Transportation & Logistics

Elastic logistics has become a popular paradigm for warehousing and transportation services as technological improvements and automation solutions become more prevalent throughout the supply chain industry.

Essentially, elastic logistics refers to the ability of businesses to be flexible and agile in the face of the altering demands of the supply chain industry. With this approach in place, an elastic supply chain provides the most flexible response to varying market demands, guaranteeing that operational infrastructure meets market variations cost-effectively at any moment.

So, what exactly is elastic logistics, and what are its benefits?

What is elastic logistics?

Elastic logistics refers to a business approach that is flexible and swift enough to scale up or down in response to changing market demands. This enables supply chain processes to expand or contract in real-time, based on anticipated (and even unanticipated) market events.

Typically, elastic logistics use mechanization processes in both picking and packing, including forcing warehousing and logistics to further make more supply-led decisions. This never-ending supply-driven expansion and contraction of warehouse activities allow for increased reliable financial control. In addition, the model of elastic logistics enables companies to operate supply chains more competently in the wake of market fluctuations.

All in all, the ultimate goal of any business lies in trying to minimize their expenses, control waste and have better control of their inventory requirements. Elastic logistics fall into this category of lean business. But, it also helps bridge gaps unlike many businesses that suffer in warehousing and middle- and last-mile operations.

Benefits of Elastic Logistics

• Optimizes transport routes for faster shipment delivery and increased transport efficiency
• Minimises the practice of over-developing and over-stocking
• Decreases the chances of risk
• Boosts order fulfillment
• Reduces price instability
• Increases efficacy at various checkpoints of supply chain
• Improves customer service

What Businesses need to implement Elastic Logistics?

Here are the key features businesses need to successfully implement the model of elastic logistics:

Artificial Intelligence

AI enables in predicting and estimating costs, risks, and demands. With the help of real-time data analysis, machine learning is one of the finest ways to anticipate the unexpected and determine demand with accurate detail. 

Big Data

Inaccurate or imperfect data can cause big data analysis to be essentially fruitless. This effectively defeats the purpose of elastic logistics as well as its scalability. Therefore, having ample quality, verified and accurate data is vital for business models to work successfully.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is the best way to store all data. It can store every piece of data in sequence, allowing machine-learning robots to analyze, assist and predict in decision making. Besides, blockchain is emerging as the future of the supply chain, thanks to its ability to improve transparency as well as communication between all chain partners in the supply chain process.

People

An ever-growing fear among people is the probability of losing their jobs as the supply chain moves towards automation. However, the fact is that people continue to remain the most valuable resource companies have when it comes to supply chain improvement.

So, if businesses want an agile supply chain, they will require expert professionals who possess the know-how to make quick and effective decisions while also nurturing a strong working culture. When people work in sync with technology, elastic logistics can exceptionally thrive. 

This type of business model helps create greater sustainability by permitting warehousing and logistics teams to promptly deliver against tight deadlines, while also minimizing cost. Today, as many organizations are slowly heading towards improving their operations, the need to reduce costs and increase functional efficacy is greatly increasing to remain competitive. This is why elastic logistics is becoming a need for modern production.

Air freight shipping is the ideal solution to transport high-value shipments on a commercial air carrier. These goods are usually imported through a logistics company and make a practical option for shipping products of all shapes and sizes. Now, to import a large number of products for organizations or individuals, these freight shipping companies, such as DHL Express arrange and gathers the shipments of those items both globally and locally. DHL freight then takes up the role of the freight shipping carrier for importing those products.

To have a complete understanding of air freight shipping, it is broken down into three different types.

Three different types of air freight shipping

Commercial or passenger planes

Several passenger planes can also carry light cargo and earn a significant amount of money by delivering air freight. The belly of the plane can hold both palletized and containerized freight. Shipping via these passenger planes results in cost-effectiveness as these commercial flights travel to numerous destinations in a day. However, the number of restrictions for such goods is higher on these flights because the freight is being shipped on a passenger plane. Many airlines check the size and weight of such shipments and even the destination in many cases.

Cargo planes

Since cargo planes are designed to carry heavier freight, they can carry a lot more goods than commercial planes can. On average, cargo planes can handle about 26,000 cubic feet of cargo. These planes are not meant for carrying passengers and have fewer restrictions as compared to commercial flights.

DHL’s freight forwarding services provide plenty of options to match your budget, delivery necessities, as well as the weight and size of your freight.

Air charters

Air charters are generally used during emergencies or dire situations. In this type of shipping method, you rent a charter plane to only take your freight to the destination you want it to go to. While this type of freight shipping is the quickest and shortest way to send your goods, it can also incur a significant amount of money. This is because your air freight forwarders don’t have layovers or external interferences in most cases.

