CONTAINER SHIP GIGANTISM: FUTURE TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Allmin, logistics big data, big data in logistics

In recent years, due to globalisation and increased maritime connectivity in ports around the world, freight transport has required structural, technical and technological change in order to be able to ship and distribute cargo to all industries. Optimising transports by guaranteeing coverage in the shortest possible time has brought about the need to adapt to the new commercial ecosystem and, consequently, to the new professional challenges that have arisen within the sector.

Shipping lines have taken advantage of this condition to adjust to the current paradigm demanded by customers, reducing waiting times on routes and increasing the volume of container ships. This growth in vessel infrastructure and the consequences that flow from it are referred to as ‘gigantism’.

Today, the trend towards gigantism is a reality, as it has several beneficial features for shipping lines, such as gaining route efficiency, transporting more material in the same voyage, reducing the polluting effect and covering a wider global coverage.

The challenge of logistics operators
Logistics operators, faced with the growth in the movement of containers in logistics platforms, have had to improve their facilities to differentiate themselves from the competition and be able to compete with the current offer. Stock Logistic is constantly changing with the aim of adapting and offering our clients the best services in their complexes.

Depending on the goods to be transported, Allmin Logistic adjusts its services, offering a personalised and efficient service. In addition, it works with the main shipping companies in the world and specialises in the management and transport of goods of different loads.

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International Logistics Transportation of Furniture and Shoes from China to South Africa: Best Solutions

intellectual property protection and infringement in global trade., cargo certification, risk management and insurance

China is one of the largest manufacturing centers in the world and exports a variety of products to different countries. In this article, we will explore the international logistics transportation solutions for furniture and shoes from China to South Africa.

Furniture and shoes are two different products that require different logistics transportation solutions due to variations in size and weight.

For furniture transportation, it is best to use sea transportation as they are typically large, heavy, and fragile. Through sea transportation, furniture can be safely transported to South Africa and assembled at the destination possible to standard 20ft or 40ft containers to ensure safety during the transportation process.

For shoes transportation, air transportation is the best option as they are small and light. Through air transportation, shoes can reach South Africa quickly and be customers the shortest alsoFor, it also possible choose land transportation railway transportation. However, due to South Africa’s geographical location, land and railway transportation may face additional limitations, requiring special attention and arrangements.

Other factors choosing logistics transportation solutions include transportation time, cost, safety, and reliability. Therefore, when selecting the best transportation solution, we need to balance these factors and choose the most suitable option.

In summary, the best international logistics transportation solutions for furniture and shoes vary due to differences in product types. By using appropriate sea and we ensure the safe delivery of products to South Africa and deliver them to customers in the shortest amount of time.

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Air transportation, a key player in the vertical integration proces

In today’s world, where home delivery is part of many consumers’ daily lives, the air transportation of goods is key. In fact, the rise of e-commerce continues to support air logistics as one of the great solutions for the supply chain. At Allmin, an integrated logistics operator, we have air transportation services to anywhere in the world. When it comes to sensitive or urgent cargo, air transport facilitates the movement of goods because it is the fastest, most efficient and direct means of transporting fragile, dangerous or urgent cargo.

Why choose air transportations?
On particularly important days, such as Christmas, when the volume of orders is the highest. Air transportations are a good option to meet demanding delivery deadlines.

Speed
The most important benefit of air cargo transportation is the reduction of delivery time. In the field of international trade, air transportations make it possible to send and receive cargoes quickly between different countries. This makes it an ideal means of powering and supplying the entire foreign market.

Agility and accessibility
In general, the procedure of transporting cargoes is a complex and expensive task, but by air transportation t they are more agile.
In addition, the air transport of goods makes it possible to connect areas that are not easily accessible by sea or road for sending and receiving goods, since there are almost no physical barriers to prevent them from flying. Thanks to its wide network and coverage, this type of transport can deliver goods to almost any part of the world.

