In today’s business scenario more and more business enterprises are opting for global outsourcing from low-cost countries to cut down on cost and operational overheads. However, the rising fuel prices and long distance freight charges continue to pose serious challenges for the logistics industry. The global flow of goods requires multiple contact points like carriers, customs and port authorities and consolidators among others, which can increase the risks of unexpected events and delays. However, businesses can enhance their operational performance by following the best practices in air freight logistics.
Here are the Best Practices in Air Freight Logistics:
1. Choosing a reliable carrier
Building a strong relationship between the business enterprises and the cargo providers can be very crucial in ensuring the timely delivery of goods. Make sure that the freight carriers you choose are financially robust and have a well-balanced team that will offer seamless service and the best value for your money. If you are venturing into a new market or launching a new product, choose a freight provider who can ensure proper management of licenses, taxation and liaisoning with customs officials, which will enhance the scope of their services.
2. Use Digitization and Technology
State of the art technology in managing logistics will ensure faster operations and enhanced efficiency. Digitalization of documents will ensure easy storage, transfer, and access to documents and will boost the quality and security of information processing quality and turn- around time. Businesses will get all the information in real time and can coordinate the activities to manage the timely delivery of goods. Integration of technology into the operations will ensure a competitive edge by cutting down the cycle time, enhancing accuracy and the quality of operations and the implementation of cross-functional processes. Make sure to think of innovative methods to manage costs and the complexities of trans border transportation of goods.
3. Optimize the flow of goods through intelligent routing
Companies with bulk freight volumes have had an upper hand in controlling the International transportation planning process to determine to route for specific countries of origin and destination. However to optimize the goods flow and to ensure maximum utilization of the containers, now freight companies are adopting a dynamic mode of operations where they can decide on ports and carriers and find consolidation opportunities across their international shipment volumes to reduce cycle times and costs. Some of the options being considered by freight companies include doing merge-in-transit, pool distribution and trans-loading among others.
4. Inventory Management
Inventory is one of the largest assets of any freight company and a proper tracking mechanism is highly crucial in the management of the finances of the enterprise. Attaining inventory accuracy will help businesses to avoid theft, goods in short supply or surplus goods and more. A proper inventory management