Today’s transport logistics is not only transportation, but also comprehensive supply chain management. What functions are included in this and how to choose a reliable partner – we will consider further.
What services should a modern logistics provider provide
A modern logistics provider must provide comprehensive services that cover delivery itself, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance and consulting.
What logistics services must a logistics provider provide in order to withstand competition:
- Transportation in Ukraine;
- International transportation;
- Warehouse logistics;
- Fulfillment;
- Customs brokerage services;
- Cargo insurance;
- 4PL.
Logisticians must not only organize delivery, but also optimize logistics: choose the fastest and cheapest route, reduce costs if possible.
Key criteria for choosing a logistics partner
What characteristics should you use to choose an international transportation partner:
- Specialization in the directions and types of cargo that your business needs;
- Successful projects with partners and clients;
- Positive reviews and case studies;
- Use of modern technologies (cargo tracking systems, digital logistics platforms);
- Extensive list of logistics services;
- Transparency of pricing;
- Clear communication, prompt processing of requests;
- Quick response to changes in the route, possible delays, etc.
If you choose the right logistics provider, your business will receive a strategic partner that will ensure timely and uninterrupted deliveries for many years.
Experience in international transportation
The company should not only carry out international logistics transportation, but also have experience in delivering various types of cargo abroad: equipment, pharmaceuticals, cars, food, and documents.
In recent years, the most popular destinations for international transportation have been Poland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the USA, Turkey and China.
Expertise in customs clearance
Progressive logistics companies are not only about transportation. They also organize full documentary support for delivery on behalf of the client: declarations, invoices, certificates.
The quality of logistics services becomes much higher if the logistics provider has its own customs broker. Thus, the client receives a comprehensive “turnkey” service: a full package of documents, customs support and delivery to the destination.
Availability of warehouse infrastructure
Developing its own network of warehouses significantly increases the efficiency of a logistics company, as it speeds up delivery and makes it cheaper, especially in the “hot seasons”.
What are the advantages of warehouse logistics:
- correct storage conditions for goods;
- prompt processing of parcels;
- faster order picking;
- high cargo safety;
- delegation of labeling, packaging, consolidation of batches;
- possibility of organizing customs procedures if the warehouse has customs status.
Different types of warehouses are required for various types of transportation: dry, temporary storage, customs, temperature-controlled rooms.
Transport process management
Constant monitoring of cargo movement at each stage of the logistics process is a mandatory item for transport companies. After all, some transportations have complex and multi-stage schemes – international, multimodal, passing.
Insurance and risk management
A reliable logistics provider must definitely guarantee the safety of the cargo. That is why an insurance policy is issued and support is provided in the event of an insured event.
It is much more profitable to issue cargo insurance through logistics companies, because they often have individual corporate agreements with insurance companies and can offer more favorable conditions and tariffs.
Additional factors that distinguish a strong partner
True leaders in the field of transport logistics always give the client something more than the average logistics companies. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to additional services and statuses. Let’s analyze this using the example of the international logistics company TVL.
What are the advantages of the transport and logistics company TVL:
- over 10 years of experience;
- customs clearance and logistics in one service;
- its own fleet, which is constantly updated;
- transport is a member of the Association of International Carriers (AsMAP);
- fast turnaround times;
- wide geography of transportation (Europe, Asia, USA);
- authorized economic operator status;
- customs clearance and transportation under international technical assistance (MTD);
- cooperation with most customs offices, terminals and warehouses in Ukraine;
- accurate calculation of customs payments and cost approval before the start of work, without hidden fees.
Every business has its own logistics needs, so a freight management partner should offer different types of transportation and route options, optimization of terms and solutions even for non-standard cargo.
Checklist before signing the contract
A practical checklist before starting work:
- specify the type of cargo, dimensions and weight;
- determine the route to the destination country;
- check the availability of all documents;
- agree on the costs services and transportation conditions;
- prescribe the responsibility of the parties.
Typical mistakes when choosing a logistics partner
“Red flags” of a transport company that you should not cooperate with:
- partnership not under a contract;
- not clear communication;
- lack of tracking within the company;
- prices are significantly lower than market prices;
- frequent errors in documents;
- no experience and cases.
A reliable logistics company is one that works legally and according to existing standards.
Conclusion
Consider contract logistics for yourself – transfer partial or complete logistics management to an external contractor. This allows you to minimize risks and costs, as well as get an effective organization of logistics processes with minimal business involvement – it will be able to focus on its own tasks. Meanwhile, the logistics operator will resolve issues of transportation, documentation, logistics audit, connecting couriers, integration with POIs (pick-up points), and order tracking.