Safety
Air transportation of cargoes, given its characteristics, has a very low rate of loss or breakage of cargoes. It is a reliable and safe way of transportation, where the cargo arrives at its destination in perfect condition, fully guaranteed.

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Ocean transport, a key player in vertical integration processes

In the international ocean freight business, Allmin provides comprehensive ocean freight solutions for FCL (Full Container Load), LCL (Less than Container Load) and break-bulk shipments. The company offers door-to-door (DDP/DDU) and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) services. With its state-of-the-art digital systems and processes, the company improves efficiency and accuracy to ensure timely and safe delivery of cargo.

Allmin’s digital approach to logistics is also reflected in its warehousing and distribution services. The company offers warehousing, picking and packing, and distribution services. By leveraging technology, Allmin has streamlined its operations, shortened delivery times and provided real-time visibility to its customers.

In short, the logistics industry is embracing digitalization to remain competitive, and Allmin is at the forefront of this trend. With its tailored logistics solutions, end-to-end air and ocean freight services, and state-of-the-art digital systems and processes, the company has become a trusted partner for customers worldwide.

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DEVELOPMENTS THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE LOGISTICS SECTOR

supply chain partners, managing operational risks

The logistics industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with digitalization being one of the main drivers of change. Allmin is at the forefront of this transformation, offering tailored logistics solutions that are fully digital and optimized to the specific needs of each industry.

The company’s digital workflows enable faster and more efficient relationships between suppliers, distributors and other partners in the supply chain. This not only improves communication, but also increases the transparency of the company’s operations, making it easier to track shipments and monitor progress at each stage of the logistics process.

By embracing digitalization, Allmin has been able to streamline its processes and operations, allowing it to operate with greater flexibility. This means the company is better able to respond to changes in demand, adapt to new market conditions, and provide better customer service.

One of the biggest advantages of Allmin’s digital logistics solution is the competitive edge it offers. Through faster and more efficient processes, the company is able to reduce costs, improve turnaround times and provide more value to its customers. This has helped Allmin become a leader in the logistics industry, setting a standard for other companies to follow.

The company’s focus on digitalization has also allowed it to stay ahead of the curve in terms of technological innovation. By constantly investing in new technologies and tools, Allmin is able to stay at the forefront of the logistics industry, providing cutting-edge solutions that deliver real business benefits.

Allmin is well positioned to continue leading the logistics industry in the coming years. Allmin Logistics is a leading logistics solutions provider that has embraced digitalization to optimize and enhance supply chain management. The company offers tailor-made logistics solutions for different industries.

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Manufacturing in China: Trademark Registration Should be the First Thing You Do

allmin digital transformation

Foreign companies that manufacture in China are often concerned about their Chinese factory or some local competitor stealing their design, yet are far too relaxed about protecting their trademarks. This approach ignores the basic facts of the manufacturing world: product designs are relatively difficult to steal, but stealing a trademark is easy. So the trademark will almost always be the first thing stolen, while the design will be last. We see this all the time in China. Our China lawyers deal with trademark theft pretty much every day, while a true case of product theft occurs only three to five times a year.

This mistaken conception of risk is then compounded by a lack of understanding of how trademarks work in China. International companies often wrongly believe China trademarks are relevant only if they are selling their product in China. Since they are just exporting their product, they think a Chinese trademark is not relevant. However, under Chinese law, the exclusive right to use a trademark applies to the manufacture of the trademarked item in China and to the sale of that item to anyone anywhere in the world. So, when the manufacturer applies the trademark during the manufacturing process, that is a use of trademark subject to the trademark law.

When the manufacturer then sells the product to the foreign buyer, that sale is subject to China’s trademark law.

Consider what happens when if another party registers a foreign brand’s own trademarks, with that party perhaps being a trademark squatter or a competitor. If that happens, that other party can completely shut down the foreign brand’s manufacturing operations in China.

First, it can demand that the Chinese factory making product(s) for the foreign brand cease using the mark because such use constitutes trademark infringement. Second, that party can record the trademark with China Customs, then have Customs seize trademarked products at the port of export, preventing the shipment from leaving China. This is a particularly nasty surprise in cases in which the foreign buyer has already paid for the product.

