Shipping container numbers, also known as container tracking numbers or container codes, are unique identifying numbers that are assigned to each shipping container. These numbers are used to track and trace the movement of containers from one location to another, and to identify and manage the cargo that is being transported.
Shipping goods internationally can be a complex process, and it's important to prepare your items properly to ensure they arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Here are ISS Shipping’s top tips to help you get your items ready for international shipping.
ISS Shipping is pleased to announce that we have obtained our International Air Transport Association (IATA) Cargo Agency Accreditation.
With special thanks to ISS Export Manager, Danny Acevski, we were able to successfully lodge our application and receive the prestigious accreditation. Danny led us through the rigorous accreditation process, which involved a comprehensive evaluation of our operational and business practices, ensuring they meet IATA’s stringent criteria.
What is IATA?
The International Air Transport Association is a globally recognised trade association that represents and serves the airline industry. They strive to increase awareness of the benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies and help airlines operate safely, securely, efficiently, and economically. IATA also seeks to improve efficiency for all stakeholders in the freight forwarding industry.
What does IATA Accreditation Mean for ISS Shipping and our Clients?
IATA Accreditation is a hallmark of excellence in the air freight industry, and receiving this prestigious accreditation is a testament to any company’s adherence to high standards of safety, security, efficiency, and professionalism.
Receiving IATA Accreditation will benefit ISS Shipping in the following ways:
Our IATA Accreditation not only benefits our business but will also help us provide even better services for our loyal customers. With this accreditation, we will have greater access to resources and networks that will enable us to provide the most efficient and cost-effective air freight services to our clients possible.
We’d once again like to thank Danny Acevski for his hard work in getting ISS IATA Accredited. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Danny has a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with exports and certifications. We are grateful to have him on our team and are excited to see what other great opportunities he brings to ISS Shipping in the future!
For any queries on IATA or air freight, reach out to Danny at dacevski@issshipping.com.au or 0416 845 295.
Container seals are an important security measure in the shipping industry, as they help to prevent tampering or theft of cargo during transportation. A container seal is a tamper-evident device that is attached to the doors of a shipping container, and is used to secure and protect the contents of the container during transit.
Bolt Seals and Cable Seals
There are two main types of container seals: bolt seals and cable seals. Bolt seals are typically made of metal and feature a locking mechanism that is secured with a unique serial number. Cable seals, on the other hand, are made of plastic or metal and feature a flexible cable that is sealed with a tamper-evident tape or label.
How to use a Shipping Container Security Seal
To use a container seal, the seal is attached to the doors of the shipping container and locked in place. The serial number or other identifying information is recorded, and the seal is inspected by the shipping company or customs officials to ensure that it has not been tampered with. If the seal is intact and has not been breached, the container is considered secure and can be transported.
If the container seal is broken or tampered with during transit, this is a clear sign that the cargo may have been accessed or stolen. In this case, the shipping company or customs officials will investigate the situation and take appropriate action, such as reporting the incident to the authorities or conducting a thorough inspection of the cargo.
Benefits of Shipping Container Security Seals
In addition to providing security, container seals also serve as a critical part of the supply chain, as they help to track and trace the movement of cargo from one location to another. By recording and tracking the serial numbers of container seals, shippers and transportation providers can monitor the location and status of their cargo at all times, and ensure that it is being handled and transported safely and securely.
Overall, container seals are an essential security measure in the shipping industry, and play a vital role in protecting cargo and ensuring the smooth operation of the global supply chain.
For shipping services that are secure, efficient, and cost-effective, get in touch with ISS Shipping today!
Container Seals FAQ
Q: What is the purpose of ISS Shipping’s Guide to Container Seals?
A: The purpose of ISS Shipping’s Guide to Container Seals is to provide information and guidance on container seals, specifically container bolt seals, for ensuring the security and compliance of shipments.
Q: What is a container seal?
A: A container seal is a type of high-security seal used to secure shipping containers and prevent tampering or unauthorised access.
Q: What is a tamper evident seal?
A: A tamper evident seal is a security seal that provides evidence of tampering by showing visible signs of compromise or manipulation.
Q: Are container seals compliant with industry regulations?
A: Yes, container seals are designed to be compliant with industry regulations and standards for container security.
Q: How do container seals provide security?
A: Container seals provide security by acting as a barrier that prevents unauthorised access to the container. They are built to withstand tampering attempts and provide peace of mind for the integrity of the shipment.
