Logistics and Types of Freight

We often get quite involved with a number of Trade Shows and Exhibitions and it is amazing the variety of products that need to be moved. Items of all shapes and sizes and these mean a whole load of different logistical considerations.

Some of the biggest and quite interesting items from a logistical point of view which I personally have been involved with include:

• An oil rig and equipment
• A yacht
• A whole set-up for a trade exhibition
• A industrial size crane

Working in the freight industry is both fun and challenging I find. You just never know what type of freight you'll be asked to move next! I'd be fascinated to hear what the most unusual type of freight you have had to send is? Or the most unusual types of freight you have sent. Send your blog comments!

Higher Freight Rates for Xmas period

One thing to consider in the coming month is whether or not you really need to send a package or parcel. Avoiding sending packages and parcels over the Christmas season potentially could save you money compared to if you waited until January or February.

With a difficult year due to the recession, several of the big small parcel and package players and trying to utilise the Christmas season to push up rates to try and bring in some more money. The service companies such as DHL and FedEx provide is certainly good and if you have to send a package over Xmas time then of course you should. If you can wait until January then you might save though.

A fascinating article in the The Times today to do with Shipping companies pushing up freight rates for Xmas explains more. Do not forget, if you want Freight Rates online for large shipments.

Freight and Logistic courses update

We highlighted the Logistics and Supply Chain Management course at Cranfield University a few months ago. This time to highlights another Freight and Logistics course, we look at a course which takes place at Kingston University, London.

International Supply Chain and Logistics Management MA - A long course title for sure and a course which is an excellent option for those of you looking to study to Masters level and to build on your work experience and knowledge in the Freight, Logistics and International business field.

This is a 1 year full time Masters course and the next starting date is September 2010. This might seem a long way away but maybe of you may be looking to plan for 2010 as we reach towards the new year and this is the time to apply.

The 8 Modules you would study include:

• International Logistics
• Operations Management
• and Supply Chain Management

You can learn more direct from the Logistics Management MA course details online.

Freight news and the recession

Most of us thought that the recession would officially be over in the UK last week but the latest Office for National Statistics stats showed that we had another quarter of negative growth. The benefits for the Freight Industry would have been renewed confidence in the industry and on the high streets: Moving out of a recession might well have given industry a burst of help.

We now head into the Christmas spending season with the UK still officially in recession and this is something many of business leaders were hoping would have officially ended last week. Overall though, there are extremely positive signs that when results are given in another 3 months time at the end of January, the UK surely will be out of recession.

The share values companies involved with production, manufacturing and metals still seems to be strong and holding solid after a stock market which rose on average 40% in the last quarter.

2010 overall should become a much more positive one business wise. We cannot stay in recession for ever!

Airline Baggage charges

Although not really to do with freight or cargo, I felt like still writing a quick blog about the incredible changes that are occurring within the airlines industry for excess baggage costs. Working in the freight industry and as someone who attends a lot of exhibitions and conferences, I travel a lot and I am finding it unbelievable the charges that will billed.

Some UK airlines for example plan to charge up to £70 for a second bag. BA are also planning to start charging for choosing a seat! The thing I have always liked a lot about British Airways is the fact that they had (up until now) avoided the type of service which budget airlines offer. Now BA seem intent on joining in.

Most of the UK airlines are planning to try and push people towards only having one hold luggage. Ryanair though seem intent on pushing us to have carry on luggage only. One EXTREMELY good item to ensure you take on EVERY trip is a set of travel scales and the "No More Excess" travel scales for £10 on amazon.co.uk are excellent.

Freight Technology thoughts

Working in the freight and shipping industry, I am always keeping an eye of freight technology developments and this is something which can only benefit the industry.

In the last year there have been some interesting developments and many of those creations have focused on software. Software is one area which is being continually developed and used: Software in the form of computer programs which maximise road time, turnover times, load factors and traffic management and port systems for example.

Certainly the BAE system to create an anti-pirates warning system is one of the more interesting and quite advanced technologies being worked on. Some other interesting Freight technology related developments have included:

• Pneumatic brakes for freight trains
• Automatic identification technology
• Traffic Congestion Management System

Know of any more developments which benefit the Freight Forwarding and shipping market. Let us know!

Signs that Air Freight is picking up

Air Freight Traffic - Quite widely reported in the media in the last few days, there are now clear signs that the Air Freight industry is at last picking up once again. Even though the volumes of air freight are dropping, the good news is the rate at which it has been dropping and slowed down significantly and signs are (fingers crossed) that the figures will very soon start to increase again. Some detailed information about the Air Freight stats with Reuters.

New Freight articles online - Some new freight related articles are now online and some choice titles for you:

• Freight and Shipping to Singapore For Business
• Guide to Sending Freight to USA
• A Guide to Importing and Exporting to and From South Korea