Newsletter July 28, 2020 – Highlights, Updates & Insights

Download the online edition now to access updated reports and overseas distribution figures, and start by applying the steps outlined in the process notes. This issue pulls together newsletters from regional teams to inform your planning.

Highlights show a 4.2% rise in ocean freight rates in July across top lanes. Maersk added 12 weekly sailings on Asia–Europe corridors, and australian import volumes rose 6% month over month.

Updates include a refreshed magazine section, new online services for shipment tracking, and updated dokumentácia templates. Find the latest templates under Documentation in the online portal to streamline your workflows and reduce manual entry.

Insights for overseas teams and supply partners: verify your distribution list now, confirm key contact details, and align shipment schedules with the carrier network. Download the latest document package to ensure you’re using current templates and data across all corridors.

4-6 practical topics for immediate action

Centralize customer inquiries on one efficient platform to reduce handling time and align teams across platforms.

1. WhatsApp and phone alignment: Set up WhatsApp Business API integrated with your phone and CRM. Create 5 templates for common questions (orders, tracking, returns), route inquiries to a single queue for faster action, and enable instant responses. Keep related documentation accessible to agents for quick reference.
2. European shipping optimization: Map key destinations, select 2-3 reliable carriers, and configure guaranteed delivery windows. Update documentation with local rules, duties, and VAT handling. Sharing accurate destination data helps avoid delays and keeps customers informed.
3. Global visibility via platforms: Use an integrated platform stack (CRM, marketing automation, logistics trackers) to push real-time updates. Send proactive messaging about order status, shipping progress, and changes in ETA to customers via WhatsApp and phone that increases trust. This approach demonstrates that you provide consistent, timely information.
4. Supply chain change management: Establish a supplier portal and weekly status emails. Link purchase orders to shipments and provide live updates on supply delays. Maintain up-to-date documentation and change notes to prevent miscommunication.
5. Actionable performance metrics: Track response time, escalation rate, on-time delivery, and carrier performance by destination. Use dashboards to spot bottlenecks and adjust workflows quickly. Report insights to marketing and operations to drive continuous improvement.

Inventory status by SKU and allocation decisions

Recommendation: keep 25% as safety stock and allocate 75% of on-hand inventory to the top-volume SKUs based on forecasted volumes; update this allocation in the daily report and push updates across all platforms by the end of each time window. Provide a link to the allocation sheet so their teams can read the amendments and keep documentation current. Monitor fill rates daily to ensure targets stay within range.

Snapshot: Total on-hand 14,500 units; volumes by SKU: A1 4,500 (31%), B2 3,200 (22%), C3 2,300 (16%), D4 1,900 (13%), E5 1,100 (8%), others 1,500 (10%). Forecast next week 9,200 units. Target fill rates at 98%.

Channel plan: online orders receive priority; allocate 80% of high-volume SKUs to online channels and 20% to platforms serving store pick-up or reship; adjust via the report and apply amendments to time-limited windows; keep the level of service steady for their customers and avoid stockouts.

Operational steps: run the scab-tagged items daily in the system and adjust manually 2–3 SKUs if fill rates drop below target; maintain a living documentation and provide a weekly updates package to stakeholders; include a link to the related amendments page and the documentation for audit.

Next actions: schedule a daily read of reports by the end of the business day, update the источник with the latest numbers, and publish a new report with time-stamped amendments; ensure their teams have online access to the dashboard and that the documentation stays current.

Dispatch readiness: packing, labeling, and carrier pickup

Begin with a single master carton and a document packet inside: the invoice, packing list, and any amendments required by the carrier. Include all necessary documents in that packet and attach a preprinted label on the top surface; ensure the level of protection matches the shipment. Schedule the carrier pickup at least 24 hours in advance; friday slots tend to fill first, so book early to avoid delays.

Use sturdy materials, fill voids with cushioning, seal edges, and add a moisture barrier. For heavy shipments, palletize as needed. Addons like foam inserts, corner posts, or strap kits improve stability and protect the contents during ocean or ground service.

Labeling guidelines: place the primary label on the top surface, include ship-to address, shipment number, and destination country; add a second label inside the carton with the same details in case the outer label detaches; ensure barcodes stay readable and not knocked down.

