UK Freight Logistics Forwarding Shipping News

Doing Business in Thailand

2012-02-06T16:40:00.005Z

Thailand has become one of Asia’s biggest new economies over the past few decades. Since the Second World War there has been a huge swing in the country’s economy, from an agricultural based economy to a burgeoning services based economy. After a massive injection of investment during the 1970’s industrialisation and export business boomed and for 10 years between the mid-80’s to the mid-90’s the country had the greatest economic expansion in the world.

When conducting business in Thailand it can be done in English as this is the language used for conducting business, however outside the meeting rooms you may find that there is a lot less English speaking people, especially in the lower classes, where they speak Thai. Although tolerant of cultural differences and behaviours the biggest thing to bear in mind when conducting business is to be polite and respectful at all times. It is not seen as the done thing to raise voices or lose temper when things get a little heated, and any differences of opinion or conflict should be resolved through discussion in a polite manner.

Trust is also an important issue in business dealings with Thai people, and it is not uncommon for them to ask potentially direct questions to do regarding your personal life bordering on inappropriate in a business setting. Again these should be answered in a polite manner to help the relationship develop. Another characteristic of the Thai people is the non-spoken communication and underlying messages, this subtlety is viewed as a valued trait, however can lead to negotiations and meetings taking longer than it would in a western setting.

Also you might useful:

Freight rates to Thailand for importing and exporting to Thailand.
How to start a business in Thailand Asia.
The best things to export from Thailand, if you are looking to start an import business.

Best products to Export from Thailand

2012-01-16T13:36:00.004Z

Thailand’s economy is very much export dependant, with over two-thirds of the country’s gross domestic product related to exports. So what are some of the products you might want to consider importing from Thailand if you are a business owner? As a freight company, what are the industries which might result in Freight moving opportunities?

Gemstones and Jewellery from Thailand
Over the past 20 years Thailand has become one of the gem and jewellery centres in the world. The country not only has a rich source of gemstones, but the country is also famous for the quality of the artisans who work with them and produce magnificent pieces of jewellery. The country is most well-known for its mining of sapphires and red rubies, both of which are sought after by collectors and jewellery experts. The export of precious stones has been made more attractive with the government waiving tax on any items that are exported from the country.

Silk from Thailand
Silk produced in Thailand is considered by many to be one of the finest fabrics in the world. The material is a unique product produced in the northeast region of the country, made from the cocoons of silkworms and bearing distinctive patterns and colours. In 2006 over £12 million of silk materials and products were exported from the country, mostly to the U.K. and America. Thai silk is up to 10 times more expensive than artificial silk material, and to protect the integrity and authenticity of Thai silk the government uses a coloured peacock emblem as guarantee. This peacock is on a scale of gold, meaning pure silk and hand production, to green, a silk blend with other fabrics and uses of dyes and other production methods.

Thai Ceramics
There is a long history of ceramics and pottery in Thailand, spanning thousands of years, and were an integral part of trade between the country and its neighbours, including China. Mostly based in the north of Thailand, the area is home to vast amounts of kaolinite and feldspar, the white clay and minerals used in the production of ceramics. Over the past decade the quality of the products designed and products have developed hugely, with increased investment and innovations. This has resulted in products being moved up the market, with prices increasing by over 200% when exported and placed onto the international market.

If you need help importing freight from Thailand, RSJ International are one company who provide intermodal freight options between Thailand and countries across Africa, Europe and worldwide. Interested in starting a business in Thailand?

India Packaging Show (Opportunities in India)

2012-01-04T18:02:00.005Z

The India Packaging Show, is held in the Hotel Crowne Plaza, New Delhi during early December each year and is a leading event on the international calendar. It is being held in association with the Automation Industries Association and the All India Food Processors Association, and is intended as platform for learning knowledge into the newest technology and capabilities in the food processing and packaging industry.

The venue itself is brand new and offers a modern location with a welcoming atmosphere in which to hold the event. It is also situated close to the exhibition centre, and a frequent shuttle service has been organised between the two venues to make it easy and quick to move between both of them.