The message here is simple. If you are manufacturing in China, the cost-benefit analysis on trademark registrations is as simple as it gets. Registration is simple and inexpensive, and the result of failing to register can be devastating. So, the first step for every company engaging in OEM manufacturing in China should be to register all of its trademarks in every class that applies. Simple, right?

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How to Select a Lithium-ion Battery Supplier: 8 Questions to Ask OEM

The lithium-ion battery market is in a state of flux. Lithium-ion is a relatively new technology that has taken off in the last five to 10 years and demand for these batteries is high and growing. This has attracted many OEMs and created something of a buyer-beware market for OEM.

Many critical factors must be considered when deciding on a forklift battery supplier. Choosing the wrong lithium-ion battery for a forklift can impact the entire operation of an OEM’s business, from procurement to production. An OEM’s day-to-day operations depend on forklift transportation, and a forklift’s day-to-day operations rely heavily on the battery. Choosing a lithium-ion forklift battery supplier is the first step in determining the success of an OEM’s daily processes. OEMs need suppliers who can meet JIT shipping demands, lead technical innovation, and provide extended technical service. Without that, you may end up with a lithium-ion supplier instead of a lithium-ion partner who will be with you for the long run. That can lead to dissatisfied customers and lost time and money.

Ask the manufacturers these questions:

1. To get an idea of how established the company is ask how long they have been in business, how long they have been serving the material handling industry, and whether they have supplied batteries to major OEMs. You could also ask if they offer a full portfolio of batteries including flooded lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion. You may want to move on if the manufacturer is a start-up, has been serving the material handling industry for just a few years, or has not supplied batteries to OEMs.

Older, more seasoned companies that understand the material handling industry and manufacture and sell a full line of forklift lithium battery products generally know the issues that can damage batteries and shorten their lifespans. They often engineer solutions to these problems into their products.

2. How long have you been working with lithium-ion technology? Again, the company probably has a lot to learn if the answer is just a few years.

3. What kind of customer support do you provide? Make sure the company has a U.S-based and Europe customer support line staffed by real people who can answer questions and help your technicians troubleshoot issues. Ask if support is available 24/7 and if the staff includes representatives dedicated to lithium-ion products. Many newcomers to the market simply don’t have the infrastructure to provide that level of service.

4. How do you support the dealers who carry your products? You don’t want to work with a supplier who sells products and then forgets about you. To avoid phone tag and long hold times, look for a manufacturer with a systematic approach to communicating with dealers. Ask if the manufacturer has an authorized dealer network through which it trains dealers to sell its products and provides them with the information and materials they need.

5. How do you sell your batteries? Many battery manufacturers sell directly to dealerships and are unable to provide the follow-up services dealers may need. Look for a supplier who sells their batteries through a network of trained distributors. These distributors generally know and stand by their products, adding value to your purchase.

6. How is your battery different from others in terms of design and engineering? Look for products with UL2580 certification and at least an IP67 rating. This helps protect the battery from damage from vibration, water and dust and can extend its life. Make sure the battery is embedded and modular expandable.

Ask how the battery is designed to move the damaging heat it generates away from the cells. Most manufacturers do this through inexpensive components called heat sinks because they are easy to make and add on.

But heat sinks should not be the only method of heat management. Well-made batteries reduce the heat generated and allow for natural cooling in the design. This requires more engineering expertise, but it boosts efficiency, improves safety, and prolongs battery life.

7. What range does your battery get? To help OEMs, one of China’s fasctory has developed 43 standard modules for lithium batteries of different capacities, which can form parallel building blocks in forklift battery compartments. Up to 20 of these modules can be stacked in parallel, and the total capacity can be tailored to forklift OEM needs. It’s also worth mentioning that OEMs must check usable capacity, not advertised capacity. The stated capacity may be based on the sum of the individual cells within the battery, which does not take into account internal losses like usable capacity. Real-world test data and customer testimonials are the best way to understand the usable range of a battery. This is especially important in the high-capacity, high-current and relatively low voltage batteries used in MHE.

