Some New Year’s Business Resolutions for Shippers- They’re necessary!

Over the last couple years, logistics distribution has evolved so rapidly that it shows no signs of stagnation. So if international parcel delivery services have to stay on the map of logistics, then they’ve to step up their game frequently to faceoff competition and have to reevaluate their resolutions, every year to keep the glitter on.

International Shipping Prices - DTDC USA

Watch the world- With USA seeing a change in government and the constant changes in laws across the world, international delivery companies have to stay on top of the regulations implemented on global trade and transport as these will directly affect their business.

Better regulation- Improving efficiency of international shipping, ranging from express delivery to overseas delivery. One of the ways to do it is trying to reduce costs by keeping an eye out for changes in trade laws and international shipping prices.

Self-assessment- Review your performance as a business, identify your strengths and opportunities, and structure your plans and forecasts to put your analysis into action. International courier services thrive only if it is mended time and again, otherwise there won’t be sunshine in paradise.

Monitor competition- Sometimes, if you are observant, your competition can teach you a few lessons, and even otherwise, it should be one of the things to do to excel in the industry and push your logistics distribution a tad bit higher.

Network- Keep those clients and other associates happy. Make a lot more connections. But most importantly reach out to your potential customers and bring that business to you before the hyenas get it.

Technology- Talk about efficiency and not consider technology? Not for smart businesses, no. Implement the latest technology in international logistics services to further lubricate the already smooth running machine. Being technically sound in business brings a lot of trust too.
Be determined to grow and prosper. May you execute all your resolutions! Happy New Year!

A Method to the madness- Understanding Shipping Terms

With a process and network that extends beyond walls and borders, the terms associated with shipping are many. International Parcel delivery services, logistics distribution centers and other parties related, operate smoothly aided by terms that are understood worldwide.

Parcel to India from USA - DTDC

Ever heard of the few listed below?

Shipper- The ones who send the shipment/owner. Also called a consignor
Consignee- The one who the shipment is intended for. Also called receiver
Common carrier- Logistics distribution services that offer to deliver your shipment to wherever and they are subject to a lot of regulations which one should be aware of.

ATA/ETA- When you approach your third party logistics to ship goods, they inform you when you can expect your item to reach its destination; they call it Actual/Expected Time of Arrival. However, it sometimes can arrive earlier or later than the date mentioned.

All Risk- The parcel to India from USA that you plan to ship can be insured against all perils (*conditions apply) with a kind of insurance called All Risk. This is the most preferred policy in insurance as it puts the sender at ease.

Bill of Lading- This is an acknowledgment between you and the third party logistics, containing all the details of the shipment. It is expected to be negotiable but sometimes it isn’t. The end user must have original copies of this to take possession of the shipment.

Bill of Sale- The seller makes a Bill of Sale which gives him the right to legally sell his property to the consumer stipulating the date, time, and location of the sale. This displaces the ownership of the shipment from the seller to the consumer.

These terms make the seller aware of the aspects involved in distribution and also keep participating authorities informed on all the jazz played out from transit to ultimate delivery.

Shipping Services- What to do and what not to

There are things one should and shouldn’t do in this world and international parcel delivery services, too, come with a set of dos and don’ts and whether you abide by it or not isn’t your discretion, unless you don’t care what happens to your goods.

International Delivery - DTDC USA

But you do, don’t you? It’s quite simple, relax, and read more.

Dos:
Be aware of the time period you expect your goods to make the journey. Domestic express delivery and international delivery are subject to frequent delays during holidays or in times of calamities. Start your delivery process only if it is convenient to do so.
Understand the packaging needed to initiate the process. International shipping specifies the exact size of the package they expect depending on what your goods are, ignoring which may result in faulty delivery or complete rejection. If your package has multiple items, do separate them from one another.

Hazardous goods need extra precaution while shipping. Pack carefully and keep international logistics services and fulfillment warehouse informed about all necessary details relating to your package.

Don’ts:
Never hide the package details from the logistics distribution. They might know important aspects related to your goods which will be undisclosed if the details of the same aren’t highlighted.
Do not disregard rules and regulations stipulated by the international logistics services and the countries that you are shipping to. If realized later, you could sometimes face some consequences.
Be sure to specify the exact address of the recipient and yourself if you do not want to lose your parcel. And your logistics distribution contact, needs to be made aware. So your addresses on the package and the document should match.

Although these aren’t the only points to mind, it gives you a fair idea about the intricacies involved in international delivery. Ignorance is not always bliss, mind you!

Things to Know About Shipping Insurance

The goods that are shipped through international parcel delivery services are exposed to a lot of perils; from the time they are sent for international delivery and till they reach the end user. This is where shipping insurance takes the spotlight. Shipping insurance compensates for the losses borne during international delivery, with certain conditions attached. Wonder what to consider before insuring? We’ll help you.

International Shipping - DTDC USA

Worth of the goods- If you are sending a courier from USA to India through international courier services that are not of high monetary value, you might as well let the insurance be as it would only weigh down on your pocket, and who wants that!

Read the documents- Documents specify all details regarding the insurance including how/when to raise claims if goods are damaged or stolen. And ensure that your logistics Distribution party too is on the same page.

Paperwork- Keep your paperwork related to the goods handy, you would need that to claim insurance and to raise a claim, these are of primary importance.

Takes time- In international shipping the time taken to find a fix for losses takes time. If goods are reported missing, logistics distribution services take a few business days to come back. If it can’t be found, they would ask you to authorize a claim. And all this, clearly, takes time.

Pick your insurance- There are various insurance schemes available in the market. To name a few:
• All risk- Covers any physical loss/damage due to external causes
• Certain perils- Insures only stipulated causes for loss/damage
• Natural causes- Insurance does not cover acts of god, riots and the likes

Be it express delivery within the borders or a courier to Europe from USA, insurance is a critical aspect. You get that part of the story right and your friend will surely get that Mac you’re sending over.

How to Pack Auto Parts Properly

Packing auto parts is not a child’s play and if it is an international delivery, the process has to be a lot more stringent. How you pack your auto parts, determines how secure they will be during international shipping. Once you get the packing right, your worries about goods transportation during logistics distribution reduce substantially, and the risk involved too is minor. If you’re planning to send a parcel containing auto parts via international parcel delivery services, then you have to pay heed to the many factors that are involved in packing auto parts.

International Parcel Delivery Services -  DTDC USA

Here are a few parts that require distinctive packaging:
• Car doors and other small parts
• Windscreens and windows
• Metal fixtures
• Electronics
• Seats and inner fabric
It is needless to say that these are just a few of the many parts that make up automobiles and one has to account for the clauses laid down by the international parcel delivery services and the authorities across borders.
How do I pack them and what to consider?
• To begin with, your package should be sturdy, mainly on the outside and you should cushion the parts inside to prevent hassles during international delivery.
• Use corrugated boxes, plastic or metal ones, whichever fits the bill. You can also custom design the package if it’s cost-effective, but hey, it could be worth the investment!
• Ascertain the conditions in the fulfillment warehouse or how the trucking services function in the region. If the packaging of the parts does not adhere to this, then techniques used are unsuitable and should be worked on.
• Modes of transport- Shipping by air and sea needs a lot more attention, as in, weight and the material of the package. If parts are shipped via express delivery then care needs to be taken before placing the consignment in the hands of international logistics services.
This is auto parts packaging 101.