There are a range of exhibitions and conferences aimed at giving an understanding the issues regarding the industry and an opportunity to exchange ideas. There will be eminent speakers from within the industry making presentations and initiating discussions and interactions from the audiences. There will be speakers from leading corporations regarding the business side of the industry as well as scientist and academics talking about the new developments and issues.

The show is intended for a variety of people from within the food packaging industry in India and from across the world, from businessmen and entrepreneurs to the raw material manufacturers and packaging technologists. There will also be benefits for people working in package design and end-users to attend and learn from the information being shared throughout the event.

Interested in International business opportunities? You might also be interested in:

How oil prices affect the freight industry.
Sendinf freight to Singapore in Asia.
Trade and business opportunities in South Korea, Asia.

Moving freight to and from Ibiza Spain

2011-12-19T14:00:00.005Z

There are a number of companies in the U.K. that transport freight and haulage to and from all over the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza. Companies have three primary ways to move freight to and from the island, by air in planes, on land in lorries and ferried across the sea, either from the mainland on the lorries or direct from a port in the U.K.

The port of Ibiza, which deals with the majority of the islands freight, is located in the south east of the island in the islands capital, Ibiza Town. The island is only eighty nautical miles from the mainland of Spain, with the closest of the main land ports being Valencia. There are routes to and from Barcelona, Valencia on the mainland as well as Palma in Mallorca.

Flying freight to Ibiza is a lot quicker than by ferry, however there are a lot more weight restrictions, so it is more limited in what can be flown. The freight flies into the main airport on the island before being put through customs. All major U.K. airports have a freight service that fly to Ibiza, with Heathrow and Gatwick being the busiest, however East Midlands and Newcastle are also busy.

The best way to find out about the cost of moving the articles is through direct quotes with freight companies themselves, all that is needed the majority of the time is the pick-up and drop off post code, as well as the weight of the cargo in kilograms and its size in centimetres. It is also important to specify the type of freight being moved as some companies will only deal with certain types of items. If in Ibiza on business, you might also be interested in Ibiza car hire opportunities. Need to send freight to Ibiza?

5 Freight books for those in the business

2011-12-05T14:57:00.005Z

With Christmas just around the corner, there are several books one can buy for a friend or loved one who works or is just interested in the freight industry. Reading books can also be a great way to brush up on theory and to stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry. Below are some of the best books to read for those in the freight industry.

Plunkett's Transportation, Supply Chain and Logistics Industry - This book by Almanac Plunkett is a concise manual telling you everything you need to know about these areas of the freight and cargo industry. Anybody who is involved in this industry, or indeed aspires to be involved, should really take the time to read this publication. The key aspects of the freight industry, such as planning and strategy, are covered in detail and in a manner in which everybody can relate to.

4th Party Cyber Logistics for Air Cargo - The main focus of this book is on the e business environment, and particularly the planning and forwarding aspects of it. This book provides an essential knowledge base in an area which touches most modern businesses, regardless of their nature.

Air Transportation Planning and Design - This is a text book used in many universities and colleges and is an interesting read for those involved in air transportation, planning and design.

Water Transportation Industry - The laws of water transportation are covered in this publication produced by the by the US Environment Protection Agency. It delves into areas such as the movement of goods via water, but also looks at the laws surrounding environment, pollution and compliance. There is also a good section about the control of pollution, an area which is vital for any company in an era when it is essential to demonstrate a willingness to be sustainable.

The Transportation Industry: Airlines, Trucking and Railroads - The threat of security and the deregulation of the freight and cargo industry are explored in some detail throughout this book by David G Smith. The book is designed to enlighten the reader on how to manage these threats and remain successful.

Interested in sending freight to Thailand if you are importer or an exporter of goods from Asia? Interested in Importing from Brazil?

Effects of oil prices on the freight industry

2011-11-17T16:00:00.003Z

Oil is one of the key practical features of freight, so any significant change in price can have a dramatic effect on the fortunes of freight companies. Below are some of the reasons why.

The most significant reason that oil prices affect the freight industry is that petrol prices will increase. In recent years the price of petrol in many parts of the world has risen beyond recognition, with some countries seeing as much as a 40% rise.

