Procurement is the processing of acquiring new products or services. It is a fancy name for obtaining or getting. The phrase has been used mostly by the Military. It took a new meaning once it became part of the supply chain and logistics arena.

Products could be procured or acquired locally or internationally. For a business to continue to thrive it has to constantly look for new products. The demand for new products by consumers continues to put pressure on companies to reach out to various manufacturers all over the world for new products.

International 3PL Procurement Services

As a Third Party Logistics Company, International 3PL, through its contract logistics division has decided to offer procurement services at no charge for its existing Order Fulfillment clients.

Let us assume that you are a company based in Colorado who handles distribution of cellular phone accessories and you are looking for new cutting edge technology, most likely you would search the Internet for new vendors from all over the world.

Most likely, you will strike gold and find what your looking for. In this case we can assist you in the  Freight Forwarding part of the shipment, customs clearance and delivery to your own warehouse or our warehouse.

In other cases, you are not that lucky and you can not find the right product. This is where we come in. We will source the product for you, make sure is what you are looking for and help you negotiate the agreement with your vendor.

The Logistics of Procurement

• We will find the product you need.
• Verify it matches the specifications you have spelled out
• Make sure the source is legitimate and in compliance with al local and international regulations.
• Make sure that the product is labeled according to requirement.
• If needed we can oversee the financial transaction.
• Arrange for Ocean or Air shipping, customs clearance and compliance.
• If asked, we can get involved with dispute resolution.

Our Contract logistics division located at 3500 NW 114th Avenue has been offering procurement services successfully to many of the local businesses.

resources:

Contract Logistics

4PL Companies

Freight Forwarders in Miami

If you plan on shipping to Europe, International 3PL offers  ocean freight services , air freight services and package delivery. Our services are fast and economical.

We can either pick up the cargo or you can deliver to one of our locations. With the required documents in place, we can deliver your cargo to many destinations in Europe. We offer door delivery services in many countries.

How shipping to Europe Works

E-mail us or call us with the following information:

1. Commodity
2. Dimensions and weight of each package or pallet you are shipping. in the case of full container loads, we require the total weight.
3. If you would like us to pick up, please provide the complete address.
4. Delivery point which could be the port, airport in the the country you are shipping to. in the case of door delivery, please provide the complete address.
5. Your shipping preference: Ocean or Air
6. Is insurance required.
7. When do you require the services.

Once we have above information, we will be able to send you a complete rate quote.

In addition to shipping to Europe, we can assist in shipping from Europe to the USA.

We are available via phone, E-mail: info@international3pl.com, or Via “Live chat” 

Or you can click on “Rate Request” 

resources:

3Pl Companies in Europe

Ocean freight to Europe  

Third party Logistics Companies in Miami

New 5G Wireless technology promises to make everything connected. The Next Generation 5G wireless  will supercharge cell phones, but its real potential lies it potential to power everything electronic other than smart phones.

The New technology with greatly influence a technology hungry field like Logistics.

Right now, GPS is used to track trucking companies who carry shipments that are loaded on trucks, wouldn’t be nice to be able to track your pallet live knowing exactly where it is? 5G wireless promises to be faster with less latency.

Warehouses use RF ( Radio frequency ) to transmit data through the warehouse to track an package from the time the order is placed until the package leave the warehouse, providing weight, dims to the WMS system?  How would you like to have that data available live from the time the order is entered until the end user signs for it under one platform. Imagine that application being applied to international shipments too.

What we are looking at is your 3PL company being able to offer all the information about your package from the time you end an order to ship until it is delivered.

5G wireless promises to be the holy grail of logistics.

Factories have relied in wires for along time since wireless technology is spotty and slow making it hard for machines to perform their functions. Now factories will benefit from the speed of 5G technology so will the shipping companies.

We are looking at being able to track the container while at see without having to rely on the internet portal of the shipping company  Your will be able to see the location of your container live on a map even if it being trucked from one location to another.

