Sailing Destinations from Felixstowe

The world seems like a smaller place these days, and we play some part in that with our regular sailings from one of the UK’s busiest container ports, Felixstowe.
We’re always pleased to be able to extend the services we provide from Felixstowe it’s a great choice for our customers as it’s Britain’s biggest and busiest container port, and also one of the largest in Europe.Including our regular services, The Port of Felixstowe handles over 4000 ships every year, and is vital to shipping, and to trade because of its excellent road and rail links around the UK and some of the deepest water close to the open sea of any European port.
We can offer our clients weekly sailings from this excellent port, to many of the world’s most popular destinations, so whether you want to transport your coal across to the Far East, or you’re relocating your home and starting a brand new life with your family in Australia, we can help you with whatever you need to move.
We travel to the Far East via either Singapore or Hong Kong, a very useful route which has proved to be very popular with our clients. There is a great range of destinations available including ports in Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia.
In Australia we can deliver your shipments to useful ports around the country, including Fremantle in Western Australia, the Brit-centric state capital which was named after Captain Charles Howe Fremantle, the English naval officer who pronounced possession of Western Australia. We also ship regularly to the major cities; Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.We carry on along Australasia with a variety of convenient ports in New Zealand, another favourite destination place for people from the UK to settle.
America is a really popular destination for many of our ships, which is why we have weekly sailings from the Port of Felixstowe, opening up the entire North American continent for business, trade and emigration. Whether you’re changing your life and need all of your worldly goods transported to New York, or you’re interested in sending a shipment across to New Orleans, we have it covered,  and our services from Felixstowe stretch as far as Jacksonville in the east and Seattle on the west coast. We can even make a North Pacific stop and drop your freight off in Honolulu, Hawaii. Felixstowe handles all of our shipments headed for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka too, with ports in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and many more all covered on a regular basis. For more information on all of our destination ports, sailing times and more, go to our website and download our handy sailing schedule.

Sustainability and how to get there

We know how hard it can be for renewable energy companies to deal with the unique
challenges and processes that underpin supply chain management and logistics, and
so we are here to help you make sense of the sector and take some of the stress out
of managing your supply chains.

Whether your company deals in wind farm equipment or other renewable energy
supplies, there are likely to be areas that concern you on a daily basis. Our
expertise in the area means that we're aware of some of the more common issues that
can cause concern, and we are able to deal with them.

If you're trying to grow a business in sustainable energy supplies, but wondering
how you can keep tabs on your shipping, sourcing and other business costs so that you can make renewable energy an affordable option for more people, and increase demand, we can give you some ideas.

If you're worried about catering for potentially higher demand in the long term while not over supplying right now when demand isn€'t so high, it i€™s something we can help with. We can also help you with managing materials for today€™s requirements while you keep on top of the advances and importantchanges which are coming up in the future.

We will help and advise you on ways to create the perfect supply network for your
needs, and we can study your current supply chain too and highlight any opportunities for improvement, money saving and of course customer service. We have an enviable web of longstanding friends and associates around the globe who are always happy to help and advise us too, so if we can't solve a problem ourselves, we are sure to know somebody who can.

We can help your company balance its supply and demand, to help you make better
business decisions. Analysing your spending, strategically sourcing your materials and parts and more all help you to simplify your existing procurement services.

We can even help you with the design, management and sourcing of a logistics network and help you to come up with the ideal solutions for efficiently moving your materials. We can give your business valuable information about best practice in shipping, selling and buying from all around the world, and we have many years of experience with ship broking, ships agency, shipping and forwarding and logistics. Our valued clients in the renewable energy industry trust us to understand the challenges of their business and suggest ways forward that they might not have thought of.

What is a shipping agency or a shipping agent

What is a shipping agency or a shipping agent

A shipping agency can be described as a designation for a company charged with the responsibilities of handling shipments and cargos at the ports and harbours on behalf of shipping companies. Shipping agencies handle the normal routine tasks of a shipping company and then supplies the shipping company with regular updates and reports of all activities handled at designated ports or harbours.

