FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITYHO CHI MINH CITY CAMPUS --- ---MID-COURSE INTERNSHIP REPORT Major: International Business Economics EXPORT PROCEDURE FOR SEAWAY SHIPMENT AT BLUE SEA TRANSPORTA
INTRODUCTION OF BLUE SEA TRANSPORTATION –
General information, brief history, and development of Blue Sea
Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd is a trading forwarder providing international delivery and transportation services It was formed on October 10th,
2005, under the business code of 0309381590 The Company came into operation on October 27th, 2005, with the initial capital of 5,000,000,000 VND.
Table 1.1: Brief information of Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd Name of organization Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Limited Liability
Short name BSTT, Blue Sea
Head Office 11 Phu Giao , Ward 14, District 5, HCMC, Vietnam.
Transaction Branch 49 Le Trung Nghia, Ward 12, Tan Binh District,
03 Le Thanh Tong, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Legal representative Thanh Tuan Nguyen
The company's head office is strategically located at 11 Phu Giao, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam It operates two branches: one at 49 Le Trung Nghia, Ward 12, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, just 2 kilometers from Tan Son Nhat Airport, and another at 03 Le Thanh Tong, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, conveniently situated near Hai Phong Port for easy logistics and transportation.
After 15 years of formation and development, Blue Sea has gradually improved the business process and organizational structure Such improvement allows theCompany to utilize its best comparative advantage – well-trained, experienced, and qualified staffs Moreover, the Company has also developed an information system with all of its global agents, which helps to follow the shipment schedule and solve any problems that might arise Therefore, the Company is committed to provide the best services and meet strict requirements from customers.
Functions, missions, organizational structure and personnel structure
Blue Sea provides the following services:
Cargoes packaging, wrapping and crating.
Entrusted import and export service.
Customs declaration and other export, import documental services.
Bonded warehouse rental and related logistics services.
Import: raw material, industrial machine, wine, etc.
Export: furniture, article of iron, steel, ceramic, etc.
Sourcing agent for foreign companies.
Vision: Become one of the leading Vietnamese forwarders.
Mission: “Provide best logistic solutions and meet all strict requirement from our customers.”
Profession: offer the best value to the Company’s customers at competitive price
Security: protect customers’ information and do not interfere with customers’ business activities
Integrity: take full responsibility for any loss or damage due to its lack of due diligence
Figure 1.2 Blue Sea’s operational organization structure
Document Accounting Logistic Customer Sales Overseas
Department Department Department Department Depatment Department Export team
The Director is responsible for managing all departments within the company, acting as the legal representative, and ensuring compliance with laws They oversee the development and execution of strategic plans and business objectives to drive company performance Additionally, the Director signs contracts and takes responsibility for the overall direction and success of the organization.
The Sales Department is dedicated to identifying new customers and conducting comprehensive market research to stay ahead in the industry They engage in consultation and negotiation with clients to craft mutually beneficial contracts, ensuring long-term relationships with customers, shipping lines, and other partners Their efforts focus on building strong, lasting connections that support sustained business growth.
The Document Department handles the preparation of all necessary customer documents and provides expert consultation on import and export procedures They are also responsible for maintaining customer records and staying updated on domestic and international trade news, regulations, decrees, circulars, and legal documents related to import and export activities.
The Logistics Department is responsible for overseeing the entire consignment delivery process, including tracking shipments, receiving and delivering goods between customers' warehouses and ports as per contractual agreements, and handling customs clearance procedures They manage the packaging, wrapping, and crating of goods when necessary, and coordinate the handover of consignments to carriers while ensuring all required documentation is secured Additionally, the department stays informed about domestic and international trade environments, including updates on regulations, decrees, circulars, and legal documents related to import and export activities to ensure compliant and efficient logistics operations.
The Accounting Department is responsible for the financial control of the company, including preparing quarterly and yearly financial statements and managing the use of company assets and capital It tracks and controls costs, debts, and financial liabilities while ensuring the accurate deduction of amounts payable to the state Additionally, the department oversees the storage and preservation of confidential documents and stays informed about relevant domestic and international trading regulations, laws, decrees, and circulars related to import and export activities.
