/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Importing from China: What you need to know (Part 2)

Importing from China: What you need to know (Part 2)
Importing from China: What you need to know (Part 2)

What do you think of China's unclear regulation of imports? What is the best way to overcome this problem?

I don't think the lack of clarity in Chinese regulations actually affects importers directly. If you import shoes, you won't have any problems with Chinese regulations. Suppliers load goods into containers (for FOC Incoterm) and you won't have any problems.

Importing from China does have tax benefits. But this is already included in our supplier's FOB price. That said, we don't need to know about legislation. There are also regulations that control and monitor the products that suppliers can export. For example, shoe suppliers cannot export sofas. This is why so many manufacturing companies in China entrust their exports to other companies. All of this is done to avoid China's strict regulations. But as mentioned earlier, this has little impact on importers.

What are the main difficulties and challenges that importers face when importing from China?

For first-time importers, the lack of understanding of the entire process is undoubtedly the biggest hurdle. They don't know how to hire a shipping company or who they have to pay duties and taxes to when shipping containers.

For experienced importers, their biggest problem is often the volatility of container prices. You can agree to a price of $500, but it goes up to $2,500 on the day it ships. Right now, this is the most vexing problem.

What advice do you have for shippers importing from China?

I recommend working under FOB Incoterm. Always negotiate FOB prices to avoid surprises from CIF prices. Under FOB conditions, you can control the entire shipping process from the origin port to the warehouse. This way, you can avoid any unexpected charges and get everything organized before the import process begins.

Can China maintain its status as the world's largest producer for a long time? Are there any signs that this will change?

I have no doubt that China will continue to be the world's largest producer for quite some time. What is happening today is that the processes that took place in China ten years ago have moved to other countries where labor costs are low, just like China ten years ago.

But having said that, some processes are just moved. A large portion remains in China. I think the production of raw materials in China will continue for some time.

How can importers minimize the impact of the General Tax Rate Increase (GRI)?

Since most GRIs are in effect in the first week of the month, importers can avoid the impact of GRIs by billing in the last week. Another option is to negotiate with your forwarder to get a better price than another shipping company that is not affected by GRI.

In terms of technology, what are the main opportunities for imports from China? What are the main advantages of using technology to book ocean freight?

Find suppliers through the Alibaba platform, new payment methods with companies like Transfermate, container tracking, and door-to-door services with companies like TJ chinafreight. Technology has definitely made life easier for importers.

In your opinion, which markets in China currently offer the greatest potential and opportunities for exporters?

I am not an expert on exporting to China. But every time I travel to China, I always try to find out what the Chinese are looking for.

I talk to people in my China office and they always tell me the same thing. Health and quality of life are the top concerns for Chinese people. Being able to feed a family is one of them, especially after the tainted baby milk incident. Pollution is also a big problem in China. That said, anything that offers a solution or can improve the quality of life in China is always a huge business opportunity.

As always, luxury. international well-known brand. The Chinese middle class is willing to pay higher prices for quality European products than for local Chinese products.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How does LCL shipping work?

How does LCL shipping work?
How does LCL shipping work?

What is LCL shipping?

In ocean shipping, there are two main forms of containerized cargo - Less than Container Load and Full Container Load. As their names suggest, LCL deals with goods that take up less than the entire space of a full container, meaning a container must be shared, whereas FCL simply means owning a full container on its own.

To learn more about these two different types of containers, read our pages on LCL Shipping and FCL Shipping.

LCL Shipping: How It Works

Also known as "LCL", LCL shipping essentially refers to combining various goods in a single container. Since this involves sharing a container, it's a bit more complicated logically and requires more and better coordination to make sure everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

Book LCL

When you decide to ship LCL, you need to provide the freight forwarder with the dimensions and weight of your shipment. Documents and forms such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, cargo packing lists, etc. must also be completed and submitted. Depending on your cargo type and destination port, additional documentation may be required.

Get your item ready

LCL shipments are usually shipped on a fixed schedule, weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the destination port, so timing is critical. The grouping of LCL goods is carried out in one warehouse, called the Consolidated Warehouse of Origin.

Your freight forwarder can arrange for your shipment to be picked up, which is more common practice. Alternatively, you can also ship the goods to the consolidator warehouse yourself. But remember, if you choose the latter, your shipment needs to arrive fully prepared, packed and ready to load. If you prepare the shipment yourself, be sure to read our guide on how to calculate the volume of a LCL shipment using Tetris.

