In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Bon Trade shines a spotlight on the special contributions made by women of the Netherlands Antilles to events in history and contemporary society.

Women from the Caribbean Islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have been trailblazers and inspiring many.

The three people we wish to mention in this article, for International Women’s Day, are remarkable women, whose extraordinary achievements will energise and encourage generations to come.

Curaçao-born swimmer Enith Sijtje Maria Brigitha (born 1955) who first learned to swim in the Caribbean Sea, was twice named “Dutch Sportswoman of the Year” in 1973 and 1974.

Enith Brigitha — Enith Sijtje Maria Brigitha

Her name is etched in history as the first black champion swimmer to win a medal in the Olympics.

Enith moved to Holland in 1970 and represented the Netherlands in the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics and won two bronze medals at the 1976 Montreal, and Quebec Summer Olympics in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle.

She also gained eight other medals in 100 meters and 200 meters backstroke and freestyle events in 1973 and 1975 FINA World Championships and at the 1974 European Championships.

Enith’s accomplishments stand out as she competed against women from the German Democratic Republic who benefitted from illegal doping practices, so to many, she is considered a gold medal winner.

After retiring from swimming she moved back to Curaçao and opened her own swimming school.

Also noteworthy for her achievements is mezzo-soprano Tania Kross (born 1976) who made significant strides in music.

The Curaçao-born singer was classically trained at the Utrechts Conservatorium and the International Opera Studio in Amsterdam and has performed in renowned operas globally.

.Tania played a pivotal role in bringing Papiamento culture to the forefront when she encouraged Carel De Haseth to adapt his novel “Katibu di Shon” into the first opera in Papiamento, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean.

She achieved global recognition representing The Netherlands as a finalist in the 2003 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition and for her portrayal of Carmen at Glyndebourne in 2008.

Modern music-lovers might remember Tania best for her performance in the Dutch 2019 edition of “The Masked Singer,” which she won as a robot.

Political Pioneer Angela Altagracia “Tata” de Lannoy-Willems (born 1913, died 1983) will be remembered for being the first female member of the Estates of the Netherlands Antilles in 1949.

Despite failing to be elected initially, Angela successfully secured her position and contributed significantly to the political landscape, holding office until 1954.

In 1951 she was also appointed to the Council of Ministers and was also elected to Curaçao Island Council.

She spearheaded the way for future generations of female leaders in the region.

These women’s exceptional feats not only celebrate their personal successes. They have also managed to leave behind a lasting legacy that will shape the future by creating opportunities for the women for generations to come.

We celebrate their lives and their accomplishments at Bon Trade. And we hope this article brings their enduring accomplishments to light for people around the world and even those living in the Netherland Antilles who may be discovering them for the first time.

Nothing captures the exuberance of the Caribbean better than carnival season.

Both locals and tourists are captivated by these vibrant festivals that usher in a kaleidoscopic tapestry of colourful sights and sounds across the islands.

For those of us at Bon Trade and our esteemed clients, who use our NVOCC services, we delight in the hues, rhythms and jubilations of these cultural celebrations in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Every island has its own flavor

Each island offers its own unique carnival experience, infused with local traditions, rituals and global appeal. And Carnival 2024 will be no different.

The atmosphere in the streets vibrate with the sound of the Tumba and the Road March of the year. The music is played by steel drum and typical Caribbean groups. In some islands it is the calypso, and soca music. Regardless of the island you will see flamboyant processions of dancers in elaborate costumes wind their way through the streets.

The celebrations usually start in January and climax in February

During carnival season many resorts in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are booked to capacity with holiday makers. After all, most of us love an opportunity to relax, dress up and dance the hours away.

A glimpse into history

The celebrations are often considered an opportunity for islanders to let their hair down, as the carnivals have their roots steeped in a fusion of colonialism, Catholic traditions and African heritage.

Carnival 2024 will attract visitors from across the globe to participate in these cultural celebration of music and dance.

Boom time for business

Carnival time offers island businesses the perfect opportunity to promote their businesses. Especially for those who cater to the festivities providing food, drink, costumes, and transport, helping to boost the local economy.

