Ocean import for small and medium sized enterprises

Abstract

Small and medium sized enterprises often lack knowledge of import procedures and requirements. At the same time businesses are increasingly focusing on cost savings. Logistics is one of the biggest costs for imported goods and focusing on optimising logistics processes is efficient way to make savings. Optimising logistics, however, requires understanding of how the process works.

This thesis will explore ocean import from third countries to Finland as a whole door-to-door process. The thesis is written by experienced freight forwarder aiming to provide information for small and medium sized enterprises on how to handle and better their logistics. The purpose of this thesis is to gather all essential information in a convenient, easy to read and easy to apply form.

First job was to outline the process as a whole through written material and experience on the field. Then main problems that small and medium sized enterprises often face were identified and highlighted on the thesis to provide added value to the reader.

As a result of the thesis, a comprehensive package of knowledge was gathered in one covers. With this knowledge small and medium sized enterprises are able to review and better their processes when it comes to ocean import.