The waybill is one of the most important documents in shipping. It is often considered a ‘passport for shipments’ as it contains information about a shipment’s origin, destination, contents, and route. In addition, goods cannot be exported without a correctly filled and accurate waybill.
Because of this, it is extremely important that businesses get their waybills right. Fortunately, ISS is here to help with our guide to the waybill.
What is a Waybill?
Similar to a bill of lading, a waybill is a document issued by a carrier containing information regarding the shipment of a consignment of goods. It will typically contain information such as the names and addresses of the consignor and consignee, and the origin, destination and route of the shipment. The waybill does not, however, serve as a legal documentation of ownership.
Why are Waybills Important?
The waybill is very important in shipping as it prevents document loss and forged bills of lading. The waybill can also help simplify operation procedures and prevent delays and complications from arising throughout the shipping process.
The Different Types of Waybills
The two most common types of waybills are air waybills (AWB) and sea waybills (SWB).
Air Waybills
The air waybill serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier through air. As such, it acts as a receipt of goods by airline carriers. AWBs define the conditions of the carriage, such as liabilities and procedures for claims. The format of the air waybill is fixed throughout the air freight industry, where information such as a description of goods as well as the charges can be found.
Sea Waybills
The sea waybill is similar to the air waybill in that it serves as a receipt given by the shipping line as well as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier by sea.
Both the air waybill and sea waybill are non-negotiable documents.
How do you Prepare a Waybill?
When preparing a waybill you need to include information such as:
Providing incorrect or inaccurate information on your waybill can be hugely problematic and can result in significant delays in shipping. Because of this, we always recommend that businesses call ISS.
With an abundance of experience in international shipping, we will ensure that all your shipping documentation is correct and all your shipping procedures are carried out seamlessly and efficiently.
For more information, contact ISS today!
Rail and road shipping are two of the most common forms of transport for freight. They both offer more affordability, convenience, and reliability compared to alternative forms of transport.
Rail and road both have advantages and disadvantages over each other too, however. So determining which is best between the two comes down to a number of factors.
Cost
As previously mentioned, both rail and road transport are considerably cheaper than other modes of transport. Between the two, however, rail freight is slightly cheaper.
This is mainly due to the fact that trains have greater capacity compared to trucks. They can transport more cargo in less time, hence reducing costs associated with fuel and labour. Rail transport is also less likely to be delayed by traffic, road repairs, and accidents.
Flexibility
Trains usually move between freight stations and depots on a carefully planned schedule. Conversely, trucks are usually dispatched according to delivery requests and therefore offer more flexibility.
In addition, trucks are not restricted by railways and can therefore transport freight to and from remote locations.
Reliability
As mentioned before, trains are rarely affected by traffic, weather, repairs, and other forms of congestion. They are therefore considerably more reliable than trucks as they are less likely to be delayed.
Range
Freight trains can travel for thousands of kilometres without stopping. Train operators are also able to operate trains for long periods of time compared to truck drivers who can only drive 8-12 hours a day, depending on where they work.
Because of this, trains have much greater range and can cover longer distances, in less time.
Emissions
When it comes to emissions, rail transport is much more environmentally friendly than trucks. Not only are rail networks electrified, but trains can also transport much more in one trip than a truck can. Because of this, they release significantly less emissions than freight trucks.
Determining whether to transport your freight via rail or road ultimately comes down to the nature and volume of your goods, where you’re shipping to and from, and your budget.
For more information, get in touch with the ISS team today.
If you’ve ever shipped large or oversized items before, chances are that you’ve heard of flatbed shipping. Flatbed shipping is a great option for businesses that need to ship large items and equipment that is too big for LCL (less-than-container load) shipping.
What is a Flatbed?
A flatbed is a type of truck that has an entirely flat trailer, with no roof or sides. Because of its design, flatbeds are easy to load and unload products onto and off of the truck. There are also very little restrictions surrounding the weight, size, and height of the products being transported via flatbed.
