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CQR Newcastle handles Antonov 124 and its 68 ton cargo

Posted on 1 March, 2013 | by admin

When one of the leading world renowned project forwarders needed a UK partner to handle an incoming Antonov 124-100 charter flight carrying a 68-ton rotor from the USA to East Midlands Airport in the UK, they turned to CQR Newcastle, Union Transport Ltd.

The cargo was due to arrive at 5am one Saturday morning and had to be delivered to a power station in South Wales 12 hours later. Time was of the essence; especially as a considerable 6 figure sum in Customs Duty and VAT had to be paid to UK Customs before clearance, so the team planned the discharge well in advance. In addition, CQR Newcastle pre-arranged security passes, 2 x 120 ton mobile cranes, handling, a heavy haulage low loader and escort vehicles.

The cargo was unloaded from the Antonov, reloaded onto the heavy haulage trailer and on its way by 12 noon with 5 hours to get to its destination, 150 miles away in South Wales. Now, we can all do the basic maths that at 60 MPH, it should only take 2 hours 30 minutes, but the low loader at this weight had a top speed of 40 MPH, taking the expected journey time up to just under 4 hours, not leaving a lot of room for hold-ups or detours.

To the relief of CQR Newcastle, the delivery went without a hitch and the rotor and its new owner were united right on-time. While the Union team were occupied ensuring a trouble free delivery, the clients were fully confident that their goods were in the best hands. They knew they were getting a team with 25 years in the business, leaving no doubt as to the success of this delivery.

Interview with CQR Durban

Posted on 22 February, 2013 | by admin

Alpha Shipping became Conqueror’s exclusive agent in Durban, South Africa back in October 2012. Once they had had time to settle into the network, we decided to sit down with Director, Richard Brook-Hart, to find out more about the company.

Q. Could you tell me a little about the history of Alpha Shipping?

A. Back in 2004, I met with the directors of Maruba, the Shipping Line. At the time they were planning a container liner service between the Far East and South America, and we subsequently decided to jointly open an agency office in South Africa. When the SEAS service commenced in June 2005, we established Alpha Shipping as a small liner agency. At the same time, we also developed a freight forwarding operation representing several overseas companies. By 2009, we had offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, employing 27 staff. However, in the third quarter of 2009, the global debt crisis hit shipping, and within a matter of months, Maruba was forced to suspend almost all their services.

This left Alpha Shipping without its main source of revenue, so we had to rapidly rethink our strategy. We decided to expand the freight forwarding side using our contacts and knowledge from the liner business and as a result were able to keep our staff and our good name. In 2010, we bought out Maruba’s shares and became an independent privately owned company. In the last three years we have gone from being a single liner agency to a diversified group specialising in freight forwarding, NVOCC, leasing containers (we have some 300 owned units on lease) and we have leased in some 200 units for our operations.

Q. What makes Alpha Shipping stand out from the freight forwarding crowd in South Africa? A.Our word is our bond. Our clients and partners know that when they ship or do any kind of business with us, we give full transparency and our dealings are always ethical and professional. This mode of thinking is engrained into our staff, and the result is that they take pride and satisfaction in their work, which reflects well on them and Alpha Shipping’s reputation.

Q. On your website, it states that ‘Company policy is to promote education and staff training.’ Why do you feel that this is so important? A.Staff training is essential. Yes, it costs money, but it saves in the long run as it reduces errors. Empowering staff with knowledge gives them the confidence to speak to clients, principals, and service providers with assurance and offer the right advice. All our staff members are put through the ‘Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ courses. Even those who are not directly involved with shipping, such as accounts clerks, should at least undertake the basic ‘Understanding Shipping’ course. Being a Fellow of the ICS, and Chairman of the South African Branch of ICS, I continually encourage all people in shipping to do these courses. It doesn’t matter if they work for our competitors; we need to educate everyone to a high standard.

Q. What would be the most memorable shipment you and your team have handled?

A. Memorable shipments can often be for all the wrong reasons. Here is one notable example: When we were informed by the carrier that the vessel carrying several containers of soccer shirts and boots for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was bypassing Durban due to port congestion and continuing straight to West Africa, we knew a disaster was imminent. The vessel’s agent said it was out of his hands, so we phoned the Line Manager of the shipping line in the Far East in the middle of the night, and told him it would be the worst publicity he would ever receive in his shipping career. We then independently arranged with the port to get an emergency berth, persuaded the shipping line to turn the ship round, which was now well on its way to Lagos, and discharge the containers. Fortunately, the shipping line agreed! The cargo was discharged and the World Cup went ahead on schedule. To this day, we still think the client had little idea of the lengths we went to rescue the situation, but that is all part of shipping and sometimes you just have to do these things.

