Guides & Articles on Shipping & Supplies

20 Foot Container Applications and Uses

Think outside the box when finding uses for a 20-foot container

The 20 foot container has many uses as both a shipping or storage container. The container itself can hold dry goods, heavy machinery, perishable items and much more. Most 20-foot cargo containers are either shipped by sea, on trucks or by rail cross country.The 20 foot container applications and uses also include storage units for business that need additional storage room. While...

20-Foot Container Education and Training

Online options for learning about the 20-foot container

The 20-foot container is a standard in many industries. Though its popularity on the high seas is waning, it is still in use in many places. Those who use the 20-foot shipping container regularly are those involved in any aspect of sea shipping, whether they are dock hands, loaders, or managers.The best way to get specialized training in using the 20-foot shipping containers is to...

20-Foot Containers

Everything you wanted to know about buying a 20 foot container

Most industries use a 20 foot shipping container to move their products from port to port via ship or across country via truck or rail. Today, approximately 90% of the cargo moved utilizes containers stacked on ships; often they use 20 foot containers or other sizes measured in increments of 20 feet. Annually, there are over 200 million containers shipped. However, shipping is not...

40 Foot Container Applications and Uses

Go beyond the basics when it comes to 40 foot shipping container uses

Buying a shipping container, 40 foot or other size, can be a great benefit to a company if used wisely. Besides the obvious shipping uses, a 40-foot container can also be used to store items, create extra workspace and even be considered a home. Even when using a container for shipping, there are many customized options, and you should always be aware of all shipping container...

40 Foot Container Installation and Maintenance

How to install and keep up a 40-foot cargo container building

Containers used for shipping are much talked about in building circles, with 40-foot container installation and maintenance being prime concerns. Indeed, shipping container buildings are the ultimate in recycling. Used 40-foot containers for sale are relatively inexpensive, and some containers are even free because it's less expensive for shipping companies to buy new ones and...

40 Foot Container Key Terms

Understand lingo describing types of shipping containers

Gone are the days when shipping containers all looked alike: Ugly, rusted rectangles. Today, there are a broad range of 40-foot containers suitable not just for shipping, but also for storage--and even building. Some feature variations straight from the manufacturer, while others have professional modifications. You can find these for a number of industries, including construction...

40 Foot Container

Buy, rent, or lease the perfect 40 foot container for your business needs

Whether you are actually shipping cargo across the ocean or just want a sturdy, large storage facility, a 40 foot container is surprisingly easy to find for your business. Typically, a container 40 foot long is actually about 39 feet and 4 inches long, 7 feet and 6 inches tall, and 7 feet and 8 inches wide inside. That means a 40 foot container is about 84 cubic yards....

Adhesive Labels

Sometimes the simple things really make a difference for your business

Think about where and how adhesive labels – also known as Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) – are/can be used in your business. Are they used only on non-food packaging, in a climate-controlled shop, away from sunlight? Or, perhaps on packaged, raw meats, exposed to water/ice in a butcher's case? Are they used with mailings to wow your customers? Adhesive...

Air Charter Services Basics

Learn the ins and outs of air charter services

If your business ever requires air charter services, then you may wish to better understand air charter services basics. Air chartering doesn't require special powers or unusual intelligence, just some research and experience to understand how air charter services work. Whether your business plans to charter once per year or once per month, knowing how air charter services...

Air Charter Services Education and Training

Where to find air charter services education and training

If you want to set up air charter services or fly cargo charter flights, then you'll need to know the rules and certifications. The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, has a bevy of rules for charter pilots and air charter operators. Whether you want to fly cargo, people or some combination of both, renting out the entire aircraft (with a pilot and crew) as opposed to one...

Air Freight Tracking

Air cargo tracking keeps your merchandise on the map

Air cargo freight routing can be a cost effective solution if you allow yourself ample time to send your gear from point A to point B. The air freight tracking that your shipper offers will help you make sure that package is well on its way, and it can help you account for it after it has left the shipper’s hands.Air freight tracking is your best friend. You can watch your...

Air Freight and Cargo for Small Business

Move your business into high gear with consistent, quality air freight and air cargo services

For any small business, the killer is usually time and distance (either of which -- you guessed it -- equals money). Parts, supplies and materials need air cargo transport to get to your small business, and finished products need to leave and get to customers.Air freight transportation can do lot to solve the supply chain problem, and there are more air freight options than ever...

Air Freight

Find the best deals on air freight

When you have to transport heavy loads quickly, your best option is often by using airfreight. Look for air freight carriers that offer online services like quoting and tracking for the simplest way to follow your packages through the entire shipping process. There are many air freight companies on the web, so getting quotes from multiple providers can be worth it to find the best...

Auto Transport

Choices to make when choosing auto shippers

When you need a car moved from Point A to a distant Point B, auto transport companies can save you the time and expense of doing it yourself or sending an employee. Auto transport services can also help save money in ways you might not have thought; for example, to ship vehicles purchased at low cost via classified ads or auctions at distant locations.An auto transport...

Barge and Tugboat Services

Tugboat companies and barge services can do the big jobs easier for your business

Barge and tugboat services are required for many different reasons. Most tug companies use this equipment to transport materials, rescue damaged vessels, fire fighting, etc. Tugboats come in two different types, inland and ocean going. The tugboat is designed to fit into a notch within the barge. This allows the tug to either push or pull the barge and transport materials along...

Blister Packaging Materials

Wrap your products in blister packaging materials for shipping or sale

While product packaging evolved, blister packaging materials became a popular way to show off and package products. The simple plastic-bubble design of blister packaging provides protection without concealing what the consumer is buying. You can get great solutions for blister packs by ordering parts and putting together your own sets, or by arranging for blister pack assembly...