The key responsibilities of a shipping agent

• A shipping agent primarily ensures that all shipping consignments berth successfully at the ports.

• He arranges for the Pilot and tugs of consignments when necessary.

• He draws up and arranges all necessary documents needed by the customs and port services for clearing goods.

• Assists the shipping company in making contacts with harbor service authorities and local authorities

• Collects, handle and transfer Freight Cargoes from the berthing ports to their destinations.

• Arrange for special storage systems such as Bunkers when necessary.

• Organizes transportation and supply of shipped items

• Organizes for repairs when necessary.

• Make contacts with the shippers and the receivers of goods

• A shipping port agent performs some other specific tasks, these include;

• Checking notices and sailing lists

• Providing necessary data and information regarding freight rates

• Making bookings of cargos

• Arrangement and delivery of the compulsory documents needed to clear shipment packages, these documents will include; shipping permits, Booking lists, and delivery orders.

• Making contacts with the forwarders of shipments for the delivery of their goods,

• Settling up any claims on Cargos with shipment Insurance companies, and

• Complete all formalities with security agencies such as Customs and immigration for final clearance of shipments.

Shipping agents charge varying types of fees depending on the terms of services rendered to shipping companies. Shipping agents often work hand-in-hand with Cargo brokers to facilitate the clearance and final delivery of shipments to their destinations.

T. Ward is a specialist shipping agency. Visit there website for more information.

What Can I Ship from the UK

What Can I Ship from the UK

There are virtually any kind of item you can ship from the UK. The fact that there are thousands of shipping agencies and companies providing diverse kinds of services in the UK has made the industry become very competitive. The shipping industry in the UK provide shipping services for smaller items as well as Moving services for vehicles, office appliances, Industrial technologies and Manufactured goods and services at affordable rates. There are specialized shipping companies that can even ship pets and some other fragile animals and plants.

Shipping from the UK can be challenging, especially when you are not familiar with the type of shipping company you are dealing with, the kind of handling , warehousing and transportation services you will need and how your items will be cleared at the destination address- but with a reputable and competent shipping company, you don’t have to worry about getting your shipments. An ideal shipping company can get your goods delivered from the UK in the safest and timely manner.

Features of a good shipping company

Just because you can ship virtually anything from the UK does not mean you should rely on any shipping agent you find. Here are some tips on how to find the best shipping agents;

• Experience. Your preferred shipping agent must be familiar with the shipping trends in the UK.

• Licenses matter. You need to check that your preferred shipping agent or company is registered to operate in the UK . Some shipping agents and service providers have had their licenses suspended but are still operating, therefore you must check licenses.

• The wider the services rendered, the more reputable they are. Always go for shipping companies that offer an all-inclusive service that will cover your shipment from transportation, packaging, insurance , clearing and delivering. An all-inclusive shipment services will save you money and energy.

Sizing up your needs

Shipping containers come in a wide range of different sizes and shapes, so if you are thinking of hiring one, or even buying one, you need to think very carefully about the type of container which will best suit your needs. It’s wise to consult the shipping container manufacturer or agent before making a final choice, as most reputable merchants will have their own reference sheets available to make your selection from.

Here are a few things that you will need to take into consideration before you make that decision.

Selecting a shipping container

Look for a container which is durable, made from a long-lasting material such as high tensile rust inhibiting corten steel, and has a CSC plate (MoT) which means that you can use it for shipping.

Containers are available in a wide variety of sizes and types â€" for example 40ft, 20ft, 10ft and 8ft x 8’6” standard height, or 9’6”, and with single or double ended doors.

The contents

What will you be using the shipping container for? It goes without saying that you need to think carefully about what you intend to put in the container, and consider whether it’s going to be large enough for your needs. Your first task is to calculate the volume of the items you intend to store or transport, and if this is proving a challenge, ask the shipping company for their advice.

The size of the container

Look at the list of container sizes available from your chosen agent, and if necessary compare lists of suppliers to see who has the most appropriate size for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; contact the supplier and find out prices and suggested uses before you make your choice.