But don’t hold your breath, you will not see the full power of this technology until probably 5 years from now as cellular providers complete building the network.

Ms. Krys Siles, a spokesperson for International 3PL, a Miami Based 3Pl Company, stated that implementing 5G wireless is a priority for international 3Pl and it will be applied to both the freight forwarding division  and Contract Logistics division.

5G wireless costs will be passed on to the consumers, all 5G Wireless devices will cost more. Right now it is a race with time for German and Chinese Businesses trying to upgrade to 5G.

If you are planning on buying a 5G capable phone, you should wait. it will be 2 years at least before there is in enough coverage. 5G is faster but has less capability of penetrating walls.

resources:

3Pl conpanies:

International Shipping

Freight Forwarders

It is not a surprise that the best 3PL companies are not the largest, rather they are the midsize companies who focus on small and medium size customers with customer service in Mind.

As a customer of a 3PL company who handles your order fulfillment , you want the lines of communication open at all times. You need the flexibility that larger 3PL’s don’t offer. In most cases this will not be provided by the large size 3PL’s. They focus on revenue and they love to work with large customers.

Another reason why large 3PL’s might not be a good fit for small or medium size customers is because these 3PL companies are converted freight forwarders .

Their business revolves around ocean freight , Air Freight and warehousing services.

Best 3PL companies VS Freight Forwarders

Order fulfillment is a totally different animal that required better skill set. Freight Forwarding does not require the daily minute by minute involvement.

A shipment Via ocean from China to Miami does not require the constant attention until the cargo is about to arrive at the port. Order fulfillment ,on the other hand, requires involvement from the 3PL Company with the customer to make sure that the order is delivered as promised to the end user. That just one instance.

Here are some of the steps commonly followed in order fulfillment.

1-Customer initiates shipment to end user either via email or the 3PL ecommerce portal.

2- Order confirmed by the 3PL

3- 3PL prepares shipment ( “Pick and Pack” ) paying attention to special instructions.

4- Order is shipped

5- Both customer and end user ( Consignee )  are advised

6- Delivery is confirmed.

The above applies to any shipment large or small. A true 3PL company typically handles hundreds of such orders on daily basis.

One of the best 3pl Companies we have worked with is International 3PL in Miami, Florida

resources:

Best Logistics companies in Miami

Contract Logistics

7 Pl companies

When do you think about freight forwarding? I hardly believe you think of it when you pick up a toy or a toaster oven from your local store. There is a 90% chance that a freight forwarder was involved somewhere to bring the product to your fingertips.

A freight forward is an important part of the supply chain. Now let’s describe the role of the freight forwarder; It’s basically an organization that uses the services of a shipping company or air cargo company to move cargo from point A to point B. Anywhere in the world a freight forwarder does not own the vessel or aircraft although some shipping companies are freight forwarders.

A freight forward is involved in multi-modal transportation, for example: a shipment of microwaves from the factory in China to London will involve inland transport from a factory to the airport or shipping port and once the cargo arrives in London, it will be transported by truck (Inland Transportation) to the final destination.
Freight forwarders are subject to regulations that vary by country. This makes freight forwarding a tricky business.

Years ago, freight forwarders offered limited services, they only focused on shipping, with time they started offering services such as custom clearance, warehousing, consolidation and other services. Some of these services were outsourced. This has given rise to third-party logistics companies (3PL companies).

Freight forwarders that have not adopted innovation in the past few years are experiencing a slowdown business.
The industry has changed a lot over the past 20 years. A forwarder has become a one stop shop for all our logistics needs. This came with opportunities and challenges.
As a Freight forwarder adds on services, they need to add new talent. People who have experience in packaging, order fulfillment and customer service.

Many freight forwarders try to shed their skin and put on the Logistics Provider skin with little services because basically they focus on freight forwarding, their core competency.

In this challenging market so many freight forwarders are fading because they have not adopted change and innovation. We will continue to witness the change and evolution in this industry.
The next time you pick up your blender or coffee maker, remember how much work was involved.

