The Financial Perks of Purchasing Shipping Software Solutions

As global trade routes profess high growth rates for the coming year, shipping managers are looking forward to opportunities to increase their revenue.  In spite of this positive news, players in the maritime logistics sector are still prioritizing streamlined carrier operations. This comes as port congestion continues to be a pressing problem. As if it would not get any worse, bunker fuel prices are still experiencing an upward trend.

These conditions in mind, container shipping companies are now demanding for effective shipping management software to work around these issues and increase profit margins. Such systems can organize complex data in a more effective way than when handled manually.  

Shipping software solutions are particularly suited for the intricate task of overseeing logistics operations that are usually a pain in the neck for many shipping managers. Small shipping companies seem better off than their large counterparts that manage large vessels. In such cases, operators with big fleets to manage can ease their management activities and avoid errors by digitizing voyage calculation and bunker management. At present, there is a wide variety of shipping solutions that will satisfy a variety of needs. Taking into account these issues, shipping software companies can provide operators numerous options to realize container shipping efficiency.  

These solutions are available in the form of integrated packages. As one component, container management software is essential for maintaining reliability. It allows for a better experience in organizing containers of varying sizes. The software also allows managers to make sure that each container is accounted for, thereby increasing container visibility and minimizing lost and damaged cargo. On the other hand, container tracking software can effectively pinpoint the current location of cargo in real-time, thereby maintaining transparency and reliability.

Voyage calculation systems can also be considered with the package for better supply chain efficiency as port congestion remain a logistical nightmare. Voyage calculation software is a viable option to remedy such scenarios through precise vessel speed adjustment. Operators can increase and decrease speed depending on several factors to avoid port congestion and additional costs.

As market prices of fuel continue to rise, it is important to maximize fuel intakes. For this Bunker management software is needed to control bunker consumption and reduce unnecessary fuel expenses. The system gives accurate calculations on the actual fuel volume needed for a particular voyage. Coupled with accurate voyage calculations, efficient fuel management can guarantee high bunker savings.

In addition, problems over managing repair invoices for damaged containers can be sorted out through effective container repair software. The system works by archiving your repair orders effectively so as to avoid duplications. This ensures exact payment amounts and faster processing of equipment repairs.

The need to automate management processes in the shipping sector is not really a one-time trend within the industry; it is a necessity. Especially as fuel prices remain high and port congestion continues to affect supply chain efficiency, it is imperative that operators invest in effective shipping management software to streamline important tasks, achieve greater profitability and become more competitive as global trade improves. 

Piracy Protection: The Relevance of Container Tracking Software to Maritime Crime

Still waters run deep. But for many maritime vagabonds, these waters present opportunities to make a quick buck.

Maritime history has always been peppered with stories of pirate raids on commercial vessels. Though the image of the cutlass-wielding, eye patch-wearing swashbucklers of 18th-century narratives has dwindled into the silver screen, the techniques are still being demonstrated by their contemporary counterparts infesting the seas of Africa and Asia.

Now, we do not expect these syndicates to still use flintlocks and powder kegs to raid ships ranging from passenger cruisers to container carriers. It is not surprising that they currently employ the latest in naval weaponry and maritime tracking to zero in on potential targets.

Syndicates now use high speed motorboats to board unsuspecting vessels. Eventually, a variety of scenarios come at play once they have taken over the ship: the loss of cargo or the loss of a crew member, both of which are too serious to warrant neglect.

In many cases, pirate attacks result in revenue loss and ultimately, the loss of lives. But as much as we would like to invest in marine security and training for vessel personnel, it is also the duty of every carrier operator to keep track of every ship en route to its destination.

While governments and international law-making bodies are making considerable progress in improving maritime security and ensuring the safety and maintenance of economic supply chains, carrier operators should also make the necessary steps to protect their supply chains from pirate attacks. And too often, preventive measures and safety nets are more effective. This is where an effective container tracking software fits in.

Shipping softwarecompanies ensure operational conveniences through IT packages that keep track of cargo space, bunker capacity and cost management in regards to tariffs and port costs.  But while all these tend only to the temporal conditions of sea voyage, a software package should also allow the operator a firsthand view of ship positions in real-time and take necessary courses of action in the event of dire scenarios. For this a package should have the characteristics of ease and automation without any unnecessary technicalities. Otherwise, you would need to hire someone with the capabilities of managing such an intricate system.