There are many side effects of this increase in petrol prices, including freight companies being forced to increase the price of their service so that they can stay afloat. The alternative is for the company to keep their prices at the same level but make cuts elsewhere in order to balance the books, and one of the most obvious casualties is the workforce. This is something that companies are keen to avoid as a reduced workforce generally results in a reduced quality of service and therefore a reduction in customer satisfaction.

With the earth’s oil resources becoming increasingly drained there is no doubt that the price of oil will continue to remain high as the years go on. Increasingly people will search alternatives to current methods of freight which will mean that existing freight companies will be forced to adapt or face extinction. A reality that freight industries may have to face is that an increase in fuel prices will ultimately result in an increase in product costs across the board, which in turn will result in fewer sales and therefore less of a demand for freight services. The cycle will then start again.

Moving oil or gas equipment?

Chinese business: Has the Chinese bubble popped

2011-11-03T15:42:00.002Z

Chinese business has for so long been the linchpin of international trade, but has this bubble well and truly burst or will China breeze through the international financial depression and retain its status as one of the world’s business superpowers?

Considering the scale of the international financial downturn it would be almost impossible for any country to not feel its affects, regardless of whether that country is the source of the problem. Therefore, the fact that the Chinese business empire may have seen a slight downturn in fortunes should not come as a surprise and should certainly not be used as a precursor for the countries future business prospects.

Whilst the global economy may temporarily reduce the scale of business in China and its international markets, there are certain aspects of Chinese business which finance cannot effect, with one such thing being the Chinese attitude. The work ethic in the China is almost second to none, as is demonstrated by the famous quote that the main business in China is business, a line which highlights the fact the Chinese people are very businesslike in their approach to everything....especially business. With an attitude as good as that of the Chinese population in general I see it as very unlikely that the business empire in the country will struggle for long.

Behind the USA China is the second largest economy in the world and is the largest exporter of goods in the world. The cost of labour and resources in China is still amongst the lowest in the developed world, whilst the quality of the end product is extremely high. This is a winning formula which will surely ensure the continued success of Chinese business.

You might also be interested in:

Learning also about Chinese business customs.
International freight to China - if you plan to import or export.

Trade opportunities in Vietnam: 5 Exhibitions for businesses

2011-10-24T12:16:00.003+01:00

Modern day Vietnam represents a sustainable business market for international investors, and below are some of the best exhibitions for business in the country.

Vietnam Expo - This is one of the key events designed at increasing the profile of Vietnam on a global scale by promoting the country’s many companies, products and services. This is a government run exhibition which encourages investment in the country by exposing overseas investors to the full range of markets. Having been going for over twenty years the show is well developed and well organised, ensuring that people return here year after year. There are a number of seminars, talks and forums in which the visitor can participate.

Vietnam Textile & Garment Industry Expo - There is a significant textile and garments industry in the country of Vietnam, and this exhibition brings together people from most of the key organisations in this field. The exhibition is held on a yearly basis and is a good opportunity for manufacturers to meet with buyers and representatives from companies from all over the world. One of the best features of the show is the opportunity to view the latest technology and machinery in the industry.

Outsource & Subcon Vietnam - Engineering, machine tools and metalworking is covered comprehensively at this yearly exhibition on Vietnam. The event has been running since 2005 and has developed a reputation as the best place for manufacturers to meet then manufacturing market in Vietnam, and to promote the country’s produce to overseas countries. There are in excess of 300 companies and organisations which exhibit at this large scale show, and visitor figures are on the raise with recent figures suggesting that around 8,000 people attended the last edition.

Food & Hotel Vietnam - This three day event is the only international food and drink exhibition to be held in Vietnam, and as such, it is highly regarded by all in the industry who make an effort to attend here annually. There is the opportunity for networking, promoting products to overseas markets and gaining inspiration from the hundreds of exhibitors on how to improve business and the way you use food within your hotel establishment.

VIIF - The Vietnam International Industrial Fair encourages the growth of business interaction between Vietnam and other countries around the world and the Vietnam economic culture. Industrial machinery is exhibited and visitors also have a chance to walk around the specific stands of visiting nations.

