How Shipping Innovations are Transforming Agricultural Exports

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How Shipping Innovations are Transforming Agricultural Exports

10/31/2024

Whether you are shipping cashews, coffee or cocoa, few sectors prove to be as important and impactful as the agricultural industry. Over the past two decades, trade in agro-food products has not only grown but also undergone significant globalization. This globalization has resulted in an interconnected web of trade, contributing not only to global food security but also to employment opportunities and economic stability.

Within this globalized landscape, three commodities stand out: corn, wheat, and seeds. As the most produced grains globally, corn and wheat are dietary staples. However, their utility extends beyond food consumption, with these grains also being used for biofuel, biodegradable packaging, textiles, livestock feed, and food processing.

Advancements in the Shipping of Seeds, Wheat, and Corn

With unique needs and characteristics, tailored and specialized shipping solutions are required for each agricultural commodity.

 

Wheat shipping

Wheat shipping has seen the development of essential tools and technology to enhance the efficiency of its transportation:

  • Large bulk carriers, equipped with specialized loading and unloading equipment enable the timely transportation of large volumes of cargo.
  • Grain monitoring systems, which track temperature and humidity changes, help to maintain the quality of wheat through optimal transit conditions.
  • Containerization offers greater regulation of speciality wheats, ensuring they retain their freshness and are traceable throughout the supply chain.

 

Corn shipping

On top of using large bulk carriers, similar to wheat cargo, corn shipping has been improved by several advancements in logistics:

  • Flexi-tanks, used to ship liquid corn products, facilitate the transport of large quantities of liquid. They are easy to install and cost-effective.
  • Quality control systems, which test for moisture, pests, and contaminants, ensure goods maintain their integrity and meet regulatory requirements.

Seeds shipping

Seed shipping has also benefitted from several innovations in shipping:

 

  • Specialized moisture-resistant and durable packaging can protect seeds from contamination and damage.
  • Temperature-controlled containers enable precise cold-chain management to maintain seed integrity.
  • Digital solutions facilitate accurate and speedy regulatory compliance and minimize the risk of delays.
Overview of Shipping Developments and their Impact on Agricultural Cargo Shipping

Advances in shipping technology and practices have revolutionized how agricultural commodities are transported, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient supply chain logistics.

Container monitoring

Advances in tracking technology have also contributed to more efficient and sustainable seed, wheat, and corn shipments. Equipped with IoT technology, smart containers provide you with 24/7 access to real-time data about your shipments, including container position, door status, temperature, and humidity. With this data, you can make informed decisions about various aspects of your operations, from inventory management to customer communication and stakeholder coordination.

With real-time insights into container position, you can make future optimizations to your supply chain shipping routes and subsequently minimize your environmental impact while also reducing transit times and operational costs. Similarly, real-time insights into door status and climate changes within your containers can help to improve your inventory management and reduce the risk of spoilage and waste. With personalised alerts to update you on the status of your wheat, corn, and seed shipments, you can better coordinate with your stakeholders to avoid disruptions and delays. While also ensuring you can provide proactive and transparent customer support.

 

Digital documentation and communication

The digitalization of documents has also improved the efficiency and sustainability of corn, wheat, and seed shipping. E-documents, including the electronic Bill of Lading, customs declaration, and cargo-specific documentation like phytosanitary certificates and seed analysis reports, have streamlined administrative processes. This development has not only reduced paper waste, but also the likelihood of document errors or damage and by extension, delays to the timely shipment of your sensitive goods.

Digital communication systems improve stakeholder coordination in real time so that you make in-the-minute decisions to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of your commodities.

Top Tips to Ensure your Shipment of Agricultural Commodities is Efficient and Environmentally Friendly

To maintain the high quality of your grains and seeds, move them efficiently through the supply chain and meet your sustainability goals, a comprehensive plan is essential. For corn, seed and wheat shipping success, here are a few suggestions:

On top of these, partnering with an experienced shipping company like MSC can help you leverage shipping innovations in agricultural exports. Reliable and personalized solutions will help to ensure your seed, corn and wheat shipments reach the market sustainably and efficiently.

Sow Seeds of Success with MSC

At MSC, we offer tailor-made shipping solutions to connect growers, farmers, and producers with their key markets around the world. We are committed to helping you find the efficient and sustainable solutions you need. Contact us today to find out more.

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