The BCR Blog

(6 min read)

As the Operations Manager for a business experiencing monthly growth, you may find there is a need to ship ever-increasing amounts of product internationally. This often makes the company’s sea freight operations more complex. Challenges may include fluctuations in international sea freight rates, non-availability of space on vessels, incomplete documentation, less than effective information flows and sometimes delays in shipping due to unforeseen changes in shipping routes.

It’s potentially a major source of stress – because not getting the shipping right can impact both customers and the business bottom line.

Experience is a great teacher – and Australian companies that have navigated the complexities of managing this scenario have some important lessons to share.

Keep reading to find out how this hard-won wisdom can help your booming business productively navigate international sea freight logistics hurdles.

(4 min read)

For any business, the important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Operations and Logistics Managers include efficient order fulfillment time, lowest end-to-end logistics costs, minimal damages and an optimised inventory pipeline.

These are all crucial for business performance.

What can be frustrating is when you have done everything possible to achieve your KPIs but haven’t.

Sometimes the cure is to find a better solution, such as partnering with an experienced air freight forwarder.

Discover more about how the right freight forwarder can help you meet or even beat your KPIs.

Welcome to the August edition of the BCR Global Market Update. BCR is an international freight forwarder and 3PL provider located in Australia. Regularly we provide an update on market conditions for companies importing goods into Australia from around the world.

Read on to learn about import sea freight market conditions to Australia for major lanes including North East Asia, South East Asia, the United States and Europe. In addition, learn about the restricted shipping controls ahead of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen and changes to import conditions and documentary requirements for wooden manufactured articles.

(5 min read)

For the busy operations or logistics manager of a growing company, there never seem to be enough hours in the day. Managing a team and constantly juggling challenges like fluctuating shipping schedules, increasing freight forwarding costs, meeting business targets and many more may leave you stressed out and not see the light at the end of the tunnel any more.

There are ways to reduce the amount of “busywork” that constantly takes away attention from more important, core tasks.

Understanding the challenges of logistics and operations managers we gathered six strategies successful managers have used to reclaim valuable time and reduce their stress levels.

The aim is to free up time and use the newfound focus and drive to pour into the business.

Read on to find out how you can cut through the static and regain time for core business activities.

(3 min read)

Mike has been using air freight regularly to ship more competitively priced products from global manufacturing hubs. However, on calculating the landed price of the goods, he wondered why the total cost per item always exceeded the budget.

When Mike looked into the finer-grain detail, he discovered he had been missing a few important factors because he’d just focused on negotiating costs direct with the airlines.

Read on to learn about these factors that can add or subtract hidden costs to your consignments including the applicable International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), pre-cargo planning, proper packaging, CAT [complete-accurate-timely] documentation and alignment with a resourceful freight forwarder.

(4 min read)

In a digital age, where everyone’s systems are connected and data exchanged electronically, an incident like the Maersk cyber-attack generates a sea of concerns. From shipping giants like Maersk to the Operations Manager of a medium-sized business, everyone is buckling down to keep or regain control of sea freight shipping schedules.

For Operations Managers, risks seem high and they are aware the shipping industry will take time to get back on track. Ensuring this does not disrupt the company’s supply chain or impact growth and profits is crucial. 

Read on to learn how you can keep or regain control of your sea freight shipping schedules after major incidents like the Maersk cyber-attack.

Incidents like the Maersk cyber-attack raise serious concerns for many businesses. Max, a business owner and CEO of fast-growing, medium-sized business, is not only worried about his own systems but also the vulnerability of such attacks on their partners’ systems. He knows any such attacks can have a huge impact as he is shipping globally. Any subsequent delay can mean the loss of thousands of dollars due to cancelled orders and loss of sales.

Uncertainties around safety, security and timely deliveries of goods for those engaged in global shipping provoke questions around what needs to be done immediately to minimise the damage caused by cyber-attacks. Sea freight partners are also questioned so a business can ensure they understand the importance of being prepared for these situations.

For Australian sea freight companies, robust contingency plans are the key.

Read how Australian sea freight forwarders manage shipping after major incidents like the Maersk cyber-attack and how they can assist in keeping the flow of your goods uninterrupted.

When you are an Operations Manager for an international business, air freight will usually be part of the equation for ensuring supplies reach the factories and goods reach your customers. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure cost-effective results, customer satisfaction and a supply chain that works like a well-oiled machine.

Some major pitfalls can derail your schemes. These include poor planning, incomplete documentation, inefficient packaging and lack of effective communication with service providers.

Let’s fill you in on the five most disastrous mistakes that can happen with your air freight, and how to avoid them.

This is the Winter edition of the BCR Global Market Update with valuable information international freight industry specifically composed for our Australian readers. We understand it is important to stay informed on changes so that you can plan your cargo movements with your freight forwarder and know in advance when rates will be changing. 

Read on to learn more on the import sea freight market conditions to Australia for major lanes including North East Asia, South East Asia, the United States and Europe. Also included are details on the introduction of Infrastructure Fees and increases to Australian Local Charges effective 15 July 2017.