Whichever method you choose, please note that your shipment must have enough time to reach the warehouse. If the warehouse is located/close to the port of departure, the deadline for your cargo to arrive at the consolidation warehouse is usually 7 days before the sailing date. It depends on the location of the warehouse. For inland warehouses, the deadline will be earlier given that it takes more time to get the container to port.

This is to allow sufficient time for all LCL loads in the container to be properly LCL. Please give us our article on how to properly prepare a LCL shipment to guide you.

Transshipment to port

Once the LCL container is packed and ready, it is shipped to the port of departure as specified in the contract/booking. Port deadlines for containers are usually around three days before the sailing date. After the combined cargo arrives at the port, it is transferred to the shipping company and then shipped to the port of destination.

Transport

If you're shipping to a secondary port, your LCL cargo may be unloaded at a transshipment point, where it's either shipped to another container or waits for more cargo to fill the container before continuing on to its final destination.

In layman's terms, this is similar to what happens with your luggage when you're in transit at the airport. It needs to be unloaded from the plane you landed on and transferred to your next flight.

Reach the destination

After the LCL container arrives at the destination port, it is taken over by the destination agent of the freight forwarder. He/she will collect the containers and deliver them to a warehouse called a destination de-packing warehouse. There, the cargo in the container is broken up into individual LCL loads.

Receive your item

At this time, the consignee can go to the warehouse to pick up the goods. Alternatively, you can have an agent handle the shipment to the consignee, in which case your item will be transferred from the destination unpacking warehouse to the final destination warehouse before it is delivered to you.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

 

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed
5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

This can be very frustrating when your shipment is late. Estimated shipping times should be as precise as possible so that the relevant part knows when delivery is expected and when to schedule pickup. However, things can go wrong and, unfortunately, shipping delays can occur.

The client may end up pushing you to meet the deadline, and you are ultimately responsible for the delay. Even in some cases they may have damaged, faulty or incorrect parts.

To help, we've compiled a checklist of five common reasons your shipment may be delayed.

1. Timetable and Transportation

Most cities have traffic. Between construction works, accidents, detours and roadblocks, people often experience transportation delays due to traffic. To improve this, courier drivers can use route optimization software.

Route optimization software tracks the fastest route, updating it in real time to avoid delays and disruptions.

2. Customs issues

For international shipments, as a freight carrier facing customs, all required documents must be prepared and filled to prevent any issues. Without proper documentation, delays are likely to occur. For example, required documents may have been submitted incorrectly or may be missing.

Also, if the authorities decide to inspect your shipment, the problem can quickly escalate into further problems.

Merchants should have a backup plan in the event of a shipment being held by customs. This may include partnering with a reliable courier service to ensure the security and accuracy of documents.

3. Lack of clarity

A simple but common problem that causes shipping delays is lack of clarity, such as poor handwriting. Using pen and paper in the courier industry is prone to mistakes and accidents.

Shipping labels also play a vital role in delays. If the labels are of poor quality, they can cause problems when couriers read or scan them, and items can get lost.

4. Insufficient technology

Outdated software or outdated hardware creates huge problems for courier companies. This is because legacy software limits opportunities to integrate new technologies and blocks access to features that can reduce shipping delays.

To better track your shipments, it's a smart idea for merchants to invest in the latest hardware and cloud-based software. This provides a more holistic approach across the supply chain, enabling couriers, 3PLs, logistics and transport businesses to stay connected and use real-time data.

5. Lack of equipment

Continuing on to the point, equipment shortages are another big problem that shippers often overlook. Moving goods from warehouses can be challenging and certainly not smooth sailing. This is especially true if you need multimodal transport, including road and rail.

There may also be cases where the container cannot be used. There may be insufficient supplies, or they may only be available in certain areas of town. Of course, such a situation may also lead to delays in delivery.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

 

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers
Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

With more than 1,500 countertop manufacturers in the U.S., the fragmented nature of the market leaves manufacturers without significant resources or leverage when it comes to shipping. Also, the nature of the product, especially the long size, makes shipping unattractive for many carriers, resulting in surcharges and penalty rates.

Countertop Manufacturer Industry Definition

Countertop manufacturing primarily cuts, shapes and finishes kitchen and bathroom countertops. Countertops are made from a variety of materials including: wood, plastic laminate, stone, faux marble, ceramic and concrete. The industry does not include countertops constructed on site by building contractors.

