
International Shipping Solutions
International Shipping Solutions
Shipping internationally is a great way to reach customers outside your home country. It can also increase your customer base and revenue.
However, international shipping can be a complex process. It requires a careful approach to avoid common issues. These include time zones, language barriers, and currency exchanges.
Ocean Freight
Whether your business ships goods on a large scale or small volume, ocean freight is an efficient way to transport your items. It is a popular option for large shipments, and it can be more affordable than air cargo.
Shipping costs depend on several factors, including the type of vessel, the size and weight of the cargo, and the company you hire to handle your shipment. Other factors to consider include insurance costs, customs security surcharges, and pickup and delivery charges.
There are two primary types of ocean freight shipments: LCL and FCL. LCL shipments are good for cargo that is less than a full container load, while FCL shipments are good for high volumes of cargo that fill up the entire container.
A reliable international shipping solution is crucial for businesses to achieve success. Fortunately, technology has made it easier to track shipments and ensure they arrive safely.
Ocean freight is one of the most common methods for moving goods, and it can be used to ship everything from products to cars. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transportation, as it uses a fraction of the CO2 emissions of air cargo.
However, it is important to note that this form of transportation is not the only way to move goods across the world. Air freight is also an effective option for certain shipments, especially if the product is smaller or lighter than what is commonly shipped by ocean.
If you’re looking to move heavy, time-sensitive goods from one country to another, then ocean freight is your best bet. NEX provides a wide range of international shipping solutions, including car, specialty vehicle and equipment shipping via RoRo and container ships.
NEX also offers heavy lift services for the transportation of goods that require special handling or oversized cargo. We can ship your goods anywhere in the world, and we can help you clear them through customs.
We offer door to door and port to port services for Less than a Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, backed by Agility’s global network. Plus, we provide tools to make shipping easy with fast online quotes, a compliance engine, and the resources to get your freight on the water quickly.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest form of shipping a shipment, and it is often used for time-sensitive goods. For instance, it can help manufacturers meet customer demand for just-in-time production by delivering the needed replacement parts in a matter of hours. It can also help pharmaceutical companies send temperature-sensitive immunizations across the world.
It can also be used for reverse logistics, such as repair and warranty work on electronics and other high-value products. Air cargo transport provides many benefits, including reliability, flexibility and cost efficiency.
Airlines offer different modes of air freight transportation, with options including general cargo, priority service and over-the-counter service. When deciding what type of air freight is right for your business, it’s important to consider the size and weight of your cargo and your delivery requirements.
The process of shipping with air freight begins at your company’s warehouse or facility, where the air carrier you choose collects and loads your shipments. The air carrier then takes them to the airport, where your shipment is loaded on a plane and taken to its destination.
While the speed of air freight is a major advantage, it is important to keep in mind that shipping via aircraft can be difficult. A number of factors international shipping solutions can impact your shipments, including weather conditions and the availability of the right airline.
For critical shipments that need to meet tight delivery windows, charter services can be an excellent choice. This option gives you exclusive use of a plane, and you can schedule flights at the best time for your needs.
As long as you have the right airline and a dependable freight forwarder, air shipping can be a cost-effective way to get your goods to their destination. The air freight industry is expanding and will continue to grow, especially in the long run, as more businesses seek a balance between cost and time when shipping internationally.
To learn more about international shipping solutions, speak with a Crowley expert today. Our specialists will guide you through the air freight logistics process to ensure your shipments arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
3PLs can provide international shipping solutions for small businesses by allowing them to access new markets without spending time and money on warehousing, equipment, and labor. They have the experience and know-how to get your products shipped efficiently, saving you money and enabling you to grow.
A 3PL can also help your business improve customer experience through faster delivery, accurate order fulfillment, and reliable package tracking information. These features can help boost your sales and improve customer satisfaction.
Choosing the right 3PL partner is critical to success. The best option is one that can scale to your needs and has a solid track record of client satisfaction.
Ask if the 3PL is willing to negotiate shipping rates and accept discounts. You may also want to inquire about their warehouse network and how it will fit into your supply chain strategy.
You can also request a free consultation to see how the warehouses operate and check on their financial stability. This will give you a clear picture of how your shipments will be handled and what you can expect from the company.
Another factor to consider is whether the 3PL you’re considering offers shipping insurance and tracking information. Most customers have high expectations for the accuracy and reliability of their packages. If the shipping provider can’t meet this demand, you may have to consider a different option.
When it comes to pricing, most 3PLs offer various service models. Some charge for each product picked and packaged, while others base their pricing on a flat rate that includes warehousing and shipping fees.
Most 3PLs have a rotation of transportation services, so you may be able to save on shipping costs by using them to manage your supply chain. Most 3PLs also have relationships with shipping carriers, so they can get you negotiated rates.
Packaging: Most shipping carriers charge based on packaging dimensions, so it’s a good idea to choose a 3PL that offers flexible options for ensuring your packages reach their destinations safely. This could include using different packaging materials to minimize logistics expenses.
Kitting: If you have a product that’s difficult to assemble, such as an intricately designed accessory or a multi-piece jewelry set, you can choose a 3PL that offers kitting and assembly services. These services can be a great way to create an even more personal connection between you and your customers.
Transportation Management System (TMS)
If your business has a large volume of freight to transport, you’ll need a transportation management system (TMS). A TMS provides international shipping solutions by providing visibility and control over shipments, optimizing routes, selecting the best carrier, and managing freight logistics.
A TMS can also help you avoid delays or other problems by providing real-time tracking and reporting, and it can provide information on trade regulations and customs clearance requirements. These features can help you reduce costs, ensure compliance, and improve decision-making.
Choosing the right TMS is important, as you want to find one that fits your needs and is easy to use. You should look for features such as inventory tracking, optimization engines, and carrier contract consolidation.
It should also offer flexible integrations with other systems and data sources. This can include ERP systems and warehouse management systems.
TMS platforms are usually cloud-based, which means that they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. They can also be managed remotely, which can save you time and money on maintenance fees.
In addition, TMS vendors should be able to support you in the event of any problems. This should international shipping solutions include customer service via email, phone, and live chat.
A good TMS will allow you to compare carriers’ rates and automate the booking process, which can lower your costs and increase efficiency. It will also simplify the payment process and create detailed carrier payables, which will speed up your accounting processes.
Additionally, a good TMS will make it easy to track and measure carrier performance, so you can optimize your network and facilities to increase efficiency. This can also help you avoid paying more for shipping services than you should be.
A TMS is a necessary part of any company’s supply chain. It helps to reduce administrative costs and reduce the likelihood of making costly mistakes by automating processes, including auditing, contract negotiation, payment and order scheduling. It also helps to reduce the cost of shipping by making it easier to find the most cost-effective carrier options and reducing the number of shipments.