Beginners Guide to the PORT of Barcelona

2011-10-14T13:48:00.002+01:00

The port of Barcelona is part of one of the most attractive areas of the city aside from the historic centre. One of the best features of Barcelona is that it has so much to offer in terms of attractions, history and culture but also has glorious beaches and a fabulous port which is not only practical but great on the eye.

In terms of the practical aspect, the port of Barcelona is amongst the largest ports in the Catalonia area, making it of huge importance for incoming and outgoing freight, a responsibility it has managed for approximately 2000 years. Indeed, there are few ports in the whole of Europe which turnover more freight than this.

As well as freight, the port also has a busy passenger terminal which is popular with incoming cruise ships whose passengers relish the close proximity to the city centre, with the travel time being less than half an hour meaning that visitors to the area can enjoy a full day in the city before their ship departs. With regards to outgoing ships and ferries, there are regular trips by ferry to the Balearic Islands as well as to other destinations.

Aside from its primary purpose as being a port for ships, boats and ferries, the port also has a thriving commercial section which is home to a large shopping mall, a multi screen cinema and various night clubs and bars which are highly popular with the younger crowd in the area who enjoy a change from the inner city venues. Another major attraction at the port is the aquarium which is absolutely huge and is home to a vast range of fascinating species.

Interested in Business opportunities in Barcelona, Spain?

Trade Opportunities in Barcelona, Spain

2011-10-05T16:10:00.004+01:00

The global financial climate has been a volatile one for investor in recent years, but there are signs of recovery, and one of the best ways to capitalise on this is to invest in the biggest cities. Barcelona is one such city which has a large business empire and represents plenty of opportunities to invest in trade. Below are some of the trade opportunities in Barcelona.

Tourism - There is a massive tourist trade in Barcelona for many reasons, including the fact that it is is a city bustling with history and culture and that it boasts gorgeous beaches and nice weather. You could tap into this market by investing in property or tourist services. There are plenty of beach towns just outside of the city centre which have development potential.

Wine - The vineyards around Barcelona, especially in Penedès, are renowned for their high quality of produce. This area is the home of the world famous cava, and specialist wine shops can benefit from wines imported from this area. (More on Spain and wine).

Food - There is potential to invest in food opportunities at both ends here. There is a market for non-Spanish restaurants in Barcelona, whilst food products created in Barcelona are perfect for specialist food shops in other countries. There is a distinct style to Spanish food which is popular worldwide, especially if you can find a product which is not already heavily exported.

Clothing - The modern person enjoys the opportunity to create their own image, and the greater the choice then more they can do so. Importing Spanish style clothing can provide you with a niche market.

3 Products worth Importing from China

2011-09-27T16:42:00.005+01:00

Acquiring products from sources which either have superior manufacturing capability or lower production costs and selling them for a healthy profit is a basic principle of trade. Often it can be the case that this source may be a different country. Below are some of the products worth Importing from China.

Musical Instruments - The resources required to make a high quality of musical instrument can be expensive, as can the production costs of producing them in quantity. The production costs in China are considerably cheaper, and when you add this to the fact that China has an established reputation as an instrument manufacturer, this is a truly a credible investment market. Musical instruments of varying quality can be acquired with the prices fluctuating accordingly.

Mobile Phone accessories - The mobile phone industry is one which is sustainable and, if anything, will only increase in the future. With this growth in the mobile phone market will come an increase in the demand for mobile phone accessories. China has always been one of the market leaders when it comes to technology, so the high quality of product together with the reasonably low cost means that you can tap into this market and the exploit the demand elsewhere in the world.

Clothes - Clothes production in China can often be considerably cheaper due to the reduced labour cost as well as other factors. This means that there are considerable profit margins to be made, even once you discount the cost of shipping. There are various options with regards to which line of clothing you choose, with sporting goods being a particularly good choice. More on business in China. Learn more also about sending freight to China and the best options.

Guide to the Passenger Terminal Expo

2011-09-13T23:11:00.005+01:00

The passenger terminal plays such a significant part in a passenger’s experience for a whole range of modes of transport. In fact, the experience that the passenger has at a terminal can set the tone for the travel experience as a whole and can even determine whether a passenger chooses to pass through that terminal again. Therefore, the ability to stay up to date with the latest developments and issues surrounding the terminal field is key to the success of many institutions. One of the best ways to do this is to attend the Passenger Terminal Expo in Vienna, Austria.

