You run a business, and you’re looking to expand and sell your products overseas. You know shipping your products overseas is just the start. But what other services can global logistics firms offer to help your company go global? Here are the top 5 key services international logistics providers can offer beyond basic shipping.
Warehousing And Inventory Management
Logistics companies provide storage and inventory management for businesses. They have massive warehouses to store products, parts, and materials for companies. Having a third party handle your inventory means you don’t have to worry about space constraints or managing the storage process. Some companies will even tailor their warehousing and order filling to exactly what you need, so if you’re the one picking Amazon picker, they make it easy for you.
Logistics providers also use advanced inventory management software to keep track of every item in their warehouses. They log the item details, quantity, location, shipment details, and more. This gives you real-time visibility into your stock levels and inventory value at any given time. They can also handle tedious inventory tasks like cycle counts, reconciliations, and reporting.
Transportation And Fleet Management
Logistic companies handle the transport of goods across borders and overseas. They have massive transportation operations with cargo ships, planes, trucks, and railways to move products between suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, stores and customers.
Operating such a large fleet requires careful coordination and management. Routes need to be planned, vehicles maintained, and drivers scheduled to ensure goods arrive on time. With multiple modes of transport and destinations worldwide, this is no small feat.
Efficiently transferring cargo between ships, planes, trucks and trains is key. Minimising delays during handoffs and keeping goods flowing smoothly requires aligning schedules and ensuring equipment like cranes and forklifts are ready. Any hiccups can disrupt supply chains and impact customers.
Coordinating Across Borders
As goods and cargo make their way around the globe, logistics companies handle the challenging task of coordinating the journey through various countries and jurisdictions. Each border crossing requires complying with specific import and export regulations to legally transport your shipment to its final destination.
The amount of paperwork and documentation required for international shipping can seem daunting. Logistics firms have teams of experts who know the ins and outs of trade agreements, duty rates, licensing, and other cross-border requirements to ensure your papers are in order before your freight proceeds to the next stop. They work directly with customs brokers to streamline the process so you can avoid penalties, extra fees or shipment delays due to missing or incorrect paperwork.
Regulations around the world frequently change, and penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Reputable logistics providers stay up-to-date with all rules regarding restricted or hazardous materials, safety standards, labor laws, and more to guarantee your cargo moves through each country legally and efficiently. Whether you are looking for shipping Italy to USA, Ukraine to USA or Denmark to USA, with a logistics partner handling these complexities, you can feel confident your shipment will reach its destination without issues.
Freight Forwarding
Freight forwarding and customs brokerage are two of the most critical services global logistics companies provide. As a freight forwarder, the company will arrange the transportation and storage of your goods from origin to destination. They handle all the nitty-gritty details of getting your shipment where it needs to go, including choosing the best carrier, routing, and rates.
Freight forwarders deal with the paperwork and procedures to move cargo internationally. They book space on ships, planes, trains, and trucks; prepare and file the necessary documentation for exporting and importing; and ensure your shipment clears customs. This allows you to focus on your core business instead of spending time on logistical issues.
As customs brokers, logistics companies have extensive knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures required to clear shipments for import and export in the countries you’re dealing with. They act as your agent to prepare and submit the necessary documents to clear your cargo through customs. Their experience and relationships with local customs officials can help avoid expensive delays in the clearance process.
Tracking And Visibility Tools
To effectively manage and optimize your supply chain, logistics companies provide tracking and visibility solutions to give you real-time insights into your shipments. Shipment tracking lets you follow your cargo in real-time as it makes its journey across the globe. Using tracking numbers or barcodes, you can see up-to-date information on your shipment’s location, estimated arrival times and any exceptions that may cause delays.
Some companies also offer more advanced visibility and analytics tools. These provide data and reports to help identify bottlenecks, improve efficiencies and reduce costs in your supply chain. For example, interactive dashboards give you an overview of all your shipments, lanes, carriers and KPIs in one place. You can drill down into specifics to uncover trends and optimization opportunities.
Many logistics providers also offer mobile apps so you can access tracking and visibility information on the go. Receive notifications about milestone updates, exceptions and delays straight to your smart phone. Some apps even allow you to book shipments, generate reports, and connect with customer service reps.
Choosing The Right Company Is Not Always Easy
Whether you’re an SME looking to expand overseas or a multinational firm, partnering with a global logistics provider can give you the infrastructure and expertise to grow your operations internationally. However, selecting such a partner is not without challenges. Make sure any company you’re thinking of going with can properly handle exactly what you need, plus think about what others say about how good their service really is.
