B2B Breakthrough Podcast:

Cross-Border Logistics Simplified: How to Prevent Damage, De-Risk Shipping & Gain Visibility

Released: January 30, 2026
Host: Sierra Christo (Alibaba.com)
Guest: Ayan (Forest Leopard Logistics)
Special Segment: Aisha Bird (R and B Dog Bakery)

Episode Overview

This episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast is a deep-dive into cross-border logistics, focusing on the most common—and avoidable—logistics mistakes that cost businesses money and peace of mind. Host Sierra Christo speaks with Ayan from Forest Leopard Logistics, an expert in streamlining international shipping for e-commerce brands. They outline actionable strategies for optimizing packaging, reducing damage, managing insurance, and boosting supply chain visibility. The episode closes with a Small Business Spotlight on R and B Dog Bakery, highlighting sustainable growth and supplier partnerships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Real Roots of Logistics Disasters

[00:00-01:13]

• Main Mistake: Using domestic packaging for international shipments is a major error.
• Why It Matters: International shipments face weeks of rough travel, temperature swings, and moisture—conditions most domestic packaging can’t withstand.
• Insight: “The most common error? Brands using the same packaging for international shipping that they use domestically.”
  — Sierra Christo [00:29]

2. Packaging: Prevention Over Cure

[00:53-02:44]

• International vs. Domestic:
  • Lightweight boxes can’t handle sea container conditions.
  • Example: Switching to five-layer waterproof boxes reduced product damage from 18% to under 5%.
  • “...inside a sea container, conditions are tough. Changes in moisture and box stacked high and long trips with shaking can easily cause box to break...”
    — Ayan [00:53]
• Packaging Tailored to Shipping Method:
  • Air shipping = lighter packaging, faster transit, less rough handling
  • Sea shipping = robust, moisture-resistant packaging required.
  • For electronics: desiccant bags, plastic trays, padding are necessary for sea freight.
• Engage Logistics Early: The best results (20% cost savings) come from consulting your logistics partner during product design, not after.
  • “Ideally when the product is still being designed...”
    — Ayan [02:22]
  • Example: Adjusting both product internals and box size made shipping cheaper and prevented breakage.

3. Cost vs. Investment: Value of Better Packaging

[02:44-03:31]

• Case Study: Ceramics brand’s packaging cost rose 10%, but damage rate plummeted from 30% to 3%, and insurance dropped 15%.
• Insight: Upfront packaging investment yields big savings on damages and insurance.
• Quote: “Good packaging isn’t an expense, it’s an investment.”
  — Sierra Christo [03:12]

4. Pinpointing Where Damage Occurs

[03:31-04:42]

• Forest Leopard Data (23,000 orders):
  • 40% of damage: Loading/unloading containers
  • 30%: Shaking during voyage
  • 20%: Factory packaging errors
  • Last-mile delivery is rarely the cause.
  • “Putting goods into and take them out of the container is the most common time for damage.”
    — Ayan [03:31]
• Controls: Multiple physical checks, strict container-loading protocol, and use of airbags and wooden bases to cushion goods.
• Protection: Everything recorded on video to provide proof of where and how damage happened.
• Story: Customer used provided video to successfully claim compensation from a trucking company.

5. Assigning Responsibility & Digital Agreements

[04:42-06:06]

• Who Pays for Damage?
  • Factory issues → Supplier
  • Transit issues → Shipping company
  • Final delivery issues → Local driver
• Digital checklists/agreements: Each party signs off to document custody.
• Full Disclosure:
  • Disclose all shipping details (materials, values) for smooth customs and valid insurance.
• Simple Prevention: Document every step with photos/videos.