Customer Department: is in charge of developing and maintaining long-term relationships with customers; improving the customer searching process of the Company.
The Overseas Department collaborates with foreign agents to execute contracts and necessary procedures, ensuring smooth international transactions It monitors both domestic and global trading environments, staying informed about relevant news, regulations, decrees, circulars, and legal documents related to import and export activities This proactive approach helps ensure compliance and adapt to evolving international trade policies.
Table 1.2: Blue Sea’s personnel structure
Department Number Education Sex Average age of employees Male Female Male Female
(Source: Blue Sea human records, 2019)
Blue Sea Employs a Skilled Team of 16 Logistics Professionals – 9 Males and 7 Females with University or College Degrees and Over Two Years of Industry Experience.
The workforce composition reveals a gender imbalance, with men outnumbering women overall While the Document and Customer Departments have a higher female presence, the Sales and Logistics Departments are predominantly male, highlighting departmental differences in gender distribution.
The company boasts a predominantly young workforce, with all employees under 30 years of age except for the Director The average age of male employees is 29, while female employees have an average age of 26, highlighting the company's focus on nurturing young talent.
The Company boasts a highly qualified workforce, with all employees holding college or university degrees and thorough training in logistics Since effective communication with international customers and partners is essential, every employee possesses at least basic English language skills This commitment to workforce excellence ensures high-quality service and strong global collaborations.
Blue Sea offers customized training and development programs tailored to each employee's specific position, ensuring optimal conditions for personal growth This strategic approach enables staff to enhance their skills effectively, contributing significantly to the company's overall success Our ongoing training initiatives demonstrate Blue Sea’s commitment to empowering employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Current business performance of Blue Sea Transportation from 2017 to 2020…
Table 1.3: Blue Sea’s business outcomes from 2017 to 2019 (billion VND)
(Source: Blue Sea’s financial statements, 2017 -2019)
Table 1.3 illustrates the business performance of Blue Sea Co., Ltd, from 2017 to
In 2007, the company's revenue was 3,149 billion VND, and by the end of 2018, it had increased by 13.2% to 3,565 billion VND Between 2018 and 2019, revenue continued its upward trend, growing by 17.25% to reach 4,180 billion VND.
In terms of cost: 2007’s cost of 2,142 billion VND increased by 13.7% into 2,437 billion VND in 2008 2009 observed a remarkable increase for 18.75% into 2,894 billion VND.
Despite fluctuations, the company's profit after tax demonstrated a steady upward trajectory, increasing by 10.08% from 377 billion VND in 2017 to 415 billion VND in 2019 By the end of 2019, net profit reached 450 billion VND, reflecting consistent growth and strong financial performance.
Blue Sea experienced steady growth in revenue and profit, driven by several key factors The logistics sector in Vietnam has seen remarkable expansion in recent years, supported by the signing of Free Trade Agreements and infrastructure development, creating new market opportunities Additionally, Blue Sea's commitment to enhancing service quality and operational efficiency has contributed to its success, including investments in its own vehicle fleet in 2019 to strengthen inland transportation services.
Figure 1.3 Blue Sea's business outcomes 2019 - 6M2020 and estimated 2020 (billion VND)
Profit after tax Cost Revenue
(Source: Blue Sea’s financial statements, 2019 – 2020)
Figure 1.3 compares the performance of Blue Sea in the first six months between
2019 and 2020, and thereby, provides estimated data for 2020.
Blue Sea’s business performance is highly seasonal, with the highest-value orders occurring in the final quarter of the fiscal year due to increased market activity before Lunar New Year In the first half of 2019, the company generated 1,586 billion VND in revenue, representing just 38% of its total annual revenue, highlighting the seasonality's impact on annual financial results.
In 2020, Blue Sea faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting its previously steady growth From 2017 to 2019, the company experienced a consistent revenue growth rate of 17.25%, indicating a positive upward trend However, in the first half of 2020, Blue Sea's financial performance declined, with revenue dropping by 13% (equivalent to 211 billion VND) and profit after tax decreasing by 4% (approximately 8 billion VND) compared to the same period in 2019 Despite these setbacks, the company actively controlled costs during this difficult period to minimize profit loss.
