Identifying the Key Players in the Shipping Business before Buying Your Own Shipping Containers

1. May 30, 2018 Identifying the Key Players in the Shipping Business before Buying Your Own Shipping Containers Despite the growing popularity of airfreight, still about 90 percent of all imported products on the market arrive via ship. There’s no threat of seaports shutting down for this reason anytime soon. The shipping industry remains as one of the biggest drivers of global economy, and so it’s still a good time to invest in international trade. Before drafting a strategy, though, you must first identify the key players in the business. Shipper That’s you, the producer of goods that will be transported from one state or country to another. Without you and the rest of shippers around the world, there wouldn’t be a shipping industry. You are the lifeblood of the business. After manufacturing your goods, you have to Page | 1

2. pack and ready them for loading into shipping containers. The containers may either be yours or provided by your freight forwarder. Either way, you need high-quality shipping containers to make sure that your products will arrive at their destination unscathed. Shipping Container Supplier Both shippers and freight forwarders need high-grade shipping containers to continue with the shipping process. Any other types of container would not be a safe and efficient option, as they may not have the required size and endurance to meet your loading needs nor to confront the challenges at sea. Shipping containers are the most ideal option. You need to find a supplier that offers a wide range on shipping container solutions so that you can pick exactly the size and type you need for your business. If you’re operating in Houston or elsewhere in Texas, your best bet for a shipping container supplier is Equipment Management Services. Freight Forwarder Your chosen freight forwarder will most likely have their own shipping containers and lending them may be part of their services. If you want to save money, especially because you’re a start-up, this option is worth considering. As you expand and grow more profit, you can start investing in your own shipping containers and vehicles. However, you will still need the service of freight forwarders to get your products from point A to point B. They are the ones that smooth out and expedite the process for you. Without a reliable freight forwarder, you can’t expect your products to arrive at their destination on time and safe. Container Shipper Unless the freight forwarder has their own ship, they would most likely outsource to a container shipping company. This key player in the process is responsible for carrying your freight from port to port. Your freight forwarder, depending on the features they include in their services, will possibly contract a reputable container shipping company, one with spotless record of trips and have been around for a long time. To be sure, you can inquire about this aspect from your freight forwarder. Understanding the shipping process and the role of the different key players is crucial if you want to succeed in the import/export business. Knowing who to partner with and what to Page | 2

3. prepare helps streamline the process, eventually saving you huge sums of money in the long run. It could also mean better delivery, more loyal customers, and increased profit. About Equipment Management Services: EMS is a top provider of shipping containers in Texas. Whether you are an import/export business looking for a secure container for your products or an architect who wants to try something new, we’ve got your covered. Our products are used by a wide variety of industries. We have a vast off-dock shipping container storage and maintenance facility in Houston. Source: CONTAINER SHIPPING IN TEN STEPS, worldshipping.org Page | 3