The success of your sales efforts, go-to-market strategies, and new product launches is, to a large extent, dependent on how well you&rsquo;ve linked the different touch points of your supply chain &ndash; starting from procuring raw material to delivering the finished product to the right market at the right time.
&nbsp;
Logistics is the backbone of business; local or global. No business can succeed without effective and efficient logistics partners. How you select and manage your logistics service providers will impact the outcome of your carefully crafted business strategies.
More often than not, most companies identify and select logistics partners based on the cost of service projected by the potential service providers. A select few give importance to efficiency and base their vendor selection on this parameter alone.
While both cost and efficiency are important attributes of a logistics partner, neither can be looked at in isolation nor is it enough to base your vendor selection on only these two attributes.
What should one look for in a logistics partner? 
An ideal logistics partner is one who is invested in your organization&rsquo;s success as much as you are. The right partner should, along with optimal pricing and efficient service, also possess the following attributes:
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1. Technology:&nbsp;Supply chain is evolving. It is becoming digital, functionally inter-dependent, and highly complicated. One can no longer expect operational efficiencies by following age-old manual methods or by working in silos. Thus, when choosing a partner to lead your logistics function, it is imperative to bring on board a company that understands the importance of integrating different touch points in the supply chain and functions in a digital environment.
E.g. If you&rsquo;re looking for a transport provider, then check whether they offer multi-modal transport solutions? How do they take bookings? Do they offer a digital platform to book cargo loads? In case of road transport, ask if their carriers are equipped with GPS? For all modes of transport, find out if the company provides real-time cargo tracking?
Similarly, if you&rsquo;re looking for a warehouse partner, check if they have the latest equipment to handle inventory. Find out how they keep stock records. Ask if their system can be integrated with yours?
Another point that you must ascertain is the tech savviness of the team. Specially the team-on-the-ground. Is their team trained to work in a digital environment? Can they adapt to new systems and processes with ease?
If it is an end-to-end logistics management company that you want to partner with, then along with all the above aspects, you also need to understand how they integrate the various logistical functions within their organization and how their technology can be synchronised with your organization&rsquo;s processes and systems.
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2. Market Acumen:&nbsp;Right from the top management to the team that will handle the day-to-day activities for your organisation, should have an understanding of the industry and the market that you operate in. These insights will help them serve you better, which in turn will benefit your end customers.
3. Business Reach and Scale:&nbsp;Global is the new local. A logistics partner is a key contributor in ensuring that your products reach customers around the globe with minimum effort, on-time and in good (saleable) condition.
Scale of operations is another crucial aspect that you need to consider when partnering with a logistics service provider. Understand their business development plan. Will they be able to service your business growth? Can they manage sudden market-driven demand? If in the event they themselves do not possess the ability to cater to unplanned trade, do they have a network of trusted business partners who can provide the required support?
4. Business Ethics:&nbsp;Assume&nbsp;technology, systems, and processes are in place. The pricing is competitive and the team is stellar. Is this enough to appoint this organization as your business partner?
No. Given the important role that logistics plays in making your business successful, along with the operational efficiencies, you must also conduct due diligence on their work ethics and business practices. This goes beyond the regular credit and KYC checks.
Before signing on the dotted line, seek out the responses to the following questions - are their transactions and dealings transparent? Are they reliable? What is their reputation in the market? How do they treat their resources and manage their team? How do they manage their finances? Do they follow industry best practices? And, in case of transport providers &ndash; are they following the rules laid down for carriers and drivers?
It is necessary to carry out a hygiene check for business partners, because in the long run their reputation and standing in the market will affect yours too.
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5. Responsiveness to Business Needs:&nbsp;Customer service is another key factor that needs to be assessed before partnering with a logistics service provider.
Before you finalise on a vendor, find out if their customer service team is willing&nbsp;to go the extra mile to find the most optimum solutions for your business? Is the team proactive? Can they take ownership of the business process outsourced to them? Can they foresee problems and work on finding the most optimum solutions for your business?
A dedicated customer service team is necessary for ensuring successful management and execution of logistics plans.
Keep these key attributes in mind when you are looking to appoint a logistics partner. It will help you weed out partners that may not be in a position to offer you the logistical support you need to grow your business.
Reliability, transparency, and a dedicated customer success team is the hallmark of Cogoport!&nbsp;<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup">Register Now</a>&nbsp;to know more about how we can help you optimise your import and export logistics.

