Did you know that the shipping industry is so big, it comprises about 90% of the world?s trade? That?s a lot of trucks, ships, airplanes and more transporting goods from city to city, state to state and even country to country.
Not surprisingly, finding secure solutions for shipping is important for many industries. Delicate materials and tools can be worth hundreds, thousands, and in some cases even millions of dollars. Delays in receiving these items in good condition can put businesses behind in their schedules, regardless of whether the items are covered by transport insurance or not.
If you are a small business looking for shipping solutions, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Do Your Homework Before Shipping Internationally
According to Forbes, it?s a common enough mistake for small businesses. The ability to ship internationally is exciting — it represents new markets and new opportunities. It?s important to remember, though, that the shipping process for international items can differ significantly from domestic shipping. Certain items, such as motorcycles as an example, can be subject to additional country taxes and tariffs once they cross international borders. You?ll want to know the specifics of each country?s tax code — and also have a realistic idea of how much time it will add to your shipping experience.
2. Use the Most Updated Metrics Available
In the same Forbes post, logistics expert Chris Merritt points out that the cost environment is forever changing — ?From a planning perspective, one of the most common errors retailers make is assuming that next year?s costs will be the same as this year?s or last year?s costs,? he explains — and charging the same ongoing price for services can lead to financial problems once you take a look at your books. Key here is keeping track of everything from driver wages, the costs of fuel, and shifting legal requirements that might end up padding your potential bill.
3. Make Sure Your Shipping is Secure With Steel Shipping Containers, and Container Pop Up Shops
Your customers are trusting you to deliver a quality product, so don?t get caught dropping the ball and delivering damaged items! For this reason, it can be a good idea to invest in steel cargo containers, which are considered quality shipping options for several reasons — not only are items kept from banging into things, but steel also helps to preserve a consistent internal environment so that items are not damaged by extreme temperature changes, etc. If you’re on a budget, there are a number of used metal containers for sale that you can make use of. They can also serve dually as a container pop up shop!
What has your experience with shipping been like? Have you had to purchase containers for use as a container pop up shop? Let us know.