Benefits of air freight shipping

It’s safer and secure

Air freight is the most secure and safest option for transporting sensitive goods. So, unless your flight is facing inclement weather, air cargo travel is smoother and safer than sea or truck transport. This results in fewer damages.

It’s the quickest mode of shipping

Unless the weather conditions are unfavorable, air freight is the quickest mode of shipment. In air freight shipping, you have the option to get your shipment at the location you want it to be, including same-day service. It also helps deliver time-sensitive shipments without any delays.

It’s cost-effective

Initially, air freight shipping may appear to be expensive, but there are many factors that make it cost-effective.

• Air freight does not need heavy packaging or the need to be stored in a container.
• The packing costs are lower and container rental isn’t required.
• There is reduced overhead with air freight shipping.
• Since your freight gets expedited, it eliminates the need to warehouse or store it.

It’s accurate

Freight shipping is accurate. That’s because flights depart and directly arrive at the destinations at their set times. There’s no midway stopping to browse a tourist spot. Therefore, it’s easy to check the status of your freight. And since you’re dealing in hours instead of days, the opportunity of errors are lesser.

Things to keep in mind while using air freight

1. Social factors: The social as well as regional factors play a key role in determining the cost of air freight. Conditions such as work strikes, war, agitation, pandemics, and even terrorism activities can reduce the demand and make it costlier for air freight forwarders to work in that area.
2. Working costs: This depends on a number of factors and one important cause being the cost of fuel. If the fuel costs are low and are likely to stay low for some time, then it can majorly affect the working expenses. This cost gets reflected in the delivery rates.
3. Financial factors: Economic factors can directly impact your exports and imports. For instance, in bull economies, the interest rate for air freight shipping can exceed limits which can prompt more significant expenses. 

DHL for one makes sure that your shipment arrives safely and on time regardless of the kind of freight it is.

Whether you are shipping personal effects or a collector vehicle overseas, your shipment will get past a certain check post that will require you to fulfill certain rules and regulations of international shipping. As much as complying with those rules will help expedite your package, learning the costs involved will also save you from spending an extravagant amount of money.

It is because sometimes certain hidden costs can catch you by surprise. Therefore, it is important to plan and do thorough research before shipping.

Here are a few crucial elements to keep in mind if you want to obtain a better idea of where these fees might be applied.

Shipping Related Costs

• When you are shipping with express couriers, you may need to pay the overhead for the fuel surcharge. This varies monthly or weekly depending on the country and is measured as a percentage of the shipping fees. Thus, keep an eye on their fluctuations because they can have a big impact on your bills.
• Selecting value-added services for your shipments, such as insurance in the event of loss or damage or delivery outside of normal business hours can cost a bit more than your ordinary shipping needs.
• Sometimes, certain surcharges are applied depending on the pickup location. This is commonly referred to as a remote region surcharge indicating that these areas are outside of your chosen couriers’ typical collection path.
• Delivery retries, address correction costs, and occasionally even return fees are all areas where you may be charged extra. So, be very careful when you are filing your paperwork to avoid these unnecessary costs.
• When it comes to costs, it is best to go with a logistics and shipping company that is not necessarily the cheapest. When it comes to supply and logistics companies, pricing is directly proportional to the level of quality you should expect. While you do not have to break the bank and go with the most expensive choice, going for the cheapest one does not make sense either!

Package Related Costs

• Not all shipments are of the same nature and may require extra care or handling when shipping overseas. Such is the case when you are shipping fragile or dangerous goods. You will almost always be charged an extra fee, which is commonly calculated as a percentage of the shipping expenses or the value of the items.
• Some couriers charge an additional fee depending on the material and shape of your containers. Therefore, be prepared to spend a little extra in case your courier charges you for the material of the container you are shipping.
• Surcharges may apply if your package exceeds a courier’s specified dimensions or weight. You may be penalised for having an oversized item or a large parcel if the length of your parcel exceeds a certain limit.

Tariff Related Costs

Under-declaring the items of your shipments on the commercial invoice is a mistake you should avoid at all costs. If customs clearing agencies feel that the claimed value is less than the market value, they may request a fresh invoice, resulting in a slew of additional fees. The shipment may remain in customs if they do not get the amended commercial invoice in a timely way, resulting in warehouse storage fees. In addition, the courier may charge you a fee if your items are undervalued.

