The world of apparel supply chains is a complex web of operations spanning the globe. For fashion brands, navigating this intricate landscape efficiently is key to success. In the U.S., the heart of this intricate network lies in North Carolina, a major hub for fabric and apparel manufacturing.
North Carolina’s textile industry has a rich and enduring history that dates back to the early 1800s. It all began when Michael Schenck established the state’s first cotton textile mill in Lincoln County around 1815. Over the years, North Carolina’s textile mills thrived, producing a staggering $191 million worth of textiles annually by 1921, marking significant growth.
Present day, the textile industry is a significant part of North Carolina’s economy, with the state’s $2.7 billion in textile-related exports leading the nation. North Carolina’s textile industry boasts over 600 specialized apparel facilities, each employing experts dedicated to producing high-quality items. The state is also home to the esteemed Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge research in textiles, grooming the next generation of industry experts.
Transporting North Carolina’s apparel safely and securely is a top priority, given the global nature of the industry. Waterproof packaging and meticulous handling are imperative to prevent damage during transit. Additional challenges within the domestic apparel supply chain include overseas delays, potential damage, international holiday disruptions, tariffs, and supply chain bottlenecks.
In today’s blog article, we examine the challenges of exporting North Carolina’s textiles in shipping containers and provide time-tested TydenBrooks damage prevention solutions to safeguard this vital sector and its valuable commodities.
Types of Textiles Transported in Shipping Containers
Textiles are transported in shipping containers using various modes of transportation such as air, sea, rail, and truck. Here are some common types of textiles that are transported in shipping containers:
1. Clothing and apparel: Clothing and apparel are the most common types of textiles that are transported in shipping containers. They are sensitive to high humidity and must be transported in suitable vehicles or containers.
2. Fabrics: Fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool are also transported in shipping containers. They are often transported in rolls or bales and must be properly packaged to avoid damage during transportation.
3. Yarn: Yarn is another type of textile that is transported in shipping containers. It is often transported in large spools or cones and must be properly secured to avoid damage during transportation.
4. Finished products: Finished textile products such as curtains, bed linens, and towels are also transported in shipping containers. They must be properly packaged to avoid damage during transportation.
Challenges of Transporting Textiles in Shipping Containers
Transporting textiles in shipping containers can present several challenges. Here are some of the challenges associated with transporting textiles in shipping containers:
1. Moisture: Textiles are sensitive to high humidity and must be transported in suitable vehicles or containers. Shipping garments and textiles account for a major cost of business enterprises and factories. Moisture can cause damage to textiles during transportation, especially when textiles are transported in humid or wet conditions.
2. Vibration: Vibrations during transportation can cause damage to textiles. This can occur when textiles are transported on rough roads or in vehicles that are not properly maintained.
3. Temperature and humidity: Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage to textiles during transportation. This can occur when textiles are transported in uncontrolled environments or when they are exposed to extreme temperatures during loading or unloading.
4. Poor handling: Poor handling during transportation can cause damage to textiles. This can occur when textiles are not properly secured or when they are mishandled during loading or unloading.
5. Dust: Dust can accumulate on textiles during transportation, causing damage to the fabric. This can occur when textiles are transported in dusty environments or when they are not properly covered.
6. Theft and fraud: Textiles are a valuable commodity, and there is always a risk of theft and fraud during the supply chain process. Proper security measures must be in place to prevent theft and fraud.
TydenBrooks' Damage Prevention Solutions
Securing the World
In today’s highly competitive landscape, it is imperative for companies to eliminate uncertainty and gain a competitive edge by partnering with an established leader in cargo security and asset monitoring. TydenBrooks understands the challenges associated with the export of textiles in shipping containers which encompass various complexities, including moisture, vibration, temperature, humidity, subpar handling, dust, theft, and fraud, all of which demand the application of extensive expertise.
A key aspect of this advantage is rooted in achieving asset and shipment visibility in tandem with ISO 17712 barrier security. However, the ability to effectively select, deploy, and optimize these solutions comes from decades of practical experience. Join TydenBrooks today and enhance your global supply chain security with 150 years of proven solutions.
