International Services Provided by 3PLs
When you ship internationally, you need to make sure your freight is suited for the transit. You can do this by working with a third-party logistics company (3PL).
They offer custom packing and crating services before your shipment heads off to its destination. They also provide air and ocean international freight services.
Sea freight
Sea freight is one of the most effective means of shipping goods to overseas locations. In fact, the world’s trade and economy depends on it. It is particularly beneficial for the transport of manufactured goods, which are produced in factories and shipped to their destination markets using massive containers. These containers have been standardized, making the transportation process efficient and cost-effective.
Depending on the volume of your goods, you can choose between Less than a Container Load (LCL) or Breakbulk/Project Cargo shipping. LCL is the appropriate choice if you do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container, but want to save money by sharing space with other customers shipping to the same destination.
Choosing the right logistics partner is an important step in ensuring a smooth shipping process. Logistics companies provide services that include booking the cargo, arranging pick up and delivery, and handling customs clearance at both ends of the journey. They also offer supply chain visibility, allowing you to track your cargo and stay on top of inventory levels. They can also help you mitigate risks, such as unforeseen events or weather conditions.
Air freight
Air freight is one of the fastest methods of shipping goods internationally. This method is ideal for time-critical shipments, such as perishables and high-value products. However, it is important to choose a reputable and reliable carrier to ensure your shipment arrives on time. This is especially true if your company relies on just-in-time supply chains.
The first step in the air freight process is booking space on an aircraft. This can be done directly with an airline or through a freight international services freight forwarder. Next, you will need to provide the required commercial documents. These include invoices, packing lists, and AWBs (air waybills).
Finally, you will need to pay for handling and customs clearance fees. These will vary depending on the destination country. Once your cargo has landed, it will be transferred to shipping agency a truck for delivery to your business or home.
Road freight
Road freight is the transportation of goods on land via trucks. This type of transportation is often used for long distances or when the shipment requires quick delivery. It is also a good option for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as wine.
It is a very flexible way to ship goods and is not reliant on a sophisticated infrastructure of ports, airports and railway stations. However, it does have some drawbacks that should be taken into account when deciding on it as the main transport mode for your goods.
One of the most significant benefits is that it offers a lot of flexibility regarding pick-up and delivery times. Unlike railways and airplanes, which have fixed departure times and negligible room for delay, road freight allows cargo to be picked up or delivered at the customer’s convenience. Another benefit is that vehicles are easier to track, which makes it possible to provide accurate delivery time estimates. Furthermore, using a truck with optimized routes can lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This is especially important for long-distance deliveries where a large quantity of goods needs to be shipped to several locations.
Rail freight
Rail freight shipping offers many benefits for companies that need to move large volumes of cargo over long distances. It is a cost-effective solution and emits significantly less carbon than road freight. It can also help companies avoid shipping delays caused by traffic congestion and weather conditions.
The main types of goods transported by rail include hazardous materials, special cargo and consumer products. Hazardous materials are shipped in tank cars and follow specific safety regulations. Other liquids are moved in drums or bottles. Special cargo includes steel pallets, automobiles and oversized shipments. Lastly, consumer products are transported in Schnabel cars or closed and open autoracks.
This mode of transport can be particularly helpful in the case of capacity issues, such as the truck driver shortage and HOS restrictions. However, it is important to understand the limitations of this option before deciding to use it for your logistics. While it is less expensive than truckload freight, it can require substantial lead times. Fortunately, Hubbig partners can provide a range of value add services to speed up the process and reduce delays.
Container shipping
When your shipment arrives in the country of destination, it will go through customs clearance. It is important to work with a logistics solution provider that has a global network and a thorough understanding of regulations, rules, fees, and tariffs at every border your product crosses. They should also have robust digital systems and multiple modes of transport to optimize your freight shipping process.
Once your freight has cleared customs, it must be transferred to the final warehouse. This step may include several stops, especially if your international shipment is being delivered to remote locations or large distribution centers. The logistics company must transfer all necessary manifest data, including container contents, ownership, and ultimate destination information. This will help avoid delays caused by human error. Providing accurate documentation shows that you are an organized and reliable shipper, and can prevent additional charges like demurrage and detention. This can be very expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead and use a trusted logistics partner with experience handling complex customs clearance processes. They should also have access to a transportation management system, which will provide real-time updates on your product’s status as it moves through the international supply chain.