A lot of things can go wrong when it comes to cold chain logistics. Getting products and shipments from one place to another can be challenging enough, but making sure these packages stay the perfect temperature throughout the journey is even tougher. If one of your items gets too warm, you’ll lose money and run the risk of harming consumers.
Pallets have become the bread and butter of any industrial facility. We use them to store, move and lift items all day long, making them an integral part of your company’s operations. But as a manager, you’ll have to decide between new and used pallets. Both can get the job done, but each choice comes with its fair share of pros and cons. Continue reading
Pallets are a staple in any warehouse, helping you move large shipments around with ease. But you’ll have to choose between plastic pallets and wood pallets. If you’ve been using wood pallets, you might be surprised to learn that plastic pallets outperform wood pallets when it comes to cost-efficiency and package handling. They tend to be lighter, cleaner, more durable and easier to use than wood pallets. Learn why plastic pallets are a crucial investment for your warehouse. Continue reading
Pallets are some of the most important materials in the shipping industry. They’re available in materials like plastic, wood and steel, and they come in an array of different sizes. You can always ask the professionals for help, but it’s up to you to figure out which size pallet makes the most sense for your company. Once you learn what there is to know about pallets and their configurations, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Continue reading
Staying stocked up on inventory means being able to provide your customers with the products they need, but you also need a place to store your products until they hit the shelves. That’s where the warehouse comes in. Your warehouse must be able to handle the amount of products you have to store, however, and that means you’ll need to think about what kinds of pallets you use. You’ll have to find a safe way to store your inventory so that it doesn’t become damaged, which can be done with the help of the right types of pallets and a commitment to organization and safety.
Product storage is an essential aspect of running a business, whether you keep your inventory in a warehouse or onsite. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll handle your products before you send them out to the shelves, and there are a handful of options to choose from. Pallets are a popular choice across many different industries, but they’re not all the same. Educate yourself so you know what kinds of options you can choose from and pick the best one for your operation.
Metal pallets are without a doubt some of the most sturdy and rugged storage structures in a warehouse environment. Unlike wooden pallets, metal pallets don’t retain moisture and are less likely to crack, splinter, or break.
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The differences between galvanized steel and aluminum metal pallets concern the differences in the properties of the metals used. Which material you use for your business needs depends on a number of different factors, including what you ship. Continue reading
If you use pallets to keep your business running smoothly, you need a good supplier to ensure you get a quality product that matches your specific needs. Many companies choose to purchase used pallets. To ensure you purchase what you need, there are several points to educate yourself about when researching a supplier to meet your business’ needs. Continue reading
There is a significant opportunity available for businesses prepared to join the international shipping frenzy. Sales of products shipped to international destinations are growing exponentially, and perceptive companies work carefully to prepare marketing plans aimed at acquiring international business.
Preparing an international shipment requires a little more than just putting product in a box. The proper shipping crate is of the utmost importance, not only to meet regulations but also to protect your shipment.
Each import and export country has their own set of government requirements and customs regulations. To do business confidently in this global economy, it is essential you know what these requirements are.
Nothing makes a business look worse than shipments being delayed or turned back by customs. Occasional delays are to be expected due to fluctuating factors such as weather, but the grace period only lasts so long before your customers start to look for another supplier.
There is so much to know about the entire customs process. Therefore, before you start, it is best to consider where you will be shipping to. Without careful checking, there is the possibility of your customer being a restricted trading party or embargoed country.
Additionally, restricted and prohibited commodities vary widely between countries. For example, Vietnam considers it a crime to import calendars for commercial use.
Any documents for shipping crates internationally need precision and accuracy. The smallest mistake can lead to delays that cost both you and the customer money. The following documents are generally required for shipping so you should familiarize yourself with them, even if you are using a broker:
1. Bill of lading
2. Commercial invoice
3. Consular invoice
4. Inspection certification
5. Destination control statement
6. Certificate of origin
7. Certificate of insurance
8. Warehouse and dock receipts
9. Export packing list
10. Export license (if needed)
When you are first starting out, a customs broker may not be required. If you will be shipping internationally on a large scale, choosing a customs broker just makes good sense.
A customs broker is an expert in compliance rules, item classifications, various procedures, trade and tariff agreements, and other foreign restrictions. The biggest benefit is the time and money this will save your business.
They will take care of preparing all the proper documentation for each country. If any problems arise during shipping, or once the importing country has been reached, the customs broker will take care of them.
A good broker will also ensure your shipment reaches its destination as quickly as possible.
Otherwise known as IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention), most countries accepting international shipping crates constructed from wood require this stamp. These rules apply to both supply and packing materials that contain wood.
Packaging material includes items such as wooden drums, crates, pallets, cases, and dunnages used as cargo cushioning.
The purpose of the ISPM 15 rules is to prevent the possible spread of various diseases and pests that come from plant-based materials. The introduction of pests from one country to another can potentially have devastating consequences and is a real cause of concern to the United Nations.
After the use of heat treatments or fumigation to kill fungi or insects, raw wood packaging may receive the stamp. Any shipment containing materials using raw wood will not be permitted to enter destination countries or cross borders of IPPC participants without inspection for the stamp.
There are also restrictions on the height and weight of shipping crates and pallet containers. Forty-eight inches by forty inches by six inches is the standard size for U.S. pallets. The pallet height should not exceed five feet or sixty inches.
The most important consideration is the ability for forklifts to handle the skids or pallets easily. For example, there should be a minimum clearance of 3.5″ on two sides of the base to make them accessible to pallet jacks.
International LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping rules also require that skids on pallets must fit into a forty-foot standard or multi-model ocean freight container.
If they are unable to be moved from one location to another, your shipment will be returned or just sit on the dock.
Your shipment will likely require a prior approval permit from your shipping company if any of the following apply:
1. The skid exceeds more than one-thousand kilos or twenty-two hundred pounds in weight.
2. The skid is more than eighty inches in width.
3. The skid is in excess of one hundred nineteen inches in length.
4. The skids are more than seventy inches tall.
There is plenty to think about when shipping crates internationally: weight, height, construction materials, and paperwork.
If your intention is continued growth in your specific industry, it is to your company’s advantage to export. Learning how to do this properly will see all of your shipments go smoothly on the global stage.