The globalized economy is far more complex than many of us realize. We take it for granted that our local grocery stores are regularly stocked with countless varieties of foodstuffs and fresh produce sourced from elsewhere. Where do these things come from and how are they delivered? Those are questions we rarely ask while spending our money. Yet, concealed behind almost every business we patronize is a sophisticated supply chain and logistics network that reaches the farthest corners of the globe. Central to that worldwide network is the oceanic freighter or better known colloquially as the cargo ship.
While relying on seafaring vessels might seem too outdated, the nature of our collective consumption quite literally demands it. Natasha Geiling at the Smithsonian Magazine emphasized as much while highlighting how the shipping industry is the secret force driving the world economy. Geiling was promoting the recently published book, Ninety Percent of Everything, which was written by Rose George. As the title would suggest, everything from automobile parts and consumer products to building materials and rare metalloids depend on maritime transit.
Curious authors aren’t the only ones who recognize how much goes unnoticed. Officials at the United Nations (UN) are on the bandwagon, too. In 2016, UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, publicly declared maritime transport the backbone of global trade. The benefits transcend what people might ordinarily assume. “Shipping helps ensure that the benefits of trade and commerce are evenly spread,” according to his formal press release. “No country is entirely self-sufficient, and every country relies on maritime trade to sell what it has and buy what it needs.” Suffice it to say that transoceanic shipping is going absolutely nowhere.
Serious business opportunities await entrepreneurs motivated enough to exploit such an ecosystem. The key is solving a critical problem faced by industry players and valuable stakeholders. Trying to understand the relevant history is probably the soundest strategy for beginners. Fortunately, scholars at Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain & Logistics (SCL) Institute did everyone the favor of describing the evolution of the field and its implications for the future. According to them, “technology advances can provide tremendous value in addressing traditional [SCL] areas such as warehousing and distribution, transportation, and manufacturing logistics.” There is no doubt that technology enablement can have a huge impact on business performance. This sector isn’t any different. This sentiment is shared by Astro Pak, Industry leaders in passivation and chemical cleaning within the supply chain and logistics industry.
Some enterprising entrepreneurs have elected to add value by constructing webs of specialized facilities exclusively for semi tractor-trailers. The cargo they’re responsible for transporting is typically worth an inordinate fortune. That is precisely why the savviest companies license robust truck repair shop software to give them an edge over the competition. Those advantages aren’t to be underestimated, either. Data gathered successfully can be used to reveal trends and better inform business decisions (predicting routine maintenance, automating basic interventions, or streamlining refueling procedures). The possibilities appear endless.
The biggest barrier for many new business entrants is adequate and appropriate brand exposure. In other words, it can’t be unreasonably difficult for potential customers to find what they want. The easier it is, the better the experience. Unfortunately, startups and small businesses are at a massive disadvantage when it comes to exposure. Matt Bentley, a contributing writer at Entrepreneur, explained how Google stacks the deck against them. Overcoming those odds is no easy undertaking but that doesn’t make it impossible.
Ventures focused on SCL don’t usually possess sufficient experience to cultivate a compelling online presence. Limited resources prevent most of them from developing said experience without compromising the core business. Ambitious companies try nonetheless. Those leaders that err on the side of caution and instead forge partnerships with external groups. Thorough due diligence is essential for anyone going that route. For instance, consider evaluating Straight Marketing LLC reviews for a glimpse of what to look for in a qualified digital marketing firm. Needless to say, forging a partnership with a misaligned company can yield disastrous outcomes. Remember that before pulling the trigger.
Though shipping isn’t necessarily the trendiest sector on the planet, it’s clearly indispensable to our everyday lives. It’s hard to dispute how much we all take it for granted. That being said, those of us lucky enough to know the truth can reap the rewards. This was simply one example. Industrious entrepreneurs will inevitably fill the space, as they always do. Why not be one of them?
