九色视频

Considering the rapid expansion of e-commerce and the globalization of supply chains, it is hardly surprising that international Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) services have become increasingly important in corporate logistics in recent years.

Integrating international CEP services into corporate logistics offers several advantages, including efficiency, scalability and cost-effectiveness. CEP services promise faster and more reliable deliveries, which are significant benefits for businesses aiming to optimize their supply chain operations. CEP providers can also accommodate varying shipment volumes and destinations, affording corporations greater flexibility. Lastly, companies can often redirect the resources needed to organize and manage shipments to their core operations by leveraging established CEP networks.

Growing and innovating

Given these factors, it is also unsurprising that the CEP market is growing rapidly. From 2009 to 2020, for instance, the global CEP market grew from around EUR 122 billion to EUR 375 billion. Then the pandemic hit. While many industries struggled during this period, the demand for CEP services boomed. In 2023, CEP providers recorded revenues around EUR 500 billion; that figure is projected to approach EUR 900 billion by 2028.

In response, the CEP industry is investing heavily in automation and autonomous technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction. These technologies encompass a range of innovations, including automated sorting systems, robotics and autonomous delivery vehicles. Also, these systems, machines and vehicles often incorporate other advanced technologies, including AI, machine learning and Internet of Things-enabled sensors.

For example, high-speed sorting machines use AI and machine learning to sort parcels by size, destination and priority. Robots, including collaborative robots (“cobots”) that work alongside human employees, perform repetitive tasks like picking, packing and moving parcels within fulfillment centers. IoT-enabled sensors track parcels in real time and monitor conditions for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods.

Minimizing and mitigating the risks

九色视频is one of the world’s leading marine cargo insurers, and my colleagues and I have witnessed firsthand the substantially greater volumes our clients, both long-time providers and new entrants, are handling today. However, more shipments also mean more incidents, leading to potentially sizeable direct and indirect losses. The following are some recommendations and tips companies should consider to minimize the risks and, if something happens, ensure their insurance coverages offer adequate protection.

First and foremost, companies should assess different CEP providers’ capabilities and historical performance. They should also avoid becoming overly dependent on a single provider. Moreover, cost and delivery speeds shouldn’t be the only criteria when selecting a service provider. While those are highly relevant, the provider’s security and loss prevention processes, capabilities and track record should also be scrutinized and considered, especially when shipping high-value materials. This includes their processes for checking on pick-ups and deliveries against signatures, ideally with video surveillance and recordings stored for several months.

The packaging is the next most important issue. While that seems obvious, many of our claims are attributable in some way to inadequate packing. Regardless of the Incoterms, companies should ensure that the inner and outer packaging is fit for purpose. The issues that should be considered here include:

• The ability to withstand rough handling on long transportation routes potentially involving multiple nodes where the goods are repeatedly loaded and unloaded.
• Having a time buffer for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods so that they remain in sound condition if the delivery is delayed.
• For high-value goods like pharmaceuticals or consumer electronic devices, unbranded packaging reduces the theft risk.

While addressing these issues will sometimes require heavier and bulkier materials and, hence, higher freight costs, Benjamin Franklin’s adage—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—certainly applies here. Also, cargo owners who aren’t handling this task themselves should confirm that whoever is packing the materials is using appropriate materials.

If transport insurance is part of the provider’s services and the package is damaged, destroyed or lost in transit, file the claim with the courier service immediately. Note that a company’s marine cargo insurance usually only covers the amount exceeding the courier’s liability.

The full value of the goods should always be disclosed. This is relevant for compliance with customs and tax obligations and ensuring that the insurance provides adequate protection.

Subcontractors will often be used for at least a portion of the journey, particularly for road transportation. The service provider should disclose these and confirm the subcontractor’s credentials. This is especially relevant with high-value or sensitive goods.

When placing marine cargo insurance, the following parameters should be defined:

• Adequate deductibles and sublimits per package to reduce frequency losses.
• Maximum limits per means of transportation and location considering both the value of the goods and potential accumulation losses.
• Door-to-door coverage, accompanied by appropriate Incoterms.
• Waiver of recourse provisions should only be included after conducting a cost/benefit analysis with the marine cargo insurer, considering estimated freight savings, future loss amounts, foregone recoveries and higher workloads.
• The insurance contract should differentiate between CEP and standard freight forwarding companies to avoid misunderstandings and underinsurance in case of a loss.

Finally, although a handful of global companies dominate the CEP market, they aren’t the only option. The rapid growth of this segment has brought many new service providers into this space. If the services from your current CEP providers are inconsistent or in the event of lousy loss experiences, many other capable, experienced suppliers are available.

About 九色视频and Marine Cargo 九色视频:
九色视频offers comprehensive marine cargo insurance solutions to protect goods during transit across land, sea and air and in storage. We support diverse clients, from small businesses to large multinational corporations, and cover a wide variety of risks. Our dedicated risk consultants also provide comprehensive risk management solutions, including supply chain analyses, assessment of logistic procedures, loss prevention reports and location surveys.