disruptions and container shipping traffic due to the large amounts of goods that needed to be transported.

Impacts of Singapore Congestion on Worldwide Logistics

Container Congestion in Singapore: How It Affects Worldwide Logistics? Infographic Image 0000008

Major Delays

As shipping operations have been halted due to container congestion, a domino effect could spread throughout logistics. A supply chain crisis could emerge and cause longer transit periods, backlogs, and delays in shipping schedules, which will directly impact the consignees and consumers.

Generates Extra Costs

When a ship stays longer in port, the higher the costs and the driving of inflation. Singapore container congestion will not just cause significant delays in deliveries; this will generate extra fees for the consumer due to increased billing for port services and fuel usage. Higher freight rates for shipping companies are also possible; hence, this could lead to congestion surcharges.

Lost Revenue for Businesses

A small delay could lead to a huge disturbance. Congestion could also impact small businesses, causing them to lose revenue and income due to inventory delays, production discontinuance, and missed sales due to customer unsatisfied remarks.

How to Deal With Singapore Port Congestion?

It is essential to illuminate potential solutions that could be applied to avoid Singapore port congestion and future delays.

Thorough Planning

Through intensive and streamlined planning, delays, shipping methods, production schedules, and supply chain operations would be seamlessly solved and anticipated, lessening the impact of congestion.

Enhancing Port Infrastructures

As the shipping industry becomes increasingly relevant, meeting the demands also means expanding and enhancing the needed infrastructure. Having a larger capacity of ports and sufficient containers, berths, and storage will limit congestion.

Diversifying Routes and Logistics Network

Optimizing routes and searching for alternative gateways with larger capacity and low congestion levels are necessary. Finding alternative transportation should also be considered to ensure prompt delivery and freight assistance. In this case, it is also essential to look for a freight forwarder with a vast logistics network to handle delays and shipping issues professionally.

Conclusion

Although PSA Singapore claims to deal with shipping lines and freight services to minimize container congestion, it is still necessary to be aware of how the shipping industry affects global logistics and how it should adapt amidst the rising issue of port congestion.

Learn more by reading these articles:

The Benefits of Outsourcing Logistics

excelsior on December 12, 2021

Outsourcing logistics is a cost-effective strategy to expand your international reach and increase profits. The cost of hiring employees and renting storage space is typically lower than hosting operations in-house.

Outsourcing Logistics

Outsourcing Logistics Lessens Paperwork

Outsourcing also helps minimize the amount of paperwork, invoices, and inventory. You can focus on other aspects of your business, such as maximizing your business’s sales potential. Outsourcing also improves efficiency, which is critical for reducing costs.

Operational Benefits of Outsourcing Logistics

Aside from reducing operating costs, outsourcing logistics can also provide several strategic and operational benefits. For example, you can take advantage of a 3PL’s experience to negotiate better prices with domestic transport providers. These providers also have access to a variety of suppliers and can accommodate seasonal inventory changes. They can even accommodate seasonal inventory fluctuations. Furthermore, they have the resources and expertise to handle the complexities of supply chain management.

Outsourced Logistics Allows You to Focus More on Other Business Matters

By hiring a third party to handle your logistics, you can focus on developing your business instead of worrying about the day-to-day activities of the logistics department. It will free up your employees’ time to do more important tasks. Outsourcing logistics also allows you to focus on other aspects of your business, such as marketing. The results of outsourcing logistics are worth the extra cost. If you’re planning to grow your business in the future, outsourcing logistics may be the perfect solution for you.

Outsourced Logistics Saves More Money

The most obvious benefit of outsourcing logistics is cost savings. Outsourcing your business’ logistics to a third party will save you money and improve control and visibility of your company’s inventory and orders. It will also ensure that you get the best service for your money. When it comes to saving money, outsourcing your business’s operations to a third-party logistics provider is a great way to go. All of your staff can focus on running your business, leaving you free to focus on growing yours.

Outsourcing logistics can also reduce costs. Your team will have more time to focus on innovations, and you will no longer need to worry about managing a logistical department. By hiring a 3PL, you can focus on core business functions. Your team will be able to focus on these things, which means you’ll be able to focus on your logistics. You will be able to concentrate on your business and not worry about logistics.

Key Takeaways

Outsourcing logistics helps your company’s fulfillment process run more efficiently. Outsourcing your logistics to a third-party provider will free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business. You will also be able to save money by cutting operational expenses and investing in other areas of your business. You will be able to focus on your core business while you’re outsourcing your logistical operations. When you outsource logistics, you’ll have the freedom to concentrate on other aspects of your company.

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.