With the forecast that the pandemic situation is likely to continue until the end of
2020, and based on the data of 2019, Blue Sea’s business outcomes are estimated at3,624 billion VND in revenue, 2,402 billion VND in cost and 430 billion VND in profit after tax.
Internship period summary
The author’s internship lasted for ten weeks, started on June 1 and ended on August
7, 2020 Working in Sales Department, the author had opportunities to be exposed to a variety of tasks, including:
Generate, arrange and update databases of customers, shipping lines, global agencies, local charges, etc.
Send inquiries to shipping lines and offers to customers.
Contact to potential customers via email, phone.
Rewrite and translate to English some professional documents.
Research for freight rates and schedule for customers.
Under the guidance and training of Mr Nguyen Tuan Anh, Sales Manager at Blue Sea, the author developed valuable skills during the internship Upon completion, they had the opportunity to support the Logistics Department in receiving a shipment from a customer’s warehouse, gaining practical experience in supply chain operations.
Details of the internship at Blue Sea are attached in “Internship diary” in the annexes below.
Conclusion of chapter 1
Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd is a professional forwarding company with 15 years of experience, dedicated to improving service quality and delivering maximum value to customers Over a 10-week internship, the author gained valuable lessons and practical experience working in a highly professional environment, which has enriched her studies at Foreign Trade University and prepared her for future career opportunities The company's sustained positive business performance reflects the collective efforts of its dedicated team and commitment to excellence.
The next chapter will illustrate the process of exporting goods at Blue SeaTransportation – Trading Co, Ltd.
EXPORT PROCEDURE FOR SEAWAY SHIPMENT AT
Process of exporting goods by sea at Blue Sea Transportation - Trading
2.1.1 General process of exporting goods by sea
Figure 2.1: Process of exporting goods by sea at Blue Sea
• Signing contract, receiving customer records
• Preparing, checking, packing deliver cargo to the port
• Handing over cargo to the carier
• Issuing House Bill of Lading
• Sending documents to agent and liquidating contract
Step 1: Searching for new customers:
Blue Sea's orders primarily originate from two key sources: long-term loyal customers and new clients The Sales Department diligently seeks out potential customers while maintaining strong, ongoing relationships with existing clients According to Mr Tuan Anh, the Sales Manager, new customers contribute approximately 35% of the company's total orders, highlighting their significant role in business growth.
The Sales Department utilizes three primary channels to identify potential customers First, sales staff actively search for customer contacts through the Internet and online forums, broadening their outreach opportunities Once contact is established, they follow up by sending emails and making direct calls to engage with prospects effectively Additionally, new customers may initiate contact themselves, providing further growth opportunities for the sales team.
Sales employees actively engage with the Company through its website, email, and social media channels to facilitate direct communication Additionally, they participate in trade fairs and offline forums focused on exporting agricultural products and seafood, providing opportunities to meet potential customers and expand the company's international reach.
Upon receiving a customer's inquiry for FCL shipments, the Sales department promptly contacts carriers via email or phone, providing essential details such as commodity, estimated time of departure (ETD), quantity, loading port, and discharge port Sales personnel negotiate with carriers and customers to secure the best freight rates, aiming to deliver optimal value for the customer while maximizing benefits for the company.
In case of LCL consignment, Sales employee contacts a list of consolidators to deal freight rate with similar information.
Step 2: Signing contract, receiving customer records:
After successful negotiations, the Company and customer formalize their agreement by signing an entrusted export contract, which is executed by the authorized legal representatives of both parties at one of their offices The contract outlines key details such as terms of export, payment conditions, and legal obligations, ensuring a clear and binding partnership This legally binding export contract ensures that both the Company and customer are aligned on their commitments, facilitating a smooth export process.
Name and address of parties
Sales Department then receives Booking records from the customer and bases on it to send a Booking Request to the carrier or consolidator Customer's Booking often includes:
Estimated time of delivery (ETD)
Requirement on CY or CFS
Step 3: Preparing, checking, packing and delivering cargo to the port
From this step, Logistics Department will follow the contract using ERP software.