Our Caribbean container and freight forwarding services are often booked up well in advance of Carnival. And we also have the privilege of transporting some of the materials and vehicles needed to put on these extravaganzas for local tradesmen.

Advice for overseas visitors

For travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the Caribbean culture, there is no better time to visit the islands than during carnival. However, it is a good idea to book your transport and accommodation in advance to guarantee your place at carnival events. We would advise you to check local websites for full details and exact dates.

After all, you don’t want to miss out on the beauty and pageantry of these festivities, along with the sunset cruises, cuisine and rum cocktails.

Why Carnival matters

For clients of Bon Trade many of whom are global citizens with a penchant for the Caribbean’s rich culture, the Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and Sint Maarten Carnivals offers more than entertainment. They are celebrations of heritage, a showcase of cultural diversity, that encapsulate the spirit of the islands’ rich history and are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the islanders, something we at Bon Trade cherish and encourage everyone to explore.

Low Growth Trajectory expected in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024

The United Nations regional body is anticipating a slowing down in regional growth in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024. This is according to a recent press release from ECLAC.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said its last report for 2023 showed that the regions’ projected growth for the year was 2.2% and it is likely to slow to 1.9% in 2024. This shows a deceleration in levels of growth compared with 2022.

In 2022, the Caribbean (excluding Guyana) grew by 6.4% economically, and it is expected to slow its trajectory to 3.4% in 2023, and to 2.6% in 2024.

The knock on effects

This indicates that there could be a deceleration in job creation and other challenges like informality gender gaps continuing.

“Latin America and the Caribbean’s low growth may be aggravated by the negative effects of an intensification of climate shocks, if the investments that countries need in climate change adaptation and mitigation are not made,” said ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

Salazar-Xirinachs stressed that “there must be a considerable increase in concessional financing (offering more generous terms than conventional financing). Doing so will help encourage investors to stick with investment plans over time. These efforts must be accompanied by domestic macroeconomic policies that favor resource mobilization. This would include government actions such as boosting public projects to promote investment and economic growth.

The report stated that “given the challenges of boosting growth and tackling climate change, it is essential to enhance public and private investment. Public investment in the region is low in comparison with advanced economies, and even other developing regions.

“This low level of investment has translated into a stock of public capital (infrastructure) that is insufficient. More spending will be necessary to boost economic growth and development.” So, increased government investment in infrastructure projects would mitigate the affects of the slow down by hiring more people and injecting cash into the economy.

The report advocates for a multifaceted approach encompassing productive development, macroeconomic strategies, and international reforms to create a more sustainable and inclusive economic future for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional reports

A report by FichtSolutions.com supports the report by ECLAC and adds that the slow down in 2024 comes after several years of growth after the the end of the COVID lockdowns. The report also mentions that the slowdown will partly be due to a forecasted recession in the U.S. It is expected to stat in the second quarter of 2024, directly affecting tourism.

Past 2024, FichtSolutons.com expects a rebound fueled by a tourism recovery that is expected to last into 2028.

Conclusion

Stated succinctly, the ECLAC report recommends four key measures to be addressed in 2024: 1. fiscal space enhancement, 2. management of financial and foreign-exchange risks, 3. mobilization of concessional financing and development banking, and 4. the establishment of debt relief mechanisms linked to climate targets.

The potential impact on the ABC Islands

The slowing down of the economies in the region could have a negative effect on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. These islands rely heavily on tourism and a decline in the number of visitors will impact the hospitality and service sectors.

Economic decline could also lead to a reduction in demand for the goods that the ABC islands export, and may include commodities and certain manufactured goods.

It will be important to keep an eye on foreign investment on the islands. A slow down in foreign investment projects could translate into a short term decrease in the creation of new jobs and stagnate salaries.

ABC islanders’ purchasing power could be affected if the economy declines. So, measures to mitigate this result should be of great importance to the local governments.

The islands’ governments may need to re-evaluate their spending priorities. This could have social repercussions on poverty levels, social inequality, and the provision of social services.

