Handling Ecommerce Logistics

Exploring the Cost Efficiency of Transport Modes in India: A Game-Changer for Businesses. As India continues to strengthen its position as a global economic powerhouse, understanding the cost dynamics of transportation is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize logistics and reduce operational expenses. Let’s dive into the comparative costs of various transport modes in India, based on insightful data that could reshape your supply chain strategy. Transportation is the backbone of trade and commerce, and the choice of mode can significantly impact your bottom line. 
Rail transport offers a reliable and cost-effective solution, especially for bulk goods over long distances. Its structured network across India makes it a preferred choice for industries like mining and agriculture. 
While road transport provides flexibility and doorstep delivery, its costs are relatively higher due to fuel prices, maintenance, and road conditions. It’s ideal for shorter distances and time-sensitive deliveries but can strain budgets over long hauls. 
Coastal shipping emerges as a surprisingly economical option, leveraging India’s extensive coastline. It’s gaining traction for moving goods along the coast, offering a balance of cost and capacity. Inland Waterways 
The star performer! Inland waterways, including coastal routes, are the most cost-efficient mode. With initiatives like the National Waterways project, this eco-friendly option is set to revolutionize freight movement, especially for heavy cargo. Seaway: Represented by robust shipping vessels, seaways align with coastal and inland waterway efficiencies, making maritime transport a cornerstone of international and domestic trade. Why does this matter? For businesses, selecting the right transport mode can lead to substantial savings. For instance, shifting a portion of freight from road to inland waterways could cut costs by up to 80-90% per tonne-km compared to road transport. This is particularly relevant as India pushes for sustainable logistics under initiatives like “Make in India” and the Sagarmala Project. The data underscores the potential of waterways, which remain underutilized despite their low cost and environmental benefits. As of July 2025, with growing infrastructure investments, now is the time to explore these alternatives. Whether you’re in manufacturing, retail, or logistics, aligning your strategy with these cost insights can enhance competitiveness. What are your thoughts? Have you considered diversifying your transport mix to include waterways? Let’s discuss how these trends can shape the future of logistics in India. Share your experiences or insights below—I’d love to hear from you! #Logistics #SupplyChain #Transportation #IndiaBusiness #Sustainability #Freight #BusinessStrategy #MakeInIndia #Waterways

Origin is origin. It doesn’t matter if your shipment is routed through Canada, Mexico, or any other country. If the product was manufactured in China, it remains ineligible for de minimis (Section 321 / T86). The country of origin is determined by where the goods were made, not where they were shipped from. And here’s the kicker: If even one product in the shipment has Chinese origin, the entire shipment loses its de minimis eligibility. So, what does this mean for your duties and taxes on Chinese-origin goods? It means they just got expensive. When you file through Entry Type 11 or 01, here’s the breakdown of what you could be facing: - Normal Tariff - Section 301 Tariff (if applicable) - Additional 10% Tariff (always applicable) - Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) (min/max varies based on entry type & value, $2-$600+) - & potentially other fee's based on product and mode (think HMF, AD, etc.) The costs can add up quickly, but staying compliant is the only way to avoid penalties and delays. Tips to Stay Compliant: - Know and validate the country of origin. Don’t rely on where the shipment is coming from. - Provide detailed descriptions and ensure accurate HTS classifications. The landscape is complex and the game has changed. Have questions about de minimis or duties? THere's a wicked smart community here and my DM's are always open. Stay safe out there and remember, compliance matters.

🌍 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬: 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨 📦🚢 If you're in import/export, logistics, or supply chain management, understanding Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) is non-negotiable! These globally recognized rules define responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyers and sellers in international trade. Let’s break them down simplified yet powerfully! 👇 🏭 𝐄𝐱 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 (𝐄𝐗𝐖) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Provides goods at their premises. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Assumes all costs and risks from pickup to final delivery. ⚠️ Risk: Buyer must handle export clearance, transportation, and insurance. 🚚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 (𝐅𝐂𝐀) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Delivers goods to the buyer’s designated carrier at a specified location. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Takes over from that point. ✅ Why It’s Used? Common for air, road, and rail shipments where buyers manage freight. 🚢 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐅𝐎𝐁) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Loads goods onto the buyer’s vessel at the named port. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Assumes risk and cost once loaded. ✅ Best For: Ocean freight—ideal when buyers have preferred carriers. ⚖️ 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 (𝐂𝐅𝐑) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Covers transport costs to the destination port. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Assumes risk once goods are shipped. ⚠️ Risk Alert: No insurance provided—buyer must arrange separately! 🛡️ 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 (𝐂𝐈𝐅) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Like CFR, but includes basic insurance. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Covers risk after shipment arrival. ✅ Ideal For: Buyers who want sellers to handle insurance coverage. 🏢 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 (𝐃𝐀𝐓) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Delivers goods to a specified terminal (port, airport, warehouse). 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Manages unloading & additional costs. ✅ Great For: Bulk shipments where buyers handle last-mile logistics. 📍 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 (𝐃𝐀𝐏) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Delivers to a named location (buyer’s site, warehouse, etc.). 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Handles unloading & import duties. ⚠️ Beware: Duties & taxes aren’t covered—buyer must pay them! 🏁 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐝 (𝐃𝐃𝐏) 📌 Seller's Responsibility: Delivers goods fully cleared, covering all duties, taxes, and customs formalities. 📌 Buyer's Responsibility: Simply receives the goods! ✅ Best For: Hassle-free buying experience where sellers manage everything. 🚀 Why Incoterms Matter? ✔️ Reduces misunderstandings in trade contracts. ✔️ Clarifies risk and cost-sharing between buyers and sellers. ✔️ Optimizes global logistics & supply chain decisions. 💡 Pro Tip: Always choose Incoterms aligned with your business goals, shipping preferences, and risk appetite. 📌 #GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #Logistics #FreightForwarding #InternationalBusiness #TradeFinance #Incoterms #Shipping #Imports #Exports

