The practice of outsourcing the services provided by operational partners in foreign trade has been increasingly common, as they offer several advantages in the stages of storage and distribution of goods in the international market. Currently, this trend in hiring logistics operators is high among importing and exporting companies
Source: https://elements.envato.com/pt-br/container-operator-explaining-operations-to-the-da-ECF5EZJ
This is due to the main benefits they offer in the commercial partnership, such as cost reduction and the opportunity to work with international logistics specialists.
That is, companies that provide outsourced logistics or management services offer their customers all their operational expertise in the Supply Chain cycle. All this in a way that impacts on improving the financial performance of the client, in addition to the perception of higher quality of services by the final consumer.
Follow the article and learn how this service works in practice.
Good reading!
What does a logistics operator do?
Logistics operators are the specialist companies in international logistics that carry out all stages of the supply chain in imports and exports, from transportation, through storage and distribution of goods, always in a joint and individualized manner for each size and customer segment.
Thus, it is up to each manager to analyze which of the logistics processes are necessary to outsource, identifying the advantages that will have in the chosen steps, which will simplify the hiring by the services of the specialist.
Thus, some of the services offered by logistics operators are:
- operational planning;
- order management;
- management of stocked products;
- packaging;
- transport;
- logistics consulting;
- skilled labour;
- management systems in storage and transport.
It means to say, therefore, that the need for the search for specialized services occurs due to the increase and improvement in the performance of operational, productive and managerial processes, connecting foreign trade companies to global effectiveness through the management of their business.
Types of logistics operators
As logistics operators are positioned between the product supplier and its end customers, the infrastructure provided by the specialized service provider will be differentiated, as it will depend on the type of activity to be performed on the customer.
For example, the operator operating in the national territory will not be the same as controlling international supply chains.
In addition, the operation performed will also be differentiated, according to the size of the operator and according to the number of distribution centers it manages.
Logistics operators are divided into three groups:
- The common ones, which operate basically in the areas of storage and transport in the international logistics of the supply chain of companies;
- There are those who maintain their focus on logistics administration through the provision of consulting services, with the provision of tools for warehouse management and the provision of specialized labor;
- There are still hybrid logistics operators, which have the characteristics of both mentioned above. In other words, they participate directly in both logistics and administrative management, providing all the necessary services in a much more complete way, becoming the most sought-after alternative by companies.
Main functions of logistics operators
We already understand that logistics operators are responsible for managing resources, in a more effective way and according to their performance in the different stages of the supply chain in foreign trade.
Given the classification of the groups of these operational partners, it is necessary to understand their functions in each area of logistics processes.
In principle, in transport management, the professional has a strong performance, which may stand out in the following activities:
- provision of outsourced services;
- training of carriers;
- technical systematization of carriers;
- monitoring of activities carried out according to parameters;
- freight payments;
- analysis of monitoring reports of services.
Logistics operators can then act effectively in the warehousing sector, performing tasks such as:
- provide adequate facilities according to the storage area;
- provide safety for the stocked product and for the installations;
- present strategies according to management needs;
- ensure repair of damage to the goods;
- issue documents in accordance with current legislation;
- perform product quality control on arrival and storage.
Finally, the operating partner performs important functions in the control of inventories, which are:
- determine better inventory management;
- issue product control reports regularly;
- responsible for the place, quantity of stockpiled staff and turnover of goods.
Source: https://elements.envato.com/pt-br/container-operator-explaining-operations-to-the-da-LMD8GP3
Why hire the service of logistics operators?
The contracting of the services provided by logistics operators should be well planned, aligned with the strategies that the manager feels the need to put as a priority, so that the partner can bring many advantages to the processes of the selected steps in the Supply Chain.
The main benefits for better management of your company are:
Reduced operating costs
In this case of outsourcing of logistics services, the work performed by the specialist will be much more economical, because the prices of the products offered will be competitive in view of the large-scale supply.
Efficiency improvement as a focus on business objective
Thus, given the expertise of logistics operators, operational processes become efficient. In this way, the deadlines established with the customers are met, who are more satisfied.
In this way, the focus of the manager will turn to the main objective of your business, directing all the efforts of the team with higher quality to the main activity of the company.
Agile troubleshooting with the use of technology
A series of unforeseen events can occur during the stages of storage and distribution in foreign trade, generating delays or failures in operational processes.
Given the flow of information in operations, it is necessary to manage electronic data, through the software offered by logistics operators that will help solve different issues more quickly, aligned with their know-how in anticipating problem solving.
How to choose the best logistics operator?
If your intention is to outsource part of your international logistics process or even all the steps to be taken in your supply chain, it is important to consider the fundamental aspects that will ensure a good choice by the ideal logistics operators for your business:
- understand with minutia what the company needs;
- consider the technological systems efficient for the process;
- check the operator’s service infrastructure;
- maintain a good communication channel for the exchange of information;
- seek referrals from other customers who use the services provided;
Source: https://elements.envato.com/pt-br/young-caucasian-forklift-operator-working-on-wareh-VXNH78K
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