In addition, your main arsenal should comprise a real-time tracking system that allows you a free rein of your vessel’s progress as well as provide you automated reports on current situations. 

Finally, a system package should also have the capabilities of managing insurance claims in the event of illegal seizure. The package should allow operators to manage policy claims in a systematic and less complicated way, with respect to presenting a clear and complete details of policy components.

 Given that piracy continues to plague and disrupt supply chains across the globe, it is imperative for carrier operators to provide their operations with upgraded IT systems that can ensure vessel security, maintain profitability, and above all save lives.

Weathering the Weather: Using Container Management Software as Cargo Safety Net

The main challenge faced by container shipping managers is maintaining operational health. This entails tracking active supply chains and revenue growth as well as keeping tabs on bunker usage.

These are effectively managed through a container management software package that can help track voyage revenue as well as make sure your vessel delivers on time.

Regardless of these technological tools, managers are still faced by factors that lie outside their control and pose as threats to thousands of tons of cargo every year.

Inclement weather is a huge problem to shipping executives everywhere. In fact, just this year, CNN reported on an incident in which a Danish vessel lost at least 500 containers of precious cargo to rough waves near the Bay of Biscay.

More profound yet is the fact that attrition in cargo deliveries is almost unavoidable.

Apparently, weather issues are typical subjects of interests with regards to shipping operations and on-time scheduling. They entail adverse implications that can jeopardize essential processes on top of delivery reliability.

Given that we cannot simply tell the weather to act favorably on our behalf, we can still secure safe passages for precious cargo whatever part of the oceans the vessels tread.

In recent years, IT technologies that cater to container have seen innovations both in cargo management and schedule oversight. In this respect, there is a constant need for managers to make use of the latest shipping software as a means to improve deliveries and lessen cargo attrition.

Software solutions that seek to streamline important processes should be prioritized. Using a fine-tuned container tracking software, managers can effectively determine the real-time path of specific vessels while taking into account weather disturbances that lie ahead. Onboard personnel are also able to interact through such a software, give updates as well as take courses of action deemed necessary.

In terms of securing cargo, operators must make use of system packages that identify certain physical and operational issues with regards the vessel and regularly update on cargo space. With software that enables a good view on cargo space, operators can monitor space availability in real-time and initiate decisions on issues such as overloading.

Customers are paying a good deal for shipping companies to deliver on schedule and in tune with actual cargo listings. However, weather conditions render these prospects almost 100 percent unattainable. But by installing container management systems that allow oversight of vessel positions and cargo capacities, operators can give better assurances for a safer voyage. 

Which Shipping Software Solution Is Right for You?

It is well-documented: shipping software significantly improves the process of moving goods between ports and terminals. It automates admin-heavy tasks such as invoicing, demurrage, and detention billing, and speeds up work by eliminating the need for multi-entry of the same information on export forms.

In container shipping, software applications like container management software increases profit by maximizing the use of container space. Other software modules can be purchased off-the-shelf and integrated into existing IT platforms to automate certain areas of the logistics process, increase productivity, and reduce expenses.

But, how do you know which software solution is right for you?

With so many shipping software companies offering a variety of solutions, either in the form of a product or service, finding the one that best fits your unique business requirements should not be a problem. Here are a couple of tips you might want to consider.

There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution. This is true simply because not all business models and requirements are the same. The good thing about packaged shipping software is that they are available in separate modules, each one designed to automate specific areas of the shipping process for which they are created. For example, if you want to ensure fuel efficiency and reduce bunker expenses, you can purchase a bunker management software package.

Make an outline of your software requirements. Consider choosing a liner shipping software solution like going to a grocery store. If you don’t make a grocery list, you will likely end up spending hours on the grocery lanes trying to figure out what to eat for dinner, and eventually picking the wrong items. Do not waste your money on software that you do not need at all.

Finding the right enterprise shipping software starts with knowing what you need. Conduct an organization-wide inventory and gather inputs from each department to build a list of your requirements before you go software shopping.  Doing so will not only save you time and energy, but will also give you more control of the buying process instead of just taking speculative suggestions from software vendors.

Never Lose another Container Again with Liner Shipping Software

What do container carriers do when a container is lost ?

Most, if not all, simply write it off and collect insurance later. At least that is the easiest thing they could do, and perhaps, the most practical of all other options available.

Container Loss has been a common concern for shipping companies and consumers alike for many years. Despite the fact that vessels are safely carrying millions of container each year, it is reported
that every year over ten thousand containers are lost at sea due to myriad reasons – from bad weather condition, to poor handling, to technical problems.

