What is Logistics?

Logistics definition has been discussed by many. The bottom line is that it is understood differently by different people.

Logistics is the complete process involving planning, managing and controlling the flow of goods and services from point of origin to the point of destination.

The process consists of the process of integration of several aspects such as material handling, warehousing, information, transportation, packaging and inventory. The primary duty of an effective logistics system is to deliver the finished Products of the organization being at the required place at the lowest possible cost.

The logistics department is entrusted with the responsibilities of ensuring that the entire process is maintained and developed in accordance with the goals of the business at an economical cost. The tasks of the logistics department involve storage, distribution, warehousing, movement of goods from one place to another, tracking and delivery of goods. It includes a complete process of planning, managing, controlling and coordination to make sure that the goods reach the right place, at the right time, for the right cost and in a right condition. The various tasks performed by the department may be summarized as follows:

1. Ensuring all the requirements of the customers are effectively met.
2. To coordinate with third party logistics, Inland Trucking companies, Ocean shipping companies, freight forwarders, etc.
3. To ensure that there is a safe and timely shipping of goods.
4. To draft plans, policies and procedures for successful implementation of logistics system.
5. To ensure that the business goals of the organization are in synchronization with logistics system.
6. To create and maintain customer support.
7. To maintain coordination with vendors, service providers and transport carriers.
8. To ensure timely supply and payment of goods and reduce inventories.

Other Logistics Tasks

These are not the only tasks performed by the logistics department, the department also performs numerous other tasks, such as

Customer service management process: The department ensures that the goods are reached on time, in a safe condition and at the right place. It also serves as a middleman between organization, vendors and carriers for tracking down the geographical location of the goods and thereby provide customer support.

Procurement process Strategic plans are developed by the department to support development of fresh product and manufacturing flow management. This helps in bringing raw materials or semi-finished goods to the premises of the organization in a safe and proper condition at an economical cost. This also involves interactions with 3PLs. The department is also responsible for coordination with suppliers with regard to scheduling, hedging and timely delivery.

Physical distribution This process is concerned with the movement of finished goods to reach the point of destination. The department is responsible for the selection of the best mode of transportation while delivering the goods to the place of destination.

In conclusion: The logistics department is the heart and soul of every organization.

Some Companies outsource their logistics department to outside companies called third party logistics providers.

The logistics definition has to be understood by any entity that wishes to implement a logistics process

Logistics Definition Sources:

Budget Source
Purchase Order Management

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

What do logistics companies offer

Some might wonder what are logistics companies. Until this day the definition is not very well understood. In the beginning the term was used to describe the process of moving  goods from point A to Point B which in most cases involved shipping of goods from point of origin to destination by means of Ocean, air or inland or a combination.

The process involved picking up the cargo transporting to the port, shipping to destination, clearing customs and delivering to final destination.
Those were the old days. The process has evolved to include other activities such as compliance, distribution of the product and even handling some of the services such as customer services.
Many retailers and distributors started using these available sources to augment their own shipping department services in order to focus on their core activities, this gave rise to 3PL Companies.

Logistics is not what it was before, it is not only shipping, it is an integral part of the supply chain. Logistics providers add more and more services to their arsenal of services in order to be able to compete in a tough business. You can call it value added services.
Some Logistics companies have embraced technology where they are able to offer their customers the means to be able to track their shipments, monitor their inventory levels at the warehouse, and give total visibility as the movement of items minute by minute. In essence logistics companies have become  to many importers, distributors and retailers.

Over the years we have seen many large freight forwarding companies evolve into Third party logistics companies which compete for business aggressively. They are able to handle the needs of very large retailers and distributors however; they are still struggling in gaining the trust on smaller businesses. The cost of outsourcing logistics to such large companies is too high for smaller distributors and that gave rise to smaller 3pl’s who can offer better rates and a more personalized service.

The decision to go with one logistics company or another depends on need, services and rate.

Sources

http://www.pomnagement.net

http://www.budgetsource.com

http://www.ezshipping.net

International 3PL provides Air, Ocean and Package transportation for your shipments to Bolivia. Our Freight specialists will help choose the right service for you shipments.