For FCL (Full Container Load) shipments, the carrier issues a Booking Confirmation and Empty Release Order based on the booking details The logistics team then retrieves an empty container from a designated location, conducting a thorough inspection of its floors, walls, roof, and corners to ensure it is in proper condition Once inspected, the logistics staff signs a record confirming the container's integrity, pays the Lift on - Lift off fee, and delivers the empty container to the customer’s warehouse During loading, goods are packed, marked, and documented with photographs for record-keeping, after which the logistics team securely seals the container to ensure safety and security during transit.
For LCL (Less than Container Load) consignments, goods are directly loaded into the truck Logistics staff must carefully inspect and document the number and condition of packages, capturing photos as proof of the goods' state Once verified, the consignment is delivered to the Container Freight Station (CFS) for further processing and shipment.
Document Department is in charge of preparing the set of documents including:
Customs declaration: in 2 originals (1 kept by the exporter, 1 kept by customs)
Logistics employee opens the e-declaration form by using ECUS software, selects
To complete the registration, the document employee fills in all necessary information Upon finishing the E-custom process, they receive a Classified Customs Declaration Form There are three classification categories—Green, Yellow, and Red—that determine the required documentation The document employee then prepares and submits the appropriate set of documents corresponding to the classification results, ensuring compliance with all customs regulations.
Green stream: Barcode and Customs declaration form.
Yellow stream: Customs declaration form and Invoice Custom Officer inspects the set of documents
Red stream: Customs declaration form, Invoice and Packing list Custom Officer inspects the set of documents Then the cargo is inspected fully or partly
If there is no mistake to be found, the status of the Declaration form will be updated to "Clear".
Step 5: Handing over cargo to the carrier
After successful customs declaration, the cargo is to be handed over to the carrier.
For FCL cargo, the sealed container is delivered to the designated container yard as specified in the booking confirmation Upon arrival, the container is registered into the vessel record book to ensure proper tracking A logistics employee signs the handover record to confirm the container's condition and status, facilitating smooth cargo handling and documentation.
Providing LCL cargo, cargo is loaded into the consolidator's container Then, it is the consolidator's responsibility to seal the container and hand it over to the carrier.
Step 6: Issuing House Bill of Lading
One day before the date of departure, or depending on the closing time of carrier,Document employee contacts customer for Bill of Lading details, including:
Name and address of Shipper.
Name and address of Consignee
Port of loading, port of discharge
Quantity of goods (Carton, package, bundle, crate, pallet )
Number of containers, number of seals.
Payment method (prepaid or to collect)
Whether the customer requires to get House Bill or Master Bill?
Request on the type of B/L to be issued (original or surrendered)
Document employee issues House Bill of Lading based on given information and sends it to the customer to check and confirm.
In case of FCL consignment, Logistics employee provides carrier Shipping Instruction for Master Bill (carrier bill) with the same information from House Bill excepted some below correction:
Shipper: Blue Sea Transportation - Trading
Consignee name, Notify party: Name of the agent of Blue Sea (from the destination port.).
Method of payment: Prepaid / Collect fee
Type of Bill of Lading
If the consignment is LCL, Shipping Instruction is sent to the consolidator instead of the carrier Consolidator issues its House Bill of Lading base on the information in
Shipping Instruction After the container is shipped on board, the consolidator will receive Master Bill from the carrier.
Step 7: Sending agent set of documents and liquidating contract
After cargo is shipped on board, Document employee generates the set of documents for the customer, including:
Customs declaration form stated "Clear"
Certificate of fumigation, Certificate of Origin
House Bill of Lading issued by Blue Sea
On the "Onboard date", Logistics employee sends Pre-Alert to the agent and follows the delivery of the shipment to inform the customer immediately, providing any incidents.
One day before the shipment's arrival, Document employee email to its agent to release the shipment to the importer.
After fulfilling contractual obligations, the Accounting Department issues a debit note to initiate payment collection from the customer Once payment is completed, the contract is officially settled and liquidated It is important to note that when utilizing the House Bill Surrender method, the customer must make the payment prior to the issuance of the House Bill Surrender, ensuring compliance with payment and documentation procedures.