Importance of Bill of Lading-Infographic

excelsior on July 31, 2020

The expansion of international trade for as early as the medieval times led to the development of a system to help merchants keep track of the conditions of goods, as well as to validate its time and location of loading. Over the course of history, this system of validation in the form of receipt has played a major role in the modern world of commerce and is now widely known as a bill of lading or BOL.

 

What is Bill of Lading?

Bill – refers to a written or printed statement indicating the cost of products or services delivered or to be delivered.

Lading – the action or process of putting cargo on a ship or vessel.

Understanding these two terms provide an overview of the actual definition of a bill of lading:

A document issued by a carrier that serves as a receipt for the cargo being shipped. It contains vital information about the goods, such as the type, quantity, and destination. In international trade, a bill of lading can be considered as a legal transportation contract acknowledging the agreement between the carrier and the shipper on movement and delivery of goods.

The Purpose of Bill of Lading

  • The bill of lading is an essential document that is used to certify that a contract has been made tocarry out a transportation service to a specific number of goods. Losing this receipt can mean a lot of trouble, especially for many businesses, as it can hinder the arrival of the products to its receiver.
    • The document also serves as a proof to confirm that the goods match the description listed on the paperwork, indicating its original condition before the transportation process.
    • The bill of lading can be used to identify the person who paid for the freight charges and customs fees, as well as the one responsible or liable for transferring the goods from the sender to the receiver.

    Common Details Listed on a Bill of Lading

    • Piece count (the total number of boxes, skids, or cartons to be delivered).
    • Description of the goods.
    • Shipper’s and consignee’s names together with addresses.
    • The date of the shipment.
    • The exact weight of the shipment.
    • Any special requirements for transportation and delivery.
    • Any instructions given by the shipper to guarantee safe and prompt delivery.
    • Account numbers for order tracking.

    Key Takeaways

    Transporting a large number of goods, especially for business purposes requires a bill of lading with accurate information to ensure a seamless process and keeping the ideal condition of the goods at the same time. For those who wanted to experience an organized issuance of bill of lading, it is recommended to seek the help of a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC).

    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.

     

    Sources:

Ways of Preventing Shipment Delays

excelsior on June 15, 2020

Ways of Preventing Shipment Delays

Untimely arrival of shipment is perhaps one of the most common problems of businesses nowadays.  With the world currently facing the COVID-19 outbreak, supplies can deplete faster, and delayed shipments could result in poor customer service and wasted profit opportunities.

On the other hand, those who specialize in manufacturing are more likely to suffer from the effects of delayed shipment. Based on a study, around 62% of respondents believed that they are less likely to negotiate again with a supplier whose products were not delivered to them within the promised dates.

If you’re running an import/export business trying to transport your products with minimal to no delays, then here are some of the ways to do so.

Know the Cause of the Delay

The first step for preventing delayed shipment is through having an understanding of what causes the delay in the first place. This will enable you to prepare solutions the next time around.

Examples of scenario that are usually attributed to the untimely arrival of shipment include:

  • Bad Weather – Typhoons and even other forms of natural calamities are purely unavoidable, which make it the most tolerable cause of shipment delays.
  • Errors in Documentation – Any errors in documentation, such as the misspelling of the address, incorrect order forms, and incomplete information, can also lead to unnecessary late deliveries.
  • Package Redirection – A change in information, especially the address, can usually make a shipment be transferred in a different time of arrival.
  • Customs Delay – Customs authorities typically require a list of requirements before you can clear your shipment. Failure to submit these documents in time will guarantee a late shipment.

Practicing utmost care and planning ahead of time are the best measures that you can do to prevent any of these indicators from happening.

Make your Warehouse More Organized

Keep your warehouse well-organized, especially if you receive tons of orders every day. Arrange your products based on how popular they are, and make sure that the packages that you will transfer are all in a separate place so that they can be easier to find upon dispatching.

Utilize Logistics Software

Automation can be considered as one of the efficient ways of combating delayed shipment. However, you should take note that using software for managing logistics can prompt you to invest more money, as they can be quite expensive. But in case you don’t have enough resources to afford logistics software, you can still go for an alternative way. Formulate a step-by-step checklist that will guide your employees while doing logistics tasks.

Hire a Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker

Partnering with a freight forwarding agency or a customs broker in the Philippines comes with a lot of benefits, which include preventing any delays in your shipment. Since both professions are very knowledgeable in logistics, they can provide you some helpful advice of the best carrier company that will ensure the timely arrival of your goods. And if you have issues with your documents, a customs broker will surely help you clear everything up as they are very familiar with the process involving customs requirements.

If you want to know more about what freight forwarders and customs brokers do, check out the infographic here.

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.

5 Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid

excelsior on December 15, 2019

5 Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering the nuts and bolts of shipping is a crucial skill for businesses that specialize in transporting their products from one place to another. While shipping is simply defined as placing goods or people on a carrier to be brought to its intended destination, it could be a pretty lengthy and complicated process for those with limited knowledge about logistics, as well as customs requirements.

