Global Trade and Shipping Management

Introduction

The complexity of global trade is increasing. Sourcing suppliers and managing quality, cost, and delivery through a distributed system require managers to continuously develop their skills to remain relevant and add measurable value. A course in Global Trade and Shipping Management equips professionals with essential skills for their roles.

This specialized segment of the international trade and shipping course offers participants the opportunity to obtain excellence in international shipping. It addresses international shipping logistics, challenges, and regulatory requirements, focusing on effective strategies and legal compliance. This course is fundamental for anyone involved in cross-border shipping and trade activities.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Create cost-aware strategies for sourcing international vendors
• Understand shipping options and transportation costs
• Design effective global supply chain management strategies
• Develop risk management measures and marine insurance plans
• Ensure vendor compliance with international regulations and CSR standards
• Formulate implementation plans to improve their position and that of the organization
• Apply essential concepts and methods for global supplier sourcing
• Understand vendor auditing and compliance practices
• Identify various shipping methods, insurance, and incoterms
• Develop cost-effective supply chain logistics

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Workshops
• Simulations
• Role-playing exercises

Course Outline

Unit 1: International Trade – Challenges and Opportunities

• Aligning international trade strategy with organizational business strategy
• Exploring geospatial opportunities by economic industry sector
• Common issues in international trade
• Finding and recruiting suitable suppliers
• Cross-border cultural communication
• Currency management (FX)
• Global supply chain management

Unit 2: Vendor Sourcing & Management

• Drafting supplier descriptions and positioning
• Managing quality, cost, and delivery
• Understanding Incoterms
• Offshore outsourcing and value addition through sourcing
• Geographic risk analysis at macro and micro levels
• Adhering to international industry practices
• Integrating and reporting corporate responsibility (CSR)
• Vendor auditing strategies and toolkit
• Service level agreements (SLA)
• International best practices on contracts and legislation

Unit 3: Shipping and Logistics Management

• Causes of shipping costs
• Shipping schemes and effects (e.g., consolidation, part container)
• Maximizing profit while minimizing shipping risks
• Marine insurance
• Determining cover levels
• Factors influencing premium costs and strategies for reduction
• Technologies for tracking, monitoring, and securing shipments

Unit 4: Customs/Port of Entry

• Customs functions
• Import duty tariffs assessment
• Determining appropriate tariffs for imports
• Customs systems and procedures
• Bonded warehouses
• Methods of duty deferment
• Freight forwarders

Unit 5: Finance and Documentation

• Forming the trade cycle of the company
• Effects of the trade cycle on cash reserves
• Financial issues in advanced trade methods
• Documentation in the international supply chain
• Best practices worldwide
• Action planning