The Brief

The client is a globally recognised leader in track maintenance, inspection services, and infrastructure optimisation. Seeking to enhance their USA to Australia supply chain, they approached Willship International, a Brisbane-based international freight forwarders and customs brokerage, for a comprehensive review of their existing shipping methodology.

The Solution

Upon careful evaluation, we uncovered an opportunity for significant improvements. The client had been purchasing 40’ containers of grindstones from their supplier in Worcester, Massachusetts. Their current freight forwarder had established a process involving a semi-trailer collecting pallets of grind stones from the factory, transporting them to a depot in New York, unloading the truck, and then loading the pallets into a 40ft container for shipping from New York port to Brisbane.

This approach struck us as inefficient, considering that Worcester to New York entails a 3-hour drive, while Boston port is just a 1-hour journey away. To validate our findings, we obtained shipping rates from both New York and Boston, discovering that shipping from Boston was approximately 20% cheaper with minimal difference in transit times.

Results

With this insight, we proactively engaged with the supplier to explore an alternative shipping method. We proposed the idea of directly loading a 40ft container at their facility, eliminating the need for intermediate steps. The supplier agreed, and by reconfiguring the origin port, optimizing the local transport method, and refining the loading methodology, we successfully saved our client over USD $3000.00 per shipment. This translated to a remarkable annual cost reduction of more than USD $36,000.00.

At Willship, when speaking with potential new clients, we conduct comprehensive reviews of their existing shipping methodologies. Our objective is to identify potential areas for improvement, be it through transport method optimisation, exploring alternative load ports with more cost-effective or expedited options, or scrutinizing the arrival, customs clearance, and delivery processes to uncover further savings or time efficiencies.

With the client’s permission, we also proactively engage with their suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and develop tailored plans that align with their business objectives.

We understand the importance of continually refining supply chain operations to drive efficiency and reduce costs. Willship’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions and facilitating seamless collaboration between stakeholders sets us apart. At Willship International, we are dedicated to optimizing your supply chain to enhance your business’s profitability and to ensure operational effectiveness.

If you seek enhancements in your existing shipping procedures and are in search of a freight forwarders capable of cutting down costs and time, reach out to Willship International. Contact us at commercial@willship.com.au and together, we can streamline and simplify your freight strategy for a more efficient and stress-free experience.