Key Industry Insights:

  • The market size was over $89 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2.8% to over $111 billion by 2027.
  • Material innovations, namely various artificial stone and artificial marble products, and the use of recycled materials such as glass are exploding. Unique, architecturally significant countertops are driving higher prices and profits for manufacturers.
  • Innovations in manufacturing technology, especially 3D printing, have simultaneously produced unique one-off products, reducing manufacturing labor, shortening manufacturing time and increasing profits.
  • Growing interest and investment in refurbishment and remodeling is driving the industry's growth above new construction. New construction is expected to remain strong due to the imbalance between U.S. housing starts and households over the past five years.
  • Durable laminate countertops make up the largest portion of installed countertops in the U.S., and demand will be strong even as engineered and natural stone grow in popularity.
  • Concerns about natural radiation (i.e. radon) from natural granite and its high purchase price will hinder the growth of engineered and farmed products.
  • Residential demand will continue to be the primary use market.

Logistics considerations for countertop manufacturing

Shipping costs are serious business for many countertop manufacturers. Smart, growing countertop manufacturers are using experts to help them gain a competitive advantage in shipping.

Shipping countertops presents some unique challenges:

  • Size - Most countertops are long and narrow. Small package shippers such as UPS and Fedex limit the total size of packages they will handle and charge exorbitant surcharges before rejecting package sizes. For the past few years, less-than-truckload (less-than-truckload) carriers have been using surcharges to block shipments over 8 feet.
  • Packaging - Packaging countertops to withstand shipping environments require proper design and judicious use of packaging materials
  • Weight/Density - Depending on the material, the countertop may or may not be heavy. But because of their size, countertops rarely fit in the cargo configuration most carriers need.
  • The destination-home delivery trend is driving the need for more and more countertop deliveries directly to the installation site. For trucking companies, these mostly "one-off" residential deliveries are less efficient than comprehensive deliveries to stores or warehouses.
  • Damaged - Countertops, especially when packaged improperly, are prone to damage, resulting in unhappy customers, delays and additional costs.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Import from China: FOB, CIF or EXW Incoterm?

Import from China: FOB, CIF or EXW Incoterm?
Import from China: FOB, CIF or EXW Incoterm?

FOB, CIF or EXW? The Incoterm you choose to import from China can greatly affect your overall cost. But oddly, it's rarely the focus of your import activity.

Most importers tend to put the lowest possible sales price as a higher priority, ignoring other details. This could end up being a costly mistake. Given their direct impact on import costs, now is the time to start taking a closer look at Incoterms.

Product prices vary by Incoterm

The price of your purchase will vary depending on whether you imported using FOB Incoterm, CIF Incoterm or EXW Incoterm. Many Chinese suppliers include shipping costs directly into the product price, which is why they usually have different price lists depending on the Incoterms used.

Be very careful when negotiating with Chinese suppliers here, as the price difference does not always correspond to the price of sea freight. Suppliers have been known to use this to manipulate buyers into choosing a specific Incoterm that is more beneficial to the supplier. This will be explained further when we discuss the CIF Incoterm.

Incoterms determine the control you have

The Incoterm you choose will define your control over your shipment at every stage of the shipping process. Whoever controls ocean shipping has control over costs and greater bargaining power.

If you let the supplier manage the ocean freight, you must accept the price and conditions he sets with the freight forwarder.

Import from China with FOB Incoterm

FOB Incoterms are probably the favorite - and in some cases only - Incoterms of experienced importers. We are talking about countless imported products with different characteristics, each with their own unique needs.

In my opinion, if you can only choose one Incoterm to import from China, FOB Incoterm will be your best choice. Why? FOB Incoterm gives you more control over your imported ocean cargo without the responsibilities that come with it.

Import FOB and EXW from China

As mentioned, the biggest advantage of using FOB to import from China is the control you have. You also have less responsibility than EXW.

For FOB, your responsibility as the importer is freight, cost of arrival and delivery. This means that any problems at the origin will be the responsibility of your supplier in China. However, with EXW, you are responsible for any problems and unexpected expenses - both at the origin and destination.

In short, while both FOB and EXW Incoterms are considered safe options for importers, there are significant differences in how responsibility is allocated.

Import from China using CIF Incoterm

Buyer's responsibility: payment of goods, arrival fee, customs clearance at destination, inland transportation at destination from port to warehouse, and corresponding import duties.