Think about where you will keep the container when it’s delivered. Depending on what you need the shipping container for, you will have to consider any limitations on the size, and in some cases you need special permission to keep the containers on your property if they are over a certain size.

Future Considerations

Don’t buy too small â€" if you think you might need more storage in the future, you could regret not opting for a larger container. On the other hand, if you opt for a larger shipping container than is strictly necessary, it may turn out to be rather a waste of money.

If you are hiring your container, you can upgrade if necessary, but that’s not always an option if you’re buying your container outright. Consult a reference sheet for guidance if you aren’t sure.

T.Ward Shipping Website

The Importance of Logistics in a Shipment agency

The Importance of Logistics in a Shipment agency

Logistics play diverse prominent roles in the shipment industry, it facilitates the movement of goods from one point to another. With proper logistics in place, shipment, offloading, warehousing, delivering and other brokerage services are handled with more flexibility and convenience. Logistics in shipment industry can be said to be the complete process of the planning, management and control of the movement of goods and services. Logistics also involve the control of data, human resources and information of goods and services from their origination point to their point of destination.

Logistics procedures in the shipping industry integrate several components to facilitate smooth movement of goods and services from point A to point B. Material handling, warehousing , packaging, transportation, information management and Inventory are some of components used by Logistics personnels to handle shipments.

Importance of effective Logistics in facilitating movement of goods and services

• Logistics perform checks to ensure that all requirements are met before the movements of goods and services from one point to another.

• It helps coordinate third party involvements in the facilitation of the movements of goods and services

• Effective logistics ensure the timely delivery of goods

•logistics ensure the safe and timely dispatch of items

• Drafting of plans , policies and procedures for efficient movement of goods and services can only be provided by effective logistics.

• Logistics ensure the synchronization of the business strategies of a client into the services of a shipping agency to provide an excellent service

• Customer support services are part of logistics, these support services help handle any customer complaints and enquiries.

• Logistics help a shipping company coordinate better , their communication with vendors, transport companies and other service providers.

• logistics ensure check and balances, it helps in prevent fraud and supply of wrong information that can delay the movement of goods from one place to another.

Sustainability of the supply Chain

Sustainability of the supply Chain

One of the most important things a large business can do to sustain its growth today is to understand and enlarge its supply chain network. When your supply chain become more enlarged and complex, it becomes very difficult to manage the risks associated with disruptions in supplies, this is the stage when interruption in supplies becomes difficult to handle. The supply chain makes up about 60% cost of the components that generate revenues to a business, therefore its sustainability determines how successful a business can become.

Key factors in sustaining your supply chain

• Be creative and Innovative with your supply chain

Your contributions towards sustaining your supply chain matters. Let your innovative and strategic sourcing for supplies become focused on your customer satisfaction and not for your own personal gains. You must input coordinated and competitive initiatives in your supply chains and these initiatives must be difficult for your competitors to copy. Let your supply chains meet user expectations and it will become difficult for them to leave you.

• Always locate and use your opportunities

There are two basic ways you can make use of your opportunities to sustain your supply chain; strategic sourcing, and strategic logistics. Your strategic sourcing and logistics involves critical planning, purchase, design, warehousing, Inventory and deliverable materials . Don’t go for any supply chain company to source your items, always do your research and plan very well so that you wouldn’t get your supply disrupted by situations above your control.

• Always assess your risks and consult with those who matter

Assessing your risks can help you make critical decisions that can change things positively in sustaining your supply chain. You don’t have to source for your supplies for an individual forever, you need to weigh your options and make sure you consult knowledgeable people who understand how to handle different supply chain situations to help you out.

Supply Chain Reliability- The reasons for having a good partner

Supply Chain Reliability- The reasons for having a good partner

Poor supply chain can wreak havoc on any business because it is the main source of input for production and running of the business. Poor supply chain can result in loss of sales, as a result of slow or non-delivery of supplies. Ineffective supply chain can also result in defective final products as well as warranty costs of such defective supplies. Defective supply chain can cause an organization to lose clients confidence therefore it can lead to loss in market share value.

