Recently, companies had to deal with supply chain disruptions, especially on international logistics. Transportation, storage, and allocation of products is not a small issue. It requires attention to detail, planning, and a lot of discipline.In light of the current supply chain disruptions, companies are looking for ways to simplify the process. Below are eight ways for Business operations international logistics:
- Establish Procedural Specifications
Before working with any logistics company, it’s essential to establish all procedural specifications. The logistics solution you settle for should be like an extension of your commercial policy. It should also be compatible with the following:
- Customer needs and meets delivery schedules
- The flow of the product
- Reception of products on arrival
- The required level of service
- All ancillary service from departure to arrival
- Customer formalities
If your logistics solution is in tune with the above, you will have an easier job allocating the products. It will also solve the nightmare of having to worry about your goods all step of the way.
- Choose the Right Transportation Method
Ensure you thoroughly study the varying transportation submissions. This will help you make an informed choice about the different transportation methods. Companies are working on a tight schedule to meet ever-increasing customer expectations.
The duration of transport is essential for companies working on tight schedules. However, other aspects should also be taken into consideration. When choosing the method of transportation, ensure you consider the security of your cargo, quality of service, and price.
Additionally, it’s also essential to find the proper storage solution depending on your stock’s size.
Does the international shipping company also offer storage? There are different types of storage options that international shipping companies may offer, such as warehouse storage that protects items from damage due to temperature or humidity fluctuations. Some international shipping companies partner with self-storage facilities to offer storage options for their customers.
- Take Advantage of Freight Forwarders
Importation and exportation of goods can be quite stressful if you’re unsure about the procedures. Fortunately, freight forwarders understand the policies and rules related to international transport. They have the know-how to consolidate the liaisons between the carriers.
A freight forwarder will handle the whole importation or exportation process on your behalf. They will deal with administrative issues and the customs clearance of the goods.
- Hire a Transport Consultant
Consider consulting a transport consultant. Transport consultants act as middlemen between the transport providers and your company.
Before sending out the shipment, your transport consultant will create a draft of the procedures for each transport process stage. They will submit this draft to each party for approval. They can also advise on the best mode of transport to use for your stock.
Transport consultants can also offer a logistic solution plan that integrates all the three modes of transport; air, land, and water.
They can also handle the storage and take care of all the required documentation.
Transport consultants also handle transit procedures from the country of origin to the destination. Even if you’re shipping less than container load (LCL), a transport consultant will come in handy.
- Look at the Packaging
When transporting things, the packaging is an essential aspect for the success of the process. Pay close attention to your products’ packaging to protect and preserve your stock.
Proper packaging will ensure your items arrive at the destination in mint condition. This will limit the return and rejection of goods by customers.
- Automate Your Logistics Processes
Automation is considered the future of logistics and transportation. Most supply chains are moving towards automated transportation of goods. This is because automation increases efficiency and maximizes profits.
Thanks to the current supply-chain interruptions, automation is more critical than ever. It reduces errors and saves you money, especially if you are price conscious.
Adopting AI and IoT is the best way to ensure that all your company’s resources are used effectively. It also ensures that your stock is delivered with as little expenditure as possible. According to statistics, 64% of companies with AI technology are able to focus their resources on other important issues.
- Ensure Your Risk Management Strategy Is in Alignment With Your Bottom Line
Due to the pandemic, many companies have realized how exposed and unprepared they are. In the past year, risk management companies have been the most needed B2B services. Companies are looking for new ways to create agile and flexible business operations.
These new business operations are based on risk management and resilience. Ensure you look for the right ways to handle your company’s risk management. This will ensure there is a standard and centralized supply chain management.
Risk management also helps prevent potential future breakdowns. You can optimize your international operations by diversifying your sources. You can also do this by handling potential disruptions in advance.
- Learn From Your Competitors
Simplifying your company’s international logistics can be challenging. This is especially true due to recent supply chain interruptions. However, you can draw inspiration from anywhere- even from your competition.
Take note of your competitor’s experiences. Use this knowledge to improve and simplify your processes. Below are some things you should look out for when observing your competitors:
- What new logistical management methods are they using?
- How well have they adapted to the current disruptions in the supply chain?
- What modern software systems are they using to make work easier?
- How efficient are their staff training programs, and how can you adapt this to simplify your job?
- What practices can you borrow from your competitors?
Competitors can be a free source of knowledge for companies. You can also benchmark your business processes with your competitors’. It will help you stay updated on logistics industry trends and updates.
Are You Ready to Simplify Your Company’s International Logistics?
Most companies haven’t mastered the art of international transportation. Most companies chose not to export more expensive products abroad. Others choose to avoid importing less expensive things from foreign countries.
However, product diversification is essential for the sustainability of any business. Simplifying your company’s international logistics will help the transport process easier. Following the above tips will reduce the hassle involved in the transportation process.
For more tips, check out other posts on our website.
