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How to improve the Efficiency of Shipping and Logistics

September 13, 2023

Logistics operations, in recent years, have moved to the forefront of discussions in the Business World, and has led to an increase in the number of companies–including Terminal Africa Inc.--willing to offer the services to prospective customers. The increase in demand has led to the average retailer spending at least 10 - 15% of sales cost on logistics operations–storage and transportation–to get goods to its final destination. However, all is not doom and gloom because the expenses can be reduced or halved without compromising on customers' experience and satisfaction. Let's go on a journey of identifying the problems of Logistics Efficiency and proffering solutions.

What is Logistics Efficiency?

Logistics Efficiency refers to the effectiveness of a company's operations and the use of resources to achieve its objectives. It is also a measure of how the organization manages its logistics operations.

Known Challenges of Logistics

1. Government Regulations

Shipping orders between countries, states or cities is often difficult due to the never-ending changes to taxes, permits, customs tariffs.

Dealing with bureaucratic red-tapes such as these is one challenge that logistics companies such as Terminal Africa Inc. encounter from time-to-time.

2. Customers Expectations

Nowadays, customers expect 24-48 hr delivery of their products which is a customer satisfaction/fulfilment expectation brought to the fore by the likes of Terminal Africa. To gain the trust of customers and an advantage over competitors, you need to run a pumped-up logistics operations.

3. Rising Costs

Logistics costs encompass everything from fuel insurance, depreciation, warehousing, taxes and manpower expenses related to storage and transportation of goods. These costs have been on the rise in the past few years and has had a negative impact on fast and reliable shipping which in turn affects businesses.

4. Supply Chain Visibility

Bigger Companies are at a higher risk of logistics issues springing up regularly especially if there is no serious inventory visibility. To ensure you don't encounter negative surprises, put real-time inventory mechanisms in place by engaging the services of tech-enabled logistics companies–including Terminal Africa Inc.--to get things done.

How to Improve Logistics Efficiency

There are several steps to take to improve logistics efficiency and ensure everything runs smoothly.

1. Effective Communication

This targets improved customer service and logistics efficiency through setting up clear systems coordinate between different vendors, customers and departments. It helps avoid unplanned events/unforeseen circumstances.

2. Collaborating with Partners

Collaborations with partners plays a key role in logistics efficiency as it involves engaging all stakeholders in decision-making processes and arriving at the best possible solution. Sharing information can and gaining valuable insights can help to identify areas of inefficiency and provide solutions in an instant.

3. Prioritising Safety & Compliance

Logistics operations rely heavily on safety and compliance regulations and it is the best interest of everyone to ensure that personnel involved in shipping process are adequately trained and up-to-date on industry standards and requirements. Terminal Africa Inc. boast some of the best & highly trained personnel in the field who comply with safety regulations and match industry standards.

4. Technology

Investing in tech-powered logistics system leads to better and data-driven decision making and ensure customers receive their orders at the right time. Logistics Automation can also cut costs, save time and speed up order processing, and you can trust Terminal Africa Inc. to offer you this and satisfy you to the fullest.

How Terminal Africa Inc. helps improve Logistics Efficiency

Offering an affordable and fast logistics solution that integrates seamlessly with your business, Terminal Africa allows you to distribute your inventory through their platform in a simple and user-friendly dashboard. That makes it easy for your business to learn how to decrease transit times, track items and turn your business into a revenue driver.