2.1.2 Detailed process of exporting seaway LCL wooden handicraft baskets at Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co, Ltd
Thuan Tuong Thinh Trading Service Co., Ltd was going to export an uncommercial consignment of wooden handicraft baskets valued 480USD to Indonesia for sample
18 purposes In September 2019, Thuan Tuong Thinh sent inquiry directly to Blue Sea for entrusted export service.
Blue Sea recommended Thuan Tuong Thinh to utilize consolidation services to reduce transportation costs due to the size and volume of the cargo A Blue Sea sales representative negotiated freight rates with multiple consolidators to find the most cost-effective option Gateway Container Line offered the best freight quotation and scheduling that aligned with Thuan Tuong Thinh’s requirements.
On September 24, 2019, Thuan Tuong Thinh Trading Service Co., Ltd and Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd signed an entrusted export contract for wooden handicraft baskets The shipment was delivered via sea in less container load (LCL) terms under CFR, Incoterms 2010, ensuring efficient and reliable international shipping.
Blue Sea issued a Booking note, including the following details:
Name of shipper: Thuan Tuong Thinh Trading Service Co., Ltd
Port of loading: Ho Chi Minh port
Name of consolidator: Gateway Container Line
Estimated time of delivery (ETD): October 15, 2019
All departments cooperated to follow the conduct of the contract using ERP software, Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Skype.
On October 8, 2019, logistics employees arrived at Thuan Tuong Thinh’s warehouse to receive a shipment of 15 packages, each weighing 32kg and measuring 60x30x30 centimeters The cargo was clearly marked with the company name “THUAN TUONG TINH CO., LTD,” ensuring proper identification and shipping documentation.
19 cargo is loaded into the truck and delivered to ICD Trasimex Container Freight Station.
Document Department prepared a valid set of documents for customs declaration. Because the cargo consisted of wooden products, the set of documents also included an dispatch application for exporting goods.
A logistics employee accurately completed all required information in the ECUS software and received a classification result indicating the Red stream with a 0% tax rate Subsequently, the employee submitted the necessary documents, including the Customs declaration form, invoice, and packing list The cargo underwent a 25% inspection as mandated, but was successfully cleared after inspection Thanks to the efficient support of customs officers, the customs declaration process was smooth and hassle-free.
Thuan Tuong Thinh was required to submit the SI before October 11, ensuring timely compliance By utilizing the Surrendered Bill of Lading, the company agreed to settle the payment prior to Blue Sea issuing the House Bill of Lading This process reinforces efficient shipment documentation and payment procedures, aligning with international shipping and logistics protocols.
Shipper: Thuan Tuong Thinh Trading Service Co., Ltd 14 Street N10, Chanh Nghia Residential Area, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.
Consignee: Pt Jalesveva Jaya Sri, Ruko Grand Ancol Block C No 2 Jl Re Martadinata, No.1 Ancol, Pademangan, Jakarta Utara.
Port of loading: Ho Chi Minh Port, VN
Port of discharge: Jakarta, Indonesia.
Commodity: Wooden article; Wooden handicraft basket, HS code: 44209010
On October 15, 2019, Gateway Container Line issued a Surrendered House B/L with consignee as Blue Sea The container was sealed and loaded on board.
On October 22, 2019, the vessel came to Jakarta Port Blue Sea finished its contract liability The entrusted contract was liquidated and accounting employees saved the records and set of documents.
2.1.3 Strengths and weaknesses of Blue Sea’s export procedure
Conclusion of chapter 2
Chapter 2 illustrates the process of exporting goods by sea at Blue Sea Transportation– Trading Co., Ltd Besides, the author also gives her opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of this process In the next chapter, the author will give some of her recommendations to improve the conduct of the export process in Blue Sea and summarize her achievement after ten weeks of internship in Blue Sea.
CHAPTER 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE PROCESS
OF EXPORTING GOODS BY SEA AT BLUE SEA TRANSPORTATION –TRADING CO., LTD
Recommendations and implement schedule
3.1.1 Develop strategy of attracting new customers and improving customer services
In the highly competitive logistics industry, acquiring new customers and nurturing long-term relationships with existing clients are crucial for Blue Sea's growth Focused on enhancing export services, the company emphasizes customer retention and expansion to drive sustainable development in a challenging market landscape.
