'Online tools take the guesswork out of shipping

The use of online tools has become mandatory in the shipping industry, optimising the process significantly. According to Corinne French, director of United Maritime Logistics (UML), the company’s USA transport services are strengthened by the online tools they have in place. “They optimise the shipping process and include features such as track and trace, scheduling booking and quick access to competitive rates,” she told FTW. Whilst some services require a password and are not necessarily accessible, features such as track and trace and scheduling are available on the UML website and allow customers quick access to information. “Online tools have taken the guesswork out of shipping and streamlined the process significantly,” she says. Even to developed markets such as the USA. UML together with USA agents DCL/Vanguard Logistics Services (VLS) provides an integrated network of transportation solutions from South Africa, all crafted to satisfy the needs of the freight forwarding industry. “Our services include ocean, air and land transportation with particular expertise in LCL ocean consolidations, FCLs and project cargo.” In the fast-paced environment where weekly ocean freight consolidations are taking place, involving multiple offices both locally and in the US across 143 inland intermodal points in North America, oversight of cargo is essential. “It is a competitive environment with no room for error,” says French. “UML/DCL manages over 43 individual direct carrier contracts and has access to highly competitive FCL portfolio options in this trade.” INSERT & CAPTION Features such as track and trace and scheduling are available on the UML website and allow customers quick access to information. – Corinne French