Firebox Global Logistics Ltd

29/09/2021

Where does reliability rank for you as a quality in business?

I'm sure the majority of us would put reliability either at the top or near the very top of our lists for things we look for when placing our faith in the services of another business. When the market you operate in is fiercely competitive, second chances are few and far between, so if you don't deliver what you promise, you likely won't get another opportunity to prove your worth.

The is at an all-time low when it comes to reliability. As Sea trade maritime newsreport, analysts at Sea-Intelligence "saw schedule reliability dropping to 33.6%, its lowest level in the 10 years [...] No lines managed to score 50% schedule reliability in August, and six registered less than 20%."

At Firebox Global Logistics Ltd we witness first-hand, often daily, container ship lines letting our customers and us down. Just the other week one of the major shipping companies cancelled a customer's order (which had been booked for three weeks) the day before it was due to be loaded. These occurrences are rife across the industry at current and, despite record profits being posted every quarter since the end of last year, shows little sign of changing anytime soon.

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/container-line-schedule-reliability-hits-new-low-336

Container line schedule reliability hit an all-time-low in August according to analysts Sea-Intelligence.

22/09/2021

Christmas toy price rises and stock shortages warning

That's the stark headline from BBC News yesterday. What's most worrying is that this isn't scare-mongering, it's simply a reality, one that we are all too experienced with over this past year at Firebox Global Logistics Ltd.

The wider public have a lot more awareness of delays and issues facing road haulage within the as well as issues facing the . We've all been warned of prices going up, shelves having gaps and a general lack of availability.

Combine this with the rises we are about to see in gas and electric price and it paints a pretty dreary Christmas scene, particularly as the gas shortage could also lead to a potential issue in the of meat production, which could lead to disappointment for the Christmas dinner plates of all the carnivores out there.

Have you started preparing for Christmas already? Perhaps you've been buying things just in case they run out and hiding them at the back of cupboards/bottom of the freezer?

There's less than 100 days until the big day, after all...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-58629620

One toy firm says rising shipping costs and HGV driver shortages are making for "a perfect storm".

15/09/2021

This recent article from BBC News gives a small glimpse into the massive, daily issues we are seeing at Firebox Global Logistics Ltd for both us an our customers. Almost every industry is suffering either directly or indirectly from the many, well-reported difficulties that have beset global shipping over the past 18 months.

Shipping companies, however, seem to be making hay whilst the sun shines and then some. "Sending one 40ft container from Asia to Europe costs $17,500 (£12,650), more than 10 times the price of a year ago, says George Griffiths, editor of global container markets at S&P Global Platts. He adds that some shipping companies are now charging premium rates to guarantee delivery within a few weeks, for example, and that importers are also attempting to outbid one another, offering extra cash to snap up containers over their rivals."

As Business Standard also reported a couple of days ago, "The global shipping industry is getting its biggest payday since 2008" and it's this element which makes it difficult to swallow when everyone else involved, from the initial manufacturer sourcing materials right through to the end user of the product, is suffering. The situation has inevitably caused product shortages across many retail stores, right in the build up towards the Christmas trading period.

I hope that your business hasn't been too badly affected by import or export difficulties. If you need any help with your global logistics, drop me a message and we will do our best to help.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58479148

A shortage of vessels is hampering global trade and may lead to empty shelves before Christmas.

09/09/2021

Our North East Regional Manager spent today at EMCON Engineering & Manufacturing Show in Newton Aycliffe, an event superbly organised by the Engineering & Manufacturing Network.

A fantastic showcase of some of the wonderful businesses we have right here in the North East and a great chance to learn and discuss potential ways of working together in the future.

We look forward to the next event!

08/09/2021

With rates rising to unprecedented levels this year and showing little sign of stopping, combined with constant congestion at ports and the on-going issue with hauliers disrupting the , a growing number of businesses have started to look at air freight for moving their cargo where possible.

Moving products by air is an extremely quick way to get your goods to your required destination. Although it is undoubtedly more expensive that moving stock by ship, the market is looking ever more competitive the longer the situation at sea continues, and often time saved can be money saved in the long run.

Do you have any upcoming shipments you would consider moving via air freight? Or perhaps you already move goods by air but would like a comparative rate? Drop me a message and Firebox Global Logistics Ltd will strive to offer you a competitive quote and an unparalleled level of service from door to destination.

01/09/2021

Supply chain issues continue to bite, with McDonald's being the latest company to reveal shortages of milkshakes and bottled drinks.

This follows a shortage of chicken at Nando's (which KFC have also warned about) and Arla are unable to fulfil some orders to supermarkets due to the shortage of drivers.

Although it was always on the cards (and the shortage of qualified HGV drivers is not a new phenomenon), the combination of the , annual Summer leave and the lasting effects of immigration rules have come together to cause a real blow to the leisure and retail sector as it struggles to recover from the effects of .

We've certainly seen first-hand at Firebox Global Logistics Ltd how the driver shortage situation has lead to problems for our customers with their and requirements.

Have supply chain issues effected your business lately? Or perhaps you've noticed, as a consumer, prices have risen or choices are more limited?

Source: BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58315152

Supply issues at English, Welsh and Scottish outlets are due to the lorry driver shortage, the firm says.

28/07/2021

I'm very lucky to have this view almost on my doorstep, which is certainly a benefit of setting up a North East office for Firebox Global Logistics Ltd

It also means I'm not too worried about inevitably not getting abroad for a this year. Various news outlets such as BBC News, and Sky News have reported over 300% rises in bookings across the UK for the Summer holidays.

What sights do you have in your local area that you enjoy visiting or are grateful for?

Will any of you swap a holiday abroad (again) for a staycation? Let me know your plans below!

21/07/2021

Another reminder that is still very much an on-going issue.

BBC News report that Marks and Spencer will reduce the amount of stock they send to Northern Ireland because of "current "pointless" checks" that threaten big delays when they kick in come September.

It's another kick in the teeth to many businesses struggling with the multitude of issues challenging export and logistics in general.

Only time will tell if a deal can be thrashed out to prevent headaches like this with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57899239

Chairman Archie Norman says customs checks will mean higher prices and less choice for customers.

13/07/2021

This could be handy for some of our Yorkshire-based customers.

https://bifa.org/news/articles/2021/jul/goods-bound-for-channel-tunnel-can-clear-customs-in-south-yorkshire?l=y

The Government has agreed that iPort Rail in Doncaster can become an inland customs facility, making it the first Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SFRI) in the UK to achieve this designation.

07/07/2021

Although the Ever Given only blocked the Suez Canal for a week, it has taken three months for a deal to be reached between the vessel's owners and the insurers.

The problem is that the effects are still being felt across the logistics industry where the delay of goods are hurting the businesses and frustrating consumers.

As reported by BBC News, "The value of the goods inside the Ever Given's 18,000 containers has been estimated at $775m". These included stock from huge multi-nationals such as IKEA and Lenovo but also thousands of much smaller companies whose business was hurt by the situation.

Have you or your business been affected by the recent and ongoing shipping and logistics issues? What plans do you have in place if your supply chain fails?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57719551

Egypt agrees a compensation deal with the impounded Ever Given's owners and insurers.

06/07/2021

Hopefully technology that can continue to improve to help reduce the emissions across the sea freight industry.

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/environmental/significant-step-forward-carbon-capture-sea

Real-life tests to capture carbon dioxide on board ship have been successfully completed by Alfa Laval, Japan’s National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI) and an undisclosed Japanese shipowner.