Responsibilities of the seller: deliver the goods according to the conditions agreed with the buyer, obtain the necessary documents for export, manage the inland transportation in China, manage the customs clearance and pay the corresponding customs fees in China, rent and pay the sea freight, insurance, and original Origin port charges.

For a novice importer, a CIF Incoterm may look very tempting: no need to pay for shipping, no need to choose or negotiate with a freight forwarder, no need to organize shipments, and most importantly, the item is actually cheaper than buying under another Incoterm they.

Import from China using EXW Incoterm

Buyer's Responsibilities: Pay for the goods, manage inland transportation at origin and destination, pay origin, ocean freight, insurance, manage customs clearance at origin and destination and pay appropriate fees, and pay appropriate customs duties.

Seller's Responsibilities: Deliver on the terms agreed with Buyer, provide all required documents and proofs.

What is the best Incoterm when importing from China?

In theory, FOB, CIF and EXW are your viable options for importing from China. Each involves a different amount of risk, liability, cost, and safety.

My advice

Choose the safest Incoterms that give you maximum control over your ocean freight.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Freight Handling Professional and smooth shipments

Freight Handling Professional and smooth shipments
Freight Handling Professional and smooth shipments

Freight handling, also known as hauling, is the delivery of your cargo from the loading dock/carrier or premium warehouse to your booth and back to the loading dock/carrier at the end of the show. Hauling includes the delivery of materials to your booth, the handling of empty containers in and out of your warehouse, and the removal of your materials from your booth for reloading onto your outbound carrier. Freight handling should not be confused with the cost of materials to and from the show.

The safe handling of goods depends on the relevant personnel following the relevant procedures and applying the necessary skills to handle them. Therefore, this qualification is designed to provide learners in the freight sector with:

  • Comprehensive practical and theoretical foundations of freight handling.
  • The ability to work more effectively with others.
  • The skills necessary to maintain and improve the level and quality of service expected by customers.
  • Knowledge and understanding of key business principles leading to the transformation, transferability, economic growth and social development of the freight handling industry.

Freight Forwarding Services in China

Freight handlers play a key role in the movement of goods because they represent the physical link that ensures that goods are handled efficiently and safely. Warehouse and distribution companies hire freight handlers to unload their incoming cargo. The warehouse's freight handlers have offices on-site and on-site management. They generally use forklifts and pallet jacks provided by the warehouse. Their work is the main business because not only do they play an important role in inbound freight, but now they are starting to be used for outbound freight because they are cost effective. Freight handlers contract through warehouses and distribution centers for periods ranging from one to five years. Once at the warehouse, the carrier can choose to unload its own cargo or hire a freight forwarder.

Benefits of using a freight handler

  • The warehouse has a full-time third-party employee who spends nothing during the dead time, and basically they don't go to work.
  • Once the driver decides to hire, it is the responsibility of the unloader to unload.
  • The driver pays for the unloading of the semi-trailer
  • There are no warehouse or distribution charges for unloading of goods.
  • Another great benefit of this deal is that warehouses and distribution centers get rebates or cash back on all business generated.
  • It was a winning situation for both sides.
  • Freight handlers can also be trained to perform all duties around the warehouse. Then, when your company employees start working overtime, you can release them and use temporary service employees to
  • fill those positions. This is a great way to keep working hours low and profits high.
  • The unloading service of cargo is paid for by the cargo, box or pallet, they are usually never paid by the hour. This is great for productivity as they will work hard to stay productive because if they are not productive it will hurt their paycheck.

A good freight handling service provides weekly productivity reports so they can analyze where the problem is and come up with solutions to maintain control of the terminal. A good trucking service can help you recruit by letting you hire their staff. This gives you the advantage of trying before you buy. The best services don't even charge you for this benefit. This can be a free training ground for your future employees, giving you time to learn about their work. By outsourcing, you can develop a robust warehouse or distribution service.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What is inventory optimization?

What is inventory optimization?
What is inventory optimization?

Logistics companies are constantly striving to optimize their supply chains. Inventory optimization (IO) is one of the most important parts of the process. IO can be defined as "the act or process of identifying and reducing waste in an inventory system".

Key Elements of Inventory Optimization

Optimizing your inventory means you'll determine exactly how much and when of each SKU you need to order to consistently serve your customers. Inventory optimization takes into account seasonality and activity as well as supplier delivery times and schedules. That way, you'll always have the right product in the right warehouse without taking up too much inventory. This blog post will briefly describe the key elements of optimizing inventory and links to resources that will give you more details on each key concept:

1. Demand forecast

There are several ways to forecast demand, including looking at last year's or previous period's demand or a salesperson's request forecast. This works for some SKUs, but on other projects, these approaches can send you down the completely wrong track.