5 Key Factors for Choosing a Logistics Partner

Key Factors for Logistics Service Providers: How to Excel in Freight Management

All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has called a nationwide truckers strike starting July 20, in an effort to get the government to act on their demands. The strike is supported by more than 93 lakh truckers and around 50 lakh buses, tourist taxi and cab operators that are a part of the association. Other transport federations have also rendered their support to AIMTC. The demands put forth by transporters include a proposal to lower central and state taxes on fuel by including it under GST regime, which would help reduce its price. The transport union is also demanding a reduction in highway tolls and third party insurance premium, exemption in and a toll barrier-free country. The truckers are also pressing the government to end indirect taxes and direct port delivery system, provide exemptions and national permits for all trucks and buses. According to the latest update, all-India loss due to the strike has been estimated at a whopping INR 10,000 crore. While the truckers’ association is adamant about getting their demands met before resuming services, exporters are complaining of loss of orders and business. The strike has already affected cargo movement and if continues it may lead to further delay in transit. As on date, there is no clarity on when the strike will end. Traders are thus advised take the current scenario in consideration and accordingly plan the transit of their shipments.

All India Transport Strike Continues for 6th Consecutive Day

Nationwide Truckers’ Strike: Impact on Indian Logistics and Supply Chain

According to a press release dated July
5, 2018, French container shipping giant, CMA CGM is set to overhaul
its Asia-Middle East Services from the end of July 2018. Network optimization and improved service offering have been cited as the reasons for this change.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" alt="website Book now " width="302px" style="width: 302px; height: 44px;">

The press release from CMA CGM is appended below
for your reference and use:

CMA CGM is pleased to announce the reshuffling of its Middle East
services from the end of July 2018.



The Ocean Alliance Day Two
Product will offer in total 4 loops between Far East and Middle East ports with
competitive transit time. CIMEX 1 and CIMEX 3 will be merged into one loop
covering most of ports previously offered. 



The coverage includes the ports in China Mainland/Hong
Kong/Taiwan/Pusan/Southeast Asia and the major callings in Middle East region
such as Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Sohar, Hamad, Bahrain, Jubail, etc. 



The New CIMEX 1 rotation
becomes: 

Tianjin - Busan - Qingdao - Shanghai - Shekou - Singapore - Sohar -
Jebel Ali – Hamad – Dammam - Jubail - Singapore - Tianjin &nbsp;<img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/09887e45a0720e9d89dc713600effb0d/CIMEX%20LOOP%201%20WEB.gif" alt="New CIMEX 1 Service Loop" class="center" width=""> 

 With this reshuffle, CMA CGM will be able to optimize the network and
enhance the reliability of products to our customers. 

Source:&nbsp;CMA CGM

Ocean Alliance – CMA CGM to Reshuffle Routes

CMA CGM Asia-Middle East Service Change: What Shippers Need to Know

Please be informed, in its trade advisory dated June 21, Maersk Line has announced that the Line will be levying Extra Seal Charge (ESC) for exports originating from India to worldwide.The details of the charge to be levied is given below. <img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/7bfed084ab15c8332245048513a6be55/ML%20Customer%20Advisory%20Introduction%20of%20Extra%20Seal%20charge%20%28ESC%29%20-%20India%20to%20World.jpg" alt="Maersk esc advisory"> Source: Maersk Line Trade AdvisoryImage Source: Wikipedia Commons