Held at the Messe Wien Exhibition Centre, the Passenger Terminal Expo is a meeting point for the industry professionals in this field who, depending on their involvement with terminals, gather to share their expertise, expand their customer base and pick up new ideas on how to improve the ir own terminal. There is a great deal of psychology surrounding the layout of a passenger terminal in order to ensure that it not only meets (and maybe exceeds) the expectations of the passenger, but also that it maximises the terminal’s commercial potential. Visitors to the show can tap into this psychology as well and meet experts whom they can bring on board to optimise their terminal/s.

Aside from Key areas which are covered at the expo are security, management and technology. Representatives from around 85 countries attend the expo, which is a combination of exhibitions and conference activities, ranging from speeches and talks to interactive activities. The delegates range in position and importance, with government officials and leading authorities mixing with managers and their staff. More latest Freight events.

Transport options for long distance house moves

2011-09-02T12:11:00.002+01:00

Moving homes can be a stressful experience if you are travelling long distance within the same country. There are three main options for such a move, as listed below.

Use your car
One option is to use your car, fill it as much as you can and make a number of journeys to and from the new property. The advantages of this are that there are no rental costs for the vehicle, but the obvious disadvantages are the cost of petrol and the time implications. You should attempt to estimate how much petrol you may require for all trips and establish if it would be more economical to use a different option.

Hire a Vehicle
There is one obvious advantage to this option which is that you will be able to fit most, if not all, of your equipment into the vehicle which means that you will have to make significantly less journeys than if using a car. However, before committing, you should consider the cost of rental as well as the insurance and logistical issues. Also note that you must fill the criteria in order to rent a larger vehicle.

Use a Logisitics Company
There are established companies who make a living out of helping people to move properties, whether personal or professional. These companies are highly efficient and should in theory be able to complete the move much more efficiently. The key thing to consider with this option is the price, but sometimes convenience and security are well worth paying a little extra for.

Reasons to use Branded Boxes

2011-08-24T18:32:00.004+01:00

It has already been mentioned in a previous edition of this blog why it can be beneficial as a marketing tool to use branded boxes as opposed to plain boxes when dispatching packages for freight. There are also other reasons to use branded packaging, including that it portrays a professional company who take pride in the appearance of their product. Whether you agree or not, and whether you are consciously aware of it when it happens to you, branded packaging has a positive impact on the customer experience.

Customer experience is such an important aspect of retaining customer and acquiring new customer through word of mouth marketing that every effort should be made to ensure that the every customer enjoys every aspect and every stage of the product which they purchase. Branding on a package creates an enjoyable experience due to the fact that, as customers, we like to feel confident that we are investing our money in credible and trust worthy organisations.

If the first impression you get of a company is a well presented package then you will instantly feel confidence in that company. By the same token, if the first impression you have of a company is a shoddy package which is unlabelled and in poor condition it will make you question the professionalism of the organisation, something which could cause you to look elsewhere next time you are looking to make a purchase.

Business Opportunities in Kenya

2011-08-18T14:54:00.005+01:00

The economy in Africa is growing surprisingly fast and many of the richer countries in the world are beginning to invest in it. Below are some of the best business opportunities in Kenya.

Property in Kenya
The growing business trade in Kenya needs somewhere to live, and as the country continues to develop over the years this requirement will only increase. Property prices can be cheap in Kenya and there is every possibility that prices will inflate considerably, offering a significant mark up.

Tourism
Africa has always been a highly sought after destination as it has simply fantastic scenery and wildlife, and if companies take the time to invest in facilities for the area, and also in marketing and management, there could be real profits to be made. There should of course be an effort made to ensure that you do not damage the very nature that attracts people to the area in the first place.

Dairy
The Kenyan government is putting significant funds into developing this industry and is openly inviting investment from overseas. There is the opportunity to invest in dairy products themselves or the machinery which is used to create it. The dairy export industry should be of particular interest as government funding may be available.

