LCL (Less Container Load) shipping is a solution for shipping goods by combining your items with others to fill the capacity of one container. The process may present challenges that need to be carefully addressed. This article discusses common challenges in LCL shipping, how to overcome them, and Deliveree’s solutions as an LCL provider to resolve these issues.
What are the Common Challenges in LCL Shipping?
Some challenges or common risks in LCL shipping include shipping delays, unexpected costs, documentation issues, and the security and safety of goods.
1. Shipping Delays
Delays are a major issue in LCL shipping, caused by the complexity of merging goods from various sources. Some causes of LCL shipping delays include
- Weather conditions. Bad weather, such as storms, floods, or strong winds, can prevent ships from sailing or close ports, leading to shipping delays.
- Traffic congestion. Congestion at ports or at pickup locations can hinder the shipping process.
- Government policies. Government policies, such as export or import bans, can delay shipments.
- Emergencies. Emergencies, such as wars or natural disasters, can delay shipments.
To minimize LCL shipping delays, shippers and logistics companies can:
- Thorough Planning: Effective planning includes choosing realistic schedules and considering potential delays.
- Open Communication: It’s important to maintain constant communication between shippers, logistics companies, and recipients. This helps in monitoring the process and making adjustments if necessary.
Deliveree Technology to Overcome Shipping Delays
Monitor and track your Deliveree LCL orders with our app’s real-time tracking feature. If your Deliveree LCL order is delayed beyond the estimated time, you can contact Deliveree customer service available 24/7 for assistance.
2. Unexpected Costs
Additional costs often arise in LCL shipping, especially due to storage, overload, and other extra charges. Ways to address them:
- Cost Transparency: Ensure you get a transparent cost breakdown from your logistics service provider.
- Budget for Emergencies: Set aside part of the budget to handle unexpected costs.
Deliveree LCL Shipping Costs
You can check the estimated cost directly through Deliveree LCL price calculator on our site or app. The displayed price is an estimate. If you provide accurate specifications and dimensions of your goods, additional costs are very rare. Additionally, if your order incurs additional costs, Deliveree customer service will contact you promptly.
3. Documentation Issues
LCL shipping usually requires complex document management. Some tips to streamline this process:
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all required LCL shipping documents, such as invoices and packing lists, are complete and accurate.
- Digital Document Management: Using technology to manage documents digitally can ease this process.
Deliveree Digital Documentation
Generally, Deliveree shipments do not require complicated documentation, except for items that need special permits. In addition, all documentation activities are done digitally and centralized in the Deliveree app, such as photos of goods at the pickup and delivery locations, electronic invoices, and electronic POD (physical also available).
4. Security & Safety Issues of Goods
LCL shipping is more vulnerable to security issues, such as theft or loss. The risk of goods being damaged is also higher in LCL shipping because goods are consolidated with others. Some steps to reduce these risks include:
- Appropriate Packaging: Use high-quality packaging materials and ensure that goods are packed in a safe and proper manner.
- Special Instructions: Provide special instructions to the logistics company regarding the handling of your goods.
- Goods Tracking: Use a tracking system that allows you to monitor your goods during transit.
- Choose a Reliable Service Provider: Work with a logistics service provider with a good track record of security.
Free Insurance from Deliveree
Every order at Deliveree gets free goods insurance:
- Door-to-door service: Deliveree insurance applies for FTL services from the pickup location to the depot, with the insurance value depending on the type of fleet. LCL shipments from the depot to the destination are covered by SPIL cargo insurance.
- Port-to-door service: Only SPIL cargo insurance applies from the depot to the destination.
Additional Insurance from Deliveree
If you want additional insurance for your LCL order, Deliveree offers paid insurance from Tokio Marine Indonesia that you can purchase when making an order in the app.
- Door-to-door bookings: Paid insurance will protect your goods from the time the Deliveree driver picks up the items from the pickup location until they arrive at the destination.
- Port-to-door bookings: Paid insurance will protect your goods from the time they are received at the depot until they arrive at the destination.
For more information on Deliveree LCL goods insurance, what’s covered, forms, and instructions for filing claims, you can contact our customer service.
Additionally, Deliveree also offers a tracking feature that you can access in real-time on the app, allowing you to monitor the movement of your goods and the status of your shipment.
With careful planning, choosing the right service provider, and implementing effective strategies, many challenges in LCL shipping can be overcome. This allows businesses to take advantage of the benefits of LCL shipping, such as cost efficiency and flexibility, without facing significant risks.
Read More: