International transportation is a rapidly growing sector worldwide. As the volume of cross-border trade increases, international freight transportation has also become an important issue. However, during international freight transportation, security and risk management are among the most critical topics. In this article, we will address the issue of cargo safety and risk management in international logistics.
- What Is Cargo Safety in International Transportation?
Cargo safety in international transportation is very important. Many countries conduct strict inspections to ensure cargo safety when importing foreign goods. These inspections are carried out upon entry into the country, and if any security risk is detected, the cargo is refused entry. Therefore, exporters must take necessary precautions to keep their shipments secure.
What Measures Should Be Taken for Cargo Safety in International Transportation?
The measures that need to be taken for cargo safety in international transportation are as follows:
Quality Packaging: In international logistics, cargo should be packaged using high-quality packaging methods. Packaging prevents damage to the cargo and helps it withstand weather conditions, shocks, and vibrations.
Proper Labeling: Properly labeling the cargo prevents incorrect deliveries and ensures the cargo is delivered to the correct location.
Secure Transportation Vehicles: The cargo should be transported using secure transportation vehicles. These vehicles ensure the safety of the cargo and prevent damage.
Customs Control: To ensure cargo safety in international transportation, inspections by customs are very important. These inspections are performed upon entry into the country, and if any security risk is detected, the cargo is refused entry. Therefore, exporters must take necessary precautions to keep their shipments secure.
Secure Storage: Properly storing the cargo prevents damage and loss. Therefore, exporters should ensure that storage areas are reliable and secure.
Insurance: The cargo should be insured. Insurance covers damages in case of any harm during transportation.
Authorized Transportation Companies: The cargo must be transported by authorized international logistics companies. These companies play a very important role in cargo safety during international transportation. International freight transport is fraught with various dangers, and therefore it should only be carried out by professional and authorized transportation companies.
What Transportation Documents Are Required in International Transportation?
Today, international transportation is carried out quite extensively. Transporting products between countries is very important for export and import processes. However, certain transportation documents are required to carry out these transactions.
Customs Documents
In international transportation, customs documents must be accurate and up-to-date. These documents ensure the proper delivery of the cargo and passage through customs controls.
- Invoice
The invoice is one of the most important documents in international logistics. Prepared by the exporter, it contains information such as the type of goods, quantity, and country of origin. It also includes details about the seller and buyer. The exporter sends the invoice to the importer to facilitate customs procedures.
- Bill of Lading
In international logistics, the bill of lading is a document that certifies the cargo is being transported and is necessary for the receipt of goods. It includes the vehicle's license plate, route, type and quantity of goods, and delivery location. This document also plays a crucial role in resolving issues that may arise during transportation.
- Delivery Note
The delivery note is similar to the bill of lading but is a document that the recipient receives at the delivery point. Prepared by the exporter, it contains information such as the type and quantity of goods, delivery date, and recipient details. This document plays an important role in resolving potential issues during the delivery process in international logistics.
- Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is a document necessary for customs processing of the goods. The exporter must prepare a customs declaration before the goods can be processed at customs. It includes information such as the type, quantity, value of the goods, and customs duties. It also states the origin and destination of the goods.
- Transit Document
The transit document is required for vehicles or cargo passing through one country to another without customs inspection. It is very important for regulating trade between countries. Especially for companies engaged in international trade, the transit document facilitates fast and secure trade.
What Measures Should Be Taken for Cargo Safety in International Transportation?
In international transportation, cargo safety is a vital issue for the secure delivery of goods. During such international logistics, many precautions should be taken, such as proper packaging, correct vehicle selection, and proper securing of the cargo during transit.
- Proper Packaging of the Cargo
One of the most important steps for cargo safety in international transportation is proper packaging. The cargo should be packed with appropriate materials and methods. This prevents damage during transit.
If possible, the cargo should be packaged with packaging materials designed according to its features. These include wooden crates, pallets, containers, boxes, and cardboard cartons. Proper packaging helps protect the cargo from potential damages during transportation.
- Correct Selection of Transportation Vehicle
Another crucial step for cargo safety in international transportation is choosing the right transportation vehicle. The vehicle should be selected based on the cargo's characteristics and transportation conditions. Additionally, the suitability and safety of the vehicle should be considered.
Factors such as the weight, size, and shape of the cargo should be evaluated to determine if the vehicle is appropriate. The safety of the vehicle should also be ensured. The vehicle must be well-maintained and secure.
- Proper Securing of the Cargo
Another important step in international logistics for cargo safety is properly securing the cargo. The cargo should be fastened in a way that prevents movement during transit. This prevents damage to the cargo and the risk of the vehicle overturning.
Why Is Risk Management Important in Transportation?
Risk management is extremely important in international logistics operations. Businesses can minimize potential risks during transportation and ensure the safe delivery of goods and belongings. This increases customer trust, enhances the company's reputation, and helps attract more customers.
Furthermore, risks in the transportation sector pose significant threats not only to customers but also to businesses. For example, in case of an accident resulting in damage to the customer's goods or belongings, companies may suffer serious financial losses. Additionally, legal processes and penalties resulting from accidents can damage the company's reputation and negatively impact future customer potential.
Vehicles and Equipment Used in International Transportation
The transportation sector is of great importance today. Domestic and international transportation operations are among the processes that must be carried out quickly and securely. Therefore, the vehicles and equipment used in international logistics are very important.
Maritime Transportation
Maritime transportation is one of the most widely used international logistics methods worldwide. The ships used in this method allow for the transportation of much larger quantities of cargo. Maritime transportation ships can be classified as container ships, Ro-Ro ships, tankers, and passenger ships.
Container ships are specially designed for transporting containers. These ships can carry hundreds of thousands of containers and handle a large portion of global trade volume. Ro-ro ships are primarily used for vehicle transportation. These ships allow vehicles to be driven onto the ship for transport.
Tankers are used for liquid transportation. Tankers frequently used in the transportation of oil, gas, and chemicals are among the largest ships in the world. Passenger ships are used in the tourism sector and are among the popular holiday alternatives worldwide.
Road Transportation
Road transportation involves moving cargo via roadways. This method is particularly suitable for short distances. Vehicles used in road transportation include trucks, lorries, buses, and trains.
Trucks are frequently used for small-scale cargo. Lorries are preferred for large-scale shipments. Trains are highly effective for transporting high-capacity loads, and rail transport is an economical option.