ECLAC indicated that there needs to be changes to the international financial and tax structure to help the regions’ countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and attract resources.

All three islands have benefitted from a boost in tourism in 2022 and 2023. So, It will be important for the governments to take action to support economic growth and stability in 2024.

Being aware of this potential slow down, and preparing for it is important. By doing so, the region will get through 2024 with minimal fallout and on to the upswing expected in 2025.

Shipping Vehicles by Sea Internationally: What you need to know?

How do you make sure that you are choosing the best provider to ship your car by sea? Knowing the ‘what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘where’ will help you choose the right ‘who’ to ship your vehicles with. Having the right professional assistance with Shipping vehicles by sea can save time and money!

Your “International Vehicle Shipping by Sea” Knowledge Checklist

What vehicle are you shipping?

This is the first and most important question when it comes to shipping vehicles by sea. A motorbike and a motor home, while both being vehicles, need different arrangements! It is important for the shipper to know exactly what type of vehicle you are shipping.

Shipping vehicles by sea can be tricky and vary considerably from one vehicle category to the next.

Is it a new vehicle or is it used?

Is it a salvage vehicle and what documentation does it have? Can it be exported as is?
Some shipping companies will deny transport for certain types of vehicles. Yet, companies like Bon Trade don’t discriminate. They will ship new, used, and salvage vehicles to your desired destination.

When are you planning on shipping it?

What time of the year do you plan on shipping your vehicles by sea?
This is a key piece of information that influences the shipping process. The cost of fuel, the weather and business volume all shift throughout the year. This can have a direct impact on the requirements for the shipping of your vehicle.

Will your vehicle be loose or in a container?
Not all carriers allow you to ship vehicles loose. They may only accept container loaded vehicles . So, you may want to consider using a shipping company that gives you the flexibility of both options. It can make a difference in the cost of shipping.

Salvage vehicle shipping by sea — Salvage vehicle tilt loaded in a container

Where are you shipping your vehicles?

There are many shipping companies that ship vehicles by sea, but do they go where you need them to?
Are you sending them to the Caribbean, Asia or somewhere in between? Sometimes, it can be a challenge to get your cargo to the right port. Using a shipper that specializes in delivering to your specific destination is the best way to get expedient and economical service.

Are you looking to ship vehicles to the Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao or Sint Maarten? Look for companies with regular service to these destinations.

With decades of experience, Bon Trade’s regular service to Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten is like clockwork.

Who will be shipping your vehicles by sea?

Understanding the ‘what,’ ‘when’ and ‘where’ of your vehicle shipping needs makes it easier to choose the right transport company. Outside of the safe transport of your vehicle, they should make the experience of shipping your vehicles by sea enjoyable and stress free.

Bon Trade has been shipping vehicles to the Caribbean for decades. The ABC Islands, (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and Sint Maarten are all regularly serviced by their shipping and delivery routes. They have the benefit of familiarity and the relationships built over the years. This allows them to tackle the details while you sit back and wait for the delivery.

Reach out to Bon Trade Int’l today to see how they can help you with your maritime vehicle shipping needs.

Maritime Shipping Disruptions Have Global Impact

The effects of Maritime Shipping Disruptions to your life isn’t likely something you think about on a daily basis. You have other important and urgent matters to attend to. Your marriage, kids, work, sports and hobbies are all more important than the inner working of the maritime shipping industry.

The interesting part of that equation is how important the maritime shipping industry is to all of those parts of your life. You often don’t realize that until there are shipping disruptions that affect your corner of the world.

The interconnected nature of maritime shipping means that large disruptions can be felt worldwide. Far from their place of origin and reach you like a domino effect.

Consider the next 3 examples:

COVID-19

COVID19 Caused a major shipping disruption that continues to reverberate

The Covid-19 pandemic and the international shipping disruptions that swept across the world due to the response to the virus. This is a prime example of how Maritime Shipping Disruptions have global impact.
While COVID itself was not directly related to the maritime shipping industry, the downstream effects had major trade implications.

