What to Consider in Choosing Air Freight Forwarder during the Christmas Season?

Image Source: philstar.com

The Christmas season is fast approaching. In a country like the Philippines, where gift-giving is a tradition, it is an important thing that the gifts they prepare would be appreciated by the recipients. So whether they are miles away from their loved ones, they see to it that they were able to deliver their simple gifts. That is why air freight forwarders are really of great help in the Philippines, especially for parents, uncles, brothers and sisters who were working across the miles.

Christmas could be considered as one of the longest celebrated occasions in the Philippines. Filipinos have a colorful Christmas celebration. Children singing Christmas carols could be heard from the streets. Christmas lights twinkling in every street. Though, decorated by Christmas decors, a family’s Christmas celebration is incomplete with the absence of a family member or two.

Consequently, a family member who got to spend his Christmas out of the country due to work is a sad situation. And as the season approaches, a typical Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) starts to save presents for his family and loved ones staying in the Philippines.

And the possible way he could send his love is through air freight companies in the Philippines. Air freight and shipping companies serve as their bridge of love and communication. And with the number of issues revolving around the “Balikbayan Boxes”, overseas Filipino workers make sure that they set qualities in choosing the orient freight they could rely on.

So, what are the things an OFW needed to check for a reliable air freight forwarder?

First is the history of the freight forwarder company. This is one of the factors you must consider to assesses the quality of the service a freight forwarder offers. It is good to run a little background check on the freight forwarder company, especially if it is the first time you will use their service. Checking the service history will let you know about the services offered and how the company takes care of their clients’ needs. Also, this will let you know if the freight forwarder is legit and committed on helping their customers.

The next thing you should look into (and may be the one of the most important) is if the company offers insurance for lost packages and items. You have no control of what could happen the moment you hand over your package to an air freight forwarder. So, it is important if you’re assured of its safety.

Third is the cost of shipping. It is important that the cost of shipping is in parallel to the service the individual receives if he is going to avail the service. That is why it is really important to check the company’s profile before availing the service.

A “Balikbayan Box” or any package any individual wish to deliver to his family surely is of great importance for him. In line with this, freight forwarders must share the same sentiments through their quality of service. So, the most important factor anyone must consider is not just the level of professionalism a forwarder possesses. But their unwavering commitment and loyalty they have for their customers and not only because there is money involved.

So, if you are reading this and you are an overseas Filipino worker (or you have one family member who is), it wouldn’t hurt to take note of these things. Christmas is near and surely you are preparing gifts for your loved ones. So better choose an air freight company in the Philippines you can trust your fruits of hard labor. 

Importance of a 3PL Provider in Online Selling

Image Source: www.supplychain247.com

3PL (third party logistics) providers continue to make the life of companies selling their products online easier and safer. What is 3PL? TechTarget defines it as a “provider of outsourced logistics services.” A 3PL provider offers shipping, packaging and warehousing services. Without them, online shopping experience would run at a snail’s pace and customers wouldn’t like that. They are responsible for the delivery of the product right in the customer’s hands.

Last 2013, more than 80% of the online population shopped online. Internetlivestats.com says the number of online users last 2013 is 2.7 billion people. This is why some companies consider online selling a lucrative avenue than their physical shop. Customers are the main driving force on how this industry is shaped based on their needs and demands. Online shopping changed the concept of global trade and purchasing making it more complicated. This is where 3PL providers enter the picture.

It is not enough a company has a range of saleable products put up in their virtual store. But the most important factor that will make or break a business is how fast they deliver the product to their customers and its condition upon reaching the recipient. Why do some companies turn to 3PL providers?

Setting up an in-house freight management division will eat up your time and resources. You need to hire a competent team of logistic experts because they are the ones who will handle the most valuable asset of your company – your customers. They must see to it that every order is fulfilled in a safe and timely manner. This burden will be taken off once you hire the best 3PL provider. All you have to do is focus on your core competencies such as producing quality products and marketing them online.

How will you know your company and customers are in the right hands or right 3PL provider? Choose someone that specializes in your type of business. They must have a reliable 24/7 customer support that whenever a customer complaint arises, with regards to delivery, the 3PL provider should be reachable any time to address the concerns. In case there is an incident of damaged goods during shipping, the client company should be able to file a “return and damage claim” report. They value the role of an up-to-date system or 3PL technology that will seamlessly process their logistics operations. And their business strictly follows the latest and best industry practices.

Choose a 3PL company that you can consider as a business partner rather someone you just hired. You should be able to monitor the movement of your goods. If it is negotiable with your chosen provider, assign a person dedicated to monitoring. Don’t let the3PL provider have full control or you will be at a loss.

These criteria must be established during the selection process. Shopping for a 3PL provider is not an easy task. Choose a provider who is flexible, transparent and aligned with your business principles. In this way, you could have a harmonious working relationship with one another and, not to mention, your customers will be satisfied as well.