2. Inventory Policy

The next step is to determine your inventory policy, which means deciding which products to stock and how much to keep in each unit.

3. Replenishment

Last but not least is inventory replenishment. This is to calculate reorder points and order quantities and convert them into actual orders.

The benefits of inventory optimization in the logistics industry

Inventory optimization in logistics is a process designed to maximize the use of available space and time while minimizing the number of shipments. Achieving the best inventory optimization strategy depends on the supply chain, demand patterns, and inventory management systems. The main benefits of inventory optimization for the logistics industry are:

Improve customer satisfaction

In the logistics industry, one of the most important things is customer satisfaction. Not only is this because you want to keep your customers happy, it also increases your profits when they are happy with their purchase or service. It can be difficult for companies to figure out what customers are looking for. Businesses need to meet customer demand by determining how much inventory is needed and where it is located. Inventory optimization software can help solve this problem.

Reduce costs

By monitoring the time it takes for goods to move through the supply chain, you can reduce transportation costs such as storage and shipping fees. This means increasing the profit margin of your business. The logistics industry is always looking for ways to reduce costs. Inventory optimization is one of the best ways to do this because it reduces inventory levels and reduces storage and handling expenses.

Inventory management helps reduce your spending on warehouse space, labor and shipping costs. It increases productivity, thereby reducing overtime and turnover for driver-operators and customer service personnel in distribution centers. The store management course will teach you the techniques and knowledge to systematize a distribution center or warehouse.

Improve service quality

Service quality is an important factor in the logistics industry. However, achieving and maintaining a high level of service is difficult due to the complexity of managing inventory and assets in these systems. Improved service quality is one of the benefits of inventory optimization that can lead to more profits for a business like yours. The goal of any business owner should be to provide customers with high-quality service that meets their needs. Inventory optimization can help you do just that!

In conclusion

The logistics industry is one of the most important industries in the world. It is responsible for delivering goods to their destination on time and with less chance of damage or loss. Without inventory optimization, it would be impossible for these companies to effectively do what they need to do. Fortunately, implementing an inventory management solution into your company's processes brings many benefits!

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment

Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment
Details to remember when transporting heavy equipment

Understandably, most customers want the best combination of price and service to ship heavy equipment. Often, the company with the most detailed information gets the best prices, the best service, and the most loyal truck drivers. Unfortunately, it doesn't take much to make truckers want to pass on your cargo.

In order for shippers to have the opportunity to receive the best price and best service, they need to ensure that their heavy equipment shipments are attractive to as many trucks as possible. Having as much information as possible - including small details that can have a big impact on truckers and shipping - can help make your shipments more attractive and give you the best results (pro tip: working with a shipping partner can make a big difference Influence how truckers view your shipments and help you get the best price, service and delivery schedule).

Gather important but small details about the actual heavy equipment you are shipping.

When transporting any type of heavy equipment, having as much information as possible is essential to ensure safe and efficient transport. Here is a list of some of the most critical data to share with your shipping partner (or review it with your shipping partner so he or she can help you fill any gaps!):

  • The value of the commodity. How much is your heavy equipment worth, literally?
  • The make and model of the device. Be sure to know exactly what you're shipping.
  • Any modifications made to the equipment. It is important to be aware of any information that may change the basic specifications of your shipment.
  • Precise size and weight. An inch or two off could mean a different truck or a different route for your load. This has the potential to cause significant cost variances and/or delays. For heavy equipment, the exact Weight is also important, which affects which type of trailer is required. Ultimately, size and weight also affect your shipping costs and schedule.
  • Package. Will your heavy equipment be palletized or boxed? Need to cover with tarp?
  • A photo of your device. Photos are a great reference point to make sure everyone is on the same page.
  • Relevant names, phone numbers and emails. Having this information at your fingertips prevents scrambling. This information should be collected for delivery and delivery and customs brokers (together with account numbers).
  • Pickup and delivery routes. Likewise, having direction at hand can keep everyone on track and set expectations.
  • Hours and days of operation for pickup and delivery. If the driver arrives with heavy equipment and the recipient isn't ready or unable to receive it, these details can help prevent a big headache!
    Customs documents. This is especially important for heavy equipment that will cross the border between Canada and the United States.