International shipping could present great business opportunities for you, but may also seem daunting. A good freight forwarding service can save you time and potential headaches while providing reliable transportation of products at competitive rates.

The process, paperwork, and regulations involved in international trade may seem intimidating. However, you can be a successful international shipper without getting caught up in the logistics of logistics. We work with many leading Miami Freight forwarders that ensure a smooth transaction.

International 3PL offers simple and straight forward Freight Forwarding Services. Our relationship with the major shipping companies puts in a position to offer the best Ocean and air freight services both import and Export.
We are experts in this part of the overall supply chain.  Our Freight forwarding services are designed to provide you with the best overall results and the best rates.

Bolivia Ocean Shipping

Our Ocean shipping to service is ideal for industrial goods, vehicles, House hold goods, personnel effects and such items weighs more than 150 lbs.

Air Shipping to Bolivia

Our Air Shipping service is ready when you must move your time-sensitive goods by air to Bolivia.

We have door-to-door or airport-to-airport International Air Shipping service to major metropolitan areas in Bolivia.

Shipping Packages to Bolivia

We offer fast and reliable small package shipping to Bolivia.

Consolidation Services to Bolivia

You can count on us to deliver your cargo to Bolivia. We will hold your cargo in our warehouse, combine all your shipments and then ship to you at the best rate.

We have services for all your shipping needs,

Package Shipping to Bolivia
Luggage Shipping
Air Shipping
Ocean Shipping to Bolivia
Car Shipping to Bolivia
Vehicle Shipping
House Moving to Bolivia

What is Order Fulfillment ?

Order fulfillment is the steps involved in receiving, processing and delivering orders to the final consumer.
A fulfillment service is a third-party company that provides these order fulfillment steps on behalf of another party.

These general definitions can apply to many types of orders, from large business-to-business orders, to the individual consumer.

International 3PL has been the choice of many companies for their order fulfillment services.

Order fulfillment is one of the services International 3PL is proud of.
To help better understand exactly what  order fulfillment is, here are some of the steps:

Receiving

Count each item to ensure the actual number of items matches the number of items ordered from the supplier(s)

• Inspect the inventory to see if any items have been damaged
• Add SKUs to warehouse management software in order to keep track of the location, counts and number of sales of each of your items
• Apply SKU or bar code labels if they do not already have them

Inventory Storage

Once inventory has been received, counted, inspected, labeled, and added to your warehouse management software, it is time for it to be shelved.

Proper inventory storage is one of the most important aspects of maximizing the speed and accuracy of your order fulfillment operations.

Order Processing

So now your inventory has been inspected, sorted and placed on shelves in the warehouse. Next comes order processing.

The first step in processing an order is receiving that order.
Once the order has been received by your warehouse, the individual items that make up that order are then picked off the shelves by warehouse staff. Transported to an order packing station. The packing station will go through a series of quality control checks, determine the best packaging materials, scan items, add packing slips and any inserts, seal the box, and then move it to the shipping station.

Shipping

After an order has been picked and packed, it is moved to a shipping station to prep it for delivery to the end customer.
The Shipping station will then prepare the order for shipment using the most economical way and according to requirements by the shipper.

Returns Processing

We handle all RMA requests and accept returns by customers should the need arise, we inspect the goods make sure they are in good order and place back on the shelf. damaged goods are handled according to shipper guidelines.

Vietnam Freight Services

In the last 5 years, Vietnam’s exports have doubled as competitive minimum wage and low costs of utilities boosted foreign direct investment. Vietnam main exports are: miscellaneous articles including clothing and footwear (30 percent of the total shipments) and machinery, transports and equipment (23 percent). Others include: food and live animals (18 percent), manufactured goods (11 percent) and fuel (11 percent). Main export partners are: the United States (18 percent of the total exports), Japan (11 percent) and China (11 percent). Others include: South Korea (5 percent), Malaysia (4 percent) and Germany (4 percent).