The precautionary measure put in place by most of the worlds governments nearly ground global trade to a halt. At one point, there were nearly 300,000 seafaring men and women that were stranded out at sea. With no place to accept them, many of them stayed out far beyond the end of their contract obligations.

Organizations like UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) have called to have seafarers considered essential workers and be exempt from COVID restrictions, with good reason. The importance of the maritime shipping industry, and the goods and materials that are supplied through their efforts, make life better for everyone around the globe.

Suez Canal Blockage

The Evergreen Line vessel ‘Ever Given’ ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for an extended period of time.

Prior to the Suez Canal incident in March of 2021, the majority of people worldwide didn’t know about the Suez Canal. Even though it is vitally important to the well-being and prosperity of much of the world, the Suez Canal was a mystery to many. That is until March 2021 when the ‘Ever Given,’ a large container ship, became stuck, blocking all traffic. The Maritime Shipping Disruptions caused by his one major incident is having an ongoing ripple effect.

The Suez Canal handles approximately 12% of all global trade. That is 9 billion dollars worth of goods per day. No industry was left untouched by this accident.

With ships not being able to move along their scheduled routes, shipments were not delivered. This meant that factories couldn’t continue production because of missing parts. Transfers were missed, meaning that those shipments were now stranded.

One ship, blocking one waterway, had a cascading effect that was felt worldwide.

Distribution and Location of Shipping Containers

Container yards running low or even empty

Logistics can also be a challenge. When you understand the scale and complexity
of global maritime trade, it is amazing that anything reaches anywhere on time.
And yet it does, consistently and predictably. Although, there are exceptions to this.

A combination of circumstances, including the blocking of the Suez Canal, have led to an increased number of sea shipping containers being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In some parts of the world the production of sea containers is at an all-time high. But even so there are major shortages plaguing the industry. And this has been causing very costly Maritime Shipping Disruptions and global shipping delays.

In other parts of the world, containers are being left loaded because of the lack of manpower to unload them. And Peter Friedman, executive director at the Agricultural Transport Coalition, states that 22% of sales are lost because they can’t get their goods overseas.

The Takeaway

Maritime Shipping Disruptions do happen and the ripple effects do reach other industries worldwide. Understanding these incidents helps shed light on the vital importance of the maritime shipping industry in our everyday life.

The most important factor to note is that they do not happen often. And shipping goods overseas is still the most cost-effective and safe way to transport goods. Using a reliable and proven company ensures that you prevent all avoidable disruptions in your shipping process.

Bon Trade Intl Corp — **Bon Trade Intl. Corp. is your best option to the ABC Islands and Sint Maarten**

Bon Trade has decades of experience delivering on the promise to deliver your goods, when you need them and where you need them. Reach out to Bon Trade today and see how your maritime shipping needs can be taken care of. Especially if you are shipping to the ABC Islands and Sint Maarten.

INTERNATIONAL Maritime Shipping SERVICE Is Indispensable to the Modern World

The phone in your hand, the clothes on your back and the materials used in the building of your home. What do they all have in common? They likely have all been out to sea during the journey. From raw material to finished product. And they arrived at their destination by means of International Maritime Shipping Service.

It is often easy to overlook the critical importance of the international maritime shipping industry. The majority of people don’t ever see, hear, feel or interact with the industry directly. But they are indirectly influenced by it every single day of their lives. It affects what they buy, how they buy it and the cost of their purchases. Even their standard of living is directly impacted by this worldwide transport behemoth.

Maritime Shipping to the ABC islands, in the Caribbean, is obviously important to the inhabitants. It is all around them and they can see the ships arriving almost daily. However, in places like Ardmore, Oklahoma or Zermatt, Switzerland it may not be as easy to realize how important the cargo ships at sea are to their regular purchases.