Boxes for Packaging, Shipping and Storage

Finding and selecting the best boxes for your business needs

Who knew that simple boxes could have so many important uses in your business? Packaging boxes and shipping boxes are essential to most companies. Without them, your goods might be damaged while in transit to customers - and that wouldn't be good for business. Retailers can benefit from retail gift boxes that make a strong marketing statement. Boxes also come in handy for storing...

Canvas Bags

Using canvas bags for business solutions

Canvas bags are reusable and less wasteful than plastic bags, but there are also other reasons for business managers to seek out these products. Canvas bags can be a tool for branding, product handling or promoting good stewardship of materials. Canvas bags are a sturdy way to transport goods, popular in an urban environment, and they can be customized for easy...

Cargo Escorts and Pilot Car Services

Find oversize escort services to meet your hauling needs

When transporting large loads, the government requires that you use wide load escorts to warn others on the road of your approach. It is necessary to hire outside cargo escorts and pilot car services to meet the transportation requirements, especially for those businesses that do not regularly transport such loads.The consumer has many choices when it comes to oversize load...

Catalog Fulfillment Services

Save time, money and staff with catalog fulfillment solutions

If you want to score big with your customers, research catalog fulfillment centers and contract with the one that can deliver your product to your customers efficiently and correctly the first time. You have no business without your customers, so you must do what you can to keep them happy and make them want to shop with you again and again.You may try fulfilling your own catalog...

Container Leasing and Rental Services Key Terms

Container leasing and rental service key terms knowledge is vital in container selection

Leasing or renting a container, either for storage or transportation, requires the understanding of several key terms. Containers vary by size, the point of entry, the type of transportation they are geared for and even the type of product that will be housed within them. A knowledge of the terminology associated with these considerations is important, because there are so many...

Container Leasing and Rental Services

Organize your business equipment with the help of a container leasing company

It's time to contact a container leasing company when: Your excess inventory, equipment, files, supplies or tools drive you crazy every time you see them without a proper home...You've run out of storage space at your office--you can't see the ceilings or walls in all your existing closets and other storage spaces but you can't move, and you can't afford new...

Container Sales and Leasing

Shipping containers get your cargo where it needs to go

Shipping containers (aka storage containers or cargo containers) are just what they sound like: big metal boxes specialized for holding cargo for shipment by flatbed truck, rail flatcar or ship. Shipping containers are especially handy for "intermodal" shipping wherein the goods inside must be moved among carriers — say, from a ship in port to a truck for final...

Contract Warehousing

Find contract warehousing solutions for any business

Contract warehousing allows you, the owner, to absorb some of the cost risks involved with goods storage by committing to pay fees whether or not the space is utilized. You share the risks with the owner of the warehouse company, and in turn your costs will be less than public warehousing.Contract warehousing can give you many advantages including an increase in your supply-chain...

Corrugated Mailing Boxes Types and Styles

Suppliers of industrial corrugated mailing boxes can help you select the right box for your mailing needs

Corrugated boxes for mailing come in all shapes and sizes. Corrugated box manufacturers typically offer boxes for mailing in a variety of weights that are capable of protecting anything from fine china to heavy machinery.You can pick from a variety of corrugated mailing boxes. Types and styles usually depend on the fold of the corrugated material, as well as its weight. As you...

Corrugated Mailing Boxes

More than just a cardboard box--stock custom corrugated mailing boxes

In a business that ships or transports goods, chances are you need to stock corrugated mailing boxes. Mailing boxes often make the first impression for your business, so you want your boxes to reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. Customers appreciate their shipments arriving in great condition with the packaging intact, so your corrugated mailing boxes should be...

Coupon Bounceback Services Key Terms

Key terms for using coupon bounceback services for coupon campaigns

When a business wants to optimize its marketing strategies with a coupon campaign, a coupon bounceback service can be the way to go. Coupon bounceback services help companies realize profit from coupon promotions. A "bounceback" coupon refers to something in a specific time period that a customer can redeem at a later date. Bounceback coupons are often used to track...

Coupon Bounceback Services Pricing and Costs

Learn about the basic costs associated with coupon bounceback services

A bounceback coupon is a discount offered to a customer upon their return to the store. For instance, when a customer makes a purchase, a "bounceback coupon" is then given to them in the hopes of having them return to the store and spend more money. A bounce back coupon is a popular trade tool used by retailers, restaurateurs and other businesses that thrive on frequent...

Coupon Bounceback Services for Beginners

Learn how coupons bounceback to jump start your business

Coupons fulfillment has come a long way from the days where you'd clip a coupon in the paper. Now there are all sorts of coupons including free online printable grocery coupons, received in the mail or even given to you after you make a purchase. Enter the bounceback coupon. A bounce back coupon is a coupon that encourages the customer to come back to the store at a later...

Coupon Bounceback Services

Find coupon bounceback services and solutions to improve your business

If you want to initiate a marketing tool that can help generate repeat business by your customers, consider using coupon bounceback services. Bounceback coupons allow you to employ a distribution period where customers come to your store (brick-and-mortar or online) to pick up the coupons for use during a later redemption period. Manufacturers, retailers and grocery companies...

Crates

Find the right type of shipping crate to transport your goods

Crates are self-supporting containers that may or may not have sheathing. A container is usually called a crate if it remains standing as a framed structure when the sheathing is removed. Otherwise, it is probably considered to be a box.The difference between a box and a crate is an important distinction because of the difference in the way their strength is measured. Crates have...

Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders

Customs brokers and freight forwarders can help you ship internationally

If your business ships internationally, you'll quickly find that there's a long checklist of things to be done before your goods can get to where they're going. To alleviate the stress of coordinating these logistics functions, you may want to work with customs brokers or freight forwarders. They can: Help prepare import and export documentation Facilitate the movement...

Customs Brokers

Utilize customs brokers to make your international shipments as smooth as possible

A good import export custom broker can help you prevent delays in customs by making sure that all of your paperwork is 100% correct. In addition, if your shipments do get tied up somehow in the local customs house, a customs broker can use his or her contacts within the customs office to help expedite your shipment and get it back on its way. A quality export broker can also help...