Now that you’re aware of the hidden costs and extra charges that can occur when shipping overseas, you’ll be able to budget for them appropriately. With DHL Express courier service, you don’t have to worry about the hassle and hidden costs when it comes to international shipping. Additionally, DHL also offers preferential rates to customers that meet the requirements of their business.

Winter has now taken full grip of the country, with many locations reporting snowstorm after snowstorm. Driving in unpredictable weather conditions takes a higher level of skill than summer driving. Drivers must re-learn how to drive in nearly every situation: blizzard, light snow, icy, and sleet/wet conditions. 

Driving in treacherous conditions takes a toll not just on the driver, but also on the car. The below-freezing temperatures can drain the battery and deflate tires. Snow, sleet, and salt can work toward turning small rust spots into large rust spots. Windshield wipers can tear when they glide over ice on the windshield, and brakes are used more frequently, leading to increased wear.

The first step in navigating winter roads like a pro is to be certain you have the best car insurance coverage by gathering car insurance quotes online. With the peace of mind of securing discount auto insurance from a reputable provider and knowledge that you are covered for any winter possibility, you can drive with more confidence while saving money. Ensure your policy accurately reflects the needs of you and your family.

Fully insured? Great, now let’s prepare by following these steps and tips.

Planning Ahead

Before getting started on any winter travel, stock your car with essentials that you might need if you are stranded or get into an accident. 

• Extra blanket(s)
• Hats, gloves, scarves
• Cell phone charger
• Nonperishable snacks
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Snow shovel and ice scraper
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit

Allow Extra Time

Rest assured; it will be necessary for you to take extra time to get to your destination. Whether it is obvious that the weather and road conditions are bad or not, winter is fickle and can throw a mini blizzard your way on a whim. You can get caught in traffic, behind slower vehicles, behind a snowplow or be forced to drive especially slow because of ice. Take 45 minutes for a normal 30-minute drive.

Reduce Your Speed

Not taking road conditions like ice and snow into account can be a fatal mistake. Black ice may be present on bridges and overpasses, and you could very quickly lose control of your car. Losing control is less likely to culminate in an accident if you’re going slow enough to manage and process the startling shift.

Use a Lower Gear

If you start sliding on ice or snow, your vehicle will be less likely to accelerate if you already have it in a lower gear.

Never use Cruise Control

Save the cruise control for the summertime. The only good time to use cruise control is if you’re able to drive at a consistent speed. Situations such as snowy and icy roads, twisting roadways, or even heavy traffic are all times to keep it turned off.

Respect the Snowplow

It can be frustrating to get stuck behind a snowplow with no way around it but try and look at it positively. The road you are driving on is freshly plowed! If you must get around it, make sure there is ample space to do so, and don’t pull in front of the plow too close or quickly, as their blades extend farther than you might realize.

Watch the Forecast

Most activities can be forfeited or rescheduled for another day if the weather is supposed to be lousy. The best thing to do if bad weather is imminent is to stay home, warm and cozy, and enjoy the snow from your easy chair, instead!

Defrost First

The two most common reasons why people get into car accidents are reduced visibility and speed. Cold weather can cover windows in a thick fog, so take the time to warm your car and defrost the windows. This way, you know your visibility is not at all limited.

Know the Braking Basics

If the front wheels lock up, let the steering wheel turn freely, take your foot off the accelerator, and shift into neutral. Slowly begin to steer the vehicle the right way as the vehicle slows down. If the rear wheels lock up, take your foot off of the gas pedal and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go. Anti-lock brakes will need steady pressure, while standard brakes require a gentle pump action.

Stay Calm

Cool heads prevail when something goes awry on the road. Don’t make any sudden maneuvers. Let up off the accelerator and take a moment to process the situation so you can make the best next step.

Ecommerce fulfilment services have become the best friend of many an e-commerce company. It has proven its merit in fulfilling orders across the country (and even the globe), shipping them, and making sure they arrive at their destination as promptly as possible. Once your customers finalise their purchases, your e-commerce fulfilment partner can take charge of the fulfilment process, and it is indeed a necessary element in your supply chain.

Aside from storing your product inventory, the fulfilment company will process the order, pick and pack the product, and transport or ship it to your customer. Your e-commerce fulfilment partner will ensure a much more streamlined process, and if you may already know, this takes a lot of work and effort. But if you are not completely sure of what you can expect from a fulfilment service, here’s a look at the step-by-step process of fulfilling an order.

