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.