Dedicated Logistics

Dedicated logistics provides focused business solutions

Dedicated logistics companies help you optimize your business by reducing your freight costs, helping with vendor compliance and with distribution consultation. They can help you keep your transportation costs, your distribution and your claims under control.Dedicated logistics companies come in all shapes and sizes, and you will find a wide variety of dedicated shipping...

Designing Your Own Packaging

The perfect presentation can boost sales

Want to make your product stand out from the crowd? The way buyers see it on the shelf can make all the difference in the world. To design packaging that will really catch their eye, follow these steps: Think outside the box. Integrate realistic considerations. Choose a manufacturer. Here's how to give your product's presentation some pizzazz:

Drawstring Bags

Get the most use out of drawstring bags

Whether you're looking for a good advertising bag to use at a trade show, or a product bag for daily business use, drawstring bags are a great solution. Quality and capabilities of drawstring bags differ tremendously. Here's what to think about when choosing drawstring bags:1. Compare plastic, cloth and vinyl drawstring bags.2. Decide if you want a company logo printed on...

Drop Shipping Basics

Consider drop shipping vendors to start or expand your business

Many small business owners turn to drop shipping companies in order to help their business grow. Drop ship services allow business owners to sell products without the hassle of stocking and shipping the products.If this is something that you are considering for your business, knowing the drop shipping basics will help you to sort through the good and bad of the industry. It's...

Drop Shipping Key Terms

Read these key terms for drop shipping and decide if it's right for your business

Since a lot of business has migrated online, drop shipping has become a popular setup for retail. With drop shipping, a seller places orders from a manufacturer as they come in from customers, rather than stocking up initially. Though this seems like a good way for sellers to avoid the costs and liabilities of inventory, it is not without its hazards. Reading up on some key...

Drop Shipping

Let others do the heavy lifting while you market to customers

Drop shipping is a way to send goods straight from your supplier to your customers online — without some of the risks normally associated with having a store. For example, with drop shipping you don't have to pay for goods until they are sold, thereby reducing a common financial risk for retailers. More than simply reducing risk, however, drop shipping can enhance...

Expedited Trucking Education and Training

Get your career moving with expedited trucking education and training

Expedited trucking provides truck drivers with the opportunity to make long hauls using straight trucks. Expedited shipping offers a ground-based solution to shipping products across the country on short notice. Because of the rush, the job usually requires a two-person team.Many drivers can use expedite freight training for other jobs in the trucking industry, so it is a good...

Expedited Trucking News and Trends

Let expedited freight news help keep you on the right path

Whether you are a carrier seeking an operator, an operator seeking a job or you are just someone keeping tabs on the industry, find out the latest expedited freight news and trends to keep abreast of what is happening in the field. Stay on top of the latest industry news, learn what your owner/operator opportunities are, read truck and equipment reviews as well as discover carrier...

Expedited Trucking

Expedited transport keeps you truckin'

Because time is money, expedited transport of your raw materials or final product may be a necessary part of fulfilling your business commitments and goals. You can expedite freight from city to city or from coast to coast.You have to find a reliable company, though, that you can entrust your materials with that not only can deliver on time, but also offer you efficient, cost...

Finding and Selecting Shipping and Packaging Supplies

How to sort through the myriad of options for packaging products for shipment

When it comes to purchasing shipping and packaging supplies, sorting through the array of choices can have you reaching for the Tylenol. Everyone from the U.S. Postal Service to wholesale shipping supply companies has put together deals to draw small business their way. To narrow the choices, first analyze your needs for packaging supplies, such as boxes, envelopes, tubes,...

Finding the Trucking Services You Need

Pricing and service levels are complicated so learn before you buy

While getting products from Point A to Point B might seem like a fairly straightforward proposition, hiring a trucking service can be a complicated endeavor. From understanding the lingo to sorting through the vast number of alternatives, it's important to examine a few key issues: The type of material you need to transport and whether special handling is necessary The area...

Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trailers haul just about anything you can lay on a slab

A flatbed truck (more accurately, a semi truck towing a flatbed trailer) is easy to spot: it's that long trailer with a floor but no sides or roof. If your load is pretty weatherproof and also ungainly, a flatbed may be the way to go. Flatbed trucking is your best option when your shipment is:1. A large or heavy load that needs to get on and off the truck quickly; a flatbed...

Foam Packaging

Packing peanuts, foam rolls, Styrofoam - finding the right foam packaging materials

If shipping products or materials is a mainstay of your business, protecting those goods while in transit is key to your success. To prevent items from getting damaged during shipping, foam packaging may be the answer. With dozens of configurations available, including foam rolls, Styrofoam packaging peanuts, foam pouches, foam sheets, convoluted foam, cohesive foam, foam tubes,...

Foil Labels

Find online foil label resources for mailing, promotions and product identity

Whether you're looking for gold foil labels, silver foil labels or even silver foil stickers, the choices can be overwhelming. Narrow your options using online suppliers that offer help in designing the perfect foil seal.1. Find a company that will work with your foil label ideas.2. Design a label on your own, or with help from the supplier, that meets your marketing or...

Food Packaging Design

Packaging food in the right containers can turn into tasty profits

Picture a supermarket shelf. There are two products on the shelf—same price, same quality. Which one will customers purchase? Most likely, they’ll choose the one with the best packaging. Great food packaging can influence buying decisions and increase brand recognition. That’s why you should spend as much time developing your packaging design as you spend on your...

Freight Trains

Your freight train is rollin' down the line

Freight trains offer you an environmentally friendly mode of transportation that is more fuel efficient, cost effective and has lower air emissions than semi trucks. Freight railroads offer you cargo trains to haul anything from grain, to stone, to coal, to corn, to ethanol/biofuels and more.Rail freight rates are less expensive than trucking or flying your product. You can choose...

