Understanding and Overcoming Common Shipping Challenges

21/03/2024

Like many, the shipping industry needs to continuously adapt and innovate to overcome different hurdles and reduce the impact these challenges can have on operations, efficiency, and profitability. All of this is alongside the work that shipping companies put in to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and sustainability practices.

In this dynamic industry, remaining informed about the latest trends, and adopting proactive strategies is crucial for overcoming shipping challenges, and ensuring business success and customer satisfaction. The best option to safely navigate in unfamiliar waters is to work with a solid shipping partner like MSC.

Identifying the Key Hurdles in International Shipping

There are numerous international shipping challenges customers can face at different points, including:

Cargo shipping delays
Caused by anything from bad weather to port congestion, or equipment breakdowns, cargo delays can lead to missed deadlines, lost sales, and financial losses.

Cargo damage
This can also create financial losses or even product recalls which can have a significant impact on your business’ reputation. Cargo can be damaged during transit for several reasons, including rough handling, improper packaging, and extreme weather conditions.

Theft
A growing problem in the shipping industry, cargo theft can also impact a business’s wider financial well-being. Cargo thieves often target high-value goods, such as electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals all of which can be shipped internationally.

Cybersecurity threats
The increased use of technology, while vital for progression, does mean that the shipping industry is vulnerable to cyberattacks if not implemented properly. Hackers can target shipping companies in several ways, including stealing customer data, disrupting shipping schedules, and causing financial losses.

Shipping compliance
Compliance issues, such as the failure to comply with all applicable rules and regulations, can lead to fines, penalties, and even criminal charges being leveraged at the companies involved.

Lack of clarity and transparency
It can be difficult for customers to track the progress of their shipments and to get accurate information about delivery times. In turn, this can lead to anxiety and uncertainty, especially if you are shipping time-sensitive goods or want added reassurance about the progress of their cargo.

High shipping costs
Especially for long-distance shipments, shipping costs can be high. This can be a major barrier for newer businesses or those that have limited budgets.

Inflexible shipping schedules
A lack of flexibility with shipping schedules can make it difficult to meet unexpected changes in demand. This can be a problem for businesses operating in industries that need to ship goods quickly and on demand.

How Challenges in the Shipping Industry Impact Businesses

Challenges in the shipping industry can have a significant impact on businesses across various sectors, as they rely on efficient and cost-effective shipping services to move goods and maintain their supply chains.

Rising shipping costs due to factors fuel prices, and capacity constraints, can directly affect a business's bottom line, reducing profitability or necessitating price adjustments.

Similarly, delayed shipments and supply chain disruptions means that production schedules can be impacted, production interrupted, and revenue lost.

Equally, wider global difficulties such as changes in policies can create uncertainty or disrupt established trade routes. Likewise, sustainability pressures and environmental concerns may mean that businesses need to invest in eco-friendly transportation options to meet sustainability goals.

Ultimately, businesses need to carefully manage these challenges to maintain their competitiveness and ensure the smooth flow of goods and services to their customers. Partnering with a shipping company that understands the industry’s challenges and how they can cause difficulties for businesses is vital.

Charting the Course to Success: Strategies for Tackling Shipping Challenges

Tackling international shipping challenges requires a combination of proactive procedures and effective problem-solving. Some approaches that help address common shipping challenges include:

Optimising transportation routes to find the most efficient and cost-effective shipping routes.
Utilise available online tools and technologies to enhance visibility, demand forecasting, and real-time tracking of shipments.
Swap paperwork for eBills of lading, to reduce errors and increase efficiency.
Get 24/7 real-time access to your freight information by using interactive and secure online platforms such as myMSC.
Create contingency plans for supply chain disruption and include alternative trade routes.
Stay informed about the latest shipping regulations and ensure the compliance of your shipping partner with these.
Working with an experienced shipping partner who can help you implement impactful strategies to overcome shipping challenges.

Whatever strategy you choose needs to be tailored to your specific shipping challenges and business needs. By understanding the risks and challenges involved, customers can make informed decisions about how to ship their goods safely and efficiently.

Ask MSC

Contact us today to explore how MSC’s full range of shipping and transportation solutions could be beneficial for your business and help you overcome any shipping challenges or difficulties you face.