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Shipping Cargo Internationally for the First Time

Staff — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:49:44 +0000

When you need to move freight over seas, the process is not like moving something to the next town or the next state. Conditions aboard a freighter are extreme, and even cargo that has been secured runs the risk of falling over board. In addition to personnel and transit costs, you will need cargo containers for sale to move stock. In order to make sure that your cargo gets to its destination, arrives on time, and that your company suffers minimal loss on the transaction, read these tips.

Be Ready for Transport

The best thing you can do is prepare for the move in any way that you can. The day of the move, drivers should have to do little more than load your crate. Make sure all of your stock is accounted for, and inside the intermodal container. At this point, all of your customs paper work should be completed. You are typically charged by the hour to move stock, so you can begin to minimize losses right from the start if you’re ready to move when the time comes.

Prepare Containers for Extreme Weather

Shipping containers are built to weather a variety of conditions, but you need to make sure your stock is prepared for anything. If you are shipping perishable goods, for instance, don’t count on cool weather to maintain your temperature. You need to get a refrigeration unit that will keep your crate at a regulated temperature. In addition, check the corners and walls of your crate for breaches. Water damage caused by rain or ocean spray can cause mold and damage to your stock.

Insurance

The contents of your container should be insured to the fullest extent. It’s not a question of if there will be problems, it’s a matter of when the problems will occur. You want to make sure that you are financially shielded from events that are largely out of your hands. The costs of insurance in shipping are well worth the costs of insurance coverage for your containers and stock.

Research the Process of Freight Forwarding

The more you know about the process of shipping, the more in touch you are with items in transit. Shipping has changed dramatically over the years. While it has not stopped all losses overseas, it’s much easier to account for where a crate is at any given moment. This helps vendors maintain the cold chain and develop a clear picture of how much stock they have and how much they have lost.

Related Story: A Better Way to Transport

Related Story: Basic Guide to Shipping

Preparing Freight for Shipment

Staff — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 21:58:45 +0000

Containers have changed modern shipping for the better, allowing manufacturers and farmers to reach a wider customer base. However, great thought goes into these shipping lanes. Breaking the cold chain, for instance, can result in huge losses. Here is a list of tips to help you prepare your freight for shipment, and identify which containers will work best for you.

Perishable Cargo

If you’re shipping items like fruits and vegetables, you need to be sure your stock will remain at a consistent temperature. Breaking the cold chain is one of the primary reasons farmers claim losses in their stock. Buy shipping containers that have refrigeration units mounted to the outside. These air conditioner like units help to regulate the interior of the container. These containers also have thick insulation designed to keep cool air in and force warm air out. Maintaining the cold chain is also required through regulation. It’s considered unsafe to ship without adequate refrigeration, and the consumer can be harmed in the process.

Loading Concerns

Sometimes, access is key to maintaining efficiency. For this reason, used shipping containers for sale sometimes have an accessible side door or roof. This allows workers to easily carry stock from the container, and it’s great for those who need to move bulky items. There are also situations where access is needed from a certain angle. This happens a lot in construction, where the container contains materials shipped to a jobsite with limited access. You can crane the container into the job site, then position it so that the door is accessible.

Security and Branding

For some companies, branding is a serious concern. Shipping containers are valuable pieces of brand real estate for those who utilize them well. You can purchase your shipping container and paint it yourself, but some container manufacturers will brand it for you. They may also have options to add a lockbox. If you expect your container will remain outdoors for the foreseeable future, invest in a lock box. These fittings allow limited access to the door mechanism, and leave space for a heavy-duty lock. It also protects that lock from tampering by housing it inside of a steel container.

Final Thoughts

How you deal with the freight you ship is just as important as planning the move. Both are opportunities to save money on transport, so try and reduce the risk of cutting the cold chain by using the proper container for the job.
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Port Containers sells shipping containers in all sizes. Find intermodal containers to rent or buy when you shop with Port Containers online.

Managing an Office Move

Staff — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 21:28:45 +0000

Written by: Port Containers

Moving an office takes some logistical planning. You might need ISO containers for your office furniture, or you might have to plan for a certain amount of movers to get things done in your time frame. It all starts by evaluating what you need to transport. Here are some tips to help you manage every aspect of your office move.

Planning

Before you buy shipping containers, you need to plan what to move. Choose a team that will over see the move, and gather them for weekly meetings leading up to the move. Take inventory of everything that needs to be packed, and create a time line to accomplish the move and get back up and running at the new location. Collect all the information you can find about the new location and make some trips to test the hardware (lighting and doorways). Begin to plan the layout of your new office with hand or computer drawings showing where everything will go.