Some consumers are exploiting returns policies. It's a reality that retailers face every day, which erodes margins in a tough environment. Our research with ZigZag Global takes a deep dive into some of the tactics consumers are using to game the system. ➡️ The Opportunist – 20% say they offer to return an item, but if the retailer does not request it back - they resell it. ➡️ The Cashback Hustler – 18% use cashback or credit card perks, then return the items but keep the rewards. ➡️ The Over-Spender – 17% overspend to unlock free delivery or discounts, only to return the excess. ➡️ The Price Hacker – 15% send items back, then re-buy them when promotions kick in. ➡️ The Temporary Owner – 11% buy something, use it once, and return it — from high-end tech to occasionwear. I was genuinely shocked to see how prevalent this behaviour is. And while returns have always been a cost of doing business, what we’re seeing now is something else - intentional returns gaming. Many retailers are still applying broad-brush policies that fail to distinguish between high-value, profitable customers and those actively gaming the system. A more nuanced approach is needed, driven by data. 🔍 Profile-based returns – One-size-fits-all policies are too blunt and can penalise some profitable customers. Segment by behaviour and profitability. 📊 Use your data – Identify patterns, flag serial returners, and adjust thresholds dynamically. 🧠 Make returns part of the value equation – Returns affect inventory, customer lifetime value, and are at the heart of profitability. 🎯 Incentivise "good" behaviour – Reward reliable behaviour. Build loyalty around profitability, not volume. The retailers who get this right will be the ones who keep customers and their margins. 📥 Read the full report produced in partnership with ZigZag Global here https://lnkd.in/e3K3dQWx   #Retail #Ecommerce #Returns #RetailTrends #CustomerExperience #ReverseLogistics 

Peeling Back the Layers of Innovation. In the vibrant creative hubs of Stockholm and Paris, a Swedish design studio is silently turning the food packaging world on its head. Driven by a fervor for sustainability and futuristic design, product designers Hanna Billqvist and Anna Glansén are at the forefront of this transformative movement. Their brainchild, "Tomorrow Machine," seamlessly blends cutting-edge research, tech innovation, and novel materials to shape a brighter, greener world. A creative approach challenging the norms of packaging with a daring fusion of sustainability and artistic flair. What sets their work apart? It's all about the materials. "This Too Shall Pass" is a standout project showcasing their ability to inject excitement into food packaging. The concept was based on the fact different liquids and materials react differently to each other. From that sprang the idea of creating packaging where the packaging itself worked in symbiosis with the content. For example, water melts sugar but oil does not, so sugar is an ideal material for packaging oil in. So they created packaging made out of sugar. To prevent the sugar packaging from reacting with the moisture in the air, they covered it with a thin layer of wax on the outside. To open it you crack it like an egg—when the material is cracked the wax do no longer protect the sugar and the packaging melts when it comes in contact with water. Their agile design approach allows rapid adaptation of designs and materials to suit different food products. Utilising biodegradable wax and soy inks, they've created a packaging solution for storing dry goods like grains and rice. This takes a unique conical form, with an opening like peeling an orange—considered design combining form, function and aesthetics. For smoothies, they've taken an entirely different approach—a gel made up of agar-agar seaweed and water are the only components used to make this packaging. To open it you pick the top—the packaging will then wither at the same rate as it's contents. It's made for drinks that have a short life span and needs to be refrigerated, fresh juice, smoothies and cream for example. What sets this project apart is its strong influence from nature—instead of mimicking nature with unnatural materials like most designers, Tomorrow Machine chooses to align their designs with nature-inspired substrates of a similar family. Reminds us that the best designs are often those that work in harmony with the planet. What's your take on these innovative concepts? #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability #sustainabledesign #productdesign 📷Tomorrow Machine

