{"id":14980,"date":"2023-04-04T11:02:14","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T18:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/?p=14980"},"modified":"2023-09-25T05:58:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T12:58:58","slug":"inbound-shipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/shipping\/inbound-shipping\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Inbound Shipping and How Does it Affect Your Shipping Strategy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cost of international shipping has decreased dramatically in the last six months\u2014in some cases costs are down 60% or more. This impacts ecommerce businesses in big ways: brands now have a lot more freedom to import products into multiple ports which opens them up to choosing a distributed inventory model and fulfilling products closer to customers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Difference Between Inbound Shipping and Outbound Shipping<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Often ecommerce companies separate their operations into inbound and outbound. The two require very different processes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inbound shipping refers to any shipments coming <\/span>into <\/span><\/i>a business. This includes procurement, manufacturing, assembly, storage and inventory management. Inbound shipping often deals with suppliers and vendors\u2014for many brands it\u2019s primarily international relationships and transportation. Returns are also considered inbound shipping.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outbound shipping deals with customers and distribution channels. It refers to the delivery of finished goods that are shipped <\/span>out <\/span><\/i>of a business. This includes shipping directly to consumers, retail outlets, online marketplaces, and sometimes even other warehouses and distribution centers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Positive Impact of Low Inbound Shipping Lanes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently the cost of shipping containers is at an all-time low. This is a boon for ecommerce brands importing goods, raw materials, or products from overseas. Other than general cost savings, low inbound shipping has a direct effect on fulfillment strategy and ultimately customer satisfaction.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With lower international shipping costs, shippers can import to both the East and West Coasts, rather than picking one and relying on domestic shipping (which in recent years have gone up to premium prices).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting products into multiple ports naturally decreases domestic shipping costs. It also places products closer to distributed warehouses if you use a distributed inventory model.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the end, products that import closer to distribution centers can be fulfilled faster and closer to customers. This saves cost, cuts down on transit times, and leaves you with happy customers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Optimize Inbound Shipping Strategy to Save on Cost<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For many ecommerce brands, shipping and transportation can end up being a large portion of their overall budget.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shipping costs change often, which makes them a variable that is hard to manage. There are a few reasons for this:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n