Pharmeceuticals
One of the results of a middle class which is increasing in size is that the pharmaceutical industry is expanding. Better education means that people have more of an understanding of modern medicine, whilst increasing disposable incomes mean that people have more money to spend on it.

Learn also about:

Doing business in Finland including for sauna and timber trade.
Chances to do business in South Africa.
Trade opportunites in Brazil for thos of you searching for a new market.

Business Opportunities in the Movie Industry

2011-08-02T13:06:00.004+01:00

The movie industry is one of the most exciting, trendy and diverse industry in which to work. So many productions are made each year covering a whole range of genres that those with the correct resources and will to work hard can find a way to succeed in the industry. Below are some of the business opportunities in the movie industry.

Film festivals
A film festival is a great money spinner, so if you have access to a well sized piece of land and have funds to access all of the key facilities you could really make a go of it, especially if you try to break into a country or area which does not have an established festival. You should start out small scale and attempt to obtain publicity, and as the years go by you can expand the size and, if all goes well, spin some real money.

Agencies
Modern actors earn a great deal of money, but a significant proportion of it goes to their agent/s. If you are a well turned out individual who can hold themselves well, are indeed you know people who are, you could start up an agency as a small venture and gradually build up your client base.

Camera work
As a self employed cameraman you can gain work on different productions around the world, meaning that you can travel whilst indulging in your hobby. The benefit of this is that you are your own boss and can pick your jobs, but the downside is that there may be plenty of competition.

Looking for business opportunities? You might also be interested in:

Business opportunities in Cuba for the future.
Business and investment opportunities in China for those of you lookig to get involved with what might become the worlds number 1 economy in the future.

Guide to the Transec World Expo

2011-07-27T13:01:00.004+01:00

With the threat of terrorism on public transport remaining high all around the world, the issue of securing all modes of transport from this threat is of great importance and this expo held at Olympia in London is one of the key events on the calendar in this respect.

The key aim of the Transec World Expo is to bring together all involved in the security of public transport and discuss the current issues, with regards to what the current threats are, how they have evolved and how they may evolve in the future as well as looking at what the possible solutions are to these issues.

This is achieved through a number of conferences and workshops which are designed to encourage interaction amongst delegates and visitors, as well as through exhibition stands which showcase the latest in anti terrorism technology from the key people in the industry who relish the opportunity to reach an appropriate audience including border police, customs and high level representatives from the public transport industry. Each year there are approximately 50 exhibition stands at the show which makes this show deserving of its status as the flagship show for transport security in Europe.

From an exhibitor viewpoint this is a great opportunity to access the target market from around the world, to acquire some strong leads, to enhance their brand awareness and to launch new products, whilst for the visitor there are few better opportunities to view such a comprehensive range of products and to attend such high quality conferences, speeches and workshops, all of which are free to attend.

Best way to invest in Silver as an investment

2011-07-19T11:44:00.005+01:00

Along with gold, silver is one of the most desirable elements. There are a number of reasons for this, with the main two being its attractive appearance and its perceived expense. There is plenty of scope for people to invest in the silver industry and make a substantial return. Below are just some of the ways you could invest in silver.

Jewellery
This is perhaps the most obvious way to invest in silver as it is what the majority of people instantly associate with silver when prompted. There is the option to invest in buying and selling or to purchase a particular quality of silver which will rise in value and put it away view a view to selling it in future.

Silver plating
This is a fashionable and reasonably recent phenomenon in which people gold plate items such as phones or i-pods as a way of increasing the value of that item and showcasing their wealth.

Mining
For anyone with significant capital to invest this could quite possibly be the most lucrative way to invest in silver. If you can discover gold in any significant volume you will have struck gold, so to say.

Coins
There are various sources from which you can purchase silver coins which are not in common circulation and are almost guaranteed to rise in value over the years. The rarer the coin is the better the investment, and if you have time to invest in searching for historic coins you could sell them for large sums.

Thinking long term, you might also be interested in investment in Cuba as another way to diversify.

Courses to Study to get into the Freight and Shipping Industry

2011-07-01T20:03:00.004+01:00

As is the case in any industry, taking courses is a great way to either break into, or accelerate one’s progress within, the freight and shipping industry. Below are some of the courses which are available in this respect.