These containers, depending on the type of cargo they contain, either stay afloat or sink deep into the bottom of the ocean. Either way, these huge junks clustered along shipping lanes pose danger to other passing ships, as well as to marine ecosystems below, especially when there are hazardous cargoes such as toxic chemicals on board. In order to avoid this situation, shipping operators must not only find better ways of chaining their containers down, but also upgrade their systems in order to better monitor weather and sea conditions. For both purposes, functional liner principal software can help.

Aside from falling overboard, shippers can also lose track of their containers to competing companies during loading, transshipment, or discharging. Container shipping across international ports is a complex process which involves dozens of different parties, data elements, and business documents.  Without a functional shipping line software system for tracking and managing container movement, vessels and shipping companies can easily lose track of their containers, and once they’re gone, it is virtually impossible to recover them.

However, shipping companies can deal with the problem before it happens and avoid expensive and
irreversible damages not only to the shipments, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to their name. Just the latter should be enough reason for shipping companies to abandon their spreadsheets and whiteboards, and shift to more efficient shipping software solutions.

To address problems involving lost and damaged containers, shipping software companies have developed various types of software solutions designed to streamline aspects of container freight management. Container management software feature several functions which allow port authorities and vessel operators to maximize container efficiency and visibility. Once integrated to existing shipping process, software applications can be accessed through any internet-connected device using leading web browsers. Operators can then generate information they can use to:

1. Identify the current location of all containers. (See Container Tracking Software.)
2. Control and manage multiple container fleets remotely from a central office.
3. Ensure container visibility and generate updates on every stage of the logistics process from ports to distribution centers. 
4. Maximize container space through cargo mix simulation in order to reduce costs and maximize profit.
5. Detect damages and potential problems involving containers. (See Container Repair Software.)
6. Generate forecasts on status and movement of containers to facilitate advance planning and avoid       terminal congestion.

There is no doubt that integrated shipping software is key to success in modern shipping, and all signs indicate that there is a bright future ahead for the industry. The world is moving toward automation and web-based systems. That is where every shipping company is supposed to be heading in order to stay on top of their business.

Container Management Software: Maximizing Container Efficiency

Container shipping has improved dramatically in the last decade with the advent of automation and integrated shipping solutions software. However, problems relating to lost and damaged shipments still happen from time to time. Every year, up to ten thousand shipping containers are lost at sea due to a number of factors including careless handling by freight and vessel operators. While some problems cannot be avoided, shipping companies can implement measures to minimize risks and enhance the efficiency of their container shipping operations. Container management software is an answer to the challenges involved in container freight management. It is designed to assist shipping companies and their customers with day to day tracking of containers which is crucial in creating an efficient business workflow. Using this software, vessel operators and port authorities can generate information which they can use to:

• Control and manage multiple container fleets remotely from a central office. 

• Provide complete container visibility from ports to distribution centers. 

• Manage their cargo mix and make best use of container space to reduce costs and maximize profit in every port call.

• Make forecasts of container movement and facilitate advance planning to avoid terminal congestion. 

• Detect possible demurrage costs and other expenses. 

•  Manage container repairs through use of container repair software.

With approximately 50 million containers being transported on container fleets annually, there is great need for every shipping company to implement functional shipping solutions software to provide their customers end-to-end visibility for their inventory at every level of the supply chain operation. Improving container security and maximizing overall freight productivity requires use of functional marine software solutions specifically designed to streamline logistics flow. With container management software, shipping companies no longer have to outsource their operations to third party logistics providers (3PL’s). They themselves can manage their own and their customers’ inventory with efficiency, visibility, and greater control.

Maritime Business Solutions Can Help Prevent Accidents At Sea

Shipping containers that fall overboard continue to become a burden for shipping companies. Recently, another container vessel carrying tons of cargo had the misfortune of encountering dangerous weather that caused 29 containers to fall overboard.  On the weekend of January 21 the Cosco Yokohama, an Asian container vessel carrying various sports memorabilia from China, was traveling along a route from Asia to Prince Rupert, British Columbia when it happened upon particularly bad weather in the Gulf of Alaska.

According to the logistics company who shipped the sports memorabilia, the extreme weather broke the container lashing and caused a whole row of container to fall into the sea. It may be due to inappropriate lashing, or extremely severe weather. Either way, the lashing broke and caused a total of 29 containers to fall overboard and sink in the sea. As of now, the contents of the shipping containers have been continuously washing ashore on the beaches of Kodiak Island, Alaska. The Island Trails Network, responsible for collecting tsunami debris, has asked for emergency funds to cover the cleanup of Kodiak’s beaches.

