by logisticsplus | Jul 13, 2015 | News
Logistics Plus was recently profiled by WiseTech Global – one of our key technology partners that is a multi-award winning global developer of cloud-based software solutions for the international and domestic logistics industries. Its leading product, CargoWise One, provides the most sophisticated and comprehensive end-to-end logistics solution in the world and forms an integral link in the global supply chain.
To develop the profile, WiseTech Global interviewed Jim Berlin and various stakeholders involved with the implementation and use of the CargoWise technology solution at Logistics Plus. CargoWise provides a foundation for our international freight forwarding operations (including our online eWorldPlus application), warehouse management system (WMS), customs brokerage solutions, and corporate finance. The profile includes an online overview of our company, a professional video segment, and a downloadable PDF flyer.
To view the online profile, click the image below or visit at www.wisetechglobal.com/customers/logistics-plus.
by logisticsplus | Jul 9, 2015 | News
When you work with a capable logistics partner, door-to-door international shipping shouldn’t be complicated for shippers; but it’s a complex process behind the scenes. A shipment exported from the United States to a foreign country becomes a maze of modes and regulations before it arrives at your customer’s door. According to Emily Grein, international manager for Logistics Plus, “We try to make shipping internationally no different than shipping domestically. From our customer’s perspective, it should be simply a matter of picking up the shipment, transporting it to the destination, and then delivering it to their customer.”
So what should you look for when selecting a door-to-door logistics partner? If you look hard, you might find many options for international door-to-door delivery services. With exports on the decline due to the higher dollar valuation, the competition is intense. But buyer beware – not all logistics companies are the same. Some providers may outsource the bulk of the work to five or six different vendors, from trucking to warehousing to customs brokerage. Other logistics companies may outsource only a portion of the responsibility, providing more internal expertise and control. Having fewer parties involved reduces a shipper’s loss, damage, and security risk. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before selecting a door-to-door international freight forwarder:
- Are they large enough to be credible but not so large that they ignore my individual requirements?
- Do they have global trade compliance and customs clearance expertise in-house?
- Do they understand compliant packaging regulations (such as ISPM 15 and HT)?
- Do they have offices and people located around the world with local knowledge of the country to which I am shipping?
- Have they established strong relationships with air, ocean, and ground carriers to secure capacity and affordable rates for my shipment requirements?
- Do they have the ability to warehouse and distribute my product according to a set schedule if needed?
- Do they have an online technology solution that provides me with shipment visibility?
- Will I have a dedicated logistics specialist working with me every step of the way?
Okay, now that you’ve selected a capable door-to-door freight forwarding partner (hopefully it’s Logistics Plus), you need to prepare your shipment for the big move. Preparing an international door-to-door shipment can sometimes require planning up to a year in advance. The main factors affecting the shipment’s transportation mode and cost will be the size, weight, and dimensions of the cargo being moved and the final destination. Packaging will also be a factor, both in terms of cargo security and shipment dimensions and cost. Remember, you don’t want to “pay for air,” so make sure your shipment is optimally packaged for secure and safe transport.
You should start by compiling a detailed packing list and itemizing every piece of the shipment, including both description and dimensions. This will allow your logistics provider to provide you with an accurate rate estimate. Armed with a detailed understanding of your shipment and its final destination, your logistics provider will find the appropriate shipping line and shipping ports for optimal results. Once your shipment is en-route, you should have the confidence that your logistics provider will be able to provide you with frequent shipment status updates, if needed, and will notify you once your shipment has been delivered. They should also explain to you how to select the best Incoterms for your shipment to ensure your total transportation costs and any applicable tariffs or duties are minimized. They should also be able to provide you with a consolidated, itemized invoice for the entire transaction.
“There’s often a lot of steps and documents involved with international door-to-door shipping,” says Emily, “But our goals is to make importing and exporting easy for our customers simply.” If you’re ready to learn more about Logistics Plus door-to-door international shipping services, please email us at quotes@logisticsplus.com or click the button below to get a quick quote on your next international shipment.
**Please note: Due to liability issues, we do not ship personal effects or belongings.**
by Scott Frederick | Jun 22, 2015 | News
Logistics Plus employees, representing both LP Mexico and LP International, are attending the Sino-Americas Regional Conference 2015 in Miami, Florida this week. Logistics Plus is also a sponsor for the event. The conference began on Sunday, June 21 and ends on Wednesday, June 23. Organized jointly by WCA ltd and China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA), this event promises to be the most important networking and business-generating opportunity for any freight forwarder or logistics company looking to establish or expand its volumes into or out of this region.
As the key logistics hub between South, Central and North America, Miami plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between the Americas and the rest of the world. By attending this 3-day Logistics Plus hopes to open up a whole range of new potential business partnerships and to build our presence as an expert logistics provider to and from this market. The conference is open to all independent freight forwarders and vendors to the logistics sector, such as airlines, shipping lines, ports, airports, IT providers and equipment suppliers.
by Scott Frederick | Feb 27, 2015 | News
When you have a customer (like we have) that is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and a company that sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies – you are working with a company that is very savvy at transportation and logistics. However, nobody knows global logistics quite like the Logistics Plus International staff.