Reasons for having a good supply partner

• A good supply partner speeds up the entire business productivity.

• A good supply chain helps a business meet up with targets, especially in the delivery of goods and services on timely manner

• An effective supply chain reduce redundancies within a business organization

• An effective supply chain helps you retain the confidence of your clients and your share of the market.

• A good supply chain reduce costs of production among other things.

How to get the best Supply Chain partner

• Diversify your Partnership

You need to be realistic with yourself, people are bound to make mistakes and fail in meeting up with your demands, therefore, the best possible way if avoiding disruptions in supplies is to have multiple partners. You need to be proactive and get your supplies from different people so that when one fails, another will meet up with your needs. T. Ward is renowned for their reliabilety.

• Get your supplies before they are needed

If you have unreliable supply partners, the best way you can ensure steady supplies from them is to book for such supplies ahead of time. Depending on the frequencies of usage, you can book for supplies weeks or months ahead of the time they are needed.

• Give incentives to your suppliers

You can give some incentives to your suppliers just to motivate them for doing business with you.

Sailing times and Changing Tides – How it affects shipping agents

Sailing times and Changing Tides â€" How it affects shipping agents

Changing ocean tides can actually affect sailing times as well as the time frames for the delivery of shipments at ports. The condition of a sailing ship especially when wind directions bears against their surface can lead to slow delivery. Changing tides occur as a result of changes in Air pressures on the tidal heights and it can be very embarrassing most times. There are many distractions caused on shipments because the time duration of changing Tides vary from a day to the other.

Many shipping companies now make use of advanced GPS systems as part of their Coastal Navigation system that helps them predict the likely effects which changing tides will have on sailing times. Changing tides affect shipments more , especially when such shipments are heading windward.

Effects of changing tides on sailing times and shipment services

A shipping agent often scan the Tide table and send it to a shipping company , so as to inform such company about the time frame under which any shipment will arrive. A shipping agent will inform a shipping company about possible shifting of anchorage as a result of the changing tides. Changing tides does not only affect sailing times, it can also lead to extra charges on shipment, transportation, storage and handling.

• Changing tides will increase Pilotage and Towage costs,

• Changing tides can result in extra expenses on hiring labour,

• It can lead to an increase in fees payable on additional storages such as Bunkering.

• Making booking for berthing becomes difficult because a shipping agent may not be able to formalize all documents with customs and some other local authorities.

Changing tides do not only affect sailing times, it results in extra charges payable by shipment owners and for this reason, some shipping agents often charge more than usual to cover for any extra time spent in shipping, transporting and handling shipments.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles- How you can manage consignments on any medium

Planes, Trains and Automobiles- How you can manage consignments on any medium

Regardless of the kind of medium you are using to get your consignments from one place to another, you need to keep in mind that all the mediums have their own benefits and challenges. Getting your consignments through the air is the fastest no doubt but the costs are normally higher than other mediums. Shipping your consignments through the water ways can be the cheapest form of transporting your items but it takes a longer time for such consignments to reach their destinations

Managing your consignments on any medium

• The best possible way to manage your consignments on any medium is to make use of an effective logistic service. A perfect logistic operations can help you reduce your risks, thereby reducing costs of shipping your consignments. A good logistic control can also reduce the time of delivering your consignments to their final destination because it makes careful planning for other services such as ware housing, handling , and final delivery.

• An all-inclusive service is always better than any other type of shipment services

Rather than choosing different companies to ship, package, transport, and deliver your shipments, why not use a single company to handle each steps and give yourself a peace of mind. It even costs less to use an all-inclusive service since you are dealing with a single company. t is easier to track your shipments via single company than using multiple companies.

• It pays to hire an agent

Many individuals believe that hiring an agent can cost them extra , whereas it will save them more money at the long run. An agent is familiar with the business of moving goods from one place to another on any medium, therefore he can negotiate on your behalf just to ensure the safety and timely transfer of such items.

