Our blog regularly publishes posts full of industry insights and trends for logistics enthusiasts. Oceanaire Agencies Limited, the company behind this blog, has 25 years of industry experience, delivering operational improvement, providing expert advice on diverse shipping categories, as well as a provider of trusted and reliable logistics and supply chain solutions.
Successful Carnival Logistics with Strategic Planning
Carnival is one of the longest and most important events in Trinidad & Tobago, where foreigners and locals enjoy the celebration for four days in a row, starting on the Saturday before Carnival and ending the celebrations on Tuesday, 21st,2023. During this period many companies and businesses stop their activities completely and suppliers pause operations.
As a result, the logistics sector is highly impacted. It is a challenge for businesses to meet the high demand of market during this time, as the season also tends to be an economic peak in several sectors of products and services like supplies, fine fabrics and accessories for costumes etc., that increase commercialisation.
Companies must plan ahead so that there are no unforeseen events or a lack of supplies, whether basic or necessary for the period. The interruption of normal activities causes many individuals to leave Trinidad or Tobago and travel, which also causes an increased traffic and road congestion that can lead to delivery delays. Strategic logistical planning ensures that there is no loss of sales for our customers, and good planning should be in place not only for the pre-carnival period, but also for during and after the party.
Oceanaire Agencies Limited main commitment is to ensure strategic supply chain management solutions, with high standards that establish the management of logistical processes, from the transport and storage of goods, to customer service, as well as freight security and complete additional services. We meet the complex requirements and challenges of quality management and leading quality standards, even around dates and situations that represent major logistical challenges. We constantly review the critical steps necessary for our customers to prepare for the Carnival in advance, avoiding unforeseen events that may cause losses.
Upcoming Articles…
- Successful Carnival logistics with strategic planning (Published)
- The importance of technology for this industry
2023 BLOG ARCHIVE
Three Supply Chain New Year’s Resolutions
It’s important to prepare for potential disruptions in 2023. The main cause of supply chain disruptions and interruptions in 2020 was the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst pre-empting future events is implausible, the pandemic was not the end-all of all supply chain disruptions, so prepare now for others that could be coming down the pike.
This year your focus should be on supply chain visibility. The pandemic is already influencing the supply chain of the future. Numerous businesses are relocating the production of goods closer to consumers. Others have placed greater emphasis on reliable supply chain visibility supported by cutting-edge technology platforms. The current supply chain disruptions has spotlighted numerous legacy issues across the supply chain. Notwithstanding the application of quick solutions in the past, when we are challenged with new regulations, older systems are no longer able to predict disruptive incidents like the ones we handle daily.
It’s important to be receptive and open to change, but be mindful of lessons learned. If your business is managing the supply chain process the archaic way, then now is the time to upgrade, progress and enhance this aspect of its operations. Minor changes in this area can render significant impacts on firstly, how you serve your consumers, work with business affiliates, and support your employees. As with most New Year’s resolutions, this goal is all about utilising past experiences to generate propitious outcomes in the near future.
Date Published: 1/2/2023
four predictions for logistics and supply chain management solutions
We’ve already seen many innovations being introduced in the logistics and supply chain solutions industry. We also expect to see newer technologies that’ll simplify processes and stabilize supply chains worldwide in our predictions for logistics. Be that as it may, the future and predictions for logistics and supply chain management seems brighter than ever, promising more lucrative opportunities.
The Rise of E-Freight:
Technology is transforming air logistics with the introduction of end-to-end paperless air cargo transportation. Like most industries, air freight forwarding is looking to reduce paper use in the future.
There will be an introduction of software for digital invoicing, freight tracking, and more. The goal is to create a paperless future in air logistics. This system will help reduce carbon emissions and waste generated by air cargo companies.
Increased Cargo Air Cargo Capacity:
To help improve the capacity issues, manufacturers will design more planes to carry air freight. This will help meet the demand for air cargo logistics.
Even better, the manufacture of lightweight unit load devices is gradually expanding as this air logistics trend will likely continue. The unit load devices will lead to a weight decrease, allowing air cargo companies to increase the number of parcels they can ship in one go. As a result, fuel usage may reduce.
Shift to Sustainable Logistics:
A major trend in the future of logistics and supply chain solutions is sustainability. More companies are going to focus on sustainability and lower their carbon footprint. Expect greener and more sustainable supply chain, logistics, and freight practices.
The logistics industry accounts for more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90% of the impact on air, land, water, biodiversity and geological resources. With the looming climate change crisis, it’s time to adopt more eco-friendly solutions to sustain current and future operations.
Use of Green Fuels for Shipping Vessels:
Thousands of oil spills occur in the ocean every year. They can happen in different ways, from small oil spills when refuelling a ship to massive oil spillage that occurs when drill operations go wrong, oil tanker ships sink, or oil pipelines break.
Oil contains many toxic compounds that pollute the water and kill marine life. What’s more, most ships use heavy fuel oil. When burned, it produces high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that negatively affect the environment.