Could maritime shipping really be indispensable to the modern world? How much does the maritime shipping industry contribute to the modern way of life? Consider this:

Maritim Shipping is the largest driver of global commerce

According to Statista, 80% of goods are transported by sea. Maritime Shipping Service transports 4 out of every 5 items that are moved worldwide! There is no other industry on the planet that comes close to being as important to the continuing prosperity of all nations.

maritime shipping Helps raise the standard of living in developing countries

For those living in developing countries the maritime shipping industry often is the only
avenue to get their goods out to the international market. The low overall cost of maritime
shipping has allowed those living in developing countries to trade more cost-effectively,
raising the standard of living of those living and working there.

When their goods get purchased and shipped, they, in turn, redistribute that money locally
through their communities, creating a positive ripple effect. It is indeed true that a rising tide
raises all ships!

it Creates thousands of solid careers in every port city worldwide

This is a short list of the industries that thrive because of the maritime shipping industry.

Sailors
Port Workers
Truck Drivers
Logistics Software Development (Like Magaya, the system used at Bon Trade Intl.)
Import/Export Companies
Shipping Companies (Like Bon Trade Intl.)
Support Staff for Ports (Security, Custodial, Food and Beverage etc.)

It also lowers the cost of goods through lower transport costs

Outside of Maritime Shipping Service, the only other option for international trade is using air service. Imagine the cost of any product that needed to have any or all of its components delivered by air! This would make international trade far more expensive and unprofitable for certain industries, leading to less competition and higher prices across many sectors of commerce.

Rail and truck service are available, and used for international delivery, in some parts of the world. But generally they are mostly used for inland distribution and more expensive per mile.

ocean shipping Allows countries the opportunity to export their goods and import needed goods

For countries needing to offload their excess raw materials, such as grain, oil and lumber Maritime Shipping is the only feasible way. To move such large volumes consistently, countries need a sustainable, efficient and reliable partner for export and import. With it’s long history and it’s record of continuous improvement, maritime shipping is the best choice to move goods worldwide.

maritime shipping is One of the safest ways to transport goods for trade worldwide

Between the years 2008 and 2019, the amount of cargo lost during maritime shipping was only 1/1000^th of the total value shipped. The actual number is 0.0006%!

Maritime Shipping Service is overall the safest way to transport and deliver goods world wide It is the central hub of global trade.

The livelihoods and quality of life of almost every person on the planet is directly or indirectly affected by the Maritime Shipping Industry. That makes maritime shipping indispensable to the modern world.

Bon Trade makes maritime shipping easy to the ABC islands and Sint Maarten. Contact Bon Trade Intl today to discuss your maritime shipping needs.

Container Shipping to the ABC Islands and Sint Maarten: 5 Questions to Ask

Keep these questions in mind when choosing an ocean freight service to save you money, time and headaches when doing container shipping to the Caribbean.

There are as many reasons you would need to use container shipping to the Caribbean as there are grains of sand on the beautiful beaches of the ABC islands. You may need to use container shipping to the Dutch Caribbean to ship goods for business purposes or maybe to ship a vehicle. You could also be an individual shipping a package or sharing a shipping container (LCL services) with other customers to get consumable goods delivered.

Why you need these services are just one of the important factors that you want to consider before choosing an ocean freight provider. Ask yourself and your container shipping company these 5 questions to make sure that you are making the best choice. Remember, you are hiring professionals to get the job done. They should be able to help guide you and answer your questions.

What is the best option for shipping my goods to the ABC islands?

Before you choose how you are going to ship your goods, you should ask and see if ocean shipping is the right choice. For some goods, shipping by sea may be the best option. For others, using an air service may be the better option. The type of goods, the time frame and the budget you have to work with will determine whether using container shipping to the Caribbean is the right choice.

What route will my ocean freight be taking when using container shipping to the Caribbean?

The answer to this question will give you an idea of where your goods will travel before they get to you.
Say you are using a provider for container shipping to Sint Maarten but realize that your goods will be stopping in two different locations before it arrives. This may affect whether or not you would use that provider.
Note:
* Is price more important than transit time or is it necessary that your cargo arrive in the shortest possible time?
This can be a function of product shelf life, competitiveness of the market and many other variables that will help you decide which service is the better option.

How much time will it take from departure to the time I get my shipment?

