As a logistics service provider, Asia Shipping India caters to both Air cargo and Sea Cargo. Each product has its own benefits and limitations, depending on the exigency of the cargo. Cargo is shipped by air, considering the value of the product and the speed at which it must be transported.
Air cargo can be classically shipped for certain goods like fresh flowers, exotic fruits, perishables, live animals, books, Dangerous goods, time- and temperature-sensitive cargo, etc. Pharmaceutical Cargo has gained traction in contemporary times by air due to the modernised modus operandi of carriers favourable to medicines and drugs.
On the other hand, products like capital goods, heavy-weight machinery, break bulk, frozen food, liquid bulk, automotive finished goods, etc. are shipped by Ocean mode. These goods can usually be shipped by container ships, bulk carriers, reefers, and roll-on/roll-off ships. Ocean mode offers a competitive freight advantage over long-distance movement. It is also one of the most carbon-efficient modes of transportation, as it generates a smaller carbon footprint.
Interplay between air and sea freight
Air Cargo accounts for roughly 30–35 percent of all movement by air mode since it is a viable choice for high-value and low-volume cargo. This form of shipping frequently necessitates greater freight charges due to additional handling and packaging. These shipments are time-sensitive and require a quick means of transportation with little layover time in the transhipment port. Sea shipping, on the other hand, is a slow means of transportation with a cost advantage over air. Bulk and heavy goods can be easily carried by water due to its huge cargo capacity, but air freight has constraints with passenger flights.
Role of technology
Technology has become an essential element of life due to its numerous benefits. The logistics business enhanced its productivity by using cutting-edge technology to reduce expenses and errors. The most noticeable advantage of technology in our industry is increased efficiency by streamlining time-consuming operations. Asia Shipping employs substantial cargo-specific software that is accurate, internationally applicable, and simple to use, as well as the ability to generate MIS reports. Manual filekeeping, data entry, and Excel reports were all replaced by the software. The technology reduced costs by way of digital transformation and paper processes, which accelerated the speed of doing business. Furthermore, technology enhanced the client experience by making it easier to obtain the required personalised recommendations.
Challenges in coordinating operations
Airshipments are fast, with expedited booking and movement. The operations team is required to comply with the timeline prescribed by the airlines. Cargo requires Shipping Bill filing, transportation to the airport, correct weighment, customs clearance, and timely handover to the airlines. As logistics is an interlinked chain of actions, each interlink requires close coordination. Any missing interlink in this chain may delay or deviate from the shipment handling process. Sea cargo, too, has its own considerations and challenges. The containers must reach the sea yard prior to being cut off. If it misses the cutoff times, the container is automatically rolled over to next week’s sailing, increasing the transit times.
Collaboration to optimise routes
Logistics Service providers continuously endeavour to optimise air and ocean routes, curtailing transit times. In this attempt, having a tie-up with a local partner who has in-depth knowledge of customs procedures, registration with government bodies, owns a fleet of transportation, and speaks the native language is advantageous over owning an office in the initial phase. Such collaboration can work wonders and ameliorate logistics functioning.
