Tips for large-scale shipping

Large-scale shipping refers to the transportation of high volumes of goods using various modes of transport, such as trucks, trains, planes, and ships, across international borders. Shippers such as manufacturers and suppliers will most likely ship large cargo volumes using various shipping carriers. With the immense growth in the trade industry, shipping carriers have expanded and improved their shipping approach to accommodate large-scale shipping. Let us learn more about large-volume transportation.

What is large-scale shipping?

Shippers across the global trade market import and export a large variety of goods loaded in different types of shipping containers. Frequent shippers such as manufacturers and suppliers are known for shipping large cargo volumes in one go. Even shipping carriers such as vessels, trucks, trains, and plane operators ship large amounts of cargo daily using cargo consolidation. Large-scale shipping refers to transporting goods or commodities on a large scale from one place to another. It involves the use of large vessels, carriers, or shipping infrastructure, which contributes to efficient large-scale transportation of goods, boosts economic growth, and builds better international relations.

The large-scale transportation of different types of cargo is characterized by the movement of substantial quantities of cargo across long distances. This mainly involves shipping across borders using international trade routes. Large-scale movement has been a critical component of the global economy for decades, facilitating the transportation of goods between countries and continents. It is only through the effortless coordination of various stakeholders, including shipping carriers, freight forwarders, 4PL service providers, and shippers, that large-scale international shipping is possible.

Benefits of large-scale shipping

Large-scale transportation of goods requires fully equipped transportation hubs and ports that can seamlessly move goods to their designated location. Shippers choose the right type of shipping containers and carriers for high-volume transportation. Let us learn more about the benefits of large-scale shipping.

• Cost-effective transportation — Shippers transporting large volumes of goods or opting for cargo consolidation get lower shipping rates. Shipping carriers transporting large amounts of cargo can easily compensate for the fuel charges and the space onboard if the shipment is significant. This reduces the cost per unit of transportation, making it more cost-effective for businesses to transport large quantities of goods.
• Fulfilling consumer demands — The supply chain demands are unceasing. The large-scale movement of goods in bulk allows shippers to send their goods to distributors to sell them off in the trade market, thereby fulfilling the demands of consumers in less time.
• Environmental conservation — Transporting goods using various modes of transport leads to high-scale shipping emissions. Large-scale transportation allows shipping carriers to move more cargo in one go, thereby reducing the carbon footprints otherwise caused by multiple trips to transport the same amount of goods. Moving large amounts of goods in one go accounts for sustainable shipping.
• Improves logistics—Large quantities of goods undergo a logistics process for packing, inspection, and customs clearances. Containerized in bulk streamlines the logistics process, increasing supply chain efficiency. However, it is a bit challenging to arrange resources and supervisors for LTL shipments, as they are occupied with high-volume shipments.

Tips for large-scale shipping

Tips for large-scale shipping assist shippers and shipping carriers in carrying large volumes of goods cost-effectively, sustainably, and securely.

• Strategic planning — For shippers wanting to transport large volumes of goods, developing a comprehensive shipping plan that efficiently considers the volume of goods, shipping routes, and transportation modes is essential. This helps optimize logistics and minimize operational costs.
• Include technology—Shipping carriers that handle high volumes of goods daily can increase operational efficiency using technologies such as automation, blockchain, AI, and digital twin shipping. This not only helps increase profitability but also works towards increasing supply chain agility.
• Provide training — The personnel and workers operating on ports, stations, or transportation hubs must be enrolled in training programs to learn how to handle large-scale shipping and prepare for emergency situations.
• Supply chain visibility — The financial loss due to cargo damage during large-scale shipping can be significant. Therefore, shipping carriers must invest in container tracking technologies such as RFID and IoT, which help track the movement of goods in transit.
• Hiring logistics service providers- Large-scale transportation can be challenging for shippers. Freight forwarders and 4PL service providers help containerized goods, complete documentation, and adhere to regulatory compliances in shipping.

These benefits of large-scale shipping can be reaped by following the above tips for shippers and shipping carriers.

LOTUS Containers sells new shipping containers of various types and sizes. It offers 53ft intermodal containers for shipping large goods across borders.