Ad Hoc Logistics currently assisting a New Hampshire electronics distributor with EEI (Electronic Export Information) filing options.
EEI has replaced the paper SED (Shippers Export Declaration) forms.
Ad Hoc Logistics currently assisting a New Hampshire electronics distributor with EEI (Electronic Export Information) filing options.
EEI has replaced the paper SED (Shippers Export Declaration) forms.
Incoterms are rules used to facilitate global trade. Incoterms were created and are administered by the International Chamber of Commerce and are updated every 10 years. Incoterms 2010 published by ICC Services Publications, Paris FR is a very good reference. Some of the important points covered in the book are:
Incoterms 2010 includes several rules changes:
Attached chart is a quick guide to Incoterms 2010
Logistics Management magazine hosted a very informative webinar on Jan 30th which featured a number of experts discussing managing costs via multiple modes. The speakers presented forecasts of rates and capacity in their respective areas of expertise. They also offered advice to shippers. Here are my takeaways from the webcast:
Trucking
Rail and Intermodal
Air Cargo
Container Shipping Rates
Parcel
Our previous post suggested an annual review of Harmonized Tariff descriptions as a good business practice. Another good practice is to make sure you are taking advantage of regulations that allow importing on a duty free or preferential basis. Here are a few items for your annual customs review. Contact Ad Hoc Logistics if you need help.
The International Trade Commission publishes updates to the Harmonized Tariff System of the United States (HTSUS) twice per year in January and July. Accurate classification and valuation of imported goods are essential. The Harmonized codes and descriptions filed upon entry determine duty rates or duty free status. Harmonized tariff descriptions also give Customs and Border Protection (CBP) information about what commodities are entering the country and determine if any other agencies such as the FCC or FDA also have jurisdiction. An annual review of your HTSUS codes and database update is a good business practice. Contact your broker or Ad Hoc Logistics if you need help.
Ad Hoc Logistics is currently advising an engineering company about international trade show and conference shipments. We are researching pros and cons of using carnets and recommending carriers. Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 if you have similar needs.
Let me share some observations about the freight forwarder industry at the end of 2013 based on meetings with forwarders and shippers as well as data from trade publications. Contact us for more info.
The supply chain functions with the biggest financial impact are inventory and transportation management. Logistics managers tend to focus on transportation decisions as one of their major responsibilities. It is important, however, that all managers in the supply chain have a good understanding of inventory policy. The attached is a brief synopsis of Inventory Management from the textbook Supply Chain Logistics Management .
I am working with Northern Essex Community College on revisions to their Supply Chain Certificate program for 2014. Planned modules include: Introduction to Supply Chain, Operations, Materials Management/Purchasing, Inventory/Warehousing, Transportation and Logistics, and International Trade. Details will be provided in the Spring/Summer catalog on the NECC website.
The motor carrier and air freight industries are extremely competitive, giving shippers an advantage in carrier selection and negotiations. A common mistake made by shippers is failing to prepare before meeting with carrier representatives. Another mistake is focusing on price. A better strategy is to emphasize value in your discussions with carriers. If you determine that they have the capabilities to provide quality services, then you can move the discussion to price. Consider: if simply asking for lower rates can result in transportation savings, how much better would the result be with a little preparation? Here are some suggestions from someone who has spent many years on the carrier side of the table.
Determine your specific transportation needs and goals ….for example
Analysis Prior to Negotiation
There is not much advantage to withholding your shipping profile from carriers. Because the industry is so competitive you will get a better deal if transportation providers know what volume they are bidding on and any specific service requirements. If this information is not available to them they will hedge their bets and be less aggressive in their offers. Gather some data and present it. This will give you professional status in the eyes of your carriers. Here is some minimum information needed. Most of it can be found in bill of lading or invoice files.
Request for Proposal/Request for Quotation
A formal RFP or RFQ is an effective way to both reduce transportation costs and gain the value that you need from your carriers. Ad Hoc Logistics can prepare your RFP/ RFQ, get it to the appropriate transportation providers, and even negotiate on your behalf. Get started by contacting Ad Hoc Logistics.