What is Export Logistics?
Logistics for export, represents the entire supply chain channel which includes streamlining of order handling, transportation, inventory management and handling, storage, packaging, and clearing of the export goods. Efficient export logistics management by the entity can give them a competitive advantage through better order handling and reduced product cycles.
On the other hand, sub-par logistics management often leads to increased logistics cost and poor service.
Export Logistics Process
Once the product has been cleared for dispatch, the logistics process formally starts. One of the first things exporters need to do is to decide on the ocean freight forwarder and the mode of shipping. Selecting an efficient freight forwarder/export logistics company/agent and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent will ease the logistics process to a great extent.
The agent will organize the product to be transported through the shipment of the exporter’s choice, handle customs clearance, and ensure the completion of the final delivery at the point of destination. For example, if one is shipping by sea/ocean freight export, they will have to choose between transportation service options like consolidation, less than container load, full container load, project cargo, etc.
The goods to be shipped must be packed in an ‘export-ready’ manner, which includes the necessary marking and labeling of the cases, packages, or cartons. A packing list is required if more than one package is to be dispatched in the lot. The goods are then cleared from the exporter’s premises, after completing excise formalities (if any).
Export Logistics Documentation
The activities involved in the logistics process naturally have a flow of documentation:
Dock receipt
Warehouse receipt
Inspection certificate
Export license
Packing list
Health certificate
Insurance certificate
Consular documents
Free trade document
Destination Control statement
where the export logistics coordinator take’s care of all these documents and also provides green light export trade & logistic services.
Export Logistics – Transportation Process
When it comes to sending the export products to the destination, various parties are involved in the process. Apart from the exporter, there is the buyer, the banks on either side of the transaction, the insurance company, export freight forwarding, customs house agents, C&F agents, the customs department, port authorities, transit transport providers, and the shipping company.
Let’s take a closer look at the entire export logistics tracking process:
• Once the goods are manufactured and the pre-shipment inspection and quality checks are done, the exporter or the customs house agent packages, labels, and marks the goods to adhere to the standard shipping practices.
• Thereafter, the exporter or the freight forwarder obtains a delivery order that needs to be collected for the containers and makes arrangements for the pick-up, stuffing, and sealing of the containers.
• They then arrange for intermodal transportation, which will carry the goods from the exporter’s premises to the point of loading.
• Once the goods arrive at the port, the exporter or their agent arranges for the customs clearance, documentation, and physical verification; and also pays any port dues.
• The documents and mate’s receipts are handed to the shipping line, which then provides a bill of lading to the exporter. The exporter has to send the original bill of lading and other documents to the buyer or their consignee/agent. These documents are later required by the buyer or their agent to take custody of the goods and for getting import clearance at the port of destination.
• Meanwhile, the goods are loaded to the carrier and depart from the port of origin.
Optimizing the Export Logistics Process
As with almost every endeavor, one best practice that is applicable everywhere is proper planning. It is no different with export logistics. Proper planning is required to ensure that the product is made available on time, there are no internal issues that may lead to stoppage of production, the preferred transportation option is available, and the correct shipping option has been selected after careful consideration.
The export logistics process is labor-intensive, with multiple people involved in the production, packaging, loading, and intermodal transportation - both at the docks and the carrier. So, efficient people management can make a significant difference here. Good interpersonal skills on your part can boost the efficiency of the people involved in the logistics process, thereby enhancing the product cycle.
Along with movement, proper storage of the export goods is of paramount importance. Perishability and fragility of the goods must be considered while warehousing the export product. Maximizing the storage capacity of warehouses through efficient storage practices should also be implemented.
As for the actual transportation process, the mode of transportation is key to the profitability and efficiency of the exporter. Speed and cost of delivery are directly proportional, so the choice of transportation must be made after keeping the cost-benefit factor in mind.
In today’s business world, implementing automation is crucial to business process optimization. These days, the movement of goods can be tracked and updated automatically through the use of the software. This practice can improve efficiency significantly by reducing manual intervention and enabling more accurate tracking of the movement of the goods.