With a global each across all continents, International 3PL is offers comprehensive freight forwarding solutions . strong partnerships with major air, ocean and road carriers, international freight forwarding is one of our core services.

We maximize the reach of your international sales and distribution efforts, offering consultation and operations for a seamless supply chain solution!

We offer reliable and competitive international freight forwarding solutions that support your continual growth and expansion in old and new markets.

Our special capabilities handle trade disputes, quota issues, customs and quarantine procedures. We deal with changing trade policies and emergency measures, ensuring that each of our customers achieves the utmost cost efficiency when moving their freight internationally.

On top of our standard freight services, we offer flexible and cost-effective intermodal solutions to cater to your specific needs in terms of cost, transit time and routing.

Visibility, accessibility and connectivity are the backbone of our IT systems. 
Through continuous improvement, we consistently devise new freight models and innovative solutions to meet your ever-changing business needs.

Freight Forwarding Solutions

• Air Freight
• Ocean Freight
• Road Freight
• Customs Brokerage
• Insurance Brokerage
• Global Security Product
• Risk Management Consultancy

When you are looking for dedicated and trustworthy freight forwarding company, why not turn to the most trusted names in the industry.

Many Freight Forwarding companies are transportation and logistics provider offering air freight, truckload, LTL, expedited, intermodal, project management, and specialized services.  As one of the top freight forwarding companies, we have the expertise that allows us to prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to international shipments. With transportation solutions including Air and Sea, North American Distribution (including Truckload and Less Than Truckload), 3PL Services, Warehouse Management and Intermodal, we can create a unique supply chain logistics solution that will allow you to focus on what matters most – your core goals.

Shipping to Africa

If you are looking for Africa shipping services, we make it with our fully integrated shipping and logistics services.

Our main specialties include:

• Door to Door logistics Services
• Customs Clearance Documentation
• Air and Sea Freight Services
• Marine and Cargo Insurance pre-arrangements
• Cost effective, Reliable and Secure cargo service

Our business model provides an end to end solution for all of your transportation and logistics needs.
Customers enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated domestic and international network that allows them to implement supply chain solutions throughout the world.

With a strong focus on time-critical shipments, International 3PL Focuses on quality performance and time-definite delivery while remaining flexible in service options.

You can basically ship anything you want. With most things, you don’t need a permit to ship containers to Africa unless the commodity you are shipping requires licensing. You can read more below about licensing.

Need to send only one pallet of goods in a shared container to Africa? How about a 20ft or 40ft container. To get you the cost to ship a container to Africa, we need a few things from you. 1) Location of goods 2) How many pallets or containers 3) Destination Country 4) What are you shipping.

The first step involves sending our truck driver with an empty container to wherever your product is located, at which point the container is filled. The truck driver then transports the full container to the appropriate shipping docks for loading onto the ship.

With our partnerships in Africa, we are able to offer competitive and effective Africa shipping services

Freight forwarding is a service industry that involves moving goods around the world on behalf of importers and exporters. International Freight forwarders specialize in moving cargo. They also arrange customs clearance of goods, maintain all documentation, oversee cargo packing and will at times deal with the movement of dangerous goods.

When you first contact a freight forwarding company, they should provide a quote for international shipping, including carrier charges, duties, insurance, and their forwarding fee. A freight forwarder should explain timelines, transfers, and transportation options. Versed in import, export, and customs laws, freight forwarders can advise you on the specific regulations regarding your shipment.

Once you hire a freight forwarder, they will arrange for space with carriers, verify insurance coverage, complete documentation, and help with packaging.

1)      What are my incoterms with the supplier or the buyer? At what point does my responsibility and liability of the cargo begin or end?

2)      What mode of service do I need? Do I need port to port, port to door, door to port, or door to door services?

3)      What is the origin address of the cargo, what is the final destination?