What Items Should be Shipped Via Flatbed?
Flatbed shipping is great for shipping a large variety of items. Goods that are often shipped on flatbed trucks include:
Benefits of Flatbed Shipping
Flatbed shipping is the shipping method of choice for many suppliers in many fields. This is because it offers a number of benefits, including:
What to Know Before Flatbed Shipping
Before you send your goods off on a flatbed truck, there are a number of things you need to know. Follow these tips for hassle-free and seamless flatbed shipping:
Have accurate freight information
You will need to provide your flatbed provider with detailed and accurate information about your goods. This includes what is being shipped, the estimated value of the goods, the goods’ dimensions and weight, and their final destination. Additionally, if your goods have a unique shape, are extremely heavy, or especially tall, you’ll want to inform the company carrying your goods to ensure it falls within the weight, height, and length limits of the flatbed trailer being used.
Familiarity with flatbeds
As with any shipment, you want to understand how it's getting there and how the shipping process works. This will ensure the right flatbed is being used for your goods, and will minimise the occurrence of complications along the way.
Call ISS
Transporting large freight via a flatbed can be a cumbersome task, and that’s why it’s important to work with the experts. ISS are experienced in all types of shipping and can help you get your goods from point A to point B cost-effectively and hassle-free.
For more information on flatbed shipping and whether it’s right for you, get in touch with ISS today!
When it comes to international shipping, one of the most important and often overlooked steps is customs clearance. This process is required to clear your shipment through the customs of the country you are importing or exporting from, and it can be a complex and time-consuming task.
Fortunately, ISS is here to help with our guide to navigating customs clearance.
What is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining permission to import or export goods through the customs of a country. This process involves the submission of various documents, the payment of duties and taxes, and the inspection of the goods by the customs authorities.
Documents Required
The documents required for customs clearance will vary depending on the type of goods you are shipping and the country you are importing or exporting from. Typically, the following documents will be required:
Expert Assistance From ISS
At ISS, we understand the complexities of customs clearance and we have a team of experts who can assist you with all aspects of the process. We can help you understand the requirements for your shipment, prepare and submit the necessary documents, and ensure that your shipment is cleared smoothly and efficiently.
Contact the ISS team today to learn more about our customs clearance services and how we can help you navigate this important step in the international shipping process!
If you’re wanting to ship anything via sea, it’s important that you choose the right shipping container for your shipment. With so many different types of containers and sizes, it can be difficult and confusing to determine which is best for your cargo.
Fortunately, ISS is here to help with our complete guide to shipping containers.
Shipping Container Types
There are a multitude of different types of shipping containers, all of which have various uses. We’ve listed some of the most common types of shipping containers and their uses below.
Dry (General) Containers
Dry containers (also called general containers) are the most common type of shipping container you’ll come across. They are fully enclosed with a floor, roof and sidewalls. Dry shipping containers are used for shipping dry cargo that doesn’t have any temperature requirements.
High Cube Containers
High cube containers are similar to general containers, however they are taller by about 1 foot. These containers are most commonly used when a slightly larger volume capacity is required or when shipping taller goods.
Open Top Containers
As the name implies, open top containers are general shipping containers that have an open top, i.e no roof. They can be used to ship goods of any heights and are usually used with a plastic sheet or tarp as a roof.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers are shipping containers that have collapsible sides that can be folded to make a flat rack. Flat rack containers are used for shipping heavy oversized cargo that can be difficult to load and unload.
Double Door (Tunnel) Containers
Double door containers (or tunnel containers) are shipping containers that have doors at both ends. This allows for easy and quick loading and unloading, as well as the transportation of wide goods.
Open Side Containers
Open side containers are general shipping containers that have one door on the end of the container and one door along the side. Open sides containers are used for shipping goods that are wider and can’t fit through the door on the end of the container.
