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.
International shipping is a complex process that involves numerous procedures and regulations to ensure the safe delivery of goods. Keeping track of shipping terminology used to define these procedures and regulations is therefore important in understanding the shipping process and minimising mishaps and errors along the way.
Read on for some of the most commonly used international shipping terms that all shippers should know.
Incoterms
Incoterms (short for International Commercial Terms) are a series of predefined commercial terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The terms are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs, and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods and determine responsibilities throughout the supply chain.
COD - Change of Destination
A COD (Change of Destination) is a request asking the container ship to discharge your container and transport your goods to another destination than what was originally booked.
DM - Demurrage
When your containers have been discharged, there is a free period for storing them in the port (provided by the container line). If you do not pick up your containers before the free period expires, you can be charged a demurrage fee.
Demurrage fees are determined by the number of days your containers stay in the port after the free period has expired.
DT - Detention
Detention is a fee that you have to pay if you have picked up your imported containers but have not returned them to the shipping line in time.
Similarly to demurrage fees, detention fees are determined by the number of days the containers have been in your possession.
Rollover
Rollover occurs when your containers do not get loaded onto the vessel. This may occur as a result of customs problems, overbooking, or vessel omissions.
When this occurs, your carrier will arrange to get your containers onto the next departing ship.
FCL - Full Container Load
FCL (Full Container Load) refers to when shippers have enough goods to fill an entire container.
LCL - Less than Container Load
LCL (Less than Container Load) refers to when shippers do not have enough goods to fill an entire container. In this case, shippers will share a container with other consignments.
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper including shipment details such as the type of goods, quantity, freight rate, and destination. It represents the agreement between the parties involved and helps guarantee that exporters receive their payment and importers receive their goods. The Bill of Lading also serves as a shipment receipt.
CYCY - Container Yard to Container Yard
A container yard is a port facility where containers are stored before they are loaded onto a ship or after they have been discharged from a ship.
CYCY (Container Yard to Container Yard) explains that the responsibility of the carrier begins (port of loading) and ends (port of discharge) at the container yard.
Stuffing and Stripping
Stuffing is the process of loading a container, whilst stripping is the process of unloading a container.
Having a basic understanding of these shipping terms will better equip you to tackle any shipping complications that may occur.
For more information on shipping, get in touch with the ISS team today.
International shipping can provide businesses with many benefits, allowing them to increase profits and expand to new markets. It can be a lot of work, however and requires a considerable amount of documentation.
If you’re considering expanding your business internationally, read on to find out more about the 5 shipping documents you need to have in order to import and export your products.
1. Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading (or BoL) is a contract of carriage between the shipper, the carrier company, and the consignee. It’s the document used to confirm the receipt of goods and the safe delivery of the freight to the consignee.
The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in shipping. It must be accurate and contain detailed information, including:
There are different types of BoLs - inland, ocean, and air. The one you use for your shipment will depend on the mode of transportation used to move your freight.
2. Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin (C/O) is a document declaring the country in which a shipment has been manufactured or grown. It is used when the importing and exporting countries have a free trade agreement in place to avoid duties and taxes.
Different countries have different procedures when it comes to acquiring a Certificate of Origin. Most will require evidence of the goods’ origin such as invoices, a Bill of Lading, or letter of credit prior to granting this certificate. Some countries have additional requirements, however, so it's a good idea to visit your destination country’s customs website prior to exporting your goods.
3. Packing List
A packing list is a document containing an itemised list of what’s in your shipment, including details such as weight, dimensions, safety requirements, and the packaging type. The packing list may be used by customs to identify any goods they need to inspect.
4. Invoices
There are two types of invoices that may be required in the importation or exportation of your goods.
The first is the commercial invoice. This is an invoice for the contents of the shipment and outlines the dollar value of the goods as well as the Incoterm used to determine who is responsible for the payment of carriage and customs.
The commercial invoice is used to calculate the taxes due on arrival.
The second invoice is the proforma invoice. This invoice is issued to the consignee prior to the shipment of the goods in case they need it for customs. A proforma invoice will include the weight of the goods and all associated transport charges.