Customs Procedures Course - Take this course to become familiar with the process and procedures related to customs in the UK, both inbound and outbound. This is an important aspect of freight and shipping and an understanding is key for all involved.

Shipping and freight rates course - cost of shipping and freight has a significant impact upon one’s activity within the industry and therefore and understanding of these issues will stand one in good stead to progress within the industry. This course will look at, amongst other things, what affects the rates and how to calculate what is due.

Export Starter Course - This course looks at many of the different aspects of export including paperwork, taxes, VAT, the completion of airway forms, letters of credit and insurance amongst many other things. With many people working in export not having formal qualifications, obtaining such a qualification would help you to stand out from the crowd.

Import Procedures Course - The import of freight can be a complicated process if you are not familiar with the stages through which you will be required to follow. This course will help to familiarise you with these stages by covering many of the relevant issues such as the customs clearance process, duty and VAT calculations and customs warehousing amongst many others.

Find more ideas for freight courses which are worth studying to get into the industry. Learning about freight technologies can be one vital area to study to get into the industry.

Guide to doing business in Finland

2011-06-20T14:14:00.003+01:00

Finland represents an attractive option when looking for new markets, or when choosing which of your markets you should retain. Below are some of the issue you should keep in mind when doing business in and with Finland to help you fit into and be conscious of the Finnish culture. It is important to consider that if you were to accidentally stray from any of these cultural guidelines it is not likely to have a major impact on your business relationship, but in difficult markets where minor detail will make the difference, the more you can stick to these guidelines the better.

Confirm Meetings in Advance - It is standard etiquette in Finland to confirm any meetings which have been organised in writing in advance.

Appearance - You should make an effort to get the balance right between being smart and being overdressed. Similarly, do not cross your arms and definitely do not talk with your hands in your pocket.

Shaking Hands - When you meet or greet people you should make an effort to shake the hands of any women present first, whilst maintaining a firm grip regardless of the sex. It is also common to address one by their title and surname unless prompted otherwise.

Preparation - As with all countries, good preparation is essential. People in Finland will expect your presentations and communications to be fluent and well oiled. Failure in this department could be disastrous for your credibility.

True Finnish Culture - Going into a sauna and also drinking a lot are two traits that are common in Finland. Sauna is a word from the Finnish language and more than 50% of Finnish homes have a sauna. If invited into a sauna after a business meeting and offered the chance to socialise, it is worth accepting. Much like in Chinese business culture, many business deals are sealed once a company's decision makers have gained respect and trust in you, in events which are not directly part of the meeting.

If you are moving freight to/from Finland, you can find further information online.

Drop Shipping as a way of doing business

2011-06-13T14:07:00.003+01:00

Drop shipping is a reasonably modern method of conducting business which has particularly flourished in the age of the Internet. The main concept of drop shipping is that the retailer of a product or products does not keep their stock to hand and instead orders it to be sent directly to the customer by the manufacturer or wholesaler as and when that product is ordered.

The reasons that drop shipping is so popular include that it makes the logistics of running the company a lot easier. For example, if you do not keep your stock in the same place that you run your business you can work from a much smaller place, one which has minimal resources and requires very little manual input, saving on labour, rent and bills. Other advantages include the ability to work from anywhere if you conduct your business entirely online, and allow for more time to spend on other aspects of the business such as marketing and sales.

There are certain disadvantages of drop shipping, with the main one being that you do not have any influence on the packaging and presentation of their products on a day-to-day basis, although many companies will offset this by agreeing a service level agreement with their suppliers to ensure, as much as possible, that this aspect of their service remains consistent.

Certain customers can also be dubious of buying products that they cannot view before purchase, although if you have an established product and/or an established reputation, this is not so much of an issue.

3 Transport Events worth considering

2011-06-02T14:48:00.003+01:00

One of the best ways to stay involved with latest developments in the transport industry, to advertise your products and services and to make important links is to attend one of the many events which take place each year. Below is a brief guide to some of them.

International Vehicle Crime Conference – Manchester
Vehicle crime is something which affects people from all walks of life, but the effects are perhaps felt most by those who rely on transport for their livelihood. This conference at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester is a great opportunity to find out about the latest technologies which can offset or reduce the impact of vehicle crime. This is a two day event which features speakers from around the world.