Step 1: Receiving the order

The first step relates to inventory, and for the fulfilment company to take care of orders, you need to have enough inventory for your products for the fulfilment company to have what they need. Your fulfilment provider should already have the stock on-hand in their facility or warehouse, so once they receive an order, they can begin fulfilling it

Step 2: requirements for storage

Your fulfilment company should have proper warehousing for your goods, and they need to make sure that your inventory is stored in an organised and easily accessible manner. It would be best to have a dedicated location or area for each product, and your fulfilment partner is responsible for keeping your products visible and secure.

Step 3: order processing

Once the fulfilment provider receives an order, it’s time to pick and pack it. They will be responsible for picking it from the warehouse and packing it for delivery or shipment. They should have a packing slip containing information about the location and quantity of the product, along with packing customisations and requirements.

Step 4: shipment

When the fulfilment service has attached the shipping label, the package is ready for shipping to your customer or merchant. You can have the packages delivered to a specific home address, a post office, a courier branch, or a fulfilment centre. The shipment should come with tracking details, allowing your fulfilment partner to keep track of it and update you and the recipient on the parcel’s real-time whereabouts.

Step 5: returning items

Your e-commerce fulfilment partner doesn’t just take responsibility for delivery – they can also take charge of and handle returns. It’s not often, but sometimes customers may want to return an item. If this happens, make sure your fulfilment partner can deal with returns. For returns, customers will send back the item, and when the item is sent back, your e-commerce fulfilment partner can evaluate it and determine why it was returned. They will inform you of their findings, and you can then decide whether to dispose of the product or restock it in your product inventory.

Whilst these steps are crucial, remember that speed is of the essence – once you receive an order, your fulfilment partner should act on it right away. When you have a solid fulfilment process, it secures your business’ standing with your customers as well.

For many businesses, it’s never easy to get their products shipped to their customers. In fact, there are various things that can go wrong when it comes to business shipping. For instance, aside from dealing with hefty fees, business owners may deal with damaged products and lost packages.

Fortunately, there’s a solution for every business shipping challenge. One of these solutions includes finding the best customs broker to help you expedite your shipment’s customs clearance.

Other than that, to help you avoid customer complaints regarding your shipments and solve your biggest shipping concerns quickly, below are the common shipping challenges and ways to address them effectively:

Shipping Delays

One of the toughest and most common shipping challenges for businesses is delays. There are several reasons why delays happen. Often, delays are classified into two forms, which are internal delays and external delays.

External Delays

When it comes to external delays, they’re typically due to some factors, such as delivery vehicle breakdown, poor weather conditions, and heavy traffic. In this kind of delay, there’s nothing you can do to resolve such issues.

That’s why some companies have created solutions, like delivering products via drone. However, such solutions aren’t practical. So, the only best way to address it is to inform your customers as soon as possible about the possibility of shipment delays.

Internal Delays

Internal delays, on the contrary, are something you can control if you’re aware of them. For example, you can prepare your items as usual without any customization. With this, you can easily hand them over to your preferred shipping couriers.

If you’re planning to send packages to other countries, be sure to prepare the important documents required by the customs to improve your business’s delivery process. This is because authorities may put your shipments on hold if you don’t have the right documents.

Damaged Items During Shipping Or Handling

As a business owner, you should be aware of the harsh conditions in most shipping streams. The forces that shipments may face as they’re loaded in the ships, trucks, and planes are greater than what they’re experiencing when sitting at your home or business location.

To resolve this problem, have a proper crating and packaging scheme in place. If your items are packed or placed in shipping crates well, the risk of damage is reduced.

Order Returned

Even if the possibility of this shipping challenge is rare, business owners may feel uneasy once their orders are returned. The situation can be much tougher to decipher if you have an inexperienced or unorganized order management system. In addition, you can miss some of your orders if your warehouse is big or if you’re dealing with countless orders every day.

Also, if you use third-party shipping carriers for your business shipments, you’ll need to contact them to find your packages. If you’re out of luck, the search might take several days, weeks, or even months.

To avoid this frustrating situation, you should always keep in touch with your chosen delivery agent. Luckily, there are some shipping plugins you can use to track your shipments in real-time. This kind of feature has different order status checkpoints, which will keep both shipping carriers and business owners aware in case an order was lost or misplaced.

Route Disruptions

Some things outside your control may affect shipping routes. Political unrest, pandemic, and natural disasters are some of them. While such events are unpredictable and can’t be prevented, think of other ways to deal with them.

For instance, you can work with the best shipping logistics service providers that monitor every event that may affect their shipping routes. If problems arise, they’ll take advantage of their industry contacts to change the path of their shipments to avoid any possible trouble in the long run.

Customers Refuse The Delivery

Even if it’s uncommon, there are instances wherein some customers don’t pay their orders and would often request to return them. This may happen for some typical justifications, such as when customers made the wrong placement or the items they received were damaged or incorrect.