Q: What are the benefits of using container seals?
A: The benefits of using container seals include enhanced supply chain security, evidence of tampering, compliance with industry regulations, and peace of mind.
Q: What types of shipping containers are container seals suitable for?
A: Container seals are suitable for a wide range of shipping containers, including those used for ISO container shipping, rail transportation, and carbon steel containers.
Q: Are there different types of container seals available?
A: Yes, there are various types of container seals available to cater to different security requirements and specifications.
Q: Are container seals C-TPAT compliant?
A: Yes, container bolt seals can be C-TPAT compliant, ensuring compliance with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program.
The logistics cycle is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption. This cycle is essential to the success of any business, as it ensures that goods and services are delivered to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Stage 1: Planning
The logistics cycle begins with the planning stage, where a company determines what goods and services it will offer, and how they will be produced and delivered to customers. This stage involves analysing customer demand, forecasting future demand, and developing a plan for meeting that demand.
Stage 2: Implementation
Once a plan has been developed, the next stage of the logistics cycle is the implementation phase, where the plan is put into action. This phase involves coordinating the movement of goods and services from point of origin to point of consumption, including the transportation of goods, warehousing and inventory management, and customer service.
Stage 3: Control
The final stage of the logistics cycle is the control phase, where the effectiveness of the logistics plan is evaluated and any necessary adjustments are made. This phase involves monitoring and measuring key performance indicators, such as delivery times, inventory levels, and customer satisfaction, to ensure that the logistics plan is meeting the needs of the business and its customers.
Effective logistics management is crucial for businesses to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. By carefully planning, implementing, and controlling the logistics cycle, businesses can ensure that goods and services are delivered to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner, improving customer satisfaction and driving business growth.
For more information on streamlining your shipping, saving on logistics costs, and boosting customer satisfaction, get in contact with ISS today.
The CBM rate, also known as the cubic metre rate, is a common unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to calculate the volume or capacity of a container or shipment. The CBM rate is typically used to determine the cost of transporting goods by sea, as it allows for a more accurate estimation of the amount of space that the cargo will occupy in the vessel's hold.
To calculate the CBM rate, the length, width, and height of the cargo are measured in metres, and the resulting measurements are multiplied together to determine the total volume in cubic metres. For example, if the length of a shipment is 2 metres, the width is 1 metre, and the height is 1.5 metres, the CBM rate would be calculated as follows: 2 x 1 x 1.5 = 3 CBM.
Once the CBM rate has been determined, it can be used to calculate the cost of shipping the cargo by dividing the total CBM by the cargo's weight in kilograms. This allows for a more accurate estimation of the shipping cost, as it takes into account the volume of the cargo as well as its weight.
In addition to calculating the cost of shipping, the CBM rate is also used to determine the size and type of container that will be needed to transport the cargo. For example, if a shipment has a CBM rate of 3, it may require a 20-foot container, while a shipment with a CBM rate of 6 may require a 40-foot container.
Overall, the CBM rate is an important unit of measurement in the shipping industry, as it allows for a more accurate calculation of the cost and logistics of transporting goods by sea. By understanding and using the CBM rate, shippers and transportation providers can ensure that their cargo is transported efficiently and cost-effectively.
For more information, get in touch with ISS today!
Shipping manifests are important documents in international shipping. They list the goods that are being transported so that the cargo being shipped by a carrier can be verified. Typically, shipping manifests contain information including the number and types of shipments being transported, and the details of the consignor and consignee.
There are a number of different types of shipping manifests, each of which serve specific purposes. To find out more about the different types of shipping manifests and why they are important, read on!
Cargo Manifests
A cargo manifest lists all the cargo carried on a vessel. It contains information such as the type of cargo, quantity of cargo, destination of the shipment, and the details of the consignor and consignee.
Freight Manifests
A freight manifest lists the freight costs of each consignment carried on board the vessel, in addition to the name and weight of each item, category of the shipment, and the details of the consignor and consignee.
The freight manifest assists with the determination and collection of freight fees from shippers and the calculation of freight commission.
Out-of-Gauge Manifests
An out-of-gauge manifest is used in the shipment of overweight and/or oversized cargo. It must be completed by the shipper and include detailed information regarding the cargo’s dimensions, weight, and value.
Out-of-gauge manifests help shipping/port crew and carriers load and unload the goods safely and securely.