Take the stress out of transporting goods.

Gathering all this information can be time-consuming. If the thought of collecting and organizing all this information is overwhelming, you may want to consider working with a trusted shipping provider.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment?

What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment
What to do if there is a problem during the transportation of heavy equipment

Many shipping providers don't like to discuss the unfortunate reality of heavy equipment shipping (and any kind of cargo shipping).

Sometimes things go wrong.

Maybe the driver arrived at the wrong time to deliver the goods. Or abominably, an accident happened.

There are many things that can go wrong during heavy equipment shipping.

And...well...that's another unfortunate fact. When these things happen, there is usually nothing you can do.

Of course, depending on what goes wrong, there are usually things you can do to mitigate the damage. But the overarching theme here is that once you've picked a transport provider -- especially if you've picked the wrong one, it's often too late to "fix" anything once something goes wrong.

Prevention is the best way to solve problems during the transportation of heavy equipment.

Just like your health, prevention is always the best cure for heavy equipment shipping problems.

But how do you prevent something from happening in transit? We recommend performing two (2) main tasks to prevent problems when transporting heavy equipment or other cargo:

1. Choose the right heavy equipment shipping provider.

It's worth repeating, and you'll hear us talk about it a lot on the TJ chinafreight shipping blog: choosing the right partner for your heavy equipment and other freight needs is critical. A trusted partner will ensure that all the little details and loose ends are covered to prevent many of the most common problems when shipping goods. and by accident

When something goes wrong, they'll step up and take care of things so your stress is minimized. The difference between working with a trusted shipping provider versus someone who operates at night or isn’t customer and relationship centric is staggering. There are plenty of opportunities to notice these differences, none more so than a problem.

2. Do your due diligence before shipping your heavy cargo.

While a reputable shipping provider will ensure that s/he has all the details needed to transport your heavy equipment and other cargo safely and efficiently, you can prepare and have some details in place when you are ready to ship. In these cases, the smallest details may be the most important, including:

All the details are up front. When shipping heavy equipment and other goods, there is not a lot of information! Even adding more information back and forth can significantly delay permits and strain relationships with the driver hauling your cargo.

  • Exact pickup location and delivery location, including contact phone number and contact name
  •  Business hours for pickup and pickup
  • Any special request
  • Accurate dimensional weight and number of pieces shipped
  •  The value of the goods being shipped
  •  A photo of your device
  • Customs documents (if applicable)
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

IMPORTANT STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN SHIPPING PIPE

IMPORTANT STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN SHIPPING PIPE
IMPORTANT STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN SHIPPING PIPE

While there are some important steps to take when transporting any type of cargo, there are some special steps to keep in mind when transporting pipelines. Few products contain such a wide range of material and handling requirements.

Depending on the type of material from which pipes are made, they can be easily damaged in transit, which can lead to soaring costs, construction delays, and other costly and stressful impacts on your business.

Using PVC, coatings, galvanized, cast iron and concrete...to name a few, knowing the unique ways to handle and optimally transport this important commodity will keep your shipments safe, give you peace of mind, and ultimately reward you with great shipping returns invest.

Pay attention to these characteristics to identify a strong shipping partner to ship your pipeline.

When conducting initial research on potential shipping partners to ship your pipeline, look for the following key characteristics:

  •  Flatbed trucking specialists are more likely to understand the nuances of transporting especially large, heavy or unique goods including pipelines.
  • Access a wide variety of trailers. The company best suited to handle your pipeline shipments will have access to a variety of trailers when and where you need them, with little or no delay. At Loadstar, we can quickly deliver 48ft flatbed, 53ft flatbed 40ft popular trailers, and even steerable pole trailers anywhere, anytime. As an asset-based carrier and 3PL, we have the best of both worlds and are ideally suited to handle your multi-load projects.
  • A single point of contact for sales, scheduling or any accounting or invoicing related issues means less stress and a stronger relationship with your shipping provider.
  • Online tracking of all loads gives you extra peace of mind that your pipeline is where it should be and when it is safe.

Make sure your shipping provider has extensive experience with pipelines.

In a competitive environment, few trucking companies or transportation providers will turn away new customers. They might even convince you to work with them by offering you the lowest price.

But these "cheap" prices come at a price.

Every business wants to save money and will likely choose the cheapest price when it comes to shipping pipes. But because of the uniqueness and nuances of pipeline shipping, you must work with a shipping provider who understands and has experience shipping your valuable cargo.