The changing schedules of millions of vessels make shipping more difficult for importers and exporters each year. For any stakeholder in the supply chain, managing all these vessel delays can be challenging and expensive. Having the most recent sailing schedule is maybe the most crucial edge you can provide yourself over other freight forwarders in a sector where there are many external factors at play. The benefits and drawbacks of importers and exporters having access to up-to-date vessel schedules are covered below.
importance of Sailing Schedules for Exporters
Having access to the most recent vessel schedules is important for numerous reasons, especially for exporters:
Exporters may be making incorrect reservations by using old sailing schedules. Every time a timetable is modified, truckers must be informed.
Sometimes the timetable modifications go unnoticed by the exporters. There is a chance that the cargo will arrive at the port earlier than necessary and leave later than planned, which could result in demurrage charges.
Schedules can be adjusted so that ships leave earlier than initially planned. Exporters may encounter difficulties as a result of missing crucial deadlines, which will delay the cargo.
Finally, when a timetable deviates from its initial plan, the route’s dependability also significantly declines. It is more challenging to reduce risk and downstream costs in the supply chain when routes are unreliable.
importance of Sailing Schedules for importers
Access to vessel schedules has a significant impact on importers as well:
All production and sales are planned by the importer in accordance with vessel timetables. They must be informed of any changes to the arrival dates so they can modify their production schedules and plans.
importers must schedule truckers’ collection and delivery appointments. Trucker appointments must be changed right away if the sailing timetable changes.
If the importer doesn’t have access to the most recent schedule changes, truckers may incur higher charges if they must fulfill empty runs.
When a customer calls to check on the status of their cargo or after receiving an arrival notice, importers frequently learn that a shipment has been delayed. Missed deadlines for sales, delayed deliveries, or even factory shutdowns from the point of importation can occur if current schedule modifications are not available.
Another factor is the huge number of vendors and freight forwarders operating from different parts of the world.