All cargo is precious and it is essential to know when your shipment is arriving. For example, if you have purchased a car in Florida and are looking to use container shipping to Aruba to deliver your vehicle, you must understand the time lines involved. By knowing when your shipment is expected to arrive, you can make any necessary arrangements to clear Aruba Customs and take delivery of your car as soon as possible.

What are the rates and are there hidden fees?

For almost all customers, this is one of, if not the most important question. There is a real need to understand the costs and potential hidden fees. These aren’t hidden fees, they are simply fees that can arise due to late pickups, extra duties, etc. Understanding all of the fees is crucial to staying on budget for your container shipping needs to the Caribbean.

How do I avoid all delays possible?

There are delays that are uncontrollable, such as weather delays. Other delays are avoidable and are often costly if they do occur. Ask your shipping container service provider what they need from you to ensure there are no avoidable delays. These can be the product of simple mistakes such as not being registered in the proper systems to be invoiced for goods or having out of date contact information. Making sure to speak with your ocean freight provider to understand what they need from you will create a smooth and enjoyable shipping experience. And having a Customs’ Broker engaged to avoid overseas delays that can get very costly

Asking these questions will give you the confidence to know that you are using the right service for your shipping needs and that you will be able to receive your goods without unnecessary delay or incurring extra fees.

Bon Trade has been providing businesses and individuals the opportunity to leverage their container shipping to the Caribbean for all of their freight and cargo needs to the ABC Islands and Sint Maarten for almost 40 years. Contact Bon Trade to inquire about using ocean freight services today, and Register to be in their system for when you are ready to ship. You will not get better logistical advice and assistance for these markets from anyone else.

PACKAGE SHIPPING POST # 2

Small Package Shipping efficiency and Bon Trade Intl.

In the first blog post about small package shipping to the ABC Islands I talked about the bar codes.

In this post I want to explain how our system operates so you can understand what makes your goods ship fast.

How does the Bon Trade system work and how does it aid efficiency of Small Package Shipping?

Before we receive any packages or cargo, and enter them into our cargo system, it is necessary that our customers be part of our system. So we need to create an account for each person or company that makes use of our cargo service. That is why we ask everyone to Register with us before using our service. This accomplishes several things:

Registration Benefits:

It allows our receiving department to enter arriving cargo under the name of the correct owner of the cargo and avoid shipping mistakes.
Note: Registering with our system is especially important because we ship to several Caribbean destinations. Shipping to the Wrong Destination causes major delays and is Very Costly.
To notify you when orders arrive register in our system with an email address. If you are not in the system we have to wait for you to claim the cargo and then register your information in our system.
Note: This is the Biggest reason why cargo is delayed and why we ask everyone to Register with our service before sending cargo to our address.
Once registered in our system you get your own account and receive a login (username and password). This gives you access to your cargo activity and all documents that arrive with the cargo. With this login you can see if you have cargo without invoices even if you have not seen our emails. This counts for all the cargo we handle!

So How do you register with us for service for Small Package Shipping?

To confirm: In order for the system to work correctly you need to register. The easiest way to accomplish this is by going to our website (bontrade.com) and choosing the registration tab. The screen will display a form with all the information we need to open your account.

Note: To register you can also click on this URL: https://bontrade.com/about-us/registration/ to go directly to the form.

Small Package Shipping Registration Form — Complete this form on our website to register with our service to Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten…… Click on this image to go directly to the registration form on our website

Magaya Livetrack Screen and Small Package Shipping — Magaya Livetrack screen once you log into your account Note: Click on this image to log into your account. Request your tracking invitation!

You will receive your own login to see what you have in our warehouse and your historical data. In your account there is much more information, but everyone really wants to know where their cargo is, which you can easily see in your account.
Note: It will tell you
1. If we received your order,
2. Whether the cargo is missing an invoice,
3. If it is on the way to you, or
4. Waiting at our agent’s warehouse for you to pickup.

When everything goes right the most you have to do is send us an invoice.