After 30+ years in supply chain tech and visiting hundreds of warehouses globally, it's rare that something stops me in my tracks. UK startup Dexory just did exactly that. Here's what blew my mind: 🏗️ 39-foot-tall autonomous inventory scanners - literally the tallest robots on Earth 📊 10,000+ pallets scanned per hour with 99.9% accuracy 🧠 AI-powered warehouse optimization that learns and adapts 🌡️ Multi-sensor technology (HD cameras, temperature, humidity) perfect for cold chain 📱 Real-time digital twins creating living, breathing warehouse simulations But here's the REAL game-changer... Unlike most robotics companies that bolt solutions onto existing operations, Dexory thinks deeply about process integration. They're not just building robots - they're reimagining how warehouses think. Their AI doesn't just scan inventory. It predicts optimal storage locations, suggests put-away strategies, and creates digital twins that enable real-time simulations. The bigger picture? This isn't about full warehouse autonomy yet. It's about creating self-aware facilities - the foundation needed before everything becomes truly autonomous. My prediction: When you control the data, you control the flow. Don't be surprised if Dexory expands into real-time warehouse control systems. What's your take? Are we ready for 39-foot robots managing our supply chains? #supplychain #truckl #innovation

When I interviewed Stephan Waldeis, VP of eCommerce Europe at Husqvarna Group, he said this about tracking real-time data and retailer partnerships. “We track customer behavior, we track inventory levels at our partners, we track sales performance — and of course, we possibly... we track all of that in real time. Imagine, our robots — at least the ones from the last 10+ years — are all connected. So, we have a lot of insights in which gardens they are driving, when they are operating, etc. And that is data that we are leveraging, but also data that we are sharing with our channel partners. That’s great even for the channel partners who are not really interested in operating an eCom site. We provide them with a lot of insights… what kind of products are interesting in your area, because we know exactly from visits on our site, which products in a particular region are more relevant — in Amsterdam versus in Berlin versus in Munich.” 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗣𝗚 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵? 1️⃣ Activate Real-Time Retailer Collaboration Track and share real-time consumer behavior, inventory, and sales data with retail partners — even those with limited digital capabilities — to strengthen joint decision-making, optimize local assortments, and drive smarter sell-through at the shelf. 2️⃣ Localize Product Strategies with Regional Demand Signals Use geo-specific browsing and purchase data to tailor product recommendations, promotions, and stock levels at the city or neighborhood level — what sells in Amsterdam might flop in Berlin if you don’t read the digital shelf signals correctly. 3️⃣ Turn Connected Product Data into a Competitive Advantage Leverage connected device insights (where available) not only for product innovation but as a marketing and retail sales weapon, identifying usage patterns, seasonal trends, and regional preferences that can feed back into supply chain, DTC, and retail media strategies. 𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 ecommert® 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ 𝗖𝗣𝗚, 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘁® : 𝗖𝗣𝗚 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. About ecommert We partner with CPG businesses and leading technology companies of all sizes to accelerate growth through AI-driven digital commerce solutions. Our expertise spans e-channel strategy, retail media optimization, and digital shelf analytics, ensuring more intelligent and efficient operations across B2C, eB2B, and DTC channels. #ecommerce #dataanalytics #CPG #FMCG #data Milwaukee Tool Bosch Makita U.S.A., Inc. STIHL Mondelēz International Nestlé Mars Ferrero General Mills L'Oréal Henkel Beiersdorf Colgate-Palmolive The Coca-Cola Company Unilever L'Oréal Coty Kao Corporation adidas Nike New Balance PUMA Group the LEGO Group Sony Panasonic North America Bose Corporation

𝗠𝘆𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 As the world battles the environmental cost of single-use plastics and the staggering volumes of waste from excessive cardboard packaging, one solution is quite literally growing beneath our feet, mycelium. Mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, offers a powerful alternative to conventional packaging materials. When grown under the right conditions, it can be shaped into strong, lightweight, biodegradable forms that match or even outperform polystyrene and cardboard in protection and insulation. And when its job is done? It composts naturally, returning to the earth without leaving a trace. Unlike plastic, which can take centuries to break down, or cardboard, which contributes heavily to deforestation and energy-intensive recycling processes, mycelium grows in days using agricultural waste as its feedstock. It requires no petrochemicals, no heavy industrial processing, and emits a fraction of the carbon. It’s a regenerative material, not just sustainable. From protective packaging for electronics and wine bottles, to insulation panels and construction materials, the scope for this living technology is enormous. And for businesses serious about ESG targets, circular design, and long-term carbon footprint reduction, mycelium isn’t just an innovation, it’s a responsibility. If we are to redesign the future of packaging, we must look to systems that mimic nature, not fight against it. Mycelium doesn’t just reduce waste. It transforms it. Let’s grow a better future, literally. #Mycelium #SustainablePackaging #CircularEconomy #Biotech #PlasticFree #ESG #WasteReduction #GreenInnovation Amazon ASOS.com Argos Temu eBay DPD UK DHL UPS