5. Packing Declaration
A packing declaration informs customs of the materials used to package the goods. As some countries use hay, chaff, bamboo, and other agricultural by-products to package their products, many of which are not allowed in some countries, a packing declaration will prevent undeclared restricted materials from entering the country of origin.
Always check the customs website of your country of origin prior to shipping to determine whether you need to provide a packing declaration, and what details you need to include.
Collating the right documentation for your shipments and ensuring they are correct and accurate can be a great source of stress for many business owners. Because of this, we recommend you get in touch with ISS to handle all your international shipping requirements for you.
Our dedicated Customs Brokers are highly experienced in ensuring that you have all necessary paperwork for your international shipments and helping you to avoid paying unnecessary taxes and expenses throughout the process.
Call ISS today for more information!
Although warehousing may initially seem straight-forward and uncomplicated, there are actually a number of different considerations that businesses need to consider. This includes determining what type of warehouse is best for them and their products.
Fortunately, ISS is here to break it down with our guide to the different types of warehouses and how to figure out which is best for you.
Private Warehouses
As the name suggests, private warehouses are privately owned by wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers. These include:
Private warehouses are generally more expensive than other warehousing options. They do, however, boast the benefits of added security, and greater long-term potential.
Public Warehouses
Public warehouses are government-owned distribution centres. They are often leased out to smaller businesses that don’t have the financial ability to purchase or rent a private warehouse.
Public warehouses are a great option for new and small businesses, and for short-term distribution projects. Most public warehousing space is utilised by manufacturers, producers, exporters, and importers who are affiliated with franchises.
Bonded Storage Centres
Bonded storage centres (or bonded warehouses) are warehouses that can store imported goods before customs duties are required to be paid on them. Companies storing goods in bonded storage centres don’t have to pay any duties until their items are released and can store restricted goods until their proper paperwork is complete.
These warehouses are perfect for importers as they can keep their items duty-free until they find buyers. They also have reputations as secure and safe storage spaces for goods, making them ideal for businesses that don’t have private warehouses.
Co-Operative Warehouses
This is your most economical type of warehousing system. Co-operative warehouses are run by co-operative societies, which are voluntary organisations. Co-operative organisations don’t earn a profit, so they don’t charge heavy rental fees for distribution.
Smart Warehouses
Smart warehouses are warehouses where all processes are managed and automated with artificial intelligence. Automation typically includes everything from software for management, to robots and drones performing tasks like packing, weighing, transporting, and storing goods.
These warehouses are pricier; however they make order fulfilment quick and less prone to human error.
Distribution Facilities
Distribution centres provide computerised control, which makes the movement of goods fast, reliable, and easy. Goods are shipped to the handling facility the morning of the operation, then quickly moved to a nearby distribution centre.
This is the best facility to conduct business operations when there is a large, urgent order of perishable items that need to be shipped.
Determining which type of warehousing facility is best for you ultimately comes down to the type of products you are shipping, how much you need to ship, and your budget.
Before selecting your warehouse, we recommend you give ISS a call. We’ll be able to point you in the right direction and help you find the most cost-effective and appropriate warehouse for your business.
Whether you ship domestically or worldwide, chances are that you’ve encountered shipping complications before. These issues can be frustrating and can negatively impact your business’s reputation. Fortunately, there are ways you can go about minimising the likelihood of them arising.
1. Damaged Items During Shipping
Shipping conditions can be very harsh, so it isn’t uncommon for damages to occur along the way.
The best way to mitigate the risk of breakages is to ensure your packaging is effective and suitable for your items. For a detailed article on how to effectively package your cargo, read our Packaging Tips to Minimise Damage During Transit blog.
2. High Shipping Costs
There are many expenses associated with shipping, particularly if your items require special care.
A good way to minimise your expenses is to ship as far in advance as possible. This will help you get better rates and avoid unnecessary fees.
In addition, it is a good idea to aim to ship in bulk as much as possible.
3. Shipping Route Disruptions
Whether due to harsh weather conditions, political events or pandemics, shipping route disruptions are entirely out of your control and there is little you can do once they occur. There are, however, precautionary measures you can take.
Employing the services of experienced shipping logistics companies such as ISS is a good idea. These companies often monitor local, national and worldwide events and are able to anticipate any issues that may arise during transit. If issues do arise, they are then able to utilise their extensive knowledge and networks to modify shipment paths and minimise disruptions.