For more eco-friendly shipping, sustainable marine fuels for cargo ships are the future. They will help reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, protecting the environment.
Date Published: 2/1/2023
2022 BLOG ARCHIVE
Why Reliability In Shipping & Logistics Is Necessary?
In order to provide a reliable service you have to follow through on your commitment and always be there for your customers. This requires integrity, quality and flexibility.
Reliability in shipping and logistics can be divided into five essential elements or ingredients, each one vital in order to provide true reliable service. The five ingredients are, Durable, Available, Adaptable, Dependable and Probable. Our philosophy at Oceanaire Agencies is to ensure we demonstrate and live by those core values at every opportunity.
THE 5 VITAL ELEMENTS TO PROVIDE TRUSTWORTHY RELIABLE SERVICE
DURABLE
As a leading provider of trusted and reliable logistics and supply chain solutions, we have a high acceptance rate.
AVAILABLE
As a transportation provider we not only ensure that we are reliable and available, we also provide great customer service and are very communicable.
ADAPTABLE
We are adaptable in that we are able to shift and change in order to match the shipper’s needs, and provide a consistent level of exceptional service.
DEPENDABLE
Dependable in terms of reliability in service and shipping, as well as logistics by offering a dependable and fair price.
PROBABLE
Probable in terms of making our pick-up and drop-off appointments are on time.
So, how to find reliability in shipping and logistics? As we’ve identified and defined the elements of reliability, simply contact Oceanaire Agencies Limited as we are in SHIP SHAPE to serve you.
Date Published: 6/7/2022
The Shift of Logistics in the past years
Macroeconomic modifications and paradigm shift in commerce patterns have their impact on supply chains, internationally, regionally, and locally. These changes provide opportunities as well as issues. In this article, we will take a look at some of the expansions and evolution in logistics and supply chain solutions, straightforward or complicated, which changes in commerce patterns have engendered.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: The growing complexity and dynamism of supply chains requires increasingly advanced Information Technology solutions.
CONTINUITY: To be able to secure speed to market and to reduce risk of delays, alternative transport modes and routes are required to support the continuing trend of outsourcing of logistics services.
SUSTAINABILITY: Customers increasingly prefer products that are made and sourced in ‘the right way’; minimising business’ social, economic, and environmental impact on society and enhancing positive effects.
FLEXIBILITY: Meeting consumer’s requirements at multiple locations with multiple transport modes at different times requires a flexible supply chain that can adapt easily to unexpected changes and circumstances.
END-TO-END VISIBILITY: Complete visibility of the entire supply chain aspires to achieve true demand-driven planning, allowing efficient response to changes in sourcing, supply, capacity, and demand.
These developments will have their effect on day-to-day logistics, and companies will need to prepare for ‘the new normal’ in supply chain management. With all these changes, staying up to date on the latest trends in logistics is more important than ever.
Date Published: 8/2/2022
Oceanaire’s Core Values, Beliefs And What They Mean To Us
Our company believe that adherence to our Core Values, as well as pride in our work and company, continuous improvement, and responsiveness, will lead us to continued growth.
Also, we know that our business is about more than providing trusted and reliable logistics and supply chain solutions to our customers. That is why we strive to remain true to our core values.
True to our core values and beliefs, Oceanaire Agencies Limited is dedicated to solving our customers’ logistics challenges with integrity, humility, continual care, efficiency, creativity, and a passion for excellence.
We believe that our success is tied to our customers’ success. Together, that success is driven by exceptional productivity, outstanding customer service, continuous innovation, and commitment.
We are proud to work collaboratively with our customers. Above all, Oceanaire Agencies Limited is about solving our customers’ challenges in transportation and logistics. As such, no challenge is too small or too big.
When you speak with our people, you will experience first-hand the passion our employees have for the work they do and the results they produce on a consistent basis for our customers.
Check out Oceanaire’s “Living Our Values” and see why people are the very heart of our enterprise, both inside and outside the company.
Date Published: 9/1/2022
Three trends in the Logistics industry that are emerging in 2022
In recent times, the industry has encountered numerous grave challenges. In response, there has been a transition towards greater digital transformation and greater automation. Against this backdrop, here are five trends that are emerging in the year 2022.
Sustainability is the Focus:
The increasing popularity of shorter routes is being accompanied by the long-term trend towards ever greater sustainability, and intra-logistics has enormous potential with regard to more eco-friendly processes; powerful e-trucks, smart energy management, and reusable batteries are just the beginning. The desire to cut carbon emissions will continue to play a key role this year, and for many years to come.
Future Automation – Big Data and Connectivity:
It’s not just robots that improving, software is also becoming ever more powerful. This results in more data, with massive potential to deliver new insights and propel further development. Successfully managing vast volumes of data requires big data and smart connectivity. This type of data enables detailed forecasting and the recommendation of corresponding actions. Businesses are able to learn from prior mistakes, recognise potential threats at an early stage, for example their supply chains, and adjust their processes accordingly.
