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Our national railroad system
is simply unable to keep pace with demand.
UP and SF have begun allocation systems to
control inbound cargo. So Railroads are desperate to clear containers
through their systems. This is not a justification for these draconian
decisions. Rather it illuminates the facts and how these facts are
transforming inbound logistics.
What can you do? There
has never been a better time to move your cargo through our partners. Our
processes work to secure documents in a timely manner. If our superior
routings have not yet made an impression, work with your supplier to email
or fax documents directly to us. In all cases, we should have the
documents BEFORE the vessel arrives at the port of unlading. For most
freight, we can clear Customs prior to arrival.
Beware of government
exams. Customs, FDA and USDA are increasing their examinations. This
always delays cargo. The risk of some detention is almost a certainty in
these cases. But, when your supplier provides us with timely and accurate
documents, we will know when an exam is required prior to arrival.
Besides timely and
accurate documents, we recommend no more than 4 containers per bill of
lading. Pulling 4 containers from a ramp in 48 hours is certainly possible
but not guaranteed. Pulling more than that is problematic. If a single
container is pulled for exam, the balances of the containers are held at
the ramp – incurring detention for your account!
The issue of railroad
detention is only a part of the overall picture. Steamship lines also will
charge storage on their containers. The delivering carrier will charge
waiting time. The risk of storage or waiting time is largely but not
completely controllable by you. We are eager to increase your profits. |
