Could consolidations work for my cargo?
- Gloria Isamar Rivera
- May 15, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2020
A consolidation is when different suppliers or small shipments are loaded on the same container. In the image below, each color represents a supplier or small shipment. This is a Full Truck Load or FTL because all the cargo belongs to the same customer.
Consolidations are like puzzles.
I love puzzles... I enjoy accommodating each piece in the correct space. But, there is a trick. You have to use the right amount of pressure to add each piece to the masterpiece, and at the same time, you can't force them to fit in.
Now, bring the puzzle image to a 53'HC Dry Container. I Feel Pure Joy!
There is something about consolidations that challenges me and makes me feel like there is an opportunity to reduce expenses. There is also the chance to create, develop, and nurture a long term business relationship and, strengthen the trust of the cargo owner.
Certainly, consolidating shipments involve more care when handling and require to look at the cargo in more detail. Dimensions and weight are critical to plan and deploy an appropriate and successful loading plan.
Computerized systems allow you to calculate cubic capacity, accommodate a load -digitally- in your computer screen and play with it before physical handling. Systems like MagayaĀ®, or a web-based platform like goodloading.com, among many others, are used to support the efforts of maximizing the space in a container, prepare beforehand and consolidate like a pro.
Before making a consolidation, please consider the following:
Commodity type & temperature: if you are consolidating temperature-controlled products, watch out for the type of product and the temperature requirements. For example, certain produce items should not share space with other produce or foods. Fresh meats and poultry are also very delicate. Frozen foods and dry commodities are the easiest to plan for consolidation, respectively.
Commodity specifications: Cargo may not be intended for double stacking, check the packaging for tags. In some cases, cargo contains Hazardous Materials which have their own set of rules and transport specifications, verify the UN Specification Marking and shipping documents before deciding.
Cargo priority: If a specific cargo is urgently needed at the destination, consider that when setting the loading plan.
Multiple destinations: To avoid additional handling at the destination, load product in the container starting with the last planned delivery stop, and finish it with your first delivery destination.
Maximum weight allowed in the loading container: Make sure cargo is properly loaded and avoid exceeding the established weight limit.
Consolidations are a great solution to reduce carbon footprint, maximize the usage of available space in shipping containers, reduce risks, and also, controlling shipment expenses.
A very simple opportunity to reduce shipping expenses is if you have 3 shipments of frozen chicken, 36,000 gross pounds each. You can consolidate them into 2 40'Reefer Containers!! Instead of paying 3 ocean freights, you will only pay 2!! Now, do the math per month and per year... In the long run, that small adjustment could reduce substantially your transportation costs and related expenses.
If you want to know more about consolidations and how you can take advantage of them, please feel free to contact me. Send me an email with more details: MyLogisticsLab@gmail.com.
About the Author: My name is Gloria Isamar Rivera. I have more than 17 years of combined experience in business administration, marketing, customer service, supply chain, logistics, and 3PLs. I consider myself a young professional, a supply chain leader, and an out-of-the-box strategist. I enjoy the simple things in life and value every process as a learning experience. Looking forward to sharing something interesting for you very soon! Thank you for reading! ;-)
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