To attract new customers effectively, the company should develop a targeted strategy across its key channels: Internet, website and fan page, and offline trade fairs and forums It is essential to identify customer insights for each channel and implement tailored action plans For instance, potential export service clients often search online to learn about the export process; therefore, enhancing the company's website into an informative Logistics blog can attract and engage these prospects.
As some Logistics websites such as Logistics4vn.com can get up to 6 billion visits per month, it is a very promising idea.
To enhance customer services, Blue Sea should implement strategies such as offering discounts, promotions, and free consultancy services to attract and retain potential clients Additionally, the company must prioritize prompt and effective complaint resolution to address incidents, ensuring that the best solutions are provided in the customers’ best interests These initiatives will strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty while boosting the company's overall reputation.
The recent surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) has led to an increase in multinational companies entering Vietnam, creating a significant opportunity for forwarding companies These companies are valuable clients, seeking expert support to navigate Vietnam’s import and export procedures effectively As such, this trend presents a promising growth avenue for logistics providers with in-depth market knowledge and specialized expertise.
According to statistics from the Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA), Vietnamese logistics enterprises hold only 25% of the market share despite being more numerous than foreign competitors Foreign logistics companies benefit from superior processes, advanced facilities, and extensive international networks, giving them a competitive edge To effectively compete in Vietnam's logistics industry, Blue Sea must focus on enhancing service quality and increasing added value within its customers' supply chains.
With the rising volume of export LCL orders, now is the ideal time for Blue Sea to introduce consolidation services, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction As a consolidator, Blue Sea gains greater autonomy and flexibility in managing LCL shipments, allowing for streamlined operations Additionally, reducing intermediaries in the export process enables the company to offer more competitive freight rates, providing cost-effective solutions for clients.
To offer consolidation services, the Company must first obtain a valid business license and complete all legal requirements with relevant authorities Essential facilities such as containers, pallets, and loading equipment must be prepared to ensure efficient operations Additionally, the Company needs to establish a detailed consolidation procedure and implement comprehensive training programs for employees to maintain service quality and compliance.
The increasing demand for LCL (Less than Container Load) services is driven by market instability and sector-specific fluctuations, such as the complex changes in the petroleum industry, which seek flexible, quick, and efficient transportation solutions for small orders Additionally, the rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed consumer shopping habits, prompting delivery companies to develop diverse delivery options, including high-frequency small deliveries and expanded service coverage These trends present significant opportunities for Blue Sea to enhance and expand its consolidation services to meet evolving market needs.
The main risk of providing consolidation service is that the Company may not stably receive a large enough number of LCL orders In fact, Blue Sea’s number of orders
The company's seasonal demand fluctuations can lead to periods when order volume is insufficient to achieve the breakeven point, particularly during uncertain times like COVID-19 when order stability decreases It is advisable for the company to postpone implementing this plan until the COVID-19 pandemic is over to ensure more consistent operational conditions Additionally, establishing partnerships with other consolidators for co-loading can help mitigate the impact of LCL order shortages during low-demand periods, enhancing logistical flexibility and efficiency.
Foreign agents are crucial to Blue Sea's sea export process, as they facilitate receiving cargo from carriers and releasing it to the consignee according to the company's instructions in their respective countries Additionally, Blue Sea serves as a trusted Vietnamese agent for numerous international freight forwarders, ensuring seamless global logistics and export operations.
Effective network connectivity is crucial in the logistics industry, as transportation relies on collaboration among multiple parties Expanding agent relationships with global forwarders allows companies to increase their export destinations and access a broader international market Strengthening these international partnerships enables companies to receive more overseas orders, boosting overall market presence both domestically and internationally.
The CPTPP Agreement has opened up more opportunities for international cooperation.
Vietnam's recent signing of numerous new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the EVFTA, enhances access for domestic import and export industries and broadens the supply market within the country These agreements create favorable conditions for major export sectors such as textiles, footwear, and seafood, driving growth in logistics services Consequently, there is an increasing interest from international forwarders seeking to collaborate with Vietnamese forwarding companies to offer comprehensive global transportation solutions.