Insulated Containers
Insulated containers are shipping containers that are thermally regulated. Insulated containers are used to transport shipments that need to be stored in a temperature higher than the external temperature outside the container.
Reefer Containers
Reefer containers are refrigerated shipping containers. They are used to transport temperature-sensitive or perishable goods, such as food and drink.
Half Height Containers
As the name suggests, half height containers are half the height of general shipping containers. They are used for transporting bulky cargo that is heavy and dense such as coal, stone and sand.
Shipping Container Dimensions
Shipping container sizes are standard throughout the world. They are referred to by their external length in feet. The most common shipping container sizes are:
The width and height of shipping containers are consistent (8 feet and 8 feet 6 inches, respectively).
If you’re still unsure which shipping container type and size is best for you, get in touch with ISS. We will ensure you get the right container for your cargo and help you avoid unnecessary fees and expenses.
For more information, call us today!
The food and beverage ecommerce industry has grown significantly in the past few years. There is greater demand for home-delivered consumables and more technology that allows us to fulfil this.
One of the biggest challenges food and beverage retailers face in this industry is shipping. Shipping perishables can be costly and difficult due to their many storage and transport requirements. Fortunately, ISS is here to help with our complete guide to shipping perishable goods.
1. Choose the Right Packaging
The right packaging materials will depend heavily on what exactly you’re shipping.
Common lightweight perishable packaging types include styrofoam boxes, custom styrofoam cut sheets, insulated liners, air-filled insulation liners, and insulated pads. Heavier duty packaging options include glass and insulated containers.
Be sure to consider whether you need to add additional packaging like padding, insulation, watertight plastic bags, or wrapping - all of which protect products from temperature changes.
2. Select the Right Cold Storage Materials
The type and the level of cold storage materials you’ll need will depend on the packaging you choose. With styrofoam, the thicker the packaging, the less ice or coolant you’ll need. So while using very thick styrofoam might seem appealing, the packaging will come at a higher cost and take up more room in a package.
You’ll need to find an optimal compromise between cost and space to decide how to keep items cold. Ice packs and gel coolants are more affordable, and work well for items that should be refrigerated, but not frozen.
Dry ice can keep items frozen and prevent them from going bad for longer. But shipping with dry ice also means your shipment may be treated as a hazardous material, increasing costs and red tape. To avoid the hazardous material headache – and ensure that your shipment can travel by air – keep dry ice contents per package less than the maximum weight of 2.5 kilograms. No matter the amount, any package containing dry ice needs to be clearly marked on the outside. And remember, do not place dry ice in boxes with airtight seals, as gases need to be able to escape.
3. Pick the Right Carrier
There is no easy answer as to which carrier is best for shipping perishables. The answer depends on what you’re shipping, where, and how quickly it needs to get there. For perishable shipments, carriers recommend allowing no longer than 30 hours in transit.
Essentially, the right carrier is the one who can get shipments to your customers the fastest. This may mean using different carriers for different shipping zones. If you choose a regional carrier, be sure to select one experienced in shipping food and beverage products.
If you’re unsure how to best go about shipping your perishable cargo, give ISS a call. We are experienced in shipping food and beverage goods across the globe, promptly and hassle-free. Our extensive network of carriers and shipping providers also ensure that we get the best rates possible for our clients, no matter what they need to ship.
Freight consolidation is a shipping strategy many businesses employ to lower their freight costs and boost security in the supply chain. It involves combining multiple shipments into a single load transported by a carrier to a destination region. Upon arrival to the destination region, the load then gets deconsolidated (broken down into smaller parts which are then delivered by a regional carrier to their final destination). Freight consolidation can also work in the other way, so smaller shipments can be merged together and then delivered to their destination together.
Freight consolidation is ideal for businesses that only move a few pallets of a product at a time and businesses that ship smaller amounts at a higher frequency. It can provide a number of benefits for businesses, some of these include:
Reduced Shipping Costs
Through freight consolidation, LCL (less-than-container loads) and LTL (less-than-truck loads) can be merged into a single load and shipped together. This can help businesses avoid unnecessary expenses associated with transporting partially-filled containers and trucks.