If your goods arrive with an invoice at our Doral warehouse you will find out from our agent that your order(s) are ready for pickup about a week to 10 days later. But there are some things that can cause delays and I will explain the most common ones here, and they are easy to prevent.

Possible issues to bear in mind:

It is very common for items you order to come from different warehouses. This is normal in the U.S. However, sometimes the items will arrive without your name on them. In which case your order will be entered as unknown till you contact us to claim it.
Sometimes the mistake is made of putting Bon Trade Intl. on the shipping label without mentioning the name of the buyer. This way we cannot identify who the items belong to and we have the same problem.
NOTE: See our FAQ’s for clarification and recommendations.
When orders are received in multiple deliveries it often happens that an invoice is sent that covers many more items than are in the delivery. The customer, not realizing this, will have items sitting in our warehouse without an invoice and cannot ship.

This also causes duties to be paid twice since these items will have to be declared again!
Sometimes an account holder will change their email address without notifying us. We send them arrival notifications, but they are no longer receiving them. The result is that cargo does not ship because we do not have an invoice and this can cause long delays.

Always notify us of email changes to make sure you continue receiving our notifications.
If for any reason your order arrives with another name on it that is not in our system it will end up in the Unknown category.

So we highly suggest using one name for all your orders.

When these issues occur how do we solve them?

The way to locate your orders and correct these issues is always the same: ‘THE TRACKING NUMBER.” The tracking number, as mentioned in the previous blog post, is the identification of your cargo when all else fails.

If you provide us with the transport company (UPS, etc.)and the tracking number we can find your order in our system and put your name on the cargo We then request the invoice and manifest the order to be shipped.

Once you understand the importance of Registering with our service and of the Tracking Number the whole process will be easier to manage.

We do count on your cooperation and do our best to keep you informed of the status of your orders. This will help keep our service Fast and Economical. So Please Register with us AND Maintain your account by sending email updates, address changes, etc.

In the next post I will look at Small Package Shipping coming from outside the country and what makes them more complex.

Thanks for reading the post and see you in the next one……

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Package Handling Post # 1

Small Package handling introduction

I wrote these blog posts to clarify the basics of small package handling and shipping in the U.S.A.

Customers regularly ask questions about their packages that this information will help answer. And this particular post will clarify parts that will make future posts easier to understand.
By the way, to register for service click here.

Present day small package handling technology.

Small package services have evolved greatly due to the Internet and the computer systems that allow them to work efficiently. The efficiency with which small package shipments are handled in the USA is impressive and very sophisticated.

Amazon and eBay are the first to come to mind when we think of small package shipping services. But all online retailers, and most wholesalers, use the system. The difference with Amazon is that they even created their own service and continue to use the others to deliver orders.

Why is knowing this information important?

Understanding the way package shipments work in the U.S. is important for us to be able to provide the service our customers have come to expect. It is also important for our customers to understand so they can efficiently manage their orders. The understanding of the system by everyone concerned is not only important for the efficient delivery of orders. It is also extremely important to offer a well priced service that is reliable and predictable.

How does the system of small package handling work?

In this article I will explain how the basics of small package control and tracking is possible and how the Bon Trade system plugs into the the package services in the U.S.A.

What are barcodes and why are they so important.

The first thing I want you to understand about package services is that every package is assigned a number before entering the distribution system. That number is applied to the package in the form of a label with a barcode.
Example,
Before UPS (United Parcel Service) can put a package into their system it has to be entered into the computer system with:
-Name of sender (shipper),
-Name of receiver (consignee),
-Dimensions,
-Package weight,
-Content of package.
Once that information is entered into their system the UPS system creates a number for that package. That number is represented by the barcode/label.
Note: A barcode is just a combination of letters and/or numbers that can be read by a computer by using a barcode scanner!

Once the label with the barcode is placed on the package and put into the UPS distribution system it will be moved to the right points of transshipment till it arrives at its destination. The entire system is preprogrammed to handle packages as efficiently as possible to get them from point A to point B.

This process is repeated for every package handled. And this is also the way all other package systems work. Examples are Federal Express, DHL, the Post Office parcel service, Amazon package handling service, etc.