I would like to suggest the expected implementation time of the solutions as below:
Table 3.1: Implementation plan for solution to improve the conduct of export procedure at Blue Sea
1 Develop strategy of attracting new 6 months customers and improving customer services
3 Expand network of agents Regularly
Personal lessons and experience
During the author's internship, she feels grateful for the opportunity to acquire valuable new knowledge that is essential for a forwarding employee; notably, much of this practical information is not covered in university coursework, making the internship a vital learning experience.
The author was often required to prepare reports based on provided documents and online research, essential for her role During her first week, she received a comprehensive database of global ports and shipping lines serving them, which she needed to categorize by region, country, and size, learning key details by heart She was also tasked with researching various shipping lines and their routes to understand their strengths Initially unclear about the importance of this extensive knowledge, she later learned from Mr Tuan Anh that sales employees must advise customers on suitable transportation routes and send inquiries to appropriate shipping lines, making this information crucial for effective customer service and route recommendation.
During the research process, the author expanded her understanding of the logistics industry, gaining valuable insights She diligently worked on her research using the office computer, aiming to create useful resources Her efforts are intended to benefit other employees and interns, contributing to their professional development in the logistics field.
During my internship, I gained valuable experience supporting the Logistics Department in delivering shipments from the customer's warehouse to Cat Lai Port I learned vital skills in professional communication and collaboration with customers, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the delivery process This experience also taught me the importance of meticulous attention to shipment details to prevent any issues during transportation, highlighting the significance of precision and efficiency in logistics operations.
The author believes that the lessons and experiences gained during her time at Blue Sea are far more valuable than any contributions she has made She sincerely thanks all Blue Sea employees, especially Mr Nguyen Thanh Tuan, the company director, and Mr Nguyen Tuan Anh, the sales manager who instructed her, for their support throughout her internship.
Conclusion of chapter 3
In Chapter 3, the author offers valuable recommendations to improve the export processes at Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., LTD., acknowledging that her suggestions are based on limited experience but aim to be beneficial She shares her firsthand lessons and insights gained during her internship, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge in streamlining export operations Despite acknowledging potential imperfections due to her novice status, the author believes these suggestions are worth considering to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the company's export activities.
Logistics services in Vietnam have experienced significant growth since the 1990s, evolving from basic freight forwarding and logistics solutions Currently, approximately 1,200 companies operate in Vietnam's logistics sector, a substantial increase from 700 before 2005 These enterprises offer a diverse range of services, including freight forwarding, warehousing, loading and unloading, transportation, and integrated logistics solutions, reflecting the industry's ongoing development and maturity.
Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd has over 15 years of experience in the logistics industry, establishing itself as a reliable forwarding company Throughout its history, Blue Sea has continuously optimized its business processes and organizational structure to meet the stringent demands of its customers Committed to excellence, the company ensures efficient and high-quality transportation services tailored to client needs With a proven track record, Blue Sea Transportation is dedicated to providing dependable logistics solutions, reinforcing its reputation as a leading player in the industry.
This report outlines the sea export process at Blue Sea Transportation – Trading Co., Ltd., highlighting its transparency, flexibility, and the advantages of professional staff and a reliable international partner network While the process is efficient overall, certain areas require improvement to optimize operations In Chapter 3, the author proposes specific solutions to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the export procedures, ensuring better customer satisfaction and business growth.
Interning at Blue Sea significantly enhanced my knowledge and broadened my perspective across various aspects I am deeply grateful for the valuable lessons and experiences gained during this internship, which have contributed to my personal and professional growth My time at Blue Sea has been a transformative journey that has strengthened my skills and mindset for future challenges.
Hoang Van Chau, 2009, Giao trinh logistics va van tai quoc te, NXB Thong tin va truyen thong, Hanoi.
Trinh Thi Thu Huong, 2011, Giao trinh Van tai và bao hiem trong ngoai thuong, NXB Thong tin và Truyen theng, Hanoi.