Fulfillment Key Terms

Make sense of the various aspects of fulfillment

Fulfillment is the broad area of service that starts at product manufacturing and generally ends when the product is in the hands of the consumer. There are many steps in the process, including storage and shipping of the product, either individually or in bulk. With today's computer technology, fulfillment can also cover online orders, returns, refunds, rebates and order...

Fulfillment News and Trends

Research news and trends to become well-informed before making fulfillment strategy decisions

Choosing fulfillment and warehousing services is a huge decision that no company takes lightly. Deciding to outsource a complete aspect of operations is a difficult choice to make, and it's an impossible one without the proper research. Keep up on the latest fulfillment guide news and trends by following industry publications, utilizing fulfillment organization resources and...

Glass Bottles

Glass containers are manufactured to suit any small business

Glass bottles are manufactured in a highly mechanized process and are no longer hand blown as they were in the past. Factories that make glass containers are usually divided into a batch house, a hot end and a cold end.The batch house contains the limestone, sand and soda ash among the other raw materials required for creating the glass bottle. They are measured out into...

Global Logistics

Global logistics companies give you worldwide reach

When dealing with worldwide transport logistics, you want to work with a company that is experienced and up-to-date on all of the customs and country-by-country regulations of your destinations. Your global logistics company will be your main contact for both exporting your product out of the U.S. and for bringing necessary items into the U.S.Global logistics can turn out to be...

Green Packaging

Recycled product packaging and transport materials can help save money as well as the environment

Packaging waste has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Choosing recycled or "green" materials for your product packaging as well as your transport materials is socially responsible and often economical, too. The U.S. currently has no legal requirements regarding environmentally-friendly packaging, but other countries do have special requirements. If you're...

Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Trucking

Hazmat Trucking for Safe Transfer

Whether you have a short or long distance to transport your hazardous chemicals and materials, you need the experienced and licensed help of a hazardous material trucking company that knows how to keep your business on the move. You will need someone experienced to properly fill out your paperwork, load and unload the product, and who can react safely in case of an unexpected...

Hiring for Truck Driving Jobs

How to fill trucking jobs for your small business

The most critical issue facing the trucking industry recently has been, shockingly, not diesel costs but driver shortages. Even if your business is not part of this industry, you can bet such shortages mean you’ll have to step up your efforts to recruit to fill trucking jobs. Hiring for truck driving careers through specific trucking Web sites – especially those with...

Logistics Organizations

Stay abreast of industry issues, news and trends by joining logistics organizations

If you own a company in the logistics industry, you would do well to partner with logistics associations to strengthen your business expertise and credibility. Industry organizations bring together professionals with similar goals and challenges. Members of industry organizations come from across company divisions, but all share the same objective of expanding their knowledge....

Making the Most of Container Leasing and Rental Services

Container leasing services are a convenient way to meet your space and storage needs

Container leasing companies are facilities that rent or lease small and large portable storage spaces. They are usually made of steel and delivered to your home or business. Most companies have an assortment of models to choose from, so you can pick the one that pleases you most.These spaces can often be customized with features like shelving, ventilation, ramps and more....

Making the Most of Drop Shipping

Consider making the most of drop shipping companies to succeed in business

Drop shipping companies are an ideal solution for many small business owners. They conveniently drop ship products directly to your customers.Making the most of drop shipping is easy to do. You simply need to find the right drop shipping companies or company for you.Some of the advantages of using a drop shipper are:1. You can easily run your business from home. By using drop ship...

Making the Most of Fulfillment

Work with fulfillment processing services to increase your sales

Order fulfillment services should be chosen to meet the needs of the company and the consumer. While the bottom line is very important, customer satisfaction is equally important. Small businesses must work with a distribution and fulfillment company to ensure their products get delivered accurately and on time.Processing orders, picking, packing, shipping and customer service are...

Making the Most of Pick and Pack Services

Keep your pick and pack operations running smoothly

Making the most of pick & pack services is the easiest way to save your company money when it comes to fulfillment. Just hiring a pick and pack business isn't a guaranteed way to save your company money, so you'll need to do your research to make sure you're getting the most out of the services you’re using.Combining your order fulfillment with other aspects...

Making the Most of Small Package Delivery in Europe

Understand delivery to Europe to get the most for the least amount of money

Making the most of small package delivery in Europe is not that much different from shipping packages in the United States. Find a reliable service for repeated usage if you make a lot of deliveries to Europe. Ask for discounts since you are a repeat customer and they can expect regular business from you. Inquire about scheduling and let the company know you’ll send a...

Material Management Key Terms

Use material management key terms to give your business a professional edge

The field of material management covers many facets including quality control, acquisition, monitoring standards and working with surplus materials. Understanding material management key terms helps the professional communicate about different parts of the job.Using material management key terms not only clarifies terms and conditions, but it also shows one's dedication to the...

Material Management

Using material management systems to stay on track with raw materials and parts for production

Patients at a hospital check in and check out. Factories pump 24/7, assembling cars, dish washers, electronics. Construction sites start up at the crack of dawn, and a floor is added by dark.What these bustling businesses have in common is a huge demand for material management systems and material management software. Someone is in charge of making the syringes, the car parts, the...

Messenger Services

Schedule rush and same-day deliveries without going broke

When you've got packages that need to be delivered now, call a messenger service. Also known as courier services, these pricey services operate 24/7 and provide same-day, door-to-door delivery across town or across the country. Depending on the type of package, your location and the destination, your item could arrive within as little as an hour. Messenger services can be used...

Metal Containers Basics

Understanding the variety of metal storage containers available

While the most common products use for storage or packaging are cardboard or plastic, a considerably appealing alternative is metal containers. Consider items such as the classic round tin, often seen during the holidays in festive colors. Another option is to use steel storage containers for industrial work sites or as an onsite storage unit. You can use these tins, like many...