Shipping also plays a vital role in the capability of an enterprise to provide the highest degree of customer experience to their clients. One way to do this is of course, avoiding mistakes in every shipping transaction as much as possible. Though such a task is easier said than done, the first step a business owner must do is identify the potential shipping errors ahead of time.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled some of the most common shipping mistakes as well as efficient methods of avoiding them:

 

Improper Packaging

An easy way to increase the chance of shipment damage is by incorrect packaging. Products may vary in shapes and sizes, and some might be even so fragile that a well-secured packaging is required in order for it to be safely moved from point A to point B.

When shipping a set of products, have a thorough assessment of the most appropriate type of box, and invest in high-quality protective cushioning if needed. Having a professional in the shipping industry is another surefire way of preventing damages in shipment brought by improper packaging.

 

Wrong Shipping Address

Once shippers failed to pay more attention to what is written on the Bill of Lading (BoL) miscommunications with the carrier company might arise. For example, a wrong shipping address could result in freight transporting the products in the wrong destination.

Checking the shipping address multiple times is one and the only solution to prevent this mistake. Make sure that every detail is correct, including the ZIP codes of the intended place.

 

Letting a Single Carrier handle all Shipments

Availing the service of a single carrier can help foster positive relationships between business the carrier company. However, relying on a single carrier could prove to be a risky option. In the event that a well-trusted carrier company experienced a strike or downscaling of its facilities, its clients could end up having large piles of shipment with no one to move it around.

Creating more connections with multiple carrier companies is one way of avoiding such hassle, not to mention access to opportunities in terms of having competitive rates and operations.

 

Inaccurate Shipment Weight

Carrier companies tend to be prudent and specific when it comes to weighing the shipments of their clients. They always have certified scales placed at their terminals to make sure that every shipment’s weight is worth the fee they require. Some businesses neglect to weigh their products and as a result, they are forced to pay an additional fee on their bills.

Purchasing a high-quality weighing scale and using it on products beforehand prevents any unnecessary expenditures in shipping.

 

Not Keeping Delivery Receipts

Delivery receipts serve as evidence that a shipment is free from any damage before the delivering process. Presenting these receipts on situations such as shipment damage provides validity that can save a business from bearing all the costs brought by the damages during the shipment process.

 

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.

Sources:

5 Questions a Logistics Expert Might Ask You – Infographic

excelsior on October 31, 2019

Given the scenario that you’re a business owner looking to ship your goods from coast to coast, you will definitely need someone that can guide you through the process. Requirements that are needed to transfer your shipment could further encumber your already busy schedule. What’s even worse is that unchecked cargo could lead to delayed arrivals and other similar problems which could bring detrimental effects to your supply chain.

Fortunately, you have one option: hire a freight forwarder. In case you don’t know what freight forwarders are, they can be an agent or a company that offers services such as organizing shipments in place of their clients. They always make sure that the client will get the proper assistance they need with all of the customs requirements, other legal processes, etc. They also ensure the safe and timely arrival of goods to its intended destination.

Since they’re dealing with a network of carriers and customs authorities, you should’ve realized by now that freight forwarders are experts in the field of logistics. If you wanted to contact one of them, you must be ready to ask these five questions first so that they can provide you the highest and appropriate kind of service you deserved.

5 Questions a Logistics Expert Might Ask You - Infographic

Question no. 1: What type of commodity you’re planning to ship?

Your chosen freight forwarder will most likely ask what type of commodity you’re planning to ship. Is it something perishable, like fresh meat, fruits, seafood? Or non-perishables such as canned goods, machinery, tools, etc.? Moreover, they will also become curious as to whether your goods are hazardous or requires careful handling and temperature controls.

Question no. 2: What type of carrier would you prefer?

Shipping your goods in air is very different from shipping it in the ocean. The condition of your products (especially the perishable ones) are required depending on the environment of your selected carrier.

Question no. 3: How many cartons do you plan to ship?

Knowing the exact quantity of your shipment is another responsibility of freight forwarders so that they can be certain that all of it will leave point A and will successfully reach point B. You need to be particular in number especially if you have a lot of cartons with different sizes.

Question no. 4: Where are you going to your goods?

Normally, the location would be the manufacturer’s factory. In case you’re going to ship your goods abroad, knowing the location of your shipment’s destination will help a lot in complying with specific documents that may vary from country to country.

Question no. 5: Would you like to stack your cartons on a pallet?

Knowing whether you will stack your cartons on a pallet will enable your freight forwarder to estimate the weight and cubic space that it will occupy. This can help a lot when calculating the total weight and volume of the shipment appropriately.

Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct 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.

Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.