More Security
Freight consolidation can also help boost security throughout the supply chain. As consolidated freight requires less handling, the chances of cargo being damaged or going missing is greatly reduced.
Improved Relationships
Consolidating freight can also boost professional relationships between shippers and carriers. With reduced overhead costs and increased profits for all parties involved, freight consolidation can help establish long-term shipping partnerships.
Freight consolidation can also improve relationships with customers. As consolidating your shipments makes your shipping process faster and more efficient, your customers will likely get their cargo delivered quicker, making them more likely to shop with you again.
Although freight consolidation presents many benefits, it can be challenging to pull off. Consolidated shipping requires considerably more planning and knowledge around pricing, dimensions, timing, and other specifics. It can also be difficult to find carriers who are willing to consolidate your shipments.
Because of this, we recommend that any businesses wanting to consolidate their shipments get in touch with ISS. Our experienced team will plan and organise your shipments, recommending freight consolidation when suitable.
For more information, contact us here.
A container rollover occurs when a container does not get loaded onto its intended vessel. It can occur for a number of reasons such as late gate in, incorrect or missing documentation, vessel overbooking, and port omission.
When a rollover occurs, the container is usually loaded onto the next available vessel. This can cause significant delays, so understanding why container rollovers occur and what you can do next is critical for all shippers.
Why Do Container Rollovers Occur?
Container rollovers occur for a number of reasons. Most of the time, they occur as a result of carrier-related issues, however they can also occur as a result of shipper, consignee, trucker, customs broker, and freight forwarder-related issues.
Shipper Related Reasons
Consignee Related Reasons
Trucker Related Reasons
Customs Broker Related Reasons
Freight Forwarder Related Reasons
Shipping Line Related Reasons
Other Reasons
What Happens After a Container Rollover?
When a container is rolled over, it has to either wait for the next sailing, get shipped through an alternative route, or change to another carrier.
If the shipper decides to wait for the next sailing, they often have to wait up to a week, resulting in significant shipping delays. If the shipper decides to ship through an alternative route, the cargo will likely have to be transshipped through a different port. Lastly, if the shipper decides to change to another carrier, they will have to unload the container and load it into the other carrier’s container. This usually requires regulatory permission from local customs and incurs additional fees from port and warehouse operators.
How Can You Avoid Container Rollovers?
Container rollovers can cause large delays and additional expenditure. Fortunately, there are ways shippers can prevent rollovers from occurring, such as:
ISS can improve shipment planning and coordination processes in your supply chain. Our years of experience and extensive network of shipping providers around the world allow us to monitor all our clients’ shipments closely, reducing the occurrence of container rollover.
Contact ISS today for more information!
Putting in the time to map out an effective shipping strategy is one of the best investments you can make in your ecommerce business.
Although it’s easy to take a simplistic approach to shipping, properly planning out your strategy will help differentiate your business, maximise customer satisfaction, and increase your profit margins.
There are many different shipping strategies that you may choose to implement. Below are some of the most popular.
Free In-Store Pick-Up
If you have several brick-and-mortar stores or a very strong local business, offering free in-store pick-up is a great method of enticing new and existing customers.
Free in-store pick-up benefits both you and your customers. You won’t have to waste time sending packages and your customers won’t have to spend extra money on delivery.
Live Rates
Getting live rates in real time directly from carriers like UPS, FedEx or DHL is another shipping strategy you can employ. This will often get you the best possible rates while still covering your shipping costs, ensuring minimal expenditure for both you and your customers.
Implementing this strategy can however, cause confusion amongst your customers as the rates are often inconsistent and can vary significantly.
Same-Day Delivery
Same-day delivery is a great tactic in maximising customer satisfaction and fast-tracking your deliveries. It will help you stand out from your competitors, build your business’s reputation and increase your conversion rates.