🚀 Excited to share my latest project: a fully autonomous Smart Warehouse Management System built using the Agent Communication Protocol (ACP)! This innovative system features four intelligent agents InventoryBot, OrderProcessor, LogisticsBot, and WarehouseManager working seamlessly together to manage stock, schedule deliveries, and handle reorders, all through standardized, real-time communication. 🌟 What is ACP?   ACP is a framework that enables autonomous agents to communicate effectively using structured messages with defined performatives (e.g., ASK, REQUEST_ACTION, TELL, CONFIRM). It ensures clear, reliable interactions, making it ideal for complex systems like smart warehouses where coordination is key. 🌟 How It Works:   Scenario 1: Stock Alert & Reorder - The OrderProcessor checks stock levels with InventoryBot and triggers reorders to maintain minimum availability (e.g., reordering to fill low laptop stock).  Scenario 2: Delivery Scheduling - The WarehouseManager directs LogisticsBot to schedule deliveries of goods, with LogisticsBot confirming the schedule including a tracking ID for transparency.  Scenario 3: Low Stock Management - InventoryBot alerts the WarehouseManager of low stock (e.g., 5 tablets), prompting a confirmation that 15 tablets are needed; the WarehouseManager then requests OrderProcessor to place an order for 15 tablets, with OrderProcessor confirming via a PO number.  The interactive frontend visualizes these interactions, complete with a Statistics dashboard (e.g., total messages: 6, active conversations: 3, registered agents: 4) to monitor performance, making it perfect for real-world adoption. 🏭Impact on Logistics: This solution transforms the logistics industry by reducing manual oversight, optimizing stock levels, and streamlining delivery schedules. With real-time data and automated reordering, warehouses can operate 24/7, cut costs, and improve customer satisfaction key drivers in today’s fast-paced supply chain. This showcase how AI and ACP can revolutionize warehouse management. Check out the demo video to see it in action!

If customs walks in today, are you ready? Most aren’t and the penalties prove it. What triggers a customs audit ? 1. Random Selection Part of risk-based targeting systems to keep audits fair.  2. Red Flags Errors or inconsistencies in import declarations can raise alarms.  3. Industry Targeting   Customs focuses on industries with high fraud risks like electronics and pharma.  4. Prior Non-Compliance Past penalties or lack of response can trigger scrutiny.  5. **Related Party Transactions**   Intra-company deals face extra checks for pricing issues.  6. FTA Claims   Large claims for Free Trade Agreements may lead to reviews.  Common Mistakes That Trigger Penalties  - Misclassification  Customs uses data analytics to find errors. This can lead to a duty shortfall of up to three times.  - Undervaluation Transfer pricing reports can expose undervalued goods, resulting in fines and interest.  - FTA Misuse  Lack of origin support during claims can mean repayment of duties plus penalties.  - Poor Recordkeeping Random audits can catch missing documents, leading to fines.  - Misdeclared Dual-use Goods   These can lead to serious legal issues.  - Inconsistent Broker Instructions   Discrepancies can cause loss of benefits.  Preparation Best Practices - Assemble a Compliance Task Force    Include Trade Compliance, Finance, Logistics, and Legal teams.  - Review Historical Import Data Analyze reports from brokers and customs tools for the last 12 to 36 months.  - Validate HS Classifications  Cross-check with product specs and rulings.  - Review Valuation Methodology   Ensure all dutiable elements are included in declared values.  - Confirm Origin Documentation  Match each FTA claim with valid supplier declarations.  - Check Recordkeeping Protocol   Keep all documents accessible.  - Audit FTA Claims  Randomly select entries to trace back to source.  - Examine Related Party Transactions  Ensure customs values are based on fair market pricing.  - Spot Audit Broker Instructions  Pull recent declarations to check accuracy.  - Prepare a Compliance Report   Summarize risks and actions taken.  **Do's**  ✅ Designate a single point of contact for customs.   ✅ Be transparent but only provide requested information.   ✅ Keep an audit log of all communications.   ✅ Prepare an intro presentation outlining import processes.   ✅ Provide documents promptly and in order.  **Don'ts**  ❌ Don’t argue or blame other departments.   ❌ Don’t offer unsolicited documents.   ❌ Don’t allow unscheduled interviews with untrained staff.   ❌ Don’t say “we’ve always done it that way.”  **Post-Audit Actions**  Review findings with your broker or legal team.   Respond within the deadline to correct inaccuracies.   Implement corrective actions and document them.   Schedule a follow-up audit within six months.   Update SOPs and training based on findings.