When it comes to international shipping, you probably associate it with those giant freighters that make their way across the water. Those humongous shipping containers require a lot of safety and sanitation to make sure they are fit to take across international lines. It’s all done in the best interest of consumer protection. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make sure that your container shipping company is operating seamlessly from load-in to load-out.
Understanding Methods of Fumigation
Using fumigation services is crucial to making sure cargo is free of any unwanted critters like bed bugs or termites. Container Fumigation Services use pesticides and fumigants to fill an entire place and halt an infestation. This can be done by fumigating the premises of a cargo ship, an empty container, or the cargo itself meant for export. This is all in the name of pest control, along with regular requirements that come with overseas transport.
There are two main methods of fumigation: Full Container Load and the Less-than Container Load. The Full Container Load, or FCL, method is the pumping of gas into a locked container with the cargo still inside. This fumigation container is then ventilated prior to closing back up and sealing for travel. The Less-than Container, or LCL, method keeps cargo separate from the container by placing it under an airtight covering. It’s fumigated under this covering and is then kept out in the open to lose the odor of the fumigants like sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide to make sure that these product pests don’t come along for the journey.
Maintaining International Standards
Regardless of whether the freight forwarder is coming into port in the United States or leaving the U.S., there is a strict set of international regulations that must be adhered to for safe shipping. The International Plant Protection Convention, alongside the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, has issued regulatory requirements that promote container fumigation and pest control. This is important to constantly monitor for any changes to these protocols.
Some countries are put under greater targeting to make sure cargo is cleared for delivery. This includes making sure that proper commodity fumigation is occurring with additional adjustments for risk countries. This can change annually with some changes made seasonally depending on region and rodent. Fumigation specialists are also monitored under the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures. There are certain chemicals that are utilized in order for some products to be able to go out for export. This is sometimes set by US Customs standards.
Back-Office Matters
Just like any other company, you need to stay on top of your books to make sure your operating expenses are under control. When April 15th rolls around, it’s important those tax return mailing envelopes are given over to a mailing service in time. Work within your organization to make sure important documents are accounted for ahead of a paper check before sending that envelope off to the IRS or W-2 forms out to employees. These are crucially important when dealing with the Internal Revenue Service.
Considering international standards that are put in place, shipping companies need to make sure that their corporate software operates safely and securely. This includes the use of an anti-virus scan, and help from technicians to install protocols that keep important information under lock and key. Make sure your network administrator has functions in place to make sure that confidential data is only seen by those with the clearance to see this. In keeping these logs properly maintained, any type of business document can be properly filed and accounted for to make sure there are no hiccups in shipping operations.