Metal Containers Key Terms

Understand lingo used to describe types of shipping containers

Gone are the days when shipping containers all looked alike. Today, there are a broad range of metal containers suitable not just for shipping, but also for storage. Some feature variations straight from the manufacturer, while others are professionally modified and sold to a number of industries, including construction companies, storage facilities, and any business requiring...

Metal Containers

How to rent or buy metal containers for your storage and building needs.

Business primarily uses metal storage containers to keep equipment and supplies temporarily on a construction or business site and to store excess inventory while on a job. This type of steel container may be 10 to 50 feet long with double doors, frequently at both ends. These metal cargo containers are usually designed for easy loading at the supply source and rapid delivery by...

Metal Tags

How to get custom metal tags and asset labels

Metal tags are durable and attractive, and make excellent options for signage, identification tags and asset labels. When you're shopping for metal ID tags or asset tags, though, quality is key, and you'll want to compare a range of products before you buy.Metal asset tags are a common type of metal tags on the market, and come in several customizable formats for...

Ocean Freight Forwarders

Ocean forwarders can ease the trip by sea

Using ocean freight forwarders can eliminate many headaches when you're shipping container loads of cargo overseas. They can ease the pain of dealing with customs laws in each country and book your cargo on a reliable vessel.Ocean forwarders or ocean freight brokers often specialize in dealing with specific regions or countries, keeping up with changes in customs laws,...

Ocean Freight Shipping

Getting your goods on the water with the right freight shipper

Small businesses that need to ship goods by sea face a confusing array of options, vendors and regulations. Ocean shipping also carries an equally baffling array of insider terminology. Many businesses use an agent or a freight shipper to coordinate freight shipping. Finding the right information and ocean freight companies to guide you through these murky waters is essential. ...

Order Fulfillment

How you fulfill orders can have a major impact on your business

When it comes to shipping and fulfillment solutions for small business, it is definitely NOT one size fits all. Key variables include the type, weight, size and destination of the items you ship, along with customer needs and expectations. Don't take fulfillment lightly. It is often the final touch-point with your customer, and poorly packaged items, slow, botched or overly pricy...

Outsourcing

Tapping into outside expertise can cut costs and increase efficiency

Outsourcing allows small businesses to obtain services and expertise they could never develop in-house, focus on core competencies and, in many cases, cut costs and improve efficiency. To determine what to outsource, consider: What not to outsource. What actions does your company perform that add value for the customer and give you a competitive edge? These are activities to...

Overnight Delivery Services Education and Training

Find the right overnight delivery service for your company

Many companies offer overnight delivery options for customers. With this option many companies or limited on the delivery companies they can use. Proper overnight delivery services education and training will allow you to add overnight delivery to your company's services. This is not just for delivery companies, but companies that use overnight services as well. This training...

Overnight Delivery Services

When you need it sent now -- overnight delivery gets it there on time

Overnight delivery of information can be critical to your business success. Whether you have an account and use your FedEx supplies to send an overnight letter, or choose the big brown truck by using the United Parcel Service, the bottom line is this: if something is important enough that it needs to get there tomorrow, you have many options for overnight delivery...

Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment

How to select and purchase pharmaceutical packaging equipment

Selecting pharmaceutical packaging equipment and machinery depends on the types of pharmaceuticals you intend to package. Pills, capsules and liquid pharmaceuticals all require different types of packaging and packaging machinery. Be sure to understand the types of pharmaceuticals that your business deals with.Many companies make and sell all sorts of pharmaceutical packaging...

Pick and Pack Services Key Terms

Learn basic pick and pack terms for your logistics needs

Pick and pack services are an important part of fulfillment and logistics for many types of companies. From the small jewelry retailer to the national furniture company, pick and pack services are used to fulfill orders. Make sure you understand the basic pick and pack terms so you know your products are being delivered in a timely fashion.

Pick and Pack Services

A pick and pack service can ease your product fulfillment load

Pick and pack services offer end-to-end product fulfillment - selecting items (from stock or a warehouse) for each order, packaging them and shipping them to customers. Pick and pack services are ideal for companies with packaging needs that vary from one order to the next. Companies often turn to an outside pick and pack service when their order volume grows to the point where...

Picking the Right Product Packaging

How you wrap, protect and present what you sell influences customer decisions

Ever reject a product you wanted to buy because the packaging was crumpled, dented, dinged or just plain ugly? Whether it happens knowingly or unknowingly, customers decide to fork over money for something based on what it looks like and what condition it came in. Packaging, in short, can play a big role in the success of your business. But finding the right packaging presents...

Plastic Bags

Build your brand with industrial plastic bags personalized with your logo

Plastic shopping bags, plastic take-out bags, plastic trash bags -- plastic bags may not generate a lot of excitement on your business agenda, but these often overlooked items are essential to many businesses. For instance, plastic bags are a staple in retail and restaurant operations. For these businesses, personalized plastic bags can play a vital role in an overall marketing...

Plastic Boxes for Packaging, Shipping and Storage

Finding the best plastic boxes to display your wares or to store items

Plastic boxes can also play an important role in your storage system. Sturdy plastic storage boxes can protect goods and materials from the elements. Clear plastic storage boxes can allow you to view stored contents without having to manually move and open boxes. In addition, if you sell heavy products that need superior protection during shipping, you should consider using...

Plastic Containers

Select from a variety of plastic storage containers to help store, track and move inventory

For storing and organizing inventory, plastic containers get the job done. Plastic storage containers also act as a protective shield when transporting products from one location to the next. Options have never been more plentiful and today’s plastic storage bins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and price points. With all of this competition, it’s easy to get...

Portable Moving and Storage Containers Applications and Uses

Put portable moving and storage containers to work for you

Portable moving and storage containers applications and uses obviously include storage, but they go far beyond that. Portable moving container distributors no longer offer just plain boxes. You now have a large variety of options when using these containers for moving and storage. Even if they were designed for temporary use, it’s now easy to find a portable storage...