Although unprecedented bad weather is a hazard of container shipping that can’t be avoided, maintaining the integrity of container lashings can be achieved with the proper tools. To avoid such accidents like this from happening, shipping lines should invest in shipping company software that promote the best practices in maritime shipping. Maritime software solutions can include a container management software that can help dockworkers and shipping crew members make sure that containers are properly stowed and lashed.

The Need For Improvement In The Shipping Industry

Despite rapid advancements in technology, container ports throughout the globe still operate on inefficient industry practices that often cause hours of delay, unintended damage to consignments and even loss of cargo (through theft) - not to mention pose various safety and security risks for the stevedores. These shipping issues are further compounded by documentation problems such as bill of lading fraud and rampant misdeclaration of cargo weights.

Systematic and centralized port operations are difficult to achieve, especially for the shipping industry where accountability for consignments are continuously transferred from one shipping agency to another throughout the cargo transportation process. This is a problem faced not only by private port operators but a constant challenge even for established ports around the globe.

Innovative and technological business solutions should be the focus of international shipping and maritime organizations to reform outdated processes in the shipping industry. Having advanced maritime software solutions will help a shipping agency streamline performance, sustainability and productivity throughout port operations. For example: there are feeder shipping software available that will significantly enhance cargo transportation, loading and unloading; container management software that will improve cargo stowage planning and ensure safety; and even port disbursement software that help secure all port transactions.

Shipping organizations and shipping software companies who wish to further improve port efficiency can participate in Singapore’s New Generation of Container Port (NGCP) Challenge, where development of innovative concepts and proposals will be sponsored by Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) in the hopes of revolutionizing the container port industry.

IMO: Pushing For Environment Friendly Maritime Shipping

The IMO (International Maritime Organization) continues to champion the cause of environmentalist organizations and aims for an environment-friendly maritime shipping industry. To this end, the IMO has implemented policies that require shipping companies to upgrade their fleets and install advanced software solutions to minimize harmful emissions.

The IMO has further demanded ship repair yards to likewise make efforts to reduce harmful emissions while providing low cost quality repairs for shipping lines. One family owned shipyard, the Damen Shipyards Group founded in the Netherlands, expressed excitement for the challenge presented by the IMO. Jos Goris, Damen Shiprepair Götaverken’s Managing Director, has even pointed out that lowering repair costs is in fact in line with Damen Shiprepair Götaverken’s philosophies.

Another demand posed by the IMO is for the reduction of SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions by liner ships. With regard to SOx and other harmful ship emissions, the IMO has noted that reducing pollution produced by ships can be achieved by adequately addressing all contributory factors that include human, technical and operational issues. Shipping lines would benefit greatly from various marine software solutions developed by marine software companies that will accurately measure a ship's adherence to internationally recognized emission standards.

Shipping Line Software suites are currently available that help crew members to ensure adherence to various IMO regulated policies and standards. On the operational aspect, container management software can help monitor container contents so that hazardous materials such as oil are properly stowed since improperly stowed cargo is one of the contributing factors of major oil spills.

Solving The Issue Of Container Weight Inconsistencies

Aside from improper lashing, stowing and stuffing, another important concern for maritime shipping organizations regarding loading and unloading of cargo are incorrectly declared container weights. Correct information pertaining to the nature, weight, and amount of cargo are important for safety measures and accurate voyage calculation and proper disbursement of shipping lines. Declared vs. actual container weight inconsistencies cost maritime shipping organizations millions of dollars and can lead to tragic accidents on land and at sea which jeopardizes not only the containers but also the lives of shipping crew members, dockworkers and dockmasters.

The International Chamber of Shipping in conjunction with the World Shipping Council initially combined their efforts to release a publication that provides industry-recommended best practices pertaining to safety precautions in the loading and unloading of cargo for ships, shipping lines and port facilities, but this effort failed to address the issue of incorrect cargo declarations.

The International Maritime Organization has stepped in and agreed to the proposed solutions for this long-standing safety problem faced by the maritime shipping industry. Mandating the verification of declared container weights prior to loading and the availability of container weights for safe cargo stowage planning will not only save lives, but also improve operational efficiency and reduce cargo losses.

