We all have our loved ones settled abroad, and they send us goods and gifts through shipments. Many individuals have their business set in a cargo shipment. That cargo service can involve supplying products from one place to another through airplanes or ships. Many people prefer sending goods through sea freight, also known as sea cargo. The reason for preferring sea freight is that it is cheap and cost-effective service to send your products or stuff over long distances.
We all are aware of the current scenarios that have been going around for long. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, every corner of the world has suffered. It involves humans, businesses, and every industry that exists. It would not be off beam to assume that the whole world ceased for some time. It also delayed those cargo shipments that were already in the schedule. The cargo dealers were also worried about carrying on their business and bread and butter going. There were many challenges that pandemic brought to everyone due to social distancing and no crowds.
Seaports not only offer us shipping or cargo services, but it can also help us provide storage units. These storage units can help you stash your stuff if it has no place at your home, or you are moving to another location but want to lock your stuff away. If you’re going to send your goods in Louisiana, you can book boat storage at Shreveport to store your necessary appliances and stuff.
The storage services might not have got much affected, but continuing sea freight during COVID-19 has undoubtedly been challenging. Let us explore a few solutions to maintain sea freight operations.
- Revising policies
The whole world is now following a particular set of standard operating procedures or SOPs to avoid contracting viruses. Local governments and offices can help maintain the flow of cargo services by supporting the policies that ensure safety protocols. Those working on the ports and ships shall be following the safety precautions religiously, and the operations shall involve minimal workflow.
- Replenish critical spares
As sea freight is all about supplying critical cargo across continents, checking for the provision of stores and replenishing spares is vital. To keep the operations running, one can check and scan the spares that require replenishment and list them down. Coordinate with other forwarders about stocking stores and common spares at convenient locations to avoid stock-outs. To assess all possible scenarios, both financial and nonfinancial, to keep the replenishment of spares swift and timely.
- Plan your communications
Regular communication is the core of any business. If you are facing any delays in continuing your sea operations, do not forget to communicate the delay to your clients and suppliers. Map out all the necessary individuals or offices that you must keep informed or keep in your communication loop. Keep your communication channels with stakeholders open. Effective communication will let you know about the scenarios at other ports and plan your strategy accordingly. Communicating with your clients will allow you to convince them to avail of your services. Our purpose is to keep the operations running, and we need customers or clients for that.
- Keep it traceable
Since many operations are getting delayed, people might cancel their scheduled cargo services. The cancellation may leave more space on your ship, and you can adapt to full container load and prepare to move. Keep the web portals open to let people know about the area on your containers and book their slots. Keeping your website accessible to people will help those who have things to ship urgently, and you can serve them as a savior.
- Keep your head office intact
Consider your head office as your core that is responsible for looking after operations and catering to solutions of various issues. Head offices can ensure seafarers, managing load, human resources, and client protocols. All other services will function only under an effectively operational head office. Your head office shall be actively identifying insurance policies that can help provide a company’s benefit and when to activate them.
- Get screening done
We never know who among us has contracted viruses besides following safety protocols. With all the crew members working at minimum members, getting your employees screened for the virus is wise. Isolate the ones who have it, and let others who were in contact rest at home till they are safe do not endanger others. Our priority shall be keeping our operations functional and employees healthy.
Conclusion
The global pandemic has shifted everything over telecommunication portals or over to the internet. People are working from home as we all are avoiding as much human contact as possible. Continuing sea freight can be challenging as it requires a lot of workforces to load and unload containers and manage other port operations. Taking all the necessary precautions and keeping open communication with your stakeholders can smooth your services and continue your sea freights.