An Interview with the Operations Analyst at this Book importer.
Interview Highlights:
- Established educational publishers need consistent, efficient logistics.
- Full access to Cargo Brokers’ shipping experts available with cross-office support.
- Cargo Brokers acts as shipping department.
Importing and the Power of Relationships
As a publisher of teaching aids, much of the procurement is kept stateside. However, there are pieces that need to be produced in China to offer competitive pricing. Things like pocket charts for teachers. That’s why this US book and teaching supplier relies on Cargo Brokers.
We use Cargo Brokers to operate all of our imports from China for us. Said the Operations Analyst at this customer.
They then went on to explain, “We’re a small company and we don’t have the staff to figure out tariffs, source transportation and take care of everything. We make a purchase from our vendors in the Far East, and complete production. Then, we work with Cargo Brokers to get us the best sailing schedule, shipping times and carriers to bring the product in as quickly and economically as possible. Plus they do clear customs for us.”
This customer ships approx. 100 full containers each year. Some months, as many as 20 containers clear port. When those containers arrive, shipments may need to go immediately to the major retailers that we all know across the country.
Because of Cargo Brokers, this importer doesn’t have to ship their containers from Long Beach, California to headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina only to send them back to markets in California. Cargo Brokers handles warehousing, fulfillment and trucking. It’s much more efficient.
“We sometimes can get into fairly complex business models. We deal with people who order from us directly. We have business with major book and high street retailers. Sometimes the inventory needs are extraordinary.”
“Of course over the years this US importer has tried other freight forwarding companies, including multinationals. They have been much happier with Cargo Brokers’ responsiveness, it was explained, “The major companies don’t have that hands-on customer service attitude.”
They appreciate the support of the entire Cargo Brokers’ team. They have access to both the Charlotte staff and the Atlanta and corporate office staff and resources.
“That’s why Cargo Brokers is good. Because they take that one-on-one relationship and become partners,” this customer concluded.