Portable Moving and Storage Containers Key Terms

Find the right portable moving and storage containers with knowledge of key terms

Whether you're moving office or simply need some extra storage space, portable moving and storage containers offer you the solutions you need. However, it's important to know all the terms associated with the industry in order to make sure that you purchase the right types of product or service. Use temporary storage when you simply need to make extra space, and a moving...

Portable Moving and Storage Containers Types and Styles

Learn about portable storage units to successfully move and store business items

Businesses often have a lot of important paperwork and other office items, making their need for portable moving containers and portable storage containers obvious and understandable. Portable storage units are ideal for businesses that have a number of items or documents which need to be kept on hand, but in an organized and subtle manner. Meanwhile, portable moving crates and...

Portable Moving and Storage Containers

Portable storage container rentals, sales and moving services

Portable moving and storage containers are a solution for both short- and long-term storage needs. Storage containers are delivered to your place of business, giving you easy access to your goods at any time of the day or night.A standard five by eight foot portable storage container will hold approximately 1.5 rooms of household or business goods. Most portable storage container...

Pricing and Costs of Container Leasing and Rental Services

Container renting costs vary widely, depending on which options you choose

Container leasing and rental services let you choose the size and type of container you want, along with any extras, but these options can cost you more money. How much you'll end up paying for storage container rentals varies greatly. For instance, a bare-bones refurbished model is generally much cheaper than a custom-designed new container rental.Factors that determine your...

Pricing and Costs of Corrugated Mailing Boxes

Search online for the best pricing and costs of corrugated mailing boxes

Corrugated shipping boxes take up a large part of the budget for mail order companies, online retailers and any store that ships a large quantity of product. However, online suppliers offer an array of prices from extremely cheap for small boxes to a higher range for custom boxes.The average pricing of corrugated boxes for mailing is between 13 cents to over $1, depending on size...

Pricing and Costs of Overnight Delivery Services

Getting that overnight letter there on time and on budget

When you're crunched for time, make sure you have an affordable and dependable overnight deliveries service to get important documents to their destination quickly and safely. When choosing an option for service, realize that the faster you want a package to arrive, the more it will cost.In fact, overnight delivery service companies can charge a premium for guaranteed delivery...

Pricing and Costs of Shipping Boxes

Choose cost-effective boxes for shipping and mailing

Any company that sells products will have to consider what types of shipping boxes are necessary for packaging customer orders. Even if your company doesn't sell a product, chances are you will need to ship packages regularly. Boxes used for mailing and shipping vary widely in terms of size, strength and materials. The pricing and costs of shipping boxes will affect your...

Pricing and Costs of Shipping Containers

Buying shipping containers can be a cost-effective global shipping solution

When your company buys shipping containers, there are a lot of factors to consider. Size, condition and extras like thermal lining or refrigeration all play a part in determining the cost of your cargo containers. Cargo containers for sale can be used, refurbished or new, and there are a variety of sizes and types of shipping and freight containers.These types include open-top...

Rebate Fulfillment

Find the rebate fulfillment solution to boost your business

Once you decide to offer a product rebate, you've got to work out the details for rebate fulfillment. Rebates provide a viable marketing solution for generating more interest in and sales for your product, so you want to accomplish it right the first time.You could attempt rebate fulfillment services in house with your existing employees, but you'd need software to get the...

Refrigerated Storage Services and Facilities

Selecting the right storage for frozen foods

Your most important asset is the product you sell, so protecting your goods from damage and keeping them fresh with refrigerated storage services is vital. It's big business: The frozen food and refrigerated products industry in the U.S. nets $230 billion yearly.Refrigerated storage units and warehouses are equipped with special technology to regulate temperature and may even...

Refrigerated Truck Shipping

How to arrange shipping with a refigerated shipping company or buy a refrigated truck

The shrimp were divine and the flowers freshly-cut. The kinds of things we take for granted, like fresh seafood and blossoms from foreign shores, depend on refrigerated LTL trucking (less-than-a-truckload) to exist.If your small business is basing its growth on just-in-time refrigerated transport of delicate foods and the like, a refrigerated truck shipping service and...

Retail Bags, Boxes and Cartons

Use packaging that fits your marketing and branding efforts

For many retailers, choosing the retail bags, shopping bags, retail boxes and shipping cartons for purchased merchandise falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But that can be a mistake. Not only do these simple items serve a primary function of protecting your products once they leave your store, but they can also be powerful marketing tools. Customers expect a shopping bag,...

Selecting and Storing Bubble Wrap Packaging Materials

The right bubble packing cuts losses due to shipping damages

To the recipient, bubble packaging is like the cardboard box a child's Christmas toy comes in: something to play with when bored with the item that it once wrapped. To the shipper, however, bubble packing is often a cost-cutting, more resilient and more flexible alternative to foam or tissue packaging.Bubble Wrap packaging consists of top and bottom layers of thin, low-density...

Selecting the Right Shipping Method

Shipping can cost your company a bundle if you don't investigate your options

As a business owner, you don't have time to master the intricacies of packaging, shipping rates and schedules. Whether you send packages worldwide on a regular basis or ship locally once a month, you can ease your shipping burden by understanding your unique shipping requirements and establishing a relationship with a reliable carrier. Fundamental steps that will take you in...

Shipping Boxes Types and Styles

Determine your boxes used for mailing based on your recipient

Are you using shipping boxes to mail items to another location of your own company? Are you shipping to an important client? Are you moving locations and shipping to yourself? Who you are shipping to can help determine the boxes used for mailing. If you are shipping store to store, traditional corrugated boxes for shipping should be just fine. As would be the case if you are...

