How To Better Manage Ocean Freight?

Ocean freight management can be a daunting task for any business that relies on shipping goods across the globe. However, with the right approach, shippers can avoid the risks and challenges that come with shipping ocean freight. This blog will provide tips and insights on how to better manage ocean freight, highlighting the importance of visibility in sea freight.

Ocean freight shipping involves the transportation of goods from one location to another via ocean carriers. Ocean freight carriers are responsible for transporting cargo across the sea, from port to port.

They use various types of vessels such as cargo ships, container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers. It is a complex process that involves several parties, including ocean freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and ports.

Shipping ocean freight carries a plethora of risks that can result in delays, loss, or damage to cargo. Some of the risks include poor weather conditions, piracy, theft, and accidents. These risks can cause delays in ocean transit time, leading to additional costs and a negative impact on a business's reputation.

Effective ocean freight management is critical for businesses that rely on international ocean freight shipping. Below are some tips to help shippers manage ocean freight more efficiently:

1. Choose the right ocean freight company

Selecting the best ocean logistics partner is critical for effective ocean freight management. Ocean freight shippers should choose a reputable ocean freight carrier that can offer a range of services and has experience in shipping ocean freight. An ocean freight company with a proven track record can help to minimize the risk of delays, loss, or damage to cargo.

2. Use an experienced ocean freight forwarder

Ocean freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and ocean carriers. They help shippers with shipping documentation, customs clearance, and cargo insurance. An experienced ocean freight forwarder can provide valuable insights on the best routes and carriers to use, ensuring that cargo arrives on time and in good condition.

3. Monitor ocean freight shipments

Real-time freight visibility is critical for managing ocean freight effectively. Shippers should use a freight visibility platform that provides accurate information on the location and condition of the cargo. This information can help shippers to identify any issues that could cause delays and take corrective action to avoid them.

4. Plan for ocean freight delays

Delays in ocean transit time are common in shipping ocean freight. Shippers should plan for these delays by building a buffer in their supply chain. This buffer can help to ensure that any delays do not disrupt the supply chain and lead to additional costs.

Visibility is critical for effective ocean freight management. Real-time freight visibility allows shippers to track their shipments and identify any issues that could cause delays or disruptions to the supply chain. Below are some insights into the meaning of visibility in sea freight and what is considered in a shipping visibility platform.

Visibility in sea freight shipment refers to the ability of shippers to track their shipments from the time they are loaded onto an ocean freight carrier until they reach their final destination. This visibility includes information on the location, condition, and status of the cargo.

In the past, shippers had very limited visibility into the current status of their sea freight shipments. They would simply hand over their cargo to an ocean freight carrier and hope that it arrived at its destination on time and in good condition. However, with the advancement of technology, shippers now have access to real-time visibility into their shipments.

This increased visibility has a significant impact on the supply chain, as it allows shippers to track their shipments, predict any delays or disruptions, and take corrective action before the situation escalates.

For example, if a shipment is delayed due to bad weather or port congestion, shippers can use the visibility platform to reroute the cargo to an alternative port or adjust the delivery schedule to minimize the impact on the supply chain.

The ability to track shipments in real time also allows shippers to communicate more effectively with their customers. With the use of freight visibility software, shippers can provide their customers with accurate information on the status of their orders, including estimated delivery times and any potential delays. This transparency helps to build trust and strengthen relationships between shippers and their customers.

A shipping visibility platform is designed to provide shippers with real-time visibility into their sea freight shipment. These platforms typically collect and analyze data from various sources, including the ocean freight carrier, port authorities, and customs agencies.

Some of the key features of a shipping visibility platform include:

1. Location tracking: The platform provides real-time updates on the location of the cargo, including the vessel's current position and the estimated time of arrival at each port.
2. Condition monitoring: The platform can track the condition of the cargo, including temperature, humidity, and vibration levels. This information is critical for shippers of perishable goods or sensitive equipment.
3. Event monitoring: The platform can alert shippers to any events that may impact the shipment, such as weather-related delays, port congestion, or customs clearance issues.
4. Analytics and reporting: The platform can analyze the data collected and provide shippers with insights into their supply chain, such as transit times, carrier performance, and potential cost savings.

How can we improve sea freight?

Effective freight management involves selecting the right ocean freight company and using an experienced ocean freight forwarder. Real-time freight visibility is also critical for managing ocean freight effectively.

What is freight visibility?

Freight visibility refers to the ability of shippers to track their shipments and monitor their condition and status in real time. Freight visibility platforms provide shippers with the ability to access this information, which can help them to identify potential issues and take corrective action to ensure that their cargo arrives on time and in good condition.

Why is freight visibility important?

Freight visibility is essential for effective ocean freight management. It allows shippers to identify potential issues and take corrective action to avoid delays or disruptions to the supply chain. With this information, shippers can make informed decisions about their shipping strategy, including route optimization, carrier selection, and proper supply chain planning.