What are the best strategies for negotiating container shipping contracts for perishable goods?
Negotiating container shipping contracts for perishable goods can be challenging, especially in times of high demand, low capacity, and volatile rates. Perishable goods require special handling, equipment, and documentation to ensure their quality and safety during transit. As a logistics manager, you need to balance the cost, service, and reliability of your shipping options, while also protecting your interests and avoiding potential risks. In this article, we will share some of the best strategies for negotiating container shipping contracts for perishable goods, based on industry best practices and expert insights.
Before you start negotiating with carriers or freight forwarders, you need to have a clear understanding of your shipping requirements. This includes the volume, frequency, seasonality, destination, and transit time of your shipments, as well as the type, temperature, shelf life, and packaging of your perishable goods. You also need to consider the regulatory and compliance issues that may affect your shipments, such as customs clearance, inspections, certifications, and tariffs. Knowing your requirements will help you identify the most suitable shipping modes, routes, and carriers for your goods, and also prepare you for any contingencies or changes that may arise.
-
Calebe E. R.
Top Voice Management | Especialista em Logística e Supply Chain Management | Especialista em Engenharia da Qualidade | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Almoxarifado | Eficiência Logística | Rotinas Logísticas
Antes de negociar, compreenda claramente os requisitos de envio, incluindo volume, frequência, destino, tempo de trânsito e características dos produtos perecíveis. Considere também questões regulatórias e de conformidade
-
Subas, CSCP
Logistics | Supply Chain | Customer Service | Inventory Management
Firstly, seek contracts with reliable shipping companies known for their expertise in handling perishable items and maintaining temperature-controlled environments. Negotiate for flexible shipping schedules to accommodate fluctuations in demand and minimize transit times, reducing the risk of spoilage. Include clauses in the contract that specify temperature and humidity requirements, as well as protocols for monitoring and maintaining product freshness throughout the journey. Negotiate for competitive pricing while ensuring that the shipping company can meet quality and reliability standards. Lastly, establish clear communication channels and contingency plans for addressing any unexpected delays or issues that may arise during transit
Another important step before negotiating is to research the market conditions and trends that may influence your shipping costs and options. This includes the supply and demand of container space, the availability and price of reefer containers, the fuel surcharges and exchange rates, the port congestion and delays, and the competitive landscape of carriers and freight forwarders. You can use various sources of information, such as industry reports, trade publications, online platforms, and professional networks, to gather and analyze data and insights. Researching the market will help you benchmark your current rates and service levels, and also identify opportunities and challenges for your shipping strategy.
-
Calebe E. R.
Top Voice Management | Especialista em Logística e Supply Chain Management | Especialista em Engenharia da Qualidade | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Almoxarifado | Eficiência Logística | Rotinas Logísticas
Analise as condições do mercado, como oferta e demanda de espaço para contêineres, preços de contêineres refrigerados e taxas de câmbio. Utilize fontes diversas para coletar dados e insights que auxiliem na negociação
One of the best ways to secure favorable container shipping contracts for perishable goods is to plan ahead and book your shipments in advance. This will allow you to lock in your rates and space, and avoid the risk of spot market fluctuations, capacity shortages, or surcharges. Planning ahead also gives you more leverage and flexibility in negotiating with carriers or freight forwarders, as you can demonstrate your commitment and loyalty, and also explore alternative options if needed. Ideally, you should plan your shipments at least three to six months ahead, depending on your shipping frequency and seasonality.
-
Calebe E. R.
Top Voice Management | Especialista em Logística e Supply Chain Management | Especialista em Engenharia da Qualidade | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Almoxarifado | Eficiência Logística | Rotinas Logísticas
Reserve suas remessas com antecedência para bloquear tarifas e espaço, evitando flutuações do mercado e escassez de capacidade. O planejamento antecipado proporciona mais flexibilidade e poder de negociação
-
Lucio Hernández
Diplomado en Logística Integral. Tec. en Adm. de Empresas. Especialización Logística en Depósitos y Almacenes. Diplomado en Comercio Exterior. #logistizate
Debemos analizar nuestra necesidades antes de hacer cualquier tipo de negociación referente. Partiendo de la base de conocer nuestras necesidades, ahí podemos entrar en acción a negociar fletes según nuestras necesidades. Debemos contemplar las políticas locales y de destino, el mercado, las frecuencias, los leadtime, las condiciones de la carga si necesitamos contenedores con temperaturas controladas, etc. Negociar de ante mano una frecuencia de envíos, puede ayudar a ser más eficientes y eficaces en conseguir los objetivos deseados.
Another key factor in negotiating container shipping contracts for perishable goods is to build strong and long-term relationships with your carriers or freight forwarders. This will help you gain trust and mutual understanding, and also access preferential rates and services, such as priority loading, guaranteed space, flexible terms, or value-added features. Building relationships also means maintaining regular communication, providing accurate and timely information, honoring your commitments, and resolving any issues or disputes amicably. You should also seek feedback and suggestions from your carriers or freight forwarders on how to improve your shipping performance and efficiency.
-
Calebe E. R.
Top Voice Management | Especialista em Logística e Supply Chain Management | Especialista em Engenharia da Qualidade | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Almoxarifado | Eficiência Logística | Rotinas Logísticas
Estabeleça vínculos fortes e de longo prazo com transportadores, ganhando acesso a tarifas preferenciais e serviços adicionais. Mantenha uma comunicação regular e resolva eventuais problemas de forma colaborativa
-
Lucio Hernández
Diplomado en Logística Integral. Tec. en Adm. de Empresas. Especialización Logística en Depósitos y Almacenes. Diplomado en Comercio Exterior. #logistizate
En mi experiencia, sumar como aliado estratégico a los portadores de servicios de transporte es parte fundamental para ganar - ganar. Si logramos contratos eficientes, estaremos trabajando con el mismo proveedor a largo plazo, lo que genera confianza a la hora de operar logísticamente hablando.
Finally, you should always evaluate the performance of your container shipping contracts for perishable goods, and monitor the quality and reliability of your shipments. This will help you identify any gaps or problems, and also measure the value and return on your investment. You should use relevant and objective metrics, such as on-time delivery, cargo damage, transit time, customer satisfaction, and cost savings, to assess your shipping outcomes and compare them with your expectations and goals. You should also review your contracts periodically, and renegotiate them if necessary, to reflect any changes in your requirements, market conditions, or carrier performance.
-
Calebe E. R.
Top Voice Management | Especialista em Logística e Supply Chain Management | Especialista em Engenharia da Qualidade | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Almoxarifado | Eficiência Logística | Rotinas Logísticas
Monitore constantemente a qualidade e a confiabilidade das remessas, utilizando métricas como entrega no prazo e satisfação do cliente. Revise periodicamente os contratos e renegocie, se necessário, para refletir mudanças nas condições de mercado
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Logistics ManagementWhat are the best ways to reduce container shipping costs over time?
-
Transportation ManagementWhat are some strategies for negotiating better container shipping rates?
-
Logistics ManagementHow do you manage container shipping logistics across multiple ports?
-
Logistics ManagementHow can you maximize container space for shipping?