4)      What is the size/weight/dimensions/value of my cargo? What is the value?

5)      Is the shipment considered oversized or out of gauge?

6)      Depending on the mode of transport: what size ocean container, what volume of air cargo, or size domestic cargo will I be shipping?

7)      How is my cargo packaged? Do I need additional packing/loading services?

8)      Is my cargo considered hazardous? If so, do I have the MSDS, which is required by my freight forwarder?

9)      Is there any sort of import or export license required for the import or export of my cargo depending on the commodity and ultimate destination of the cargo? If so, do I know how to apply for that license?

10)  Will I need any special services such as: documentary services such as document attestation or legalization services, drop and pull of a container (container left overnight at supplier), customs clearance and duties paid, CBP/FDA/USDA exam processing, in-bond entry, commodity classification (HTS codes), fish & wildlife license, prior notice, annual bond for imports, consolidation of cargo, deconsolidation or any other type of additional service?

Miami offers easy access to every business in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Cultural ties to those regions, and experienced freight service providers smooth transactions with Latin American partners. If you are looking for the right place to be when conducting business with South America, Miami is the place to be.

When you consider the volume of cargo that passes between Florida and South America, along with Central America and the Caribbean; the numbers are mind boggling. Business transactions conducted involving one or more Latin American companies; and the Miami-based service providers with expertise in Latin American trade are off the charts.

That geographic advantage translates into vast volumes of international trade. Florida is the number-one trading partner of every nation in Latin America and the Caribbean except Mexico.

The concentration of service providers in Miami, and the large volume of traffic in and out of its seaport, is a huge source of revenue to many Miami Freight Forwarders.

Having so much cargo moving through Miami has given rise to a phenomenal number of Miami Freight forwarders, both the good and the bad. You have some of the largest and most reputable companies and you have some of the worst ones. Remember that service is key, it is not always about price. You eventually get what you pay for. There are some horror stories out there.

Your best would be to check the online reputation of the freight forwarder you plan to work with. Ask for references and meet with the back office staff.

Miami is the undisputed “Trade and Logistics Hub of the Americas” located at the epicenter of global trade in the strategic center of the Western Hemisphere. Miami Ocean Freight forwarders are here to help. Miami provides superior trade, Ocean Freight Services, Air Freight Services and logistics Solutions, to companies using Miami as a base of operations or as a transshipment point.

Miami ocean freight forwarders are numerous. The competition is so strong which drives the service fees down

Miami International Airport continues to be the #1 international freight airport in the United States and the 9th in the world. Port Miami is the 11th leading container port in the US. Major partners at Port-Miami include 16 shipping lines, FEC railway, on-dock facilities at the seaport. Nearly 90 airlines at MIA contribute to year-round, two-way cargo traffic linking the Americas with Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Both ports provide easy access to foreign trade zones and superior warehouses designed to meet your requirements.

Florida is projected to become the third most populous state in the U.S. with more than 19 million residents and 94 million visitors, providing new opportunities for global companies. More than 1,400 multinational corporations have offices in Miami to take advantage of the multi-lingual workforce who speak over 130 languages with extensive experience in the 47 countries of the Americas as well as Asia and Europe.

Miami’s international business community stands ready to assist you to increase your trade opportunities, meet new trade partners and connections, lower your costs and facilitate your entry into one of the world’s leading growth markets.

Port Miami has the most direct service to Latin America and the Caribbean making it the premier hub to the Americas. 16 top shipping lines sail to more than 85 ports – with regular service to Asia, Europe, Latin America and beyond.

Port Miami is the first port of call on the East Coast for cargo transiting the Panama Canal, making it the closest gateway to the US market, reducing time-to-market as well as transportation and shipping costs. At -50 feet, Port Miami’s depth will make it the only US port on the Eastern Seaboard south of Virginia that can accommodate super Post Panama vessels.

For a list of the best Miami ocean freight forwarders, you should search the yellow pages.

Miami has become a hub for Procurement Service Providers .