Container
shipping is an integral part of the supply chain, given the highly competitive
scenario that exists today. Schedule reliability of freight shipping carriers
will impact the overall hinterland transport and even the customers. Thus,
schedule reliability has an incredible impact on the overall operational
performance of freight shipping carriers. How Does Schedule Reliability Impact
Shippers? Thanks to the current low-cost trend, we are witnessing a sharp
increase in the demand for container shipping. The entire system of freight
shipping is structured strategically under tight schedules.
Schedule
reliability is a critical reference for shippers while choosing freight
shipping lines and strategizing their supply chains in terms of, realistic
delivery time expectations. Hence, delays will adversely impact the reliability
and trustworthiness of the specific liner service and also increase the overall
logistics costs, like extra inventory costs, or production costs, for instance,
production may have to be brought to an abrupt halt because of delayed delivery
of raw materials. The supply chain is bound to be adversely affected. More
serious issues and delays may cause substantial time-losses for the consignments involved,
ship collisions, loss of consignment, loss of prospective customers, and even
ship groundings, according to Pennsylvania State University.
Today,
most freight liner carriers are focusing on ensuring service reliability like
schedule reliability. Schedule reliability is critical to organizations while
addressing cargo activities. On-time or prompt deliveries are instrumental in
reducing inventory costs and warehouse storage time. It helps organizations to
plan in advance pickups and deliveries for cutting down exorbitant demurrage
and fees because of late or early deliveries. Moreover, it facilitates
organizations in maintaining supply chain integrity simply by enhancing product
supply flows.
Operating
Strategy of the Freight Shipping Lines
Freight
shipping lines perfect the art of schedule planning. They may boost their
efficiency and productivity of schedule reliability via diverse stratagems like
using the chase or avoiding unreliable ports. Moreover, shippers believe that
the reluctance of freight carriers to accelerate the vessel speed for making up
for the time lost adversely affects schedule reliability. You may invest in the
port operating business to cut down waiting times and ensure high vessel
productivity. You may, for instance, invest in dedicated facilities.
Staff
in Freight Shipping Lines
The
human factor seems to be a key factor in schedule reliability, for instance,
all staff members should have dedication and unwavering commitment towards
their responsibilities. Sometimes, an unprofessional attitude of staff members
may adversely impact schedule reliability. For example, Port Elizabeth and Cape
Town Ports had been shut down on many occasions because of employee strikes.
Moreover, cooperation and effective coordination of key market players like
customs and port authorities will prove to help reduce waiting time and boost
efficiency. More and more people rely on Maersk
lines schedules because of their accuracy and
reliability.
Process
Management in Freight Shipping Lines
Efficient
planning of berthing windows could be a critical factor in freight shipping
lines. Minimum missed hours between the actual departure time, and the specific
vessel schedule departure is crucial. Planning efficiently the berthing windows
is critical in the container shipping field. Well-arranged berthing windows
will help in reducing customer loss and boosting schedule reliability.
Conclusion
Always
consider the key factors and remember that schedule reliability is crucial to
container shipping companies while addressing cargo activities. Moreover, do
not forget that delays will adversely affect the schedule reliability of a
container liner service.