Unfortunately, same-day delivery is very difficult to guarantee unless you have a seriously smooth logistics operation and plenty of resources on-hand.
Unless you’re only doing local business, we don’t recommend this as your first go-to strategy. Consider overnight or two-day shipping instead.
Free Shipping
Free shipping is a straightforward and easy-to-implement shipping strategy that is used by many ecommerce businesses around the world. It’s easy to explain to customers, aligns with customer expectations, and boosts conversion rates.
The only drawback with free shipping is that it is an additional expense for your business. Although it will help you generate more sales, it may not necessarily boost your profits if you are losing money on each order.
Flat Rate Shipping
Employing flat rate shipping is another commonly used strategy. It involves charging a flat rate for all orders, regardless of what is being purchased.
Although this strategy likely won’t positively impact your conversion rate or business reputation, it will help avoid shipping-related confusion amongst your customers.
Mixed Shipping Strategies
Many businesses have made the decision of implementing multiple shipping strategies in order to further maximise customer satisfaction and sales generation. For example, some businesses offer free shipping and same-day delivery so they can drive customers to check-out and then entice them to pay for faster delivery.
In addition, many businesses offer standard or flat shipping rates in conjunction with free in-store pick-up. This way customers have the option to not have to pay for delivery and businesses will be less likely to lose sales as a result of high delivery prices.
Not all these strategies will work for your business, so it is important to consider them carefully before you decide to implement any.
If you have any questions or are wanting to learn about our hassle-free shipping services, contact ISS today!
Intermodal shipping refers to the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail, truck, and ship. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to transport goods over long distances as it allows for the transfer of goods between different modes of transportation without the need to unload and reload the cargo.
There are several benefits to using intermodal shipping:
Cost-Effectiveness
Intermodal shipping can be more cost-effective than using a single mode of transportation as different modes of transportation often have different cost structures. For example, shipping goods by rail may be cheaper than shipping them by truck over long distances.
Efficiency
Intermodal shipping can be more efficient than using a single mode of transportation as it allows for the use of the most appropriate mode of transportation for each leg of the journey. For example, a shipment may be transported by rail for most of the journey, and then transferred to a truck for the final leg of the trip to the destination.
Environmental Benefits
Intermodal shipping can be more environmentally friendly than using a single mode of transportation as it allows for the use of modes of transportation that are more fuel efficient, such as trains and ships. This can help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable supply chain.
Flexibility
Intermodal shipping allows for flexibility in the transportation of goods as it allows for the use of multiple modes of transportation. This can be particularly useful in situations where there are disruptions to a particular mode of transportation, as the shipment can be transferred to another mode to continue its journey.
Improved Supply Chain Visibility
Intermodal shipping allows for better visibility of the supply chain as it allows for the tracking of shipments using multiple modes of transportation. This can help businesses better understand where their goods are at any given time and make informed decisions about their supply chain.
Overall, intermodal shipping offers a range of benefits for businesses looking to transport goods over long distances, including cost-effectiveness, efficiency, environmental benefits, flexibility, and improved supply chain visibility.
It can, however, be frustrating and time-consuming to pull off, and requires a solid understanding of the supply chain.
Because of this, we recommend that all businesses wanting to introduce intermodal shipping into their shipping strategy speak to ISS first.
With many years in the shipping industry and an extensive network of shipping services suppliers across the globe, we will be able to inform you on your best options and help you achieve a cost-effective and hassle-free solution.
Contact the ISS team today for more information!
The process of transporting your goods across international borders can be complicated and time-consuming. Customs clearance requires a considerable amount of preparation, documentation and certification, all of which vary from country to country.
Fortunately, ISS is here to help with our 4 top tips for a seamless customs clearance process.
1. Make Sure You Have Accurate Documentation
There are a number of documents you’ll need to compile and present in order to get your goods into your destination country. These include commercial invoices and goods descriptions.