Shipping Boxes

Purchase boxes used for shipping that fit your product, style and budget

Boxes used for mailing need to sufficiently protect the products inside. Available in a wide array of sizes, styles and prices, shipping boxes should fit the product well, offer protection during handling and sustain structural integrity during shipping.Whether you need corrugated boxes for shipping, insulated shipping boxes or shipping boxes in a variety of sizes, an experienced...

Shipping Cases

For shipping cases, online shopping offers the quickest avenue to multiple options

When traveling with expensive, sensitive or fragile equipment, look for a shipping cases manufacturer or supplier that carries cases to protect your valuables. Your work may entail industrial, sports, electronics, military, medical, commercial or government applications that necessitate traveling with items that can break with excessive jarring or exposure to the elements.Whether...

Shipping Containers Key Terms

Get to know your shipping container industry terms to save time and trouble

People familiar with the shipping business and shipping containers often use terms the average business person isn't familiar with. This can cause confusion, and waste time that could otherwise be spent selecting features or finalizing purchases of cargo containers. Knowing industry terms can improve and speed up searches and product comparisons, among other things.You're...

Shipping Containers Types and Styles

Promote convenience and productivity regarding commercial shipping by learning about the variations between containers

Any business or commercial entity which provides a type of good to the consumer may need to ship the goods in cargo containers or another sort of shipping containers. By investing in improper shipping containers, businesses may be wasting money and resources. Buying shipping containers that are best suited for one's individual business can be time consuming at first, since it...

Shipping and Rating Software

Compare mailing rates from multiple carriers with a shipping software program

When your business has large amounts of inventory to send out, you’ll want to install shipping and rating software for use in your warehouse. Once you download the rating software, you can calculate the amounts you’ll have to pay to ship out a product and then pass that cost onto your customer.Shipping software can give you the ability to look at different rates from a...

Shrink Wrap Supplies Online

How to get shrink wrap products with online orders

In any business where palletized product has to be shipped out, shrink wrap is a must. Busy warehouses use shrink wrap machines to dole out the plastic adhesive as the pallet spins slowly; low-tech shops just have rolls of shrink wrap on hand that workers apply to products manually. Things you should know about shrink wrap supplies online:1. Online vendors can ship you shrink wrap...

Small Package Delivery in Africa

How to find courier services in Africa for shipping small packages

Small package delivery in Africa is necessary for many companies in this age of international business. Any industry with customers anywhere in the African continent can find themselves needing to ship products rapidly and safely. However, the delivery of small packages in Africa can be much less straightforward than similar shipping in North America or in Europe.Shipping to...

Small Package Delivery in Asia News and Trends

Learn where to spot current information on Asian small package delivery companies

Asia package delivery is a gigantic business. When you have a customer half-way around the world, you want to make sure that your small package delivery service gets the item there in tip-top shape. So in order to stay up-to-date on the companies that are providing that service it's wise to follow the news and trends of that company.But before you go hunting around the...

Small Package Delivery in Asia

Find a company to help you navigate international package delivery

Asian small package delivery services can help your American-based business expand across the globe. The burgeoning marketplace in China, combined with the existing presence in Japan and other Asian countries, make for boundless opportunities for profit and business success.Package shipping in Asia allows you to keep your overseas team connected to home. Offering everything ...

Small Package Delivery in Europe Key Terms

Some key terms for delivering packages in Europe

To many U.S. businesses, the idea of successfully delivering packages to customers in Europe is intimidating. The parcel has to make its way across the pond and then be distributed locally to a specific location in a European Union nation. But there are services that help American companies ship and deliver these items efficiently. Reading up on some of the options for getting...

Small Package Delivery in Europe

Find the right Europe delivery services for your business

Companies with same-day delivery in Europe provide your business with package delivery in as fast as two hours. If you need a package delivered overnight or the next day, Europe has local offices for major shipping companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS, who can take care of your small package delivery in Europe needs.There are many courier businesses offering delivery services to...

Small Package Delivery in Illinois

Find the right Illinois courier services for your business

Same day delivery services in Illinois provide your business with delivery of your packages in as fast as two hours. If you need to have a package delivered nationwide or globally, Illinois has local offices for DHL and USPS who can take care of all your Illinois small package delivery needs.There are many courier businesses offering small package delivery services in Illinois, so...

Small Package Delivery in Massachusetts

Find the right Massachusetts small package delivery service for your business

Massachusetts courier services provide your business with same day delivery in as fast as two hours. If you need to have a package delivered nationwide or globally, MA has local offices for DHL and USPS who can take care of all your delivery service in Massachusetts.There are many courier services offering small package delivery in Massachusetts, so make sure you choose one with...

Small Package Delivery in Rhode Island

Find the right Rhode Island courier services for your business

Rhode Island delivery companies provide your business with same day delivery in as fast as two hours. If you need to have a package delivered nationwide or globally, Rhode Island has local offices for DHL and USPS who can take care of all your Rhode Island small package delivery needs.There are many courier services offering small package delivery in Rhode Island, so make sure you...

Specialized Trucking Transport

Specialized transportation requires research and careful attention to laws concerning hazardous materials transport

When your company deals with oversized transport issues such as industrial machinery or military machinery, specialized trucking transport rules and regulations come into play. Many oversized transport services are available, but not all offer the same quality of transport. Specialized truck transportation such as house-moving is a specialty that requires skilled people who are...

Starting a Wedding Consultant Business Key Terms

When starting a wedding consultant business, key terms will help you down the aisle

Weddings are a billion dollar a year industry in today’s society. It can be a very lucrative field to get into if you are a vendor offering goods and services to brides. Many brides hire wedding consultants to assist them with the planning and execution of their special day, from planning the event, selecting the venue, choosing the dress and arranging for invitations,...