8. What safety features are built into your battery? Look for a battery with lithium-iron-phosphate cells, one of the most stable lithium-ion battery chemistries. Make sure the BMS features several levels of safety redundancy. That way, if one level fails another will step in, catch the issue, and turn the battery off, protecting you and your property. Ask about UL certifications. Is the entire pack UL-certified or does the manufacturer rely solely on the cell provider’s UL listing?

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WebCargo, China Southern Air Logistics becomes First Chinese Carrier to Offer China Import eBookings

China Southern Air Logistics unlocks instant Chinese import bookings for freight forwarders worldwide. Carriers on WebCargo now account for over 50% of air cargo capacity, with connections to over 10,000 forwarding offices on platform.

China Southern Air Logistics, the cargo arm of China Southern Airlines, is partnering with WebCargo, the leading digital booking and payments platform, to offer forwarders real-time rates, capacity, and eBookings. Shipments originating in China represent one of the largest segments of global air cargo trade, accounting for 7.3 million metric tons of a global 65.7 million metric tons1. Forwarders around the world, including the 3,500 freight forwarders in over 10,000 offices that already use WebCargo, will gain direct access to China Southern’s leading coverage into this key region.

These forwarders will also benefit from WebCargo’s combination of real-time booking with digital payments, helping forwarders quickly begin booking and reconciling payments with China Southern Air Logistics, as well as other carriers.

About China Southern Air Logistics 

Being the cargo arm of China Southern Airlines, China Southern Air Logistics undertakes all cargo business from the parent company.

Currently, China Southern Air Logistics operates 14 B777 freighters with more than 60 flights per week, flying from Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing to Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Expanding its freighter fleet in the near future, the company plans to launch more international freighter routes from China to major cities in the world.

Ranking among top 5 in terms of aircraft fleet in the world, China Southern’s well-developed belly network has enabled China Southern Air Logistics to provide extensive belly capacity covering China, radiating throughout Asia, linking Europe, America, Oceania, and Africa. With more than 880 aircraft and 1000 plus flight routes, the Air Logistics company can carry cargo and mail to over 170 destinations around the globe.

China Southern Air Logistics’ product portfolio includes CZ-Speed for express cargo, CZ-Special for specialized service, CZ-Exclusive for customized solutions, CZ-Transfer for diversified transfer options, and CZ-standard for general cargo. Its dedicated cargo team is always ready to offer quality service to meet customer needs.

About WebCargo, a Freightos Group Company 

WebCargo is the most advanced digitization platform for logistics service providers.

WebCargo Air is the leading platform for live air cargo rate distribution and bookings between hundreds of airlines and 3,500+ forwarders across over 10,000 forwarding offices. Partners using fully digital eBooking and rate distribution on WebCargo include over 30 airlines, including American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Etihad Cargo, Air France KLM, IAG Cargo, SAS, Qatar Airways, El Al, and Emirates SkyCargo. Freight forwarders can access dynamic capacity, pricing, and eBooking by signing up for free at webcargo.co.

WebCargo joined the Freightos Group in 2016. The Freightos Group also operates freightos.com, the world’s largest digital freight platform for the trillion-dollar international shipping industry, and the Freightos Baltic Index, the only daily container index, in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Zvi Schreiber, Freightos is a logistics technology pioneer with a worldwide presence, and has raised over $120 million from leading venture funds, including GE Ventures, Aleph and the Singapore Exchange. In June 2022, Freightos announced that it would merge with GESHER I (Nasdaq: GIAC) with the intent of going public on the Nasdaq (FROS).

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Chinese OEMs expand abroad with in-house brands, high-quality products

logistics transportation efficiency

Known as the “world’s factory,” China has played an indispensable role in the global industry chain with a large number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) covering various segments, as their high-quality products fulfill global demand.