SONGANHLOGS, 2016, Process of exporting goods by sea, https://songanhlogs.com/quy-trinh-lam-mot-lo-hang-xuat-khau-bang-duong- bien.html#lam-thu-tuc-hai-quan
SONGANHLOGS, 2019, Import and export customs procedures, https://songanhlogs.com/quy-trinh-thu-tuc-hai-quan-xuat-nhap-khau.html
Logistics4vn (2015) highlights Vietnam's logistics sector and its ongoing efforts to attract and retain customers amidst increasing competition The company emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions and customer-centric services to stand out in a dynamic market According to the Logistics Vietnam 2019 report, the sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by infrastructure development and increased international trade Companies are focusing on leveraging technology and improving service quality to enhance customer satisfaction and capture new market opportunities Overall, the Vietnamese logistics industry is actively striving to expand its customer base through strategic initiatives and technological advancement.
Annex 1 Dispatch application for non-commercial goods Annex 2 Non-commercial invoice
Annex 7 Consolidator House Bill of Lading
Annex 1 Dispatch application for non-commercial goods
Annex 7 Consolidator House Bill of Lading
Internship diary Date Task assigned Personal lessons and experience
1/6 Get to know about - Get acquainted with other employees and interns the Company: in the Company: In my first experience, Blue Sea,
- Rules, policies as a small size company, shares a family culture. and regulations People in Blue Sea were very kind to me, they
- Rights and asked me to accompany with them for lunch. obligations of - From the Company website, i learned about a employees wide variety of services that Blue Sea provides,
- Website: and how the Company communicate with its bsttvn.com customer.
2/6 – 5/6 Important ports At first, I didn't get the point of learning by heart around the world: great number of ports Then, Mr.Tuan Anh
Customers primarily focus on the database of ports worldwide where they plan to export their products It is essential for our team to advise them on the most suitable Ports of Loading (POL) and Ports of Discharge (POD) to ensure efficient and successful international shipments Providing expert guidance on optimal port selection can streamline their export processes and enhance supply chain efficiency.
In research on freight rates, ports are classified based on geographical development in sea and air transportation, highlighting key areas and countries that excel in these sectors Analyzing these classifications helps companies identify strategic port locations and optimize logistics routes Additionally, such research supports organizations in developing comprehensive databases, enabling better data management and more accurate freight rate analysis across different regions and port sizes.
- Learn by heart important ports
8/6 – 9/6 Research on top - Learn about main or important
10 international market/geographical areas of different shipping shipping lines lines
Understanding the competitive landscape of various shipping lines reveals their unique advantages and strengths across different regions Major shipping lines often differentiate themselves through extensive routes, advanced logistics, and reliability, while smaller shipping companies also offer niche benefits such as cost-effective rates and specialized services for particular regions These varied strengths enable each shipping line to effectively compete in their targeted markets, including specific regional routes where they can provide optimized freight solutions Ultimately, recognizing these differences helps shippers select the most suitable shipping partner based on regional strengths and service offerings.
- Which shipping lines usually have schedule for specific location.
- Help other employees with errants: printing, planting flowers, cleaning document cases
15/6 – Different types of - Sales employee needs to have these basic
18/6 containers: knowledge to advise their customers on the research size, suitable container types for different shipments. characteristics and the uses of different container types and learn by heart
19/6 – Understand the Understand about the Company's workflow
26/6 – Freight, costs and Local charges is changed overtime and employees 30/6 charges in sea need to keep updated with new knowledge and transportation information
1/7 6/7 Using Outlook Outlook is the main means of communication with customers and partners in Blue Sea, by checking company's outlook, I can have understanding of:
- How company negotiate with customers and shipping lines
- How to write a proper email.
- Some common problems in this industry and how the Company deals with them.
- Language, terms and abbreviations used in logistics industry
7/7 – Write inquiry and - What information should be looked for?
10/7 negotiate with - Which shipping lines usually have schedule and shipping lines and good freights for specific location/routine? customer
On 13/7, we focused on reaching out to potential customers with the goal of helping them and providing tailored logistics solutions By actively listening to their needs and offering valuable support, we aim to build trust and long-term relationships, rather than just achieving immediate KPIs I realized that investing time in understanding and assisting potential clients increases the likelihood of converting them into loyal customers in the future.
17/7 – Vietnamese Local Local charges is changed overtime and employees 20/7 charges need to keep updated with new knowledge and information
21/7 – Blue Sea process How is it different comparing to export/import 23/7 of export and process of exporter/importer? import goods
How does company generate profit?