Inventory Management
Global Economy
Due to an uptick in the global economy, there is an increasing amount of international shipping into the United States and around the world.
Container Water Shipping
The number one source of shipping into the United States is through cargo containers over water. These shipping lanes can be affected by factors like port congestion and natural disasters – with natural disasters causing over 200 billion in economic loss each year.
Backlog At Ports
The VHC logistics team is in constant talks with carriers and have found that they are experiencing heavy loads which has made it difficult for them to project arrival dates of new product.
Mixed Cargo Capacity
Whether by ship or land, the demand has outpaced the capacity of shippers. The capabilities of water ship in 2016 was 244 million metric tons and only increased by 2 million in 2017 – less capacity increase than the 5% demand growth.
Key Point: Be Prepaired For Unpredictability
While VHC has always strived to go above and beyond by providing estimations on inventory arrivals, factors affecting world shipping have made these estimates harder to pin down. We are working with carriers about how to best serve you in spite of global circumstances.
Place Backorders Early
One of the simplest ways to plan your logistics is by placing backorders early. At VHC, we fulfill backorders in the order they are received without giving preferential treatment. Backorders help us prioritize which products get brought in first and allow you to get them when they arrive.
Stock With Available Items
Try speaking with a sales representative about in stock items that might meet your needs while waiting on inventory restocks. With over 4,000 items, they can often suggest similar items that fit the look you want.
Watch Estimated Dates But Don't Rely On Them
Use our estimated arrival dates as a general guide, but be prepared in case containers are delayed even a few weeks. Global shipping is congested right now, but VHC aims to provide transparency and information to help you plan your inventory.
