The last severe pandemic helped to build a fluctuation in the supply chain like never before. In addition, it caused unforeseen delays and shortages. These delays and shortages have created a demand for improved technology to provide an up-to-date and efficient way to manage cargo at CFS Stations.
The flow of imports and exports controls the use of CFS Stations. As a container shipping company official, you need to understand the ins and outs of container freight stations. In addition, you should know how technology can empower better operations in their business. After all, there has never been a better time to implement this integrated technology.
Definition of CFS
A container freight station or CFS is a warehouse facility where you can consolidate cargo before import and export. Consolidation combines shipments, such as an LCL (less than container load), into one FCL (full container load). Therefore, deconsolidation is the opposite process. You can typically find A CFS station near vital ports and distribution cities.
CFS stations help maintain a smooth process for a container shipping company. The CFS stations keep track of names, origin locations, destination locations, and everything for each cargo.
Purpose of a CFS
There are several purposes for using a CFS. It helps to chalk out a viable container load plan. Loading and unloading containers is another purpose of CFS. Moreover, it assigns specific marks and seals to the containers for identification purposes. In addition, CFS arranges and rearranges empty containers from container yards.
CFS manages the transportation of laden containers to the corresponding port or terminal. You can keep an account of containers before & after shipping and sort them accordingly. CFS, moreover, overlooks the customs clearance procedures while ensuring the safety of goods until shipped or picked up. Lastly, CFS utilizes free spaces to become a temporary storage facility for cargo.
Best Practices for Improving CFS handling performance
Improving the CFS handling performance is efficient work that can change the flow and speed of your business. Several internal and external factors play a vital role in shipping efficiency. However, using these best practices can help improve CFS handling performance.
- Know the weather conditions for each station
Inclement weather at the container freight station can affect safety and operational conditions. The tide at port landings should remain under continuous monitoring to ensure that ships can anchor.
- Consider the overall volume of imports/exports.
Each port can handle an assigned overall volume. Knowing the volume of imports and exports at each port allows more stability in deliverability and departure. Therefore, it can help to increase CFS handling performance.
- Gain clear visibility into container ETAs
Knowing the arrival and departure times of containers prevents overcrowding at freight stations.
- Remember the role of labour resources in consolidating or deconsolidation containers.
You need to know what resources it takes to consolidate and deconsolidate. A reliable consolidator with experience can ensure shipments arrive cost-effectively and timely.
- Enable automated notifications to ensure shippers arrive on time
So many automated managements keep you informed of cargo arrivals and departures in real-time. This information will help you in determining the arrival of the shippers.
- Share real-time status updates with your customer.
An efficient CFS ensures that you can share real-time updates with your customers. This collects data and allows for the automation of real-time information on ships. You can enhance CFS performance like this.
Conclusion
As a container shipping company official, you should consider all the following steps to enhance your CFS performance. Above all, serving the best to your customer should be your company’s motto.