Global logistics solutions are no longer a “nice to have” – they’re the backbone of competitive import, export and distribution businesses. Whether you’re moving FMCG into West Africa, consolidating pallets in Europe or supplying retailers across the continent, the right partner can turn logistics from a cost centre into a growth engine.

What do global logistics solutions actually cover?

“Global logistics solutions” isn’t just about shipping goods from A to B. It’s the end-to-end design, coordination and execution of your supply chain across borders.

In practice, this can include:

• Supplier sourcing and order management

• Freight forwarding (air, sea and road)

• Customs clearance and documentation

• Warehousing and inventory control

• Regional distribution and last-mile delivery

• Performance reporting and continuous optimisation

For companies trading with or within Africa, these pieces must fit together seamlessly despite infrastructure gaps, complex regulations and shifting market conditions. This is exactly where a partner like Wigmore Trading can help.

Key challenges in international and African logistics

Many importers, wholesalers and distributors face similar pain points:

• Limited visibility: It’s hard to know where your cargo is, what’s cleared customs and what’s in stock across multiple warehouses.

• Fragmented providers: One company handles freight, another manages customs, another manages local trucking. Miscommunication leads to delays and extra costs.

• Customs and compliance risk: Regulations change frequently, and a small error in documentation can cause containers to sit at port and rack up demurrage.

• Unreliable lead times: When schedules slip, stockouts or overstocking can quickly damage customer relationships and profit margins.

Well-structured global logistics solutions are designed to remove these friction points by aligning every step under a single, coordinated strategy.

How Wigmore Trading supports your end-to-end supply chain

Wigmore Trading works with importers, exporters and distributors who need reliable, Africa-focused global logistics solutions backed by local expertise.

Key ways Wigmore Trading can support your operations include:

1. Coordinated freight and consolidation

Instead of managing multiple forwarders, you can work with one team to:

• Consolidate shipments from different suppliers

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• Select the most suitable mode (air vs sea) based on urgency and cost

• Plan sailing and flight schedules to match your sales cycles

This helps reduce freight costs, minimise partial shipments and improve predictability.

2. Customs clearance and regulatory support

Customs and documentation are often where delays happen. Wigmore Trading can help by:

• Preparing and checking documentation before cargo departs

• Coordinating with licensed customs agents in destination markets

• Ensuring compliance with local import rules and product standards

The result is smoother clearance, fewer surprises at the port and lower risk of penalties or demurrage.

3. Strategic warehousing and inventory management

Global logistics solutions don’t stop at port. To serve retail and wholesale customers effectively, you need the right stock in the right place. Wigmore Trading can:

• Store goods in strategically located warehouses

• Support stock rotation, repacking and labelling

• Help you balance inventory between central hubs and regional depots

This is especially valuable for FMCG and fast-moving products where shelf life, packaging and presentation matter.

4. Regional distribution and last-mile delivery

Once goods arrive in-country, they still need to reach supermarkets, wholesalers, hotels and other end customers. With access to local transport networks and distribution channels, Wigmore Trading can:

• Deliver to major cities and secondary markets

• Support direct-to-store or depot deliveries

• Adapt routes and delivery frequencies as demand shifts

This closes the loop from global sourcing to shelf-ready products.

Use cases: where integrated logistics drives growth

Here are a few ways businesses can benefit from well-designed global logistics solutions:

• FMCG importers: Reduce stockouts by synchronising overseas orders, shipping and in-country replenishment.

• Wholesale distributors: Shorten lead times and improve customer service by using regional warehouses closer to key markets.

• Exporters into Africa: Navigate local regulations and infrastructure challenges with a partner that understands both global trade and on-the-ground realities.

In each case, a partner like Wigmore Trading can help design a route-to-market strategy that aligns logistics operations with commercial goals.

Choosing the right global logistics partner

Not all providers are equal. When evaluating global logistics solutions, consider:

• Experience in your trade lanes: Do they understand the routes you use most, especially into and within Africa?

• Service coverage: Can they handle freight, customs, warehousing and distribution, or only one piece of the puzzle?

• Industry knowledge: Do they understand your products (e.g., FMCG, food, household goods) and their handling requirements?

• Communication and visibility: Will you have clear, timely updates on shipments, inventory and delivery status?

• Scalability: Can the solution grow with your business as you add new markets or product lines?

Wigmore Trading combines international trade experience with strong African market knowledge, helping businesses convert complex supply chains into clear, manageable operations.

Turning logistics into a competitive advantage

When your logistics are fragmented, you spend energy chasing updates, resolving delays and dealing with unhappy customers. When you implement integrated global logistics solutions, you gain:

• More predictable lead times

• Lower overall landed costs

• Better stock availability and service levels

• The confidence to enter new markets

If you’re looking to streamline imports, strengthen your distribution or expand across Africa, Wigmore Trading can help.

Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your supply chain from supplier to final delivery.