FACTORING THE FREIGHT
Chris Dimitriou
Director of Sales at Independent Warehouse Solutions & Stelno Logistics Services
You’ve received the order. The product is ready to go. So how do you maximise your profit margin on the transaction when you’re factoring the freight?
A quick Google check will highlight countless transport, logistics and freight forwarding options. Here’s what to look for in a GOOD service provider that can help you implement a seamless supply chain delivery that leads to happy customers and future growth;
1. PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPERIENCE
Nothing beats the value of hard-earned experience when determining the best way to ship and how your freight forwarding partner will deal with issues like; customs, warehousing, cargo reroutes etc.
Knowing how to project manage and trouble shoot potential risk areas is an inherent part of ensuring your goods arrive at their destination unhindered.
Creating a reliable and efficient supply chain is crucial to the success of any business. There are several ways to get your product from point A to point B so If your provider offers multiple solutions and shipping options that facilitate your needs and cost structure it will make meeting customer expectations more feasible as well as save valuable time and expense.
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Each industry has specified requirements when it comes to international shipping. When choosing a freight forwarder, confirm that they have the services you need. This will ensure all your international shipments go smoothly.
The services that a freight forwarder should provide includes:
- Freight forwarding via sea and air
- Customs clearance & preparation of import/export documentation proficiency
- Comprehensive insurance
- LCL consolidation at origin
- 3PL warehousing services
- Domestic and interstate transport
- Freight charge negotiation
- Door to door services (including combined agency networks)
- Domestic and International parcel services
- Multi-modal transportation options
- Tracking services
3. RESOURCES & SUPPLY NETWORK
The booking, handling, transportation and delivery of your shipment from origin to destination is a responsibility that requires the right network of global agents whom work in the destination country your goods will be shipped to, as well as a trusted supply chain that will ensure a smooth process from point-to-point.
The flow of information is just as important as the flow of the transportation in ensuring your products are arriving in a timely and secure manner, so a systemised approach with transparent communications is essential. Collaborative teamwork, sharing of information, resources and knowledge provides additional power to excel in our field of supplying cost-effective, reliable and timely solutions for customer satisfaction with their transport and logistics requirements. Intermediaries with a large database of suppliers are often able to offer more competitive prices and options than those with limited connections.
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
Excellence in customer service is imperative and a direct link to the agent managing your cargo is always a good sign that the provider is giving your delivery, priority. There should be open lines of communication if any delays or concerns with a shipment arise and there will be a quick response and communications regarding any potential issues or delays so that provisions can be made to account for any changes.
Choosing a transportation company that has integrity in the workplace, is trustworthy, reliable and with contingencies to mitigate much of the risk associated with the logistics of delivery, is the most important step in the journey. Your partnership with your transportation and logistics provider should be a dedicated commitment to saving time, minimising stress and increasing profit margins.
Creating a reliable and efficient supply chain is crucial to the success of any business. The Stelno Corporation are a strong partner for navigation within the transport and integrated logistics sector. Driven by excellence in customer service and a comprehensive service offering, they continue their rapid expansion for delivery across local, state and international destinations.
Contact us today @ [email protected] to discuss your next move.
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