Management

You should start with a helper from each major department. Gather a company meeting to talk about the move, then ask for volunteers. Each person can “manage” their team throughout the move and help members pack their individual desks. Even in smaller offices, a few key people keeping track of which departments are packed can make a difference. Your team should help you prepare for the final day of the move, such that you have no more boxes to pack and you can watch the movers do their thing.

Budget

You will need to spend money to move your office. Whether you’re hiring a couple of movers, or a container rental, you’ll need to delegate some of your budget to paying for these supplies. You’ll need packing materials, extra personnel (or the money to pay people on staff to pitch in outside work hours) and you might want to plan for repairs along the way. Your new office might need some new fixtures, or you might want to make some modifications before you get in.

Delegate

On the day of the move, you and your team should carefully delegate all aspects of the work. Each department should be responsible for its own materials, and each head should have tasks for the others to accomplish. If you require specialty service providers, like a plumber, delegate someone to check up on that task and be sure that it gets finished on time.

Advantages of Event Catering for Company Dinners

Staff — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 22:57:52 +0000

Article written by Backstage Lounge

Are you organizing a company dinner? Whether you’re celebrating a company anniversary, milestone, or throwing a holiday party, planning a dinner for your staff members can be an overwhelming experience. How do you make sure that everyone enjoys the menu? How much food should you order? Where should you host the party? There are many things to consider when planning a company dinner.

Need some help? If you want to take the work out of planning a company dinner, consider hiring a catering company. Here are the benefits of hiring an event catering company for your next company dinner.

Expert Assistance

Party planning can be hectic, and there are many elements involved. However, companies that provide the best catering in Los Angeles are experienced in planning special events. Professional catering companies can assist you with all the details, including planning the menu and figuring out how much food you will need to satisfy your guests. They can recommend dining styles, venues, and even help you select a theme. Having expert advice while planning your party will ensure you throw a successful event.

Quality Services

Quality matters when planning a dinner for your employees. Offering low-quality food will dampen the event and make it seem like you don’t truly appreciate your employees. Instead of ordering take-out from just any food establishment, hire a professional catering company. A professional catering company is more likely to offer higher-quality food and services including experienced waiters who can assist you with serving the food for the evening.

Types of Storage Containers

Staff — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:49:26 +0000

There are many types of storage containers to match your particular needs. Whether you need to store perishable items, or you have bulk items that are difficult to store normally, a container can help you. You can even find container rentals for temporary moves. Whether you need easier access or a particular type of storage, containers can be a cost-effective means of long-term storage and transportation.

Refrigerated

Refrigerated containers are built to keep perishable items at a specific temperature. The unit has a small air conditioner built into it, which regulates temperature automatically based on your settings. Units are also pre-tripped, so you can load and go as soon as the container arrives. This helps you keep your shipping running efficiently.

Side-Opening Containers

Often times, what you need is access. Side-opening containers can provide you with the access you want, helping you to load or unload goods in a hurry. You can slide the side doors open, leaving the front and rear in tact. This is perfect for operations that require a fork lift to carry goods to and from your work site. You can load furniture into a side-loading container, then quickly cart it up to your new office space.

Insulated

Insulated containers are similar to refrigerated containers, but they keep a temperature regulated instead of cool. They are literally refrigerated units that were decommissioned, so they are built for durability and insulation. These containers are also built from rust-proof stainless steel. For trips over land, where the distance is moderate, insulated containers can carry perishable goods at a lower cost than the refrigerated units. Be sure to look for used storage containers so you can save some money on transporting and packing your goods.

Flat Rack

When you need to transport equipment that doesn’t fit into a standard container, flat racks are usually the way to go. With collapsible doors at the front and rear, and without a roof or walls, this container is perfect for loading and unloading odd sized equipment. Even though they are missing their walls, they are still stackable containers. This is perfect for warehouses that have supplies they need to access regularly, without the floor space to keep it out at all times. Simply stack it and retrieve it without the hassle of opening or closing the container.

Open Top

The open top container is the next best option to a flat rack. It features walls, so your shipment will stay in tact, but there is no roof. This allows you to crane unload part of your shipment for added convenience.
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Port Containers offers conex for sale, including refrigerated units to store perishable items. For an instant quote on new or used containers, contact Port Containers.