Accurate cargo weight information coupled with container management software will help shipping companies maintain safety throughout stuffing, stowage planning, loading and unloading of containers. This shipping software is developed to adhere strictly to both local and international container stowing regulations as stated by recognized international shipping organizations.

APM Terminal’s Admirable Dedication To Container Handling Safety

APM Terminal stated a 21% decrease in work-related injuries on their 2011 Second Sustainability Report. A member of the A.P. Moller-Maersk group, the shipping port terminal’s officials have been concentrating on critical areas of operation that present the most safety concerns regarding cargo handling which include lashing, working at heights, internal traffic and falling objects. The port and terminal operator based in The Hague, Netherlands aims to completely eliminate all work-related injuries in the near future, a goal that must be shared among all shipping port terminals. Improper stowing of shipping cargo can lead to extremely serious and fatal accidents, both at sea and on land. Unsecure lashing particularly during voyage can cause precious cargo to fall overboard, leading to complicated insurance claim issues for the shipping liner involved. Cargo stowing and lashing is the responsibility of deck officers, and to help them perform their duties properly, shipping software companies have developed advanced container management software that will effectively streamline this critical task. This shipping software will ensure the safety of the ship and its crew members throughout the voyage, especially during loading and unloading of all cargo. Cargo management safety is of great importance to APMT, particularly after it took over Gothenburg’s container operations last January 4, 2012. With this acquisition, APMT now handles 60% of Sweden’s total shipping and inland container traffic. Other shipping ports that plan to expand their container-handling operations similar to APMT should not only invest in cargo handling equipment but also in reliable business solutions such as advanced shipping software to prevent avoidable container-related accidents.

Container Management Software: Creating Efficient Business Process and Workflow

Today, container management is made easy for shipping companies around the globe with the emergence of advanced shipping software solutions - container management software. Software applications like LIMA-CMC (Container Management Control) that includes CTS or Container Tracking System helps liner agency personnel in gathering and evaluating container information and in monitoring equipment in a faster and more accurate way.

Container management software is basically used to create an efficient business process and workflow. It is utilized to minimize container loss and to optimize fleet visibility. It also becomes a tool to manage tons of data needed for keeping the shipping process run smoothly. Thru this, the data will be backed up in a secure offsite location and errors will be reduced while time is saved for various tasks are automated. This way, delays are significantly avoided in the process for all the containers will be completely in your control.

Moreover, with the liner software application like CMC, container movement can be monitored and received through EDI or Electronic Data Interchange coming from forwarders, stevedores, and quay operators. The application enables shipping companies to monitor containers and to view them globally. It also helps them to assess comprehensive movement reports that can enhance equipment control.

The software application also keeps track of the leasing expenses, manages container repair processes such as comparison of repair tariff estimation and approvals, and aides in calculating demurrage/detention fees considering the customer to be invoiced, holidays and weekends.

Container Management Software Solutions have steered the shipping industry towards success by streamlining labor-intensive tasks such as container management. Liner agencies should take advantage of the advanced software solutions that guarantee increased productivity and reduced operational costs.

Solve Container Management Problems with Shipping Software Solutions

One of the most grueling tasks in the shipping industry is container management. Keeping track of container movements requires full attention to details involving booking, time, vessel and loading/destination ports information. A lot of shipment mishaps happen when shipping personnel fail to process container movement information accurately and effectively.

Today, container management is made easy for shipping companies worldwide with advanced shipping software solutions - container management software. Sophisticated shipping software applications such as LIMA-CMC (Container Management Control) include features like CTS (Container Tracking System) that allows liner agency personnel to gather and evaluate container information and monitor equipment faster and with more accuracy.

With a liner software application like CMC, container movement information is received through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) from forwarders, stevedores and quay operators. Monitored containers can be viewed globally and movements reported by agents register directly into the system. The application enables shipping company principals to view and assess comprehensive movement reports for enhanced equipment control.

Other essential features of CMC include:

• Lease Control Module - keeps track of leasing expenses.

• Maintenance and Repair Module – expedites container repair processes that includes comparison of repair tariff estimation and approvals.

• Demurrage/Detention Invoicing - an electronic feature that is used for calculating demurrage/detention fees (with respect to the customer to be invoiced, holidays and weekends).

Modern shipping software solutions have revolutionized the shipping industry by turning labor-intensive tasks such as container management into a streamlined operation. Liner agencies can now take advantage of state-of-the-art software solutions that are guaranteed to increase productivity and reduce operational costs.