Reefer Manifests
Reefers are refrigerated shipping containers that are used for the transportation of perishable and temperature-sensitive goods, such as food and medicine. A reefer manifest contains information about the refrigerated containers on board the vessel, including their temperature settings, humidity settings, and other specifications.
Hazardous Cargo Manifests
Hazardous cargo is cargo that is classified as potentially harmful to people, animals, or the environment. These items must be listed on the hazardous cargo manifest with information regarding their classification, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes, and Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) details.
Export and Import Manifests
Export and import manifests are similar to cargo manifests. An export manifest is submitted to the port customs when the ship is about to leave the docks, whilst an import manifest is submitted before or as soon as the ship arrives at the port. Each port may have different criteria and requirements, however.
With so many different types of shipping manifests and documents, it can be confusing to determine which ones you do and do not need. Fortunately, ISS is here to help! With many years of experience in the industry, we will ensure you have all the documentation required for seamless, cost-effective shipping.
Call us today for more information!
The process of freight forwarding is considerably complex. It involves many different steps and stakeholders, and requires a fair amount of expertise and knowledge to ensure that the goods get from point A to point B, with minimal setbacks.
At ISS, we believe that all shippers should have at least an elementary understanding of freight forwarding and how it works. To help with this, we have put together a basic guide to the process of freight forwarding.
What is Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is the process of transporting goods from one location to another. It involves picking-up, transporting, storing, and delivering freight, as well as obtaining and filing the relevant documentation required to ensure your shipment is legally compliant.
The Freight Forwarding Steps
The process of freight forwarding can be broken down into 5 basic steps.
Step 1: Establishing a Contract
The first step in freight forwarding is establishing a contract between the freight forwarder and the shipper. The contract should contain information including the scope of the services to be provided, the type of shipment, origin and destination locations, transit times, and any other additional services such as warehousing and tracking. The cost of the services, payment terms, and any additional fees and surcharges. The establishment of a contract ensures that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities throughout the process and verify the expectations of both the shipper and the freight forwarder.
Step 2: Document Preparation
After a contract between the freight forwarder and the shipper has been established, the documents required in the shipping process will be prepared and filed. The freight forwarder will complete the paperwork required to move the goods, including customs documents, insurance certificates, etc. The freight forwarder will also provide the shipper with the documents they are responsible for. This is mainly paperwork that will ensure the shipment is legally compliant.
This step is paramount in ensuring the shipment is processed efficiently, with minimal delays.
Step 3: Picking-Up the Goods
The next step in the freight forwarding process is picking-up the goods. This is typically done by a third-party carrier, such as a trucking company, who will transport the goods from their initial position to the freight forwarder. The freight forwarder will then ensure the cargo gets to the correct port on-time.
Step 4: Transporting the Goods
Once the goods have been delivered to their origin port, they will then be loaded on the plane, ship, train, or truck, and transported to their destination port. The freight forwarder will choose the most efficient and cost-effective transportation method and route for the shipper, and work with the carrier to ensure the cargo is delivered on-time with all its relevant documentation.
Step 5: Clearance and Delivery
The final step in the freight forwarding process is clearing the goods and delivering them to their final destination. This involves obtaining the necessary paperwork for customs clearance and transporting the goods from the port to the warehouse or customer.
In order to ensure your freight forwarding process is seamless, contact the ISS team today! We have the experience and expertise to ensure that your goods get from point A to point B on-time, with no unnecessary expenses.
Call us today for more information!
Having a clear and fair returns policy is critical for all retail businesses, particularly those online. Making it easy for your customers to return faulty products or items they are not satisfied with is important in maintaining a good business reputation. According to a survey carried out by the US returns company Redbound, over 50% of customers will stop shopping with a business if they’ve had a poor returns experience.
Having an effective returns policy is paramount. Here are some tips for how to do it.
Ensure Your Policy is Flexible
Most consumers will consider your returns policy before making a purchase. Ensuring your policy is flexible and doesn’t deter customers is therefore important in securing sales.
There are a number of ways you can go about this. Firstly, you need to make sure you have a generous returns window. Most companies will opt for a window of at least 30 days. You should also offer returns for ‘change of mind’ as well as for faulty products. This will give your consumers more confidence in their purchases and create a better customer experience.
Lastly, if you can afford it, you should offer free shipping. This will be a big driver in generating sales and encouraging customers to shop with you in the future.
