There are several ways to ensure your company’s relevancy if you are a container shipping firm. These include targeted sales campaigns, RFQs, lean terminal operations, and more.
Lean terminal operations
The container terminal business is a critical component of the global supply chain. Therefore, it is essential to understand how it operates and how to improve its performance. In particular, the caps for bottles costs. Using industrial engineering techniques, a solution can be found.
To do so, container terminals need to evaluate the physical and operational characteristics of the facility. They must also determine how competitive they are and whether they can offer quality services. A good operations plan can help ensure the terminal runs smoothly and can help prevent delays.
Leasing
The container business has been highly volatile over the last five years. While the industry has gained traction, the returns from the investment could have been better.
Several key challenges need to be addressed. First, ports need to invest in new infrastructure. This includes the construction of highways, rail lines, and storage facilities. These infrastructure projects are expensive. They require large pools of capital from prominent financial institutions.
Second, container shipping lines must address operational and mindset issues. The goal is to improve turnaround times and commercial performance. If these initiatives are fully implemented, shipping lines can boost their earnings by 10 to 20 percent.
Bunker management
Containerization was an innovative idea for moving trailer-size loads with efficiency. It was a breakthrough in the shipping industry. As a result, it helped reduce cargo handling costs and labor. Besides, it reduced spoilage and theft.
In addition to reducing shipping costs, container cargo is known only to the buyer. This ensures that the contents are not stolen or damaged. Moreover, it also saves on warehousing charges.
Nevertheless, the container industry has been highly unprofitable in the last five years. Many factors have contributed to the situation, including the global financial crisis and recovery. But the industry is also struggling to address operational and environmental challenges.
Cost of shifting cargo from land transport to ship
Recently, the cost of moving freight from land transport to shipping has increased significantly. The increase is due to several factors, including fuel prices, transportation costs, and growing demand for freight services.
As a result, companies have had to take several measures to keep costs under control. A primary strategy is consolidating shipments to minimize the number of trips a truck has to make. Another tactic is to sell limited space at a premium.
RFQs
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is a formal process of soliciting competitive proposals for various products and services. This process aims to determine if a firm has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the work.
This process is a simple one, but it can also be very complicated. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to create a good RFQ. Then, you can ensure you have the correct information and that your buyer knows what you want.
Model ship analysis
In this study, a visualization program was developed to analyze big data generated from the ocean environment and AIS data. The program provides relevant information and can be used to compare the performance of various container ships along the same route. It is an effective tool for operational analysis and can be used with Microsoft Excel.
Collecting, pre-processing, and organizing information is essential to conduct an efficient operational analysis. In addition, there is a need for an intelligent automation approach, which will allow for future innovation, cost savings, and safety.
Unprofitable over the past five years
For the past five years, the container business has suffered significant losses. Most companies are aware of the industry’s problems, but few are taking measures to improve profitability.
Many are focused on acquiring new business and revenue growth. In turn, they fail to understand the effects of overhead costs on their profitability. Companies that implement a complete program of initiatives can increase their earnings by 10 to 20 percent. But to be effective, these firms must prepare their organizations for change and help employees adapt to a new way of working.