Maersk Announces Extra Seal Charge from India

ESC and Maersk Line: Partnership for Better Export Solutions

Watch Ido Rosenthal, CTO at Prodalim group, talk about the joys and challenges of running a successful international business.Prodalim Group provides optimised solutions to bottling companies across the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;More simply put,&nbsp;&nbsp;they get top quality fruit juices into the hands of bottling companies, who then make sure that those same juices fill your glass.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>1. What inspired the creation of Prodalim?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vioblQV6OvY?showinfo=0" width="300px" height="150px"></iframe>2. What is your experience of being an entrepreneur?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QYf6tfcjpW4?showinfo=0" width="300px" height="150px"></iframe>3. How do you feel about the industry growing in the era of digitisation?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAUjCVcSmKM?showinfo=0" width="300px" height="150px"></iframe>4. What are your thoughts on sustainable practices in the industry?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDWtX2JyYG8?showinfo=0"></iframe>5. Do you face any challenges with importing and exporting your product?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/btuxPWLCV-A?showinfo=0"></iframe>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;How do you utilize technology to make your business more efficient?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ZRpKXbri54?showinfo=0"></iframe>7. What 3 things do you wish you know when you started?<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PvmdpB2QiI?showinfo=0"></iframe>

Cogoport X Prodalim Group Interview

Customer Interview: Prodalim’s Experience with Cogoport’s Shipping Solutions

<h3 style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/79ee823339b09a0ec587378875689648/cogoport%20independence%20day%20mailer%20%281%29.jpg" alt="cogoport%20independence%20day%20mailer%20%281%29.jpg" class="center/left/right" width=""></h3>The Indian shipping industry is evolving and adopting new technology to keep pace with the global industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/signup" style="letter-spacing: -0.02em; background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);">Sign up</a> with Cogoport to
become a part of this evolution and change the way you ship.&nbsp;<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;
mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;MS Mincho&quot;;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:
EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;
mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;MS Mincho&quot;;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:
EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">

Indian Shipping Industry - 70 Year Evolution

History of Indian Shipping: Evolution, Milestones & Key Developments

In August 2017, on behest of the traders dealing in urad and moong dal, the Union Government had placed import restrictions of up to 3 lakh MT on the whole/raw variety. The restriction on import for the said pulses had been placed to stabilise market prices which had fallen below the MSP set by the Government.&nbsp;On May 4th, 2018, the Government has further extended the cover of import restriction to include the split variety and other forms of urad and moong dal.Based on the latest notification issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT),&nbsp; split, processed and other varieties of urad and moong dal are also included in the import restriction list. Now, till further notice, the import of all varieties of the two pulses is restricted to 3 lakh MT/annum.&nbsp;However, these restrictions do not apply to imports by the Government in order to honour any bilateral/regional trade agreements or MoUs.&nbsp;The DGFT notification is appended below for your reference and guidance.&nbsp;<img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/e08f10294fb5dada23638fbace38a005/Noti%2006%20%28e%29.jpg" alt="import restriction on urad and moong dal" class="center/left/right" style="width: 981px; height: 1387px;"> <img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/58291edbbcc8c6abe573df02a7feebea/Noti%2006%20%28e%29%20%281%29.jpg" alt="Noti%2006%20%28e%29%20%281%29.jpg" class="center/left/right" width=""> Source: dgft.gov.in

Restriction on Urad and Moong Dal imports

Import Restrictions on Urad and Moong: What Indian Importers Need to Know

The Indian government has approved the construction of a new major port at Vadhavan. The project will set back the government back by approximately Rs. 65,544.54 crore. The decision to build the port was approved by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

The Union Cabinet approved the project which may put India on the list of the top 10 container ports globally. The new port will reduce the operational burden on the Nehru Port in Mumbai, which is currently the 28th busiest port globally. <img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" alt="" width="300px">Despite the introduction of the new port, Nehru Port’s traffic is expected to grow by over 100% by 2023.

 

The new port will be built on the landlord model by SPV. Reclamation and construction activities will begin this year, along with the construction of a breakwater to establish connectivity. All business activities surrounding the port will be undertaken by private developers and public, private partnerships.