What does this system accomplish?

This process of labeling and identification may sound boring. But if you consider that you can take that package and drop it into their system at any point, and still reach its destination, is very impressive. You can give it to a driver, or drop it at one of their warehouses, and it will get routed to where it has to go. You can drop it off to them in Orlando, Florida or Miami and it should still work.

Hopefully this explanation makes it clear how important the barcode or tracking number is to us as a receiver and handler of small packages. It is the unique ‘name‘ or ‘handle‘ of that package, and only that package will have that number out of the millions of packages handled by the same service on a regular basis.

Why our first question to you is “What is the tracking number?”

Now that you understand how the system works you know why we always ask our customers for the tracking number. The tracking number, or barcode, is how we keep track of the packages we receive.

How do we use the tracking number?

When packages arrive we enter them in our system and generate a warehouse receipt number. This allows us to keep control of the hundreds of packages received on a daily basis.

Once at the destination our agent uses our labels to sort and deliver the cargo to the right customers.
Note: The carrier barcode, and our barcode, gives us the control we need to provide a predictable service.

The whole process, if done correctly, should be transparent to the owner of the cargo. It also allows us to automate many parts that used to require additional input and handling.

In my next post I will go into more detail about our system. Also about why we ask customers to register with us before using our shipping service.

See you in the next post.

The relationship between a customs broker and a shipping company such as Bontrade is a symbiotic one. Together, we make the import and export process run smoothly. The ultimate product of this relationship is money: better profits for us, and more money in the pocket for the client (who is likely to give us their business in the future.)

But how does this relationship work, and how can a shipping company help customs brokers save money?

What are Customs Brokers?

If a client wants their cargo to reach its destination without too much fuss, they hire someone who knows how to navigate the complicated landscape of imports and exports. They hire, in other words, a customs broker.

Customs brokers arrange for cargo clearance, meet with customs agents to make sure that the items are inspected without issue, pay duties, and pick up the item for delivery. They even arrange for transportation to get the item delivered. They keep up with the latest rules and regulations and monitor the cargo under their care as it traverses the process of customs.

There are, however, a lot of job-related expenses for a customs broker, both in time and money. So how can you save money as a customs broker, pass those savings on to clients, and make a profit?

Saving Money through Collaboration

The answer is that you tap into the services of other professionals. Just as a client is hiring a customs broker to manage their cargo, a customs broker can use warehouse, transportation, and delivery services that they trust. Building long-term relationships with capable and efficient service providers make a huge difference, saving both trouble and cost. This sort of arrangement benefits everyone: the service provider gets a steady stream of business from the customs broker, and the customs broker can negotiate a lower “wholesale” price for a set of services that they need. The client, of course, feels this lower price too. Everyone wins when professionals put their expertise together.

Though this meeting of the minds helps at all stages of the importing and exporting process, it is especially helpful during shipping. Getting the cargo to its destination can be very complicated; delays in transit, problems with customs due to packaging, and communication problems make up many of the money-eating troubles that a customs broker will face. You can avoid these troubles by building a relationship with experienced, trustworthy shippers who know how to manage these hurdles. And, when shipping arrangements are taken care of, a customs broker can focus their energies on what they do best – making sure that the cargo gets through customs. Again, everyone wins.

How Bontrade can Help

For customs brokers in the Caribbean and South America, partnering with Bontrade can save money, reduce delays, and improve their profit margins. Based in Miami, Bontrade is an experienced shipping company with a wide network of carriers. This network allows us to offer efficient transit and competitive bulk shipping rates for a variety of cargo, including vehicles. Bontrade also has negotiated rates with FedEx, reducing the price of deliveries and US transport.

Bontrade offers consistent transportation times, reduced transportation-related expenses, and lower risks of delays. As an experienced shipper, Bontrade also makes sure that the item is properly packaged and shipped, reducing delays at customs and potential damage to the cargo in transit.

All of this translates to happier clients and better profit margins for customs brokers. Contact Bontrade today and see how you can benefit from this partnership.

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