When it comes to moving goods and equipment for government agencies, choosing the right freight forwarding partner is essential. You need a company that understands the unique requirements of government shipping and can provide customized, cost-effective solutions.
That's where SEKO Government, Space & Defense excels. With over 20 years of experience exclusively in government freight forwarding, we know how to navigate the complexities of shipping for federal, state, and local agencies. We provide innovative logistics services tailored to meet government compliance rules and budget restrictions.
THE CHALLENGES OF GOVERNMENT FREIGHT FORWARDING
Shipping goods for government customers comes with special challenges not found in standard commercial freight forwarding:
- Compliance with regulations - Government shipments must adhere to strict security rules, customs clearance procedures, hazardous materials regulations, and other requirements. The freight forwarder must be well-versed in these policies.
- Cost control - Government agencies need to make every dollar count. They require affordable shipping options that don't sacrifice reliability or safety.
- Chain of custody - For sensitive or high-value cargo, government entities need to maintain custody documentation proving who handled the shipment at each step.
- Coordination with multiple vendors - From truckers to warehouse providers, several different companies may be involved in a single government shipment. The freight forwarder must adeptly coordinate with all players.
- Transportation mode suitability - Choosing the best method of transport (air, ocean, rail, or road) while balancing costs, timing and security considerations is key.
With so many moving parts, it's easy for government freight shipping to become complex and expensive without the right partner. SEKO Government, Space & Defense has the experience and expertise to handle every detail.
HOW SEKO GOVERNMENT, SPACE & DEFENSE MEETS THE GOVERNMENT'S FREIGHT FORWARDING NEEDS
SEKO Government, Space & Defense is unmatched in our ability to deliver reliable, affordable freight transportation and logistics services for government customers. Here are just some of the ways we address unique government requirements:
Compliance Expertise
We stay current on all government shipping regulations to ensure every shipment meets the necessary criteria. This includes ITAR, EAR, HTS codes, NAFTA, TSA and CBP requirements.
Our staff maintains all necessary licensing and compliance certifications to legally handle sensitive government cargo.
We provide chain of custody documentation and reports to prove the integrity of your shipment.
Cost Savings
Leveraging our volume discounts with transportation vendors, we secure highly competitive rates for government customers.
We optimize mode selection and routing to provide the most economical options.
Our support for pooling shipments from multiple agencies leads to cost sharing.
We help clients navigate nuances like GBL vs. BL terms to minimize duties/taxes.
Reliability and Communication
With a rigorous quality assurance program, we achieve high on-time performance and minimize shipping disruptions.
Through EDI, API integration and other technologies, we enable real-time tracking and status updates.
We proactively notify customers of any delays or exceptions and provide contingencies.
Customized Solutions
Each government agency has unique needs - we tailor our services accordingly.
Our account representatives develop customized shipping plans based on factors like budget, cargo type, frequency, and destination.
We offer specialty services covering overweight/oversized cargo, hazardous materials handling, trade show shipping, and more.
In essence, SEKO Government, Space & Defense acts as an extension of your agency's logistics team. Our experts become familiar with your specific requirements and provide customized freight forwarding solutions that meet government standards.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES THAT PROVIDE VALUE
Beyond core freight forwarding, SEKO Government, Space & Defense offers government customers additional advantages through these services:
Warehouse and Distribution - We operate secure, bonded facilities providing short and long-term storage, cross docking, inventory management and other services. This allows government suppliers to stage goods closer to the destination for faster delivery.
- Last Mile Delivery - We handle final delivery of freight shipments from distribution hubs to end user locations. This includes inside deliveries and white glove services for sensitive cargo.
- Special Project Cargo Logistics - For oversized equipment like boats, machinery, and vehicles, we arrange specialty transport carriers and manage permits, route planning, escorts and more.
- Consolidation - By consolidating less-than-container/truckload shipments from multiple suppliers into full loads, we maximize efficiency and cost savings.
- Resource and Capacity Planning - Our logistics consultants can project future shipping demand, asset inventory needs, fleet requirements, and other insights to optimize your supply chain.
- Procurement and Order Fulfillment - We can directly procure goods from vendors on your behalf, handle order processing/invoicing, and arrange inbound shipping to warehouses or end users.
- Asset Disposal and Recovery - We assist with the decommissioning and redeployment of equipment through resale, auction, recycling, or responsible disposal.
This range of services makes SEKO Government, Space & Defense a true one-stop logistics provider for government agencies. Rather than hand-picking vendors for each function, our integrated solutions provide seamlessness and simplicity.
CASE STUDY: SEKO PROVIDING AID TO UKRAINE
During periods of upheaval, transformation, and crisis, we prioritize the essentials. The SEKO Cares initiative emerged to bring together our worldwide community, enabling us to significantly impact our customers, our team, and the environment.
Utilizing our networks and knowledge, we efficiently established a connection between the United States and Europe, facilitating the immediate transportation of critical medical supplies to Ukraine.
SEKO handles all types logistics:
- Sourcing transport planes large enough to carry truck-size loads
- Managing customs and manifest documentation
- Providing 24/7 monitoring and support as planes were loaded then departed on strict timelines
- Arranging drayage trucks to/from the airport
- Coordinating with warehouse staff to pick/pack relief items
- Supplying chain of custody forms and other reporting to agencies
Despite extremely tight timelines and limited cargo capacity, SEKO organized the complex operation efficiently and committed $150,000 towards the transportation and delivery of medical, food and other critical goods into Ukraine and surrounding countries. On top of this, we continue to raise money in order to sustain life saving efforts. Our expertise in emergency response and flexible, customer-focused approach made it possible.
CHOOSE A TRUSTED FREIGHT FORWARDING PARTNER
Shipping cargo for the government comes with steep requirements. You need an adaptable logistics provider capable of tailoring solutions to deliver maximum reliability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. With two decades exclusively supporting government customers, SEKO Government, Space & Defense has the experience to expertly handle your unique needs.
To learn more about our services, contact us today. Our team is ready to provide innovative freight forwarding solutions so you can focus on your agency's essential mission.