Starting a Wedding Consultant Business

Follow the right steps to make starting a wedding consultant business an exciting, successful endeavor

Starting a wedding consultant business can be a very exciting endeavor, but one that requires much accountability among the many employees, clients and vendors involved. Many people consider the entrepreneurial route, but it is a risky road to take, especially if you don't set yourself up for success. You don't have to sell a unique product, but you should offer a...

Steel Key Terms

Enhance your understanding of steel properties and uses through important steel key terms

Steel is an integral part of most load-bearing structures and is a key component in products used every day. Composed primarily of iron and carbon, steel is a strong and durable material that can be altered to suit a variety of uses.From stainless steel to maraging steel, steel is used in homes and in industrial settings. To ensure you understand steel fundamentals, learn about...

Storage Bins and Storage Totes for Business

Variety and functionality are the operative words in todays storage bins and totes

Nearly every industry from food processing to computer assembly requires the use of storage bins and totes. That is why today’s bins and totes are so highly specialized. While plastic storage totes and stackable plastic bins are the standard, there are a multitude of materials, sizes, systems and configurations that offer solutions to a wide variety of business and...

Storage and Shipping Containers

Getting your all-important supplies and finished goods to market dry and intact

What would the world be without the omnipresent shipping container, aka, "the box"? Probably a lot poorer. Shipping containers have taken over world trade, and although industrial and invariably ugly, they do serve a long-needed purpose: total storage container control over goods in transit, come high water or heavy weather.Working with shipping containers is a matter of...

Supplies for Material Management

Finding some software supplies for material management online

Material management has come a long way from the days of simple human observation. The rise of technology has provided a lot of assistance with these tasks of quantification and complex decision-making. Specifically, there are a number of software tools that are extremely helpful for outfitting material management staff with the right supplies for success.To supply material...

Sweepstakes Fulfillment

Hire a sweepstakes fulfillment company to ensure your event's success

If you've decided you want your company to sponsor a sweepstakes contest as a marketing tool to promote your company, contract out the sweepstakes fulfillment to avoid an unnecessarily huge burden on your company. Essentially, you only need to come up with the idea, and a sweepstakes fulfillment company can take it from there.Contracting out your contest fulfillment takes the...

Tips to Starting a Wedding Consultant Business

Theres a growing demand for consultants who can produce a brides dream wedding

Wedding consultants have a knack for calming frantic brides. They’re adept at hammering out contracts with vendors. And, they have the know-how to size up tuxedos and reception halls with equal authority. You can start a business as a wedding consultant without much start-up capital. But to thrive in this competitive field, you need an agreeable personality, a passion for...

Training for Material Management

Options in training staff on materials management tools and processes

If you are in charge of helping a group of management professionals handle complex in-house processes, taking a look at your existing material management setup might help. These days, companies in all kinds of industries are using advances materials management software tools to promote synergy between human initiative and technological power. To advance in this area of your...

Transportation Brokers

Lighten the load of shipping goods by finding the right broker

Your company's shipping needs may have outgrown retail shipping companies, but securing quotes from and monitoring the routes of trucking companies can be daunting. For that reason, many small businesses turn to transportation brokers to help navigate the sometimes tricky ins and outs of arranging for the right transportation. Working with a transportation broker can help...

Transporting Livestock by Truck

Hiring livestock trucks while safeguarding your livelihood

Transporting livestock by truck, whether you need to hire a one-horse trailer or a cattle truck, requires planning, coordination, and sometimes, professional help.Hauling livestock by truck is a proposition that often involves independent livestock shippers. If you'd rather leave the details to someone with more experience, however, livestock trucking can be handled by...

US Based Air Courier Services

Air courier services help you expedite precious cargo

US air couriers help you send your packages rapidly and with great care. Their services keep you competitive by delivering top-notch products fast. Whether it’s merchandise or a recovery package, air courier services deliver.US based air courier services come in all shapes and sizes, and most would bend over backwards to earn your business. Shop around and find the one that...

US-Based Air Freight Forwarders

US air freight forwarders offer you more than just flights of fancy

Commerce is a moving, living entity that has to stay on the go to be successful. Enter air freight forwarders in the US who provide you transportation solutions for your product moving needs. The company that I work for sends out and ships back equipment on a daily basis. We would not be in business without our US air freight forwarder and logistics company. US freight forwarders...

Using Metal Containers

Discover functional and appealing ways for putting metal storage containers to use

Metal containers come in a variety of shapes and elements. Tin, steel and aluminum make up the most frequently used items. Business owners can choose from anything from tin canisters to aluminum bottles or paint cans to steel drums or storage units. Metal containers offer a more secure and protective, and, in some respects, appealing way of storing and shipping items.Nearly every...

Using Small Package Delivery in Europe

Determine the options for delivery in Europe

Using small package delivery in Europe does not have to put you out of business. You need reliable service, but compare prices for the best service. Choose ASAP service when it has to get there now, same day service for less urgent needs or next or two day service when it is not urgent.These services cost different prices, so make sure you choose what your business needs are so...

Using a 20-Foot Container

Get the most of your 20-foot storage containers

Consider buying a 20-foot container for storage, shipping needs or even extra office space. Cargo containers have many more uses than just typical shipping. There are many sales and rental companies, and even container manufacturers, which rent and sell 20-foot storage containers for storage only. They offer many options to make the container as useful to you as possible from...

Wooden Containers

Locate and order from vendors that carry the right types of wood containers

If you are a small business that has to ship using wooden containers, then you need to find a reliable supplier that can offer you the best prices on their products. Before placing your initial order, you’ll have to estimate your wooden container needs and the grade of these containers. Most often, if you order your wooden containers directly from the manufacturer, they can...

Working With Pick and Pack Services

Stay informed when working with pick and ship companies

Whether you own an e-commerce company selling products on the Internet or you have a well-established catalog or other sales business, fulfilling orders is always a large part of your business. Working with pick and pack services can make fulfillment a lot less stressful and even less expensive. Companies that outsource their order processing to pick and pack services save on...