Make Your Returns Quick and Easy
Returning an item can be a nightmare for customers. Making it easy to lodge returns online and including pre-paid return labels with your orders can therefore make for a much more positive experience for you, your employees, and your customers.
Some businesses even offer to have couriers pick up the item from their customer’s doorstep or a post box near them so that they don’t have to make a trip to the post office.
Minimise the Occurrence of Returns
The best way to reduce the amount o f returns is to avoid them. If you’re a clothing retailer, having an accurate and clear sizing guide will help save you and many of your customers from the hassle of lodging and processing returns.
Providing as much information as possible about your products and uploading plenty of photos will ensure your products meet your customers’ expectations as closely as possible.
For help with your business's logistics, get in touch with ISS today!
Shipment tracking has become a vital component of successful supply chain management. Not only does it benefit customers, but shipment tracking is also very beneficial for businesses for a multitude of reasons.
Read on to find out ISS’s top 5 benefits of shipment tracking.
1. Reduced Costs
Although shipment tracking systems require an initial upfront payment to implement, they can significantly reduce costs in the long-term. As shipment tracking provides you with the location of the shipment, its specifications, and often the SKUs contained in it, it allows you to reduce instances of incorrect product deliveries. This in turn, can help you avoid expenses associated with re-packaging, re-warehousing, inventory storage, and fuel and other transportation related costs.
A tracking system also aids in better management of all your shipping-related activities, allowing you to reduce the occurrence of customer complaints, and be better equipped to handle them if they do occur.
2. Improved Customer Satisfaction
Shipment tracking provides customers with a real-time view of where their order is and when they can expect it. Because of its ability to provide better transparency in the supply chain, shipping tracking can drastically improve the experience your customers have with your business. This can improve customer loyalty to your business, and help you generate more sales.
3. On-Time Deliveries
Delayed shipment complaints are one of the most common complaints ecommerce businesses receive. When used effectively, shipment tracking can help improve accuracy in estimated delivery times, and give customers greater clarity about why their shipment is late in the event delays do occur.
In addition, shipment tracking allows you to communicate and collaborate more closely with distributors, warehouse managers, and couriers. This means that any sudden or unexpected changes in the supply chain will be communicated much more quickly to you and, in turn, your customers.
4. Increased Efficiency
When integrated with warehouse logistics and other business systems (such as purchase order systems), shipment tracking systems can greatly improve efficiency in the supply chain. Potential delays in deliveries can be relayed to customers more smoothly by using the information on the shipment’s progress provided by the tracking system and other logistics technologies.
In addition, business owners will obtain greater visibility over which modes or carriers are more reliable.
5. Better Communication
Last but not least, shipment tracking opens up lines of communication in your business. It allows you to more easily coordinate with inventory managers, warehouse managers, and freight carriers.
Better communication leads to more efficient processes, which leads to better service and greater customer satisfaction!
The better communication between carriers and shipping lines afforded by shipment tracking systems can also help improve business relationships with logistics companies and allow you to form partnerships with key players in the industry.
If you’re wanting to streamline your business’s shipping processes, get in touch with ISS. We can help you maximise efficiency in your supply chain and avoid unnecessary expenses!
Call us today!
The waybill and the bill of lading (BoL) are two documents that are used in shipping. Although they sound similar and are often mistakenly confused, it is important that you understand the differences between the waybill and the BoL as there are some vital differences between the two.
To find out what these differences are, read on for ISS’s guide to the difference between the waybill and the bill of lading.
The Bill of Lading
Out of all of the documents associated with shipping, BoLs are arguably the most important. The bill of lading serves three primary purposes:
The Waybill
Waybills include much of the same information as the bill of lading, however without the legal power of a contract. A waybill is typically issued by the transporter of the goods and contains basic details such as the names and addresses of the shipper and receiver. Waybills also contain registration and identification numbers, and will typically contain a description of the goods.
What Information is Included on Both Bills of Lading and Waybills?
BoLs and waybills must both include the following information:
Although there are some noticeable similarities between the BoL and the waybill, it is important that you get them right and differentiate them sufficiently. Failure to do so can cause major delays and disruptions in your supply chain.
In order to avoid these complications, we recommend you get in touch with ISS. With many years of experience in the industry, we understand what is needed to get your freight from point A to point B efficiently and cost-effectively.
For more information, call ISS Shipping now!
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