 

The move by the government comes in the wake of an increasing level of containerization of cargo globally. Container shipping benefits manufacturers. The new port will ease the operational pressure on other ports and accommodate the expected increase in container traffic at the Nehru Port in Mumbai. The new port will also prepare for increased manufacturing activity in the Maharashtra region.

Sea Port in Vadhavan Gets Approval From Cabinet

Sea Port Vadhavan Gets Approved: Boosting India’s Maritime Trade

One necessary step to grow a business is to expand from
the home market, especially in a world where globalisation has taken over, to international markets to such an extent that one finds Brazilian coffee in the cup of someone
who is driving a German car somewhere in the United States. These global links
are supported by the phenomenon of international trade (export
and import).And, to excel in international trade, it is necessary to
have an in-depth understanding of international business and the shipping process.
While the business scenario and shipping regulations would differ from country
to country, there are some common errors which all exporters must be aware of
and try to avoid if they want to build a global business.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Here are 5 common mistakes that exporters make and tips on how to avoid them:&nbsp; 1. 
Overlooking a Promising Foreign
Market:&nbsp;A promising foreign market
is - a country that not only has the highest demand for the export
product, but also one with a favourable business environment. Knowing which
foreign market is commercially viable, is the most basic rule of business. But
many exporters, especially those new to the trade, fail to recognize these
markets.In order to avoid this
mistake, exporters should try to focus on a few particular ideal markets
instead of catering to several countries at once. Streamlined efforts and focus
are the keys to achieve success in export business. Exporters should follow a “structured
research” approach to identify the best target markets, conduct easy and
inexpensive “secondary research” to short list the best markets, and then eliminate
those which are expensive, time consuming, or offer the least profit/return.
This process will help finalise a set of countries with the most feasible
market for the product.2. 
Not Localising
the Product:&nbsp;Exporters make the mistake of entering new foreign
markets without conducting a thorough market research, which may create marketing
problems and lead to choosing wrong distribution channels.Exporters need to
understand that foreign customers may not accept their product as-is and
delivered exactly like it is all over the world with no customisation. Before launching
the product in a foreign market, it is essential to research the local market, understand
the customers’ preferences and localise the product to suit the needs of the target
market. A well thought-out sales and marketing strategy that takes into
consideration the above points will help connect with the buyers in the new
market and create a strong foundation for the brand.3. 
Neglecting to Conduct a Background Check:&nbsp;A trustworthy business partner with a good
reputation is essential for establishing a base in a new market. Often, in the
excitement of going global, exporters neglect to conduct basic due diligence or
background checks of their international business partner. This negligence can
lead to financial, market, and even reputation loss.To
avoid entering into a business agreement with a disreputable company, exporters
must themselves carry out a background check or hire an agency to conduct one
on their behalf.4. 
Failing
to Insure Goods:&nbsp;In
international logistics, accidents happen. Ships can crash, catch fire, or sink;
goods may get stolen or damaged. These incidents and accidents result in
financial loss and damage to the product.Exporters can avoid or at
least minimize the loss arising out of transportation by getting an adequate
insurance cover for their goods. They can either approach insurance providers
themselves or discuss available options with their freight forwarders. Before
choosing an insurance policy, it is important for exporters to discuss
insurance requirements with the importer, understand the terms of the policies
and what they cover, and find out if any special insurance provisions are
required for their product.<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>5.Picking
the Wrong Service Providers:&nbsp;There are many parties involved in
an export process. Some of the important participants are – banks, freight
forwarders, shipping lines, and intermodal transport providers. The successful
completion of an export shipment depends on how all the participants carry out
the process assigned to them. It is important for an
exporter to pick efficient and trustworthy service providers who can cater to
his business requirements at a competitive rate and in the least possible
amount of time. 






If you are having
difficulty in finding the right and trustworthy service providers, just <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/signup">sign
up</a> with <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/">Cogoport</a>.&nbsp;At Cogoport,
you will not only get access to reliable service providers, but also get the best possible rates and customized shipping solutions.

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