There isn’t a person on the street that hasn’t heard about the Covid-19 virus and its impact on the world. This widespread virus has changed everything. The way we work, live and communicate. It has seeped so deep into our society filling every nook and cranny, fundamentally changing the way things were. For better, or worse. So, no wonder why international shipping during the pandemic has proven to be quite a challenge. From the first global march lockdowns of 2020…o the Ever Given mega-ship that blocked traffic in the Suez Canal for almost a week in March of 2021. The first year of this pandemic hasn’t been easy on global trade. And, in the midst of this uncertainty, we are here to ask and answer one simple question – what has changed?
International shipping during the pandemic
And while it’s true that there has been a lot of downs in global trade, there has certainly been a lot of ups, as well. If nothing else, these trying times have shown exactly how flexible, and adaptable humans really are. In the middle of chaos, we were able to establish order. And bring some stability to our everyday lives. And nowhere is this more prevalent than when talking about international shipping during the pandemic. Somehow international moving companies found a way to get the global trade running, even with all the lockdowns, delays, and interruptions. It truly is remarkable.
How the pandemic has affected international shipping.
As you may know, our global economy is based on the proposition that shipping is not just available. But readily accessible, as well. This, in other words, means any disruption in shipping can lead to massive interferences on the level of the global trade. And more generally – the economy. We can all agree that this is not good. Not only is this not good for international shipping companies in Kuwait (or any other moving company for that matter). But it’s also terrible for the customers who can’t get their orders in time.
The novel corona Covid-19 virus threw a wrench in that chain of supply and demand. And, in turn, upheaved not just international shipping, but the global economy, as a whole. In the times where we relied on shipping the most, it seemed to fail us. When we needed medicine, food, and other necessities shipped across the borders… It seemed that shipping was too rigid… Like it wasn’t flexible enough to resolve all the problems the pandemic has thrown at it. Or, so it seemed.
It’s not all doom and gloom.
And while it’s true that international shipping during the pandemic was heavily disrupted it was by no means demolished. This just meant that a large number of shipments were either stuck in the wrong ports, or delayed by several weeks. This was of course, because of lockdowns, and/or flexible and shortened work hours that governments started to apply. At the end of the day, you – the customer were still going to get your delivery. You were just going to have to wait a little bit until you did. However, soon after moving companies such as Easy Move KW, started adapting and overcoming even those delays, and interruptions with innovative solutions. Making your belongings shipped and delivered on time.
International shipping during the pandemic – what can be done about it?
If you are in the business of international shipping here are some tips that will help you overcome the challenges of moving internationally during a global pandemic.
- Communicate. We wholeheartedly believe that conveying proper information to your clients is key. For overcoming any and all disturbances that could occur during these trying times. You should make it your number one priority to keep your clients in the loop. We really think this is fundamentally important, yet often overlooked by many moving companies.
- Plan. We recommend that you have a thoroughly thought-out plan for the logistics of the move. You should choose wisely when picking out which modality you are going to use to transport your client’s belongings. Unfortunately, international shipping during the pandemic doesn’t mean that picking the fastest way to relocate someones belonging is the best way. Airfreight has seen a massive decrease in efficiency depending on the location where you are relocating your goods. So, we always recommend that you stay in the loop. Make sure you check the news about disruptions regularly. And talk with your team to try to create a workaround. A wise man once said, failing to plan is planning to fail. We consider this to be a wise quote that is quite applicable in these circumstances.
- Special containers. Do your clients need specialty containers? Make sure to book those in advance! You don’t want to be caught off guard if such a request is submitted, and you can’t fulfill it because you were bushwhacked.
- Peak season. The same advice goes as mentioned above. Make sure you allocate enough resources to be able to pull through a move during peak seasons. You should definitely buffer your logistic team before Christmas, the 4th of July, New Years’, etc.
In conclusion
International shipping during the pandemic is hard. You should be flexible, supple, and adaptable to any and every imaginable situation. That’s why we recommend that you plan ahead. And have clear communication with your clients. These two simple things might seem just that – simple. However, they are anything but easy. Quite on the contrary, getting these two things right is the hardest part moving during this pandemic. So, with that being said… We would like to leave you with this quote. Tough times don’t last, tough people, do. So, dust off, recalibrate, clench your fists, and be though. Because it’s going to pay off.