The customer described above recently presented Logistics Plus with a cargo challenge to move an extremely large, and heavy gas feeder unit from Kansas to Argentina. At first, the customer was considering an air charter, but Logistics Plus was able to find an extremely affordable ocean solution which saved the customer significantly on their port-to-port shipping costs.
Additionally, the same customer asked Logistics Plus to compare our ground rates in the U.S. with the rates they had already established on their own. As it turned out, the Logistics Plus ground solution in the U.S. saved the customer another thousand dollars on top of their international transportation expense savings.
We’re happy to report the shipment is departing Concordia, Kansas next week Monday where it will be shipped to the Port of Houston, ocean transported to the Port of Zarate in Argentina, and then trucked again to its final destination. Special thank you to Yolanda Corrales for making this move happen and for helping our good customer save on their overall shipping expenses!
If you have similar international freight forwarding needs, give Logistics Plus a try. Email us at quotes@logisticsplus.com or click here for a quick quote.
by logisticsplus | Jan 12, 2015 | News
In a global supply chain, timing and visibility are critical. So is selecting the best freight forwarder. Here are nine (9) reasons why you should consider working with Logistics Plus for your airfreight forwarding needs.
- Broad Service Portfolio. Logistics Plus offers courier, ocean, and air freight options internationally (for both import and export) and domestically. We are able to move cargo any way the customer requires (including ocean, ground, and rail). We have our own IAC (Indirect Air Carrier) certificate and our IATA/CNS membership allows us to ship cargo with all 250 air carriers they represent. Our relationships with the airlines allow us to negotiate our own rates which allows us to be cost-effective and competitive. Logistics Plus also has offices in 20 countries around the world which helps which gives us valuable knowledge and relationships for how best to ship internationally and which carriers to use. Our foreign offices are also able to help if there is a crisis in their area. For example, when a recent shipment was delayed in FRA (Frankfurt) our Germany team reached out to their local airline contacts to get the freight rescheduled on the first available flight.
- Customs Brokerage. As a licensed customs broker, Logistics Plus is currently able to clear shipments in the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis areas; and our license will be expanded to include all areas in the U.S. later this year. Additionally, we have partnerships with local brokers around the country if something specialized or time-sensitive is needed.
- Industry Expertise and Responsiveness. The Logistics Plus airfreight staff works as a cohesive team for all shipments. Their “all hands on deck” approach ensures that shipments move smoothly and as fast as possible. Airfreight quotes are quick and easy and can generally be provided within 24–36 hours. The Logistics Plus staff is cross-trained so that if one person is missing, the workflow isn’t disrupted as time is critical when it comes to air freight shipping. Our airfreight team leaders are always on hand to answer questions or address any potential delays. Having our own, fully-staffed global trade compliance department in-house as well, allows getting decisive and quick responses to any potential issues (our global trade compliance staff will even provide training to your employees if needed).
- Competitive Transit Times. With over 40 offices in 20 countries and additional agent relationships around the world, the Logistics Plus network is fully capable to source the mode and speed you need. Wherever you need to ship, we can make it happen (unless it’s an embargoed commodity, of course). We also work with a multitude of airlines that cover all destination airports. As a result, we are always able to offer different service options into locations no matter your preference – “less expensive and slower” or “more expensive and faster.” As a rule of thumb, we try not to offer any transits with more than 1 stop; sometimes it’s unavoidable, but that’s the best way to circumvent potential delays. Our knowledge of foreign countries, their holidays and weather patterns, also helps avoid potential problems.
- Competitive Rates. Logistics Plus is able to negotiate its own rates starting from pickup to delivery. If a customer has a “target rate” we can work directly with the airline to ensure we meet it, or get as close to possible. We are also available for our customers 24/7 to answer any questions they may have.
- Streamlined Manifesting and Invoicing. Logistics Plus bills electronically unless paper is requested. We are also enrolled in the IATA E-AWB program which has the ultimate goal of airfreight becoming completely paperless.
- Full Shipment Visibility. Customers are updated daily on the status of their shipments from the Logistics Plus dedicated international air staff. Visibility is also available to customers through our online eWorldPlus™ freight forwarding platform where the “workflow and tracking” is updated to follow every flight so a customer can see real-time statuses of their cargo. Customers can also obtain spot quotes, manage inventory, run reports, and more, through the eWordPlus system.
- Evaluate Product Integrity. Having good relationships with our warehouses is an important distinction for Logistics Plus. For airfreight, we utilize warehouses for airport transfer which allows our shipments to be inspected “one last time” before delivering to the airline. Any sign of damage we see is immediately reported to the customer. As a result of our solid relationships with carriers, warehouses, and agents, damages are extremely rare in our experience. All of our people show great care for your cargo, and it really shows.
- Talented People. Logistics Plus employees are among the most talented and caring in the industry. We are available 24/7/365 via telephone or e-mail. If something is potentially wrong we know about it. That’s just one of the many little things we do to ensure your shipment delivers successfully – or, as we like to say, that’s how we put the “plus” in Logistics Plus.
If you’re looking for a full-service airfreight forwarding partner, look no further than Logistics Plus. As this article illustrates, we have the expertise, capabilities … PLUS talented and caring airfreight specialists who will help you from pickup to final delivery – and everything in between. Let us provide you with a Quick Quote on your next airfreight shipment, or simply give us a call at 866.LOG.PLUS to get the process started. To quote a famous song, we will be the wind beneath your wings!
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