We have wide range of Vietnam freight services both via air and ocean freight specifically designed to Vietnam. There are a variety of containers available for transporting to Vietnam, depending on customer’s individual needs, our move coordinators will advise customer on the most suitable container size for shipping their household goods and personal effects and commercial cargos to Vietnam

Air and ocean freight transport services from and to Vietnam

Third party logistics providers (3PL) are a becoming an important part of today’s supply chain. These companies offer services that can allow businesses to outsource part or all of their supply chain management activities. Many 3PL companies offer a wide range of services including; inbound freight, freight consolidation, warehousing, distribution, order fulfillment and outbound freight.
many freight forwarding companies have evolved into third party logistics companies in order to be able to attract more businesses by introducing value added services which they outsource themselves to other providers.

The growth of 3PL companies has been driven by the need for businesses to become leaner, more efficient reducing assets and allowing focus on core business processes.

Selecting A Third Party Logistics Provider

Deciding to a use a third party logistics company is a decision that depends on a many of factors that differ from business to business and from location to location. The decision to outsource certain business functions will depend on the company’s plans; future objectives, product lines, expansion, acquisitions, etc.

Once a decision has been made to outsource certain processes then a company will begin a search for the right 3PL that fits all their requirements at the best possible price. There are three types of Third Party Logistics Providers or companies that operate today.

• Asset Based
• Management Based
• Integrated Providers

Asset based third party logistics companies use their own trucks, warehouses and personnel to operate their business. Management based companies provide the technological and managerial functions to operate the logistics functions of their clients, but do so using the assets of other companies and do not necessarily own any assets. The third category, Integrated Providers, can either be asset based or management based companies that supplement their services with whatever services are needed by their clients.

When selecting a 3PL, the request for information (RFI) or quotation (RFQ) should be as detailed as possible. The company that is selected should be able to fulfill all the logistics requirements and that can only be assured if every requirement is communicated to potential companies. The RFI should include a detailed description of the areas to be outsourced. This will usually include:

• The scope of the contract, including locations, facilities, departments.
• Information on volumes involved; number of deliveries, warehouse sizes, number of items, etc.
• The logistics tasks are to be performed, e.g. warehousing, transportation, etc.
• The level of performance required.

After the bids have been received by a company from the prospective third party logistics providers, an evaluation would take place where a multi-discipline team will review each bid based on a pre-defined set of criteria. These will include some of the following.

• Does the 3PL provide the services required?
• Does the 3PL have the technology required to perform the tasks required?
• Does the company have the required warehouse space, dock capacity, warehouse personnel, etc.?
• Is the 3PL financially sound?
• Are the 3PL’s geographical locations suitable to cover the network?
• Does the 3PL have the flexibility to respond to changes?
• Are the 3PL’s environmental policies compatible?
• Are the costs of the services detailed enough for comparison to other bids?
• Are the customer references acceptable?
• Is the 3PL a good cultural fit?

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.

The new world economy has given rise to new services. Product sourcing services are being used by different companies, medium and small-sized companies. The procurement service provider marketplace has evolved dramatically over the past 15 years. Business process outsourcing has almost removed barriers within companies to move towards outsourcing crucial parts of the procurement function. Companies spend a considerable part of their budget to procure goods and services form various provides and from other countries. When you consider options to reduce overheads and find efficient and effective procurement services, service providers are the best bet. The need to globalize spend is a necessity for most companies across the world. The management of procurement functions has also turned into a scale-driven game. The emergence of strategic sourcing and reliable procurement service providers has led to the appreciation of the value of procurement service providers.

Product Sourcing Services

The purchasing of products is difficult to manage in most organizations and often warrants using multiple providers. Nowadays, you can transform the way in which you approach product sourcing to realize financial returns and increase efficiency. There are a number of global players who are focused on the outsourcing of the end-to-end management (from sourcing to procure-to-pay) of the indirect spend.

Procurement Service Provider

Although a number of companies are aware that procurement can help them generate savings, what they need is a service provider who will initiate, accelerate and also help complete the process for REAL RESULTS.

By choosing to outsource services and products , companies can successfully take advantage of spend consolidation and aggregation, enable greater visibility and control over the sourcing process and benefit from the service provider’s resources.

Better service delivered at lower total costs – this is exactly what product sourcing services will provide. There is no one-size-fits all approach, which is why it is extremely important to determine the strategy which will work for your organization. A combination of supply chain professionals and a global delivery network to aid supplier management in low cost countries awaits you with a reliable procurement service provider.