An efficient distribution network is essential for any business that wants to stay competitive and meet the demands of its customers. At ISS Shipping, we specialise in providing quality international shipping services to help our clients improve their supply chain operations. In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how you can improve your distribution network and take your business to the next level.

When it comes to international shipping, there are two main options to choose from: sea freight and air freight. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the differences in order to choose the best option for your business.

Shipping is a daily operation for many businesses around the world. Because of this, it is critical that businesses go above and beyond to ensure their shipping runs as smoothly as possible.

Although shipping delays and complications are often caused by external factors, there are a few common mistakes businesses tend to make, particularly when they are just starting out.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these mistakes and minimise the chances of shipping disruptions from occurring.

The recent attacks on several container vessels travelling through the Red Sea have resulted in a widespread shift in global shipping routes. Many prominent shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd have halted shipping operations through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, and have opted for alternative routes. With the Suez Canal facilitating about 12% of global trade and 30% of shipping traffic, this shipping line disruption has had major effects on global shipping and is predicted to have further impacts on trade and the economy. These impacts are outlined below.

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, choosing the right shipping provider is crucial. A reliable and reputable provider can make the process smooth and stress-free, while a poor choice can result in delays, lost items, and other problems.

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.

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, there are a few different options to choose from. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

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:

• Global recognition and credibility: with IATA Accreditation, ISS Shipping is more globally recognised as a trusted and credible cargo agent.
• Adherence to industry standards: IATA Accreditation signifies ISS Shipping’s adherence to the highest industry standards, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices in air freight.
• Access to IATA resources: As an IATA partner, ISS Shipping has access to a wealth of IATA resources including industry updates, training programs, and networking opportunities, allowing us to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving freight forwarding landscape.
• Competitive edge: with IATA accreditation, ISS Shipping gains a competitive edge in the market, distinguishing ourselves as a company committed to excellence and customer satisfaction.

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!