4. Lost Items
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for cargo to get lost along the way.
The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure you are shipping with a company that offers tracking services throughout the journey. This way you can rest assured knowing that your delivery is on its way and that you’ll be notified immediately if there are any complications.
5. Misunderstanding International Shipping Requirements
Shipping domestically is fairly straight-forward, however when it comes to shipping internationally, things can get much more complex. Different countries have very different rules when it comes to importations and exportations, so ensuring you are familiar with them and have all required documents is critical.
The best way to ensure smooth international shipping is to consult a shipping services company. We will be able to inform you of your requirements prior to dispatch, and ensure that your items will pass customs with no issues.
These complications can be exceptionally disruptive to your business processes, so minimising the chances of them occurring is paramount.
For a full logistics solution that will prevent these issues from arising, get in contact with the ISS team today!
If you’re planning on shipping LCL (less-than-container load), something you’ll have to determine is whether you’re going to opt for parcel shipping or pallet shipping.
What is Parcel Shipping?
Parcel shipping is the most popular method for shipping consignment when the goods are small, lightweight, and can be easily lifted without assistance. Here, the items are placed in a package or a carton, generally wrapped in a plastic film/bubble wrap or a protective material. They are then loaded directly into their shipping container with no additional packaging or storage.
Benefits of Parcel Shipping
What is Pallet Shipping?
Pallet shipping is when multiple packages are stacked into boxes or pallets and transported as a single shipment. It is the best choice of shipping for bulky cargo and when the supplier has to ship multiple packages at once to a single location.
Benefits of Pallet Shipping
Which One is Best for You? Parcel Shipping or Pallet Shipping?
Ultimately what it comes down to is the nature and volume of your cargo. If you’re shipping one or two small, lightweight products, it's most time and cost-effective to choose parcel shipping. If you’re shipping multiple goods or large/heavy cargo, opt for pallet shipping .
The best way to get your products from A to B quickly and efficiently, is to set up an effective shipping strategy. At ISS, we’ve been establishing efficient and cost-effective logistics for small and large businesses for years. We are highly experienced in managing international shipping processes and are able to offer competitive prices and shipping times due to our long-standing relationships with shipping companies all around the world.
Call ISS today for more information!
Shipping containers are used in transporting freight from port-to-port via container ships. They allow for the easier and more efficient flow of cargo from origin to destination.
Containers are either owned or are leased by shipping lines who provide them to their customers (shippers or merchants) for the safe and fast door-to-door transport of their goods. Because the cost for using the container during the door-to-door transport is included in the freight, it is essential for shipping lines to turn around their containers as fast as possible.
As a result, and with the objective to encourage merchants to move or return their containers quickly, shipping lines discourage merchants who exceed the free time by charging demurrage and detention fees.
Demurrage refers to the charge that the merchant pays for the use of the container within the terminal beyond the free time period. Detention refers to the charge that the merchant pays for the use of the container outside of the terminal or depot, beyond the free time period.
It is an obligation for shipping lines to provide a reasonable free period during which no demurrage and detention charges apply. This free period is supposed to provide the merchant with a realistic period of time for:
It’s important that all shippers are aware of the length of the free period offered by their shipping lines prior to importing and/or exporting. This will allow them to plan out their loading and delivery processes better and avoid demurrage and detention fees.
For a complete logistics solution that helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and fees, get in touch with ISS today.
August 2022 marks ten years since Stevan Ilic, our dedicated Operations Manager, first started at ISS.
Stevan joined the company right after he finished high school. He was largely motivated by his father, Zoran Ilic, Founder and Managing Director of ISS, to join the family business.
Seeing the work that his father did and the way he helped people inspired Stevan to join ISS and help grow it from its humble beginnings.
When Stevan first joined the business, it was still in its infancy. ISS started with only a few members of staff and a few customers.
Now, ten years later, he has helped expand the business considerably. With Stevan’s help, we’ve opened an office in Melbourne, we’ve got a strong foothold internationally, and we’ve got an extensive network of carriers and shipping providers across the globe.
We look forward to watching Stevan continue to grow and are excited to see what else he has in store for ISS.
Well done, Stevan!
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