Eco-Friendly Warehouses:
Given the focus to the problem of pollution, the eco-topic is becoming more prevalent within various spheres of humanity. Hence, eco warehouses are one of the main technology trends to observe. Additionally, reducing a business’s carbon footprint, renders benefits to transportation and logistics companies, by reducing storage costs and increasing revenue. Warehouse management systems contribute to green warehousing. They optimise the use of resources, for example, paper, plastic, petrol, electricity, etc. causing less damage to the environment. For example, a logistics cloud app may help warehouse employees synchronise their actions for product packing. The app would display real-time information about the location of goods and allow managers to optimise the packing sequence. Some other green warehouse trends include recycling areas, solar panels, low-emitting paint, energy-efficient lighting, and much more.
The logistics industry synopsis demonstrates the increased penetration of advanced technology into the supply chain. Leading global companies have automated transportation and discovered new ways of connectivity to track products at all delivery stages. Eco-friendly warehouses, future automation: big data and connectivity, emphasis on greater sustainability, and technologies are already in use. In view of this, supply chain platform development is what every logistics and supply chain business require, whether it’s an enterprise or start-up.
At Oceanaire Agencies Limited, we have vast experience in the logistics and supply chain industry.
Date Published: 01/09/2022
Top Signs It’s Time to Switch Your Logistics Supplier
There are many brands and retailers who have struggled to manage the intricacies of the ever-changing logistics and fulfilment world. Here are the top 5 signs that it might be time to take a hard look at your current Inventory and Logistics Provider.
Your Current Provider’s Growth isn’t Scaling with Your Growth Plans:
If your current logistics provider isn’t proactively planning with you for future growth, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship. Make sure your current provider has the right space, resources, and is committed to your growth plans. By doing this you can avoid headaches down the line when your business reaches its peak performance. At Oceanaire we understand we have the logistics industry expertise, resources, and ability to shift and coordinate new thinking internally as we look for opportunities and new customer relationships. We have the ability to shift in scale in order to achieve a greater footprint through growth, acquisition, and/or diversification.
Habitual Errors that Aren’t Learned From:
The logistics business has always been a bit hectic with the nonstop evolution of delivery methods and fulfilment strategies. Therefore, there will be errors made by both parties. However, be on the lookout for habitual errors; those that seem to be reoccurring every month. If you’ve discovered the root of these issues, addressed it with your provider, but they continue to bubble up, it’s probably a sign of a lack of skill or proper resources to address your specific business needs. Be on the lookout for these habitual errors, they can stunt growth if not dealt with correctly. At Oceanaire Agencies we learn from our mistakes and ensure customers’ trust and confidence in us. We ensure that we take those lessons learnt on board, and then use what we learn.
Massive Unforeseen Price Hikes:
Price increases are inevitable in most industries. With the volatility and fluctuation in pricing of hard goods when it comes to the logistics industry, change can literally happen overnight. Your provider is aware of this and should have planned for how to address these changes with you within the initial terms of reference. If your provider isn’t communicating price increases clearly and regularly, you could be left having to pass some of these costs onto your customers. Remember a sign of a great partner is one that shares the bad news as well as the good and helps you figure out a solution. Price increases from your logistics suppliers don’t come out of thin air. Therefore, at Oceanaire we provide transparency as far as possible all our customers.
If these signs are turning into pain points for your needs, reach out to Oceanaire Agencies Limited and let us know how we can help.
Date Published: 01/11/2022
How Your Shipping Strategy Can Improve Customer Loyalty
A top-notch customer experience is critical to building trust and loyalty, and loyal customers will become an invaluable source of not only sales but word-of-mouth marketing, too.
Shipping and last-mile delivery play a huge role in the customer experience: It is said that 70% of shoppers have chosen between competitors based on convenience of delivery options. So, the question is, are you living up to your customers’ expectations?
At Oceanaire Agencies Limited…
Here are two tips for meeting customers’ growing expectations for logistics and shipping and how to keep them coming back time and time again.
Ensure Transparency:
Transparency is vital in shipping and logistics, so make sure that you provide clear delivery date estimates and tracking information to your customers.
You can send them tracking information and if customers ask you questions, you can confidently answer them from anywhere using the most up-to-date information. This helps ensure greater precision, transparency, and consistency in service.
Meet expectations around shipping costs and speed:
Generally, customers expect fast and affordable delivery from a logistics and supply chain solutions business or service. Offering affordable delivery and shipping options can help you cater to different customer preferences.
Once you have affordable shipping options available, make sure you let your customers know by marketing your shipping offerings. This can include running ads to promote your affordable shipping rates, shipping promotions linked to your business, as well as disseminating via push notifications, inexpensive shipping rates to your customer email list.
Acquiring new customers costs more than retaining the ones you currently have, so it’s important to create a great experience for them. A strong shipping strategy can keep your company top-of-mind for customers long after shipping and delivery fulfilment.
At Oceanaire Agencies, our Mission is to fulfill our client’s desires, by providing an exemplary level of service in transporting your products to you.
Date Published: 12/21/2022