In order to avoid complications, you should make these documents as descriptive and as accurate as possible. Make sure all information you provide about your cargo is correct, and don’t shy away from providing more detailed information about the nature of your goods.
2. Consider Which Incoterms You Will Employ
Incoterms define the point in the shipping process when the responsibilities of a shipment shift from the shipper to the receiver, and vice versa. They include details such as who’s responsible for paying duties, paying shipping expenses, and handling other import formalities.
Incoterms must be agreed on by both you and your customer prior to shipping. Familiarise yourself with current Incoterms and ensure it is clear to both you and your customer who is responsible for what and when.
3. Research Requirements for Your Destination Country
Different countries have different requirements when it comes to documentation. Some will require special certification for certain goods, such as perishable goods and animal products.
To ensure your goods are cleared without complications, visit the government websites of the countries you're importing to and exporting from. They will provide you with all the information you need regarding documentation and certification.
4. Keep Detailed Records
Last but not least, you want to keep detailed records of your customs documents. This will allow you to keep track of shipments and provide you with records in the event complications do arise.
Customs clearance is not a straight-forward process and can be very difficult to get right the first time around. The best way to mitigate risk and ensure all your goods are cleared successfully is to let ISS handle your shipments for you.
Our experienced Customs Brokers will not only ensure you have all the information you need for seamless customs clearance, but will also help you avoid unnecessary costs and duties.
Call ISS today for more information!
Refrigerated shipping containers (or reefers for short) are temperature-controlled shipping containers used for transporting perishable and heat-sensitive products such as foods, drinks, pharmaceuticals, and chilled goods.
If you need to ship perishable goods, you’ll need to use a reefer. Read on to find out more about them and how to best go about reefer shipping.
How do Reefers Work?
Reefers distribute chilled air from the floor via T-shaped decking. This ensures the container produces a steady flow of air that is powerful enough to maintain the required temperature for the duration of the transit, even under harsh conditions. They have a temperature range of -35 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius - so they can also be used to transport products that need to be stored in a warmer ambient temperature.
Reefers VS Standard Containers
The biggest difference between reefers and conventional containers is the temperature control function. Normal containers are used to ship dry goods and do not have any temperature control. The two also differ in terms of size, design, power generation, and electrical distribution equipment. Reefers are smaller and contain individually powered refrigeration units. Because of this, they cost more than conventional shipping containers.
Types of Reefers
Just like conventional shipping containers, there are different types of reefers. The main types are closed reefers, Modified Atmosphere/Controlled Atmosphere (MA/CA) reefers, and Automatic Fresh Air Management (AFAM) reefers.
Closed Reefers
Closed reefers are conventional reefers that come in a single piece. They have an integral front wall and all-electric automatic cooling and heating units.
Modified Atmosphere/Controlled Atmosphere Reefers
MA/CA reefers are insulated containers that have air exchange systems that keep the atmosphere constant. The atmosphere in these containers can therefore be set accordingly to the deterioration rate of the cargo.
Automatic Fresh Air Management Reefers
AFAM reefers automatically adjust internal air exchange to maintain a constant temperature. Similar in its working to the MA/CA reefer, the AFAM reefer controls the composition of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Their controls can be adjusted to extend the shelf life of the cargo, irrespective of outside conditions.
What is the Best Way to Handle Reefer Cargo?
Reefer cargo requires slightly more attention and care than regular, dry cargo. Failure to handle reefer cargo effectively can lead to product damage and reduction of shelf life. Here are the different cargo handling stages and the best way to do it:
Dos and Don’t of Reefer Shipping
In order to prevent damage to your perishable goods during transit, follow these tips.
Dos
Reefer shipping is more complex than shipping via conventional containers. In order to ensure seamless reefer shipping and the safe and hassle-free delivery of your cargo, get in touch with ISS today.
We are experienced in establishing effective and competitively-priced shipping strategies tailored to your business needs.
Contact our team here.
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