Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Obsession with cost ignores our quality
In line with a recent blog of mine 'moving freight around the world - it is easy?' I read with great interest a recent IFW article by BIFA's director general, Peter Quantrill headed 'Obsession with cost ignores our quality'. I hope none of us take our clients for granted in terms of delivering value for service, not matter what the industry but I do sense the complexities of transporting freight is not always fully appreciated.
I am sure that everyone in the forwarding and logistics industry has at some time met with a client and explained why a shipment was late or damaged. For example most international shipments are covered by milestones that sound simple, origin booking, carrier selection, collection, origin customs clearance, delivery to carrier, loading, carrier transportation, arrival, unloading, customs clearance and delivery.
The reality is there is great danger behind all of these and proactive management with contingency planning is of course very important. My personal opinion is that many times a problem in the freight movement can be attributed the the beginning and not reading between the lines on what the client required in terms of speed and costs plus any value added areas like pick and pack. I find this subject fascinating and it would be great to get some thoughts or feedback.
I am sure that everyone in the forwarding and logistics industry has at some time met with a client and explained why a shipment was late or damaged. For example most international shipments are covered by milestones that sound simple, origin booking, carrier selection, collection, origin customs clearance, delivery to carrier, loading, carrier transportation, arrival, unloading, customs clearance and delivery.
The reality is there is great danger behind all of these and proactive management with contingency planning is of course very important. My personal opinion is that many times a problem in the freight movement can be attributed the the beginning and not reading between the lines on what the client required in terms of speed and costs plus any value added areas like pick and pack. I find this subject fascinating and it would be great to get some thoughts or feedback.
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