One of the best cargo companies in the Philippines is JRS Express. This delivery courier has more than 400 branches nationwide and provides a full suite of services that includes logistics management, air cargo shipping, ground transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing and distribution.
Freight forwarders are generally able to offer competitive rates for international shipments. However, last-minute requests can raise shipping prices considerably.
1. Last-minute shipments
The modern logistics industry demands flexibility in tense conditions. Tight deadlines and massive holiday shopping can strain supply chains and test the ability of shipping companies to perform hassle-free operations. In such a scenario, last-minute shipments can be advantageous for e-commerce businesses. With the help of a reliable 3PL service, shippers can delegate urgent transit operations and organize last-minute deliveries without sacrificing quality. By utilizing an API-enabled online courier service, shippers can track deliveries and communicate with the entire logistics team in real-time.
By leveraging a platform that offers a marketplace of discounted spot rates, a shipper can enjoy competitive freight quotes for less-than-truckload (LTL) and dry van shipments. The platform can provide instant freight quotes based on shipment weight, dimensions, origin and destination zip codes, and preferred shipping dates. Additionally, it offers an easy-to-use interface that facilitates the booking process and allows shippers to choose the carrier that is best suited for their delivery needs.
The advantage of using spot rates for last-minute shipments is that it saves shippers valuable time and resources. Furthermore, it helps them stay affordable and generates profit in a highly demanding business environment. Moreover, this mode of shipping is easier to bootstrap than building up an extensive infrastructure across high-density delivery zones. This enables smaller, nimble shipping companies to outmaneuver billion-dollar logistic behemoths like guerilla warriors outflanking traditional armies.
2. High-volume shipments
Businesses that operate at high volume can take advantage of volume discounts offered by carriers. They may also be able to negotiate a deal with their suppliers for a lower cost on packaging materials or shipping containers.
High-volume shipping requires more resources and infrastructure than low-volume operations. With ShipStation’s new High-Volume plan*, you get enterprise-level features that enhance speed, automation and efficiency in your warehouse workflows. These include Shipping Strategies, Auto-Split, Cubiscan and Product Bundles.
In addition, we offer expert support to help you get up and running quickly. This means you can be shipping more boxes in less time with the best possible rates.
3. Multiple carriers
Working with multiple carriers is the best way to get shipping rates that are competitive. The more business you give a carrier, the more leverage you have to negotiate discounts and waivers on additional fees like residential surcharges or fuel charges for lightweight parcels. Using multiple carriers also gives you the option to switch to another carrier if they aren’t performing as expected.
Reliance on a single carrier limits your range of service options, and can result in expensive delays and frustrated customers. Working with a multi-carrier strategy can help you meet customer expectations and drive continued revenue.
As your business grows and expands, you may need to increase or decrease the number of carriers you use. Using a multi-carrier solution allows you to quickly onboard new providers without disrupting your shipment flow. Additionally, if a carrier is having issues that affect their ability to deliver on time, you can shift your parcel volume to another provider without losing out on revenue opportunities.
Having access to multiple carriers on a single platform makes it easier to compare rates and select the best option for each order. This can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs and improve your bottom line. In addition, some carriers offer discounts for high-volume shippers that can further reduce your shipping costs.
In the age of e-commerce, customers expect wide choice in delivery options, fast delivery speeds, and full tracking. Meeting these demands is key to providing the best customer experience and driving continued sales. However, relying on multiple carriers can be costly and time-consuming, particularly when it comes to different pick up times, contracts, and software integrations. Fortunately, there are solutions that simplify the process by consolidating all of these services into one, easy-to-use platform. To learn more about how to streamline your parcel shipping, check out CargoBooking – a free-to-use platform that offers instant quotes and bookings on rates from global air carriers. Join today and start saving on your shipping!
4. Customs clearance
Before your international shipment can reach its final destination, it needs to pass through customs. Every country imposes import duties and taxes on goods entering their borders to generate revenue, protect domestic industries, and ensure safety and security. Customs clearance services help businesses navigate this process. They carefully examine each document and determine whether it meets that country’s specific requirements. Then, they deliver solutions that guarantee reductions on the subsequent duty imposed and tax liability.
The first step in the process is to calculate the value of your goods. This includes the cost of the individual items you’re importing, as well as shipping and insurance charges. Once you know the value, you can then look up the appropriate tax rate using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Then, multiply the rate by the total value of your goods to find out how much you owe in duties and taxes.
Next, you’ll need to submit your paperwork and post a bond. The latter is an amount of money you pay in advance to guarantee your obligations to pay duties and taxes. If you import regularly, you may choose to buy a continuous bond that covers all of your upcoming imports for the year. Alternatively, you can purchase a single-entry bond for each customs clearance that you need to complete.
Once your goods clear customs, they’ll be ready to be shipped to your customer. However, if you’ve chosen the DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) mode, your buyer will be responsible for paying any outstanding fees once the shipment arrives at their doorstep. This can create a frustrating experience for customers, especially if they weren’t expecting additional costs when they placed their order.
To avoid this issue, consider choosing the DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) mode instead. This means that the seller pays for all applicable fees up front, so your customer doesn’t have to worry about paying them. Regardless of which mode you choose, it’s important to work closely with a customs clearance service provider. By doing so, you can minimize delays and ensure that your shipments are delivered on time.