How to Buy Used Storage Containers

Staff — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:08:55 +0000

This article was written by Port Containers

Does your business need storage containers? Thousands of companies across the nation purchase storage containers to safely store goods and products. These heavy-duty shipping containers are safe, secure, and efficient. But the problem is that new storage containers are expensive, making it difficult if not impossible for many businesses to buy the storage containers they need without going over their budgets. Sure, you can look into a storage container rental, but renting something you need on a regular basis ends up costing more money in the long run.

What’s the solution? Used storage containers. In an effort to save money, many businesses are purchasing used storage containers. But how do you find a used storage container without compromising quality? Port Containers has compiled the following tips on how to buy used storage containers for your business.

Ask about the condition of the container. The word “used” could mean a lot of different things. Some used containers are so damaged that they can’t provide the same security as new containers, while others have only been used a few times and are near perfect. Before you purchase a used shipping container, ask the retailer about the condition of the containers. They might have a few different grades of used products, depending on your needs and budget. Important tip: Don’t rely on written descriptions of the product. Instead, go with a company that provides detailed photographs of the containers.

Look for a warranty. Just because a product is used doesn’t mean it shouldn’t come with a warranty. Before investing time and money into a used shipping container, make sure that it has a money back guarantee. In the event that your shipping container arrives to your business and it’s not what you expected, you can send it back with no questions asked.

Expect a reduction in price. The main reason you want to buy a used shipping container is to save money. So a used storage container shouldn’t cost the same or more than a new container. Yet many companies are advertising used shipping containers that are just as much as brand new products. To avoid falling into this trap, do your research and ensure that you’re getting a deal when buying a used shipping container. Compare prices and request a quote. Requesting a quote should be as simple as completing a form online.

With just a little research and asking the right questions, it’s easy to find an affordable used shipping container without compromising quality.
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Port Containers is an online retailer of used storage containers for sale. The company also offers a variety of storage containers for rent.

Small Steps to Improve Your Home Air Filter

Staff — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 18:48:08 +0000

Home air filters are designed to clean the air you breathe. There are many reasons you might need to purchase an air cleaner for your home. For example, it can help remove substances in the air that can cause allergies or asthma. But you don’t have to suffer from allergies and asthma to own a home air filter system. Home air filters can effectively eliminate bacteria, odors, dust, germs, viruses, and allergens in the air, creating a healthy environment that everyone in the home can appreciate.

Even though a home air purifier is such an important appliance, most people don’t give its maintenance a second thought. However, maintaining your air filter is crucial to your indoor air quality. Make sure your family is breathing fresh, clean air with these helpful tips.

Change the air purifier filter on time. Your home air cleaner is supposed to get rid of contaminants in the air, but it can’t do its job properly if you don’t change the filter on time. How do you know when to change the filter? Although the life of a filter depends on how often it is used and the environment in the home, an easy way to detect whether it needs to be changed is the indicator light. Most units have an indicator light for the filter. If it blinks, then it’s time to replace the filter.

If your air cleaner doesn’t have in indicator light, read the manufacturer manual to find out when to change the filter. You can also open the unit and take a look at it. If the filter is dirty or dark, it’s time to change it.

Make sure to find the right size filter. Air cleaner filters come in a variety of sizes. If you buy a filter that is too small, the system will not work properly. If you purchase a filter that is too big, it simply won’t fit inside of the unit. Check the owner’s manual for the right size filter. Then, find a retailer online through which you can purchase filters by size. Whether you need 3m filters or one inch filters, the right size filter will make a world of difference in the performance of your air purifier.

Purchase brand name parts. If your air purifier needs new replacement parts, make sure that you buy genuine brand name parts. The type of parts you install in your unit will have a huge impact on the way it works as well as the indoor air quality. Don’t go by price. The least expensive parts are usually made of low-quality materials. While they are cheaper for your pocketbook, they won’t provide your family with the quality air they need.

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This article was posted by Your Filter Connection, an online retailer of heater and cooling filters from trusted brands such as Filtrete, and Accumulair. Keep your home air purifier clean by purchasing a replacement residential air filter today.

How to Find Good Mail Forwarders

Staff — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 20:35:18 +0000

Mail forwarders offer their services to both US domestic and international businesses. A countless number of these companies exist, so finding a quality mail forwarding service takes a certain amount of discernment. Some companies have been around for over ten years, and some could be considered a fly-by-night. In the case of handling sensitive documents and packages, its best to choose a reputable mail forwarder.