Regardless of the case, it’s never simple to manage returns. The reason behind it is that you need to get the orders back, unpack your items, and place them back in your inventory. Handling returns may also cost you time and money.

To avoid losing resources and lessen the hassle, you can make a minimum order limit for cash on delivery (COD) products and charge fees to customers if they refuse to accept the orders. This is necessary as it can help prevent damage to your revenues and avoid future delivery refusals.

Expensive Shipping Costs

For both business owners and customers, shipping is never cheap. Generally, the cost of shipping packages may depend on some factors, like how much the packages weigh, where they’re going, and how fast they need to be delivered. Unfortunately, several businesses don’t know how to handle expensive shipping costs.

To avoid paying a high shipping cost, one of the options you can consider is to let your customers pay for it. When you charge your customers for shipping, you’ll allow them to order your items without the need to worry about your profit margins.

However, it isn’t always a good idea because some customers don’t like expensive shipping costs. So, you might want to charge your customers a flat rate and affordable shipping fee to reduce the shipping costs and avoid driving your customers away. Just make sure to consult your shipping company regarding the costs, so you and your customers won’t be surprised by the charges.

Unexpected International Fees

Unlike domestic shipping, international shipping is more expensive since the packages have to be transported in far places. In addition to that, international shipments are subject to local taxes and duties. For this reason, some businesses get rid of international shipping as much as possible. However, if you want to serve customers globally, you need to deal with international shipping.

Therefore, instead of eliminating international shipping from your business, be clear with the policies involved with it, so your customers will be aware of the possible extra fees they need to pay for international shipping.

Conclusion

To provide excellent customer service, it’s essential to be aware of the common business shipping challenges and the best ways to resolve them. With this in mind, you’ll be able to impress your customers by handling shipping issues with grace. Plus, you can ship your products or items with confidence. Just make sure to continue planning and improving your shipping strategies to provide the best possible shipping experience to your customers.

Technological advantages keep on getting better. It is safe to say that many of these innovations are responsible for getting us to our present world. Thanks to tech, modern trucks fit the description of moving computer networks featuring endless opportunities to collect and transmit data. If you want to get digital video recorders (DVR) for your fleet, you need to know more about the component and what it offers.

Video recorders offer enhanced protection and refuge for commercial vehicles. The information in this article explains how DVR trucking is beneficial for fleet owners and their businesses.

Protection from Fraudulent Insurance Cases

If you have never had experience with fraudulent insurance claims, you are aware that it is a way for insurance firms to minimize their risks and expenses. Fitting digital video recorders in your trucks make it easy to fight off malicious claims and protect the reputation of your fleet agency. Footage from the surveillance system comes in handy as evidence in refuting the allegations from the insurance firm. It also helps build trust between the driver and agency since they are protected from the claims.

Prevent Vehicle Theft

DVR can relay a live feed, which prevents thefts and other inconveniences. For instance, the data compiled by the digital video recorders can help firms retrieve stolen vehicles. Both external and internal video recorders assist with blind spot functions such as reversing. Without a surveillance system, knowing the activities of your vehicles is impossible unless you trust your drivers.

Identify Poor Driving Practices

It isn’t easy to know if your drivers are giving full accounts of how the daily ventures. With a surveillance system in the vehicles, fleet owners can comfortably monitor how each staff member handles themselves on the job. Any form of dvr trucking helps fleet owners identify poor-performing or misbehaving drivers and their crew members.

Cost-Effective

With the information you get from DVR trucking, it is more natural to strategize and improve the company’s performance. Saving money is one of the most powerful means of boosting business functions. By eliminating all liabilities from the company, one can quickly get to optimal performance. Since surveillance systems offer security against numerous inconveniences, they are cost-effective fleet business features.

Collect Real-Time Data

Information gathering is a significant factor for many successful businesses. The ability to collect first-hand information comes in handy when fleet owners are looking to make business modifications. For instance, data from a particular vehicle can tell you more about how specific drivers perform. It makes it easy to pick out your best staff members and eliminate those making the company incur extra costs.

Conclusion

Investing in DVR trucking is an excellent way to keep tabs on one’s fleet of vehicles. You cannot fully trust employees unless you have experience working with them. The surveillance system helps fleet agencies improve the security of the workers and vehicles. However, to get the benefits mentioned above, you have to get a reliable fleet surveillance system.

Tech innovations in the business sector are helping entrepreneurs make progress faster than before. For fleet owners, DVR trucking solutions should help the company’s performance, worker’s productivity, and safety.