LCL {Less than container load} services

LCL (Less than container load) services

Less than Container load - LCL services can be described as a transportation services rendered to transport smaller ocean freight shipments that do not have complete full contain weight . In other words LCL can be described as a service rendered for smaller cargo shipments which are insufficient in weight, or quantity- these freights do not qualify for the standard freight weight charges applicable to full containers. Less than container load service is a service that is normally provided for shipping loads that are less than 20 cubic meters and a shipping agent can consolidate this service by combining different LCL shipments.

Shipping agents normally use the Less than container load services as an economical alternative to more expensive air freight shipments. Less than container load â€" LCL services are best used for “Less time sensitive” shipments.

Features and Benefits of LCL {Less than Container load} services

• The most important benefit and feature of LCL is that it provides the opportunity of a shared container space , which means you can save more money by sharing a full container space with others.

• Other secondary costs such as delivery pickup, car insurance, Brokerages, and warehousing are competitively priced.

• The superior services rendered for LCL shipments will reduce time of shipment and overall costs of handling.

• Less than Container Load services are more convenient to handle due to the smaller sizes of items involved, therefore you will get flexible schedules on appointments .

• Consolidation and de-consolidation becomes much easier with LCL

• Less than Container load comes with fast transit times

• Online tracking of LCL services are much easier.

• Trucking charges are reduced

• Multiple container freights station shipments are eliminated, rather the LCL makes use of container yard boxes for faster access and single clearance.

• Documentation is very easy , and this service attracts a single terminal handling fee.

Helping yourself with consignments- Packaging goods correctly before shipment

Helping yourself with consignments- Packaging goods correctly before shipment

Your goods must not be properly packaged and labeled before shipped, they must also meet certain packaging requirements to ensure that they are delivered safely to their destinations. Here are some ways you can help yourself with consignment packaging;

• Make sure that sensitive or dangerous goods are packaged inside “Over packs”, and use the proper markings and labels for such. Make sure that the functions of the packaged goods are not impaired by the over-pack materials used.

• Mixed packaging of sensitive or dangerous items must be labeled individually to avoid mix ups.

• Markings on shipment containers must be readily visible; such markings must withstand open weather exposure without fading out. Markings and labels must be displayed on the background if contrasting colours are used in designing the packaging materials. Make sure that salvage packaging materials are marked as “Salvaged”.

• Packaging items that contain environmental hazards must be durably marked as “Environmental hazards” for proper identification. Inner packaging must be used in packing dangerous liquids and other materials

• All labels used in packaging shipments must clearly identify any primary and secondary risks within the shipments.

• You must include special symbols and directives that can help in the storing , handling and transportation of any sensitive shipment.

• Placards must be clearly displayed on the exterior of transporting units and can also be displayed at the background of contrasting colours to avoid confusion.

• Make sure you inspect all packages and see that there are no leakages, breakages and misinformation on them before they are finally loaded for shipping.

• Fragile items should not be at the bottom or arranged too close to sturdy packaged shipments to avoid breakages.

• Make sure you use a check list and exercise caution when loading each box of consignments into trucks or any other transporting medium. All documents listing all shipment items must be provided by the shipping company.

Developing strong relationships with your suppliers

Developing strong relationships with your suppliers

Any successful business will strive to bridge the gap between it and its suppliers. Suppliers contribute immensely to the growth and sustenance of any business. Don’t exploit the relationship between you and your suppliers by placing unreasonable demands on them. When you invest quality time to build a strong relationship with your suppliers, you will end up saving more money and getting better quality products and services to your clients.

How to develop strong relationships with your suppliers

• Meet your suppliers face-to-face and check how they operate, this will help you figure out how their mode of operation can benefit your own business.

•Ask your suppliers about the future plans of expansion and see if that will affect their business dealings with you.

• Help your suppliers’ businesses by placing your orders on time and making payments for their supplies on timely manner. You must be clear to them about deadlines in their supplies.

• Always check some opportunities you can pass to them. A good relationship with your business partners is all about creating a strong network where opportunities can be shared with each other.