However, domestic OEMs in the past have usually generated profits by just manufacturing and processing products behind the scenes.

Following the advent of the e-commerce era, a more accessible global network and enhanced government support, many Chinese OEMs now are beginning to look beyond the OEM business itself to step into the global market with their own in-house brands.

A survey in 2021 showed that 93 percent of Chinese sellers have clearly recognized the significance of establishing a brand while the number of Chinese sellers who have completed brand registration on Amazon’s global site has increased 40-fold over the past four years, while 14 percent of Chinese brands on Amazon already have registered trademarks in more than five countries or regions, media outlet yicai.com reported, citing Yang Jun, vice president of Amazon China.

While more and more OEMs have been aiming to establish their own brands and go abroad, industry insiders have shared their stories of transformation with the Global Times.

An ‘ambitious’ step
The majority of the profits generated by sales used to flow to foreign clients who hold the trademarks, Cai Jun, also known as Richard Cai, vice president of international business of Beijing Puppy Vacuum Cleaner Group Co (Puppy) told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Cai said that the company completely cut off its OEM segment in 2021 and has been fully concentrating on developing and promoting its own vacuum brand in overseas markets.

Puppy has been in the vacuum manufacturing industry for 23 years dedicated to operating its OEM business, and their products have been sold in 86 countries and regions, said the company’s official website.

Puppy is a representative of many domestic OEMs which have been going through an important transformation phase, aiming to explore the international markets under brands tagged with their own names.

Lan Runqiong, vice president and CEO assistant of Cifnews (Xiamen) Cross-border e-commerce Co, an internet platform helping bring Chinese brands to the world, said the trend toward transformation became very clear from 2020 onwards following some leading companies’ successful launches and operation overseas.

Lan added that operating a new brand overseas has become a mainstream of cross-border e-commerce for Chinese companies.

Cai echoed the trend, adding that more Chinese brands and Made-in-China products will be able to enter the international market following China’s continuous economic achievement and development under government support.

Meanwhile, Cai also noted that Chinese brands now are increasingly favored by overseas consumers after the successful landing of some leading Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and Xiaomi, which have gained high recognition and will drive more high-quality domestic brands and products to follow the path.

Lan added that the company has assisted more than 80 Chinese companies go abroad, including some brands have previously focused on OEM or original design manufacturer with strong research and production capacity.

Cifnews links various e-commerce platforms from global countries and regions with suitable Chinese enterprises through market analysis.

Lan also said that traditional Chinese trade companies and factories previously have already established a cognitive sense for foreign products.

Through the continuous improvement of production, research and development (R&D), coupled with the upgrading of China’s intelligent manufacturing and R&D capabilities, China’s product power has been continuously improving, Lan added.

Therefore, more Chinese brands will have opportunities to become well-known internationally.

Opportunities and challenges
For OEMs going through or seeking to explore the transformation, the market potential is clearly huge with favored business environment and support, while challenges still remain for them to work out for the long-term development.

Lan stressed that enterprises firstly need strong determination and enough preparation with high-quality products for the transformation, which will take a while.

Lan also noted that the current global market is more demanding on the supply chains, which will offer a greater chance for Chinese enterprises to succeed overseas.

For Chinese OEMs seeking to make this pivot, Cai and Lan noted that it was important to meet certain criteria and conditions.

For instance, enterprises have to start off having a certain product or category which have a relatively large international market demand, according to Cai.

He added that the transformation will require procedures like registering for corresponding trademarks as well as obtaining relevant certification from targeted countries or regions on top of meeting other necessary requirement, such as meeting local environment standards.

Along the journey, Lan stressed the importance of improved market sensitivity and foresight.

Both Cai and Lan emphasized the necessity of having a well established and managed team in order to support enterprises, such as a strong capacity for supply chain management.

As for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cai said that the shipping cost and some countries increasing tariffs have affected the business operation, which is now gradually returning back to normal.

Lan added that the impact of the pandemic on the industry chain is becoming less acute, and China has already established a long-standing industrial advantage.

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