Documents for european and canada routes must include a properly completed document packet, such as the commercial invoice and packing list, plus any amendments; verify currency, terms, and HS code where available; if changes occur, use chat to request updates.

Carrier pickup process: share pickup details with the service, confirm the window, and provide a contact method; for ocean shipments, note the ocean service in the shipment profile; use chat or help desk to adjust bookings or addons; if you need guidance, read the details in the newsletter.

Tracking and continuity: keep a digital copy and attach it to the shipment record; stay aligned with european and canada bookings; continue to monitor status, and find any mismatch early; when you read the updates, you can prevent delays.

Value and next steps: following this approach reduces delays, saves time, and boosts service value; review the friday pickup cadence, update year-to-date bookings, and stay prepared for the next shipment.

Product updates: fixes, changes, and release notes

Install the latest release now to fix the processing gap on customs data and move shipments smoothly across global routes. This update tightens the handle for incoming entries and reduces spot errors that blocked long orders.

The release adds a refined processing flow, updated field mapping for european forms, and a safer supply check. It improves the online submission path, enhances error handling, and fixes a bug that caused volumes to drop when the data set grows.

For ocean shipments, the change shortens port delays and aligns validation across regions. Teams should understand the new rules and verify needed fields before friday cycles to avoid holds at customs.

Access the link to the full release notes in this newsletter. The notes describe what moved, what stayed stable, and how the supply and volumes are managed in european markets. Updates will continue online to assist other teams with the rollout.

To act now, coordinate with the logistics team at your site and set a long testing window to validate the change. At the regional level, with high volumes, run a parallel flow first to confirm performance and avoid surprises during peak periods.

Should you need help, reach out via the online support channel and attach a sample file to help us understand the edge case. Our team will respond quickly and keep the update path transparent for global, european, and other regions.

Customer impact: order changes, refunds, and FAQs

Call our support line or whatsapp now to confirm any order changes within 24 hours to lock in your destination and price. This helps customers avoid delays and unnecessary surcharges.

We have heard from customers during the year about different needs, and this update reflects those insights.

Order changes: starting now, you can move a shipment to a different destination or adjust item quantities directly from the order page or by contacting support. Updates appear in real time and the ETA refresh on your account within minutes. If a change affects cost, the increase is shown instantly so you can approve or cancel right away.

Our team explains how each change will impact timing and cost so you can understand the options before you confirm.

Refunds: refunds go back to the original payment method. For most refunds, processing takes 5-7 business days after approval; in the european region, refunds follow local banking cycles, with an additional day or two depending on the issuer. Instant credits may appear in some wallets, depending on the payment method used.

FAQ: How can I track the status of a change? We send instant updates via email, show progress in reports, and push whatsapp alerts if you opt in. You can also check the live status in your account any time.

FAQ: Can I cancel a change after it’s moved? If the carrier already started moving the package, cancellation may incur a fee. Confirm changes before the move to minimize charges.

FAQ: How is my privacy protected on whatsapp? Messages are encrypted; we limit data collection to what’s needed for collection and delivery, and you can request a data export at any time.

FAQ: Do changes ever involve surcharges? Yes, some route or method changes incur surcharges. We outline any fees before you confirm, and you can choose to proceed or revert.

We support european shipments with the same guarantees and service levels.

This year, we streamlined refunds and updates to speed up responses.

We will continue to support service across all destinations and ensure proactive communication is available via phone or whatsapp during our standard time.

For other questions, check the FAQs in this newsletter release and contact us by phone or whatsapp.

Shipping timelines and escalation paths for teams

Set a 24-hour escalation SLA and publish it on platforms and in newsletters to ensure teams respond with instant updates to customers and carriers. Assign a single owner per route to have clear responsibilities.

To keep timelines tight, capture needed fields at once: destination, port, origin, carrier, service level, and latest status. Use platform alerts to speed up responses. When a status stalls, you should contact the carrier, read the live feed, and manually update the ETA. If a delay affects the destination, review whether spot rates or additional fees apply, and amend the route with an amendment. Ensure the certificate for goods is in place before final handover. Carrier says the port is congested, so plan to route via a nearby port or alternate ocean lane when supply constraints occur. The team should handle updates and share progress in newsletters to customers and internal teams.