6. Insurance: Don’t Assume You’re Covered

[06:06-08:10]

• Myth: Shipping company insurance is automatically sufficient.
• Reality: Standard shipping insurance covers only disasters, not common breakage or water damage.
• Jaw-dropping Example:
  • $80,000 worth of electronics damaged; shipping insurance paid only $200.
    — Ayan [06:06]
• Easy Formula to Decide on Extra Insurance:
  • (Goods Value × Chance of Damage) ÷ Insurance Cost. If over 3, buy insurance.
  • Forest Leopard offers a calculator for this decision.
• Claims Management:
  • Documentation is everything (unboxing videos, third-party damage reports, accurate declarations).
  • Proper support can reduce claims processing from 45 days to 14 days.
  • Example: Pinpointing damage timing for wooden furniture led to 10-day compensation pay-out.

7. Visibility: Track Every Step for Cash Flow and Stock Management

[08:10-09:15]

• Comprehensive Tracking:
  • See entire shipping journey: factory pickup, port arrival, customs, shipping, final delivery.
• Business Benefits:
  • 20% less inventory needed due to better restocking predictability
  • Improved cash flow planning
  • Share tracking with buyers to reduce WISMO (“where is my order?”) inquiries
• Quote:
  • “For stock, you can see what’s on the way... and keep 20% less backup stock.”
    — Ayan [08:10]
• Practical Monitoring:
  • Track for three main alerts: vessel delays, customs issues, failed deliveries

8. Actionable Takeaways

[09:15-10:30]

1. Carton Strength: Check burst strength (BST), not just thickness.
2. Fill Space: Use airbags or foam to prevent cargo movement.
3. Honest Declarations: Be 100% upfront on materials & value for insurance.
4. Time-to-Warehouse Tracking: Monitor port-to-warehouse time to measure logistics reliability.
5. Document Everything: Photos and videos speed up claims.

“Finding a reliable, professional shipping partner can help you avoid a lot of trouble.”
— Ayan/Host paraphrase [10:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The most common error? Brands using the same packaging for international shipping that they use domestically."
  — Sierra Christo [00:29]

• “Inside a sea container, conditions are tough. Changes in moisture and box stacked high and long trips with shaking can easily cause box to break and products to get wet or items to rob and break.”
  — Ayan [00:53]

• “20% savings just from having that conversation early.”
  — Sierra Christo [02:44]

• “Putting goods into and take them out of the container is the most common. Time for damage is about 40%, especially when handed roughly by people.”
  — Ayan [03:31]

• “$80,000 of product, $200 in compensation—that could sink a small business.”
  — Sierra Christo [06:18]

Special Segment: Small Business Spotlight — R and B Dog Bakery

[11:10-18:48]

Founder: Aisha Bird

• Origin Story:
  • Founded from a need for natural dog treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs [11:10].
  • “Our story... started with the love I had for my dogs Reese and Benjamin, who were the original taste testers...”
    — Aisha Bird [11:13]
• Longevity:
  • 22 years of research, eight years in business, five-star reviews, repeat customers [12:37]
• Business Model:
  • Brick and mortar (Texas), e-commerce, partnerships (Walmart and other stores)
• Sustainability:
  • Zero waste bakery: leftovers donated or given as samples
  • Local sourcing for ingredients and packaging via Alibaba
  • Certified "People and Planet First," “Go Texan”
  • Reusable bags and local farm partnerships
• Supplier Relationship:
  • Strong manufacturer partnership through Alibaba, proactive communication, and sustainable alignment [16:25]
• Advice for Entrepreneurs:
  • “Find your niche, find something that you are passionate about... because as you're a business owner you are going to have ups and down challenges...”
    — Aisha Bird [17:38]
• Where to Buy & Learn More:
  • www.rbdogbakery.com,
    Social: @bdogbakery on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
  • Walmart & select Texas locations [18:25]

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive guide to protecting your products and bottom line when shipping globally—emphasizing early planning, customized packaging, clear documentation, and open, honest communication with your logistics partner. The actionable insights—paired with real-world examples—offer listeners a roadmap for smarter international shipping.

Listen to the full episode for more in-depth stories and expert tips.

For exclusive offers and tools:

• Find Forest Leopard Logistics on Alibaba.com (Code: PODFL10 for 10% off your first shipment)
• Explore Alibaba.com for sourcing, logistics, and growth resources.