• Coordinate and plan your business schedules with theirs, it helps both partners keep to time. Analyze and forecast your sales strategy and inform them about it on time so that they can meet up with your demands.

• Always review your suppliers’ performances. Make sure you are getting your supplies at the right prices, and quality.

• Respect, Trust and be Honest with your suppliers. If you don’t respect a supplier, you can’t build a strong relationship with him. Trust becomes an important factor in building a relationship especially during difficult periods. Trust must be cultivated over a period of time. Lying and cheating will only result in a short term benefit because when the truth comes out, it will break a relationship, therefore you need to be honest when dealing with your suppliers.

T Ward Shipping have been trading as shipping agents for over 100 years, we still maintain close ties to Leith, Edinburgh's main port to provide direct access to main shipping channels

Railway sleepers for sale

Railway sleepers for sale

Railway sleepers ensure that the rail road tracks are maintained in perfect conditions. These sleepers are made from the finest materials such as Oaks, and walnuts and they are applicable in many ways.

How to buy the best railway sleepers for sale

• If you are looking for new railway sleepers, you should consider the Untreated Oak railway sleepers. Though the prices of these new sleepers are on a slightly higher side, but they are straight â€"edged long lasting untreated sleepers for your home paths and walkways.

• Consider the Chestnut railway sleepers.

If you are considering buying a new or pre-used railway sleepers while saving more money, then you should consider the Chestnut sleepers because they are some of the most durable railway sleepers. They are made from hardwearing European woods, and they come with beautiful grain patterns in red and brown colours. Chestnut wood is one of the most durable long lasting timber wood that requires little or no treatment therefore you can rely on it for a long time. T. Ward have a large selection of reclaimed hardwood treated railway sleepers for collection and delivery. Visit their website for more information.

• Buy the untreated Half-Oak Railway sleepers

If you are looking for a more versatile and more functional rail sleepers, you should consider the untreated half Oak railway sleepers. These railway sleepers can work best for patios, raised beds, and home Garden furniture, and they are highly economical to maintain.

• By the New Rustic Railway sleepers

If you are looking for long lasting railway sleepers you can put in some sensitive areas, then you should consider the new untreated softwood sleepers. These types of sleepers are made from Native Pines and are best used for interiors of a home.

• Consider quality and durability before price

Don’t compromise quality for prices, always look for sleepers that are durable and strong before you consider their prices so that you don’t end up replacing them very soon when they get damaged.

Ship Brokering – Getting the best deal for your worldwide Shipment

Ship Brokering â€" Getting the best deal for your worldwide Shipment

Negotiating a freight deal, especially as a beginner can be extremely difficult and that is why you will need a freight broker to negotiate a better deal on your behalf. A competent freight broker can help a shipping company and the shipment owner save lots of money through an ideal brokerage deal.

There are numerous benefits you can derive from hiring a freight broker, first of all, the broker has strong familiarity with the business. Secondly, a freight broker has more access to all kinds of Brokerage deals, he has dealt with numerous freight companies and understand the deals offered by each of them. With a freight broker, you only have one person to deal with. With freight broker, a shipping company only needs to speak with a single customer care support.

Getting the best brokerage deal

• One of the best ways to get the best brokerage deal is to compare as many deals as possible. You can do this by taking some time to check the available deals offered by different brokers online.

• Get references from other shipping companies.

Only shipment companies can recommend the best brokerage firms to you. Don’t rely on reviews and deals you find on Internet, you need to search for actual shipping companies that had access to the deals in the past.

• Don’t get carried away by cheap prices.

Many shipping brokers that offer the cheapest prices and deals often include some hidden charges that shipping companies may not be aware of. Make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions attached to any kind of deals you want to get into before signing a contract.

• Choose an all-inclusive freight broker.

Regardless of the charges involved, one of the best ways of securing the best freight brokerage deals is to get a broker that offer an all-inclusive services that will secure all shipments and get them delivered under the most secured conditions. If you don’t use an all-inclusive brokerage services , you will end up paying more.

For all your ship brokering needs visit the T. Ward website.