The International Rail Forum – Madrid
There are many benefits to attending this international event. Not only is it the ideal way to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the railway sector, it is also an opportunity to meet people from around the world and discover what systems and procedures they adopt. There is the opportunity to view latest products and also to display yours.

European Transport Conference – Glasgow
This is the showcase event for The Association for European Transport (AET), which is probably the most important organisation for transport professionals in Europe. At this event representatives from around 35 countries convene to participate in interactive sessions and conferences which are designed to promote networking and provide a platform on which people can share and discuss current issues and ways to move forward.

Reasons to Use Branded Boxes

2011-05-16T15:23:00.003+01:00

Have you ever wondered why companies bother to brand their boxes when sending their goods out as freight? Surely, once you open the package you will find out who the package is from and, also, isn’t it the quality of the product which is inside the box which really matters. Wouldn’t it be cheaper for companies to save money and use plain boxes as opposed to paying the extra to have their logo all over it?

This may seem like an obvious way of cost cutting, but as any good marketer will tell you, having a logo on your box is one of the best ways to increase product knowledge and product awareness.

Think about the process that a package will go trough: someone will pick the package up, it will go to a sorting centre, be packed onto a lorry, perhaps go to another sorting centre and finally be dispatched for delivery. Depending on how far the package is travelling and the method of freight being used, it could also go through a number of checks. All of these stages represent an opportunity to expose your brand to different people who may not otherwise be aware of it.

Subconsciously, we have more trust in brands that we recognise, so the more you can your brand out there the more people will recognise and trust it. There are a number of other benefits to using branded packaging so look out for further articles.

You might also by the way, be interested in the latest article on 5 Tips on Packaging Freight for some useful ideas on preparing freight. A quick shameless mention also for our friends at the Fine Arts Centre who have just gone online.

Some Key Events in the History of Air Freight

2011-05-09T16:43:00.000+01:00

Air freight has revolutionised the freight industry and removed some of the biggest barriers in worldwide trade. Below are some of the key events in the history of the airplane which helped to shape air freight as the multi million pound industry that it is today.

The Wright Brothers - These American inventors were the first people on earth to make a plane fly in the air and be able to control it. The plane may have only stayed in the air for a few seconds but it was a monumental development for mankind. This occurred in 1903, and the evolution of the airplane after this date was rapid. In 1905 Wilbur Wright flew 24 miles without stopping.

The Golden age of Flying - Between the years of 1918 to 1939, there were significant developments in the field of aviation, to the extent that by the end of this period planes were able to be fully controlled and fly smoothly under the guidance of one or more people. A significant moment was the first transatlantic commercial flight in 1929. During the Second World War planes went into mass production and were used to carry weaponry and soldiers to and from different locations, a sign of the versatile nature in which planes could be used.

Post War Commercial Flights - Once the Second World War had finished and the initial depression had subsided, commercial flights took off and became a popular method of travel for those who could afford it.

The Different Methods of Mailing Freight

2011-05-03T18:09:00.000+01:00

When choosing to send items through the post there are a number of different methods which you can use, regardless of whether your post is personal or commercial. Below are some of options available for those mailing items commercially.

Standard post - This is probably the cheapest method of mail available. For an amount of money, which varies depending on the size of the package, you can mail an item to anywhere within the same country or abroad. This is a good option for low value items.

Recorded post - By sending your item recorded you will be able to track the progress of that item and also insure it, with the degree of insurance depending on the amount you are prepared to pay. Using this method the recipient is generally required to sign as proof of receipt.

Guaranteed Delivery - This is the best method to use if you wish for an item to arrive by a specific time. This is the best option if your item needs to be at its destination the next day, although it can be slightly pricey on occasions.

Courier - This is the option which offers the most options as there are generally a number of companies from which you can choose. Using this option you will recruit a door to door service and a more personal touch.

Private Delivery - The best way to guarantee that you item is delivered as expected and in the timescale required is to deliver it yourself. If you make a significant number of deliveries you could purchase a van and maybe even hire a driver. There is likely to be considerable associated cost.