The easiest way to determine whether or not your chosen mail forwarder is a good company is to check their online reviews. Google reviews and other forums will offer consumer feedback on mail forwarding businesses. The worst companies will have multiple complaints online. If you search the company name online and find no negative results, its highly likely that the majority of their customers are happy with their service.

After you find a list of companies you feel you can trust based on their online reputation, make note of their costs and features. Some companies require 3 months up front, and some need nothing to start at all. Don’t let the price discourage you. Even if they do ask for 3 months up front, they might have specialized services that other companies don’t offer, such as RV mail service. Which company you choose depends on which one fills your needs the best.

Ultimately, you want to deal with a company that maintains your privacy and offers quick, helpful customer service. If the company you are thinking about choosing lacks these qualities, it’s better to move on, no matter how attractive the price may be.

Guest post is provided by USA2Me. Get the best mail forwarding services through www.USA2Me.com.

LottoGopher Gets Rid of Long Lottery Ticket Lines

Staff — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:44:52 +0000

Article Written by : Debt Settlement Online

For those of you who routinely wait in long, tiresome lines at the convenient store to order lottery tickets, LottoGopher is for you. The online company that launched three years ago has been quickly gaining attention for its first of its kind service that allows people to order lottery tickets online.

Waiting in long lines to order your lottery ticket is a thing of the past. On the day of the $400 million Powerball jackpot a few weeks ago, CEO of LottoGopher James Morel told Press Pass LA that “people who are stuck at work or trying to avoid long lines at the store” have been ordering tickets from the website. In addition, people have also been taking advantage of the company’s online office pool, a great way to increase your odds of winning, again without having to organize it through work.

So how much is this convenient service? Not much, considering what they do for you. Instead of taking a cut from the winnings, the company offers monthly and yearly membership programs. The monthly membership is only $12 and includes access to ordering lottery tickets online, public lottery pools, lucky number pickers, lottery analytics tools, and an online account manager. There is also the option to subscribe to the service that automatically orders a ticket for you every time there is a new jackpot. The yearly membership program offers the same benefits and costs only $99. Oh, and did I mention that the company actually sends a lottery “gopher” to the store to order your ticket, and then saves it in a secure storage facility? Well, it does.

Modern Foam Products for Affordable Prices

Staff — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 19:33:01 +0000

Foam was originally made by using the milky liquid harvested from rubber trees. After the World War II, the synthetic foam became popular. Today, United States uses more than 45% of world production of artificial foam. There are two kinds of foam. The one with open cell is light-weight and easy to manipulate. The second kind has closed cells and is hard. The soft kind is used in manufacturing comfortable items like cushions and padding. For building insulation and any kind of refrigerating equipment, hard foam is the right material.

The Michigan based company The Foam Factory manufactures both kinds. The company has been around for more than thirty years and it modernizes its products according to scientific research that comes out. The company’s flexibility has made it the manufacturer of best quality foam products. Especially for outdoor furniture, it is important to use special kind of foam because they get exposed to sun, rain, snow and severe weather conditions like storms. The Dryfast foam manufactured by The Foam Factory is ideal for outdoor furniture.

Another advantage of using Dryfast foam is its durability. The open cells in this foam help it to dry quickly and a patio cushion that gets soaking wet in the rain won’t sit in the damp for very long. Also, Dryfast is treated against any kind of growth of microorganism and the damp cushions won’t get any fungus growth. For seating in boats and kayaks, Dryfast foam cushions are the best. If a material like Dryfast is used, outdoor cushions can last long. A customer can even replace a single patio cushion by ordering a piece of foam or making a special order.

Every seating doesn’t come in one single shape. The Foam Factory has many designs and shapes for seating. If the shape is not shown on the company website, it can easily make the shape according to customer’s needs. Normally, a custom cushion can be expensive but The Foam Factory prices are affordable. The company website’s Do It Yourself page has step-by-step instructions for customers who would like to be adventurous. It is a good project for people who like crafts. Making your own custom cushion is a good way to start replacing an entire set.

The Foam Factory also has solutions for worn out furniture cushions. If a family heirloom sofa cushions are worn out beyond use, it doesn’t have to end up in a garbage dump. The Foam Factory can make replacement cushions. It can turn many old cushions into new by just changing the foam inside. This is a great way to save or reuse a piece of furniture and customers can save the environment too. For a do-it-yourself project, customers can buy foam sheets and make their own replacement cushions.
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Guest post provided by The Foam Factory, a company which is specialized in foam products. To make your own patio cushion, visit Dot It Yourself page on the company website.