Q. Alpha Shipping is one of our newer members, joining us in October 2012. What attracted you to join Conqueror as opposed to other networks?

A. We are members of other networks and do business with non affiliated freight forwarders, but one day we got fed up with always being the one who nominated the cargo, and getting nothing in return. We decided to join a group which promised more reciprocity and looked professional.

It is clear that CQR Durban runs a tight ship and that any and every shipment is safe in their hands.

We welcome all agents requiring assistance with shipments in South Africa to get in touch with the Alpha Shipping team.

India General Strike: 20th -21st February 2013

Posted on 20 February, 2013 | by admin

On behalf of CQR Mumbai, we would like to make agents aware of the following two-day strike in India

Please note as many as 11 central trade unions have called an all-India general strike for February 20th & 21st to protest the “Anti-People” policies of the government that include price rises, poor implementation of labour laws, and disinvestment in public sector units/increased FDI in various sectors.

Definite strike proposed by the Labour Unions Pan India basis

Parties involved in the proposed strike are:

– Major Port workers and employees

– All India Port and Dock Workers Federation

– Water Transport Federation of India

– Port and Dock Water Front Workers Federation of India

Reasons for strike – Oppose corporatization of Major ports

– To fill up vacancies at ports lying vacant since 2007

– Stop outsourcing of port related activities / work

– Exclude major ports from the purview of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP).

West and North India Update –

NHAVA SHEVA Terminals – JNPT / NSICT/ GTI may face some stoppage & delays during this period due to port operational activities coming to a halt. Though Private ports of NSICT & APMT ( GTI ) have informed that they would do their bit to ensure that they are operational , it all depends on the availability of laborers and dock workers in the port .

MUNDRA / PIPAVAV may not have any impact due to this Labor strike, since these are private ports and hence are not directly party to the strike called by the said Federations / Unions as advised by port authorities.

All cfs around the ports are formally operational and local labour contractors have confirmed their availabilities at cfs unless there are some untoward incidents whereby labors at cfs may just not report to work on such grounds.

Conqueror recognised for being an Elite network

Posted on 19 February, 2013 | by admin

Since our launch in 2010, Conqueror has experienced a quick rise to the top with our exclusivity, disciplined cooperation and secure payment environment attracting thousands of applications. As defenders of quality, we were determined to only allow the best to join, which is why only a mere 10% managed to pass our rigorous selection process.

Unfortunately, with new networks being formed on almost a weekly basis, it has become increasingly difficult for freight forwarders to differentiate bona-fide quality networks, like Conqueror, from those that operate using dubious practices, provide poor quality services, offer unsubstantiated benefits, lack proper financial backing, fail to implement membership vetting procedures and are generally unable to fulfil their stated obligations to their membership. This not only damages the reputation of Freight Networks, but also creates much confusion among freight forwarders. To tackle this ever-present issue, a new association has been created, ELITE Association of Logistics Networks (ELITE) of which Conqueror is now a member.

ELITE is not a network itself, it is a tool by which we can differentiate bona-fide, high-quality networks from the many unscrupulous networks around the world – providing clarity and visibility to the global logistics industry.

ELITE has a second, equally important role in representing the freight forwarding community in an industry that has until now been dominated by the large multinationals. Representing the views of its members, ELITE will actively participate alongside associations and government bodies to ensure that the SME sectors needs and views are considered as new industry programmes, rules and regulations are devised

IATA’s Head of Global Cargo, Des Vertannes, has welcomed the formation of ELITE, stating that with the industry currently undergoing major changes it is essential that all sectors work together. “ELITE has the potential to become a powerful and potent voice for freight forwarders around the world. The size and quality of the networks within ELITE ensures that their views will be heard and taken seriously by associations, regulators and carriers. We look forward to forming a close strategic relationship with ELITE and working together to drive new efficiencies for the benefit of us all.”Other members include Global Logistics Network, Global Project Logistics Network, Lognet Global, Project Cargo Network, Time Critical Logistics Alliance, Universal Freight Organisation, Worldwide Partners Alliance and WCA Family of Logistic Networks.

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CQR Istanbul launches ro-ro service- Hayadarpasa Trieste

Posted on 15 February, 2013 | by admin

Last month, EKOL Lojistik, which operates as CQR’s exclusive agent in 6 cities in Turkey, launched a new Ro-Ro service between the ports of Hayadarpasa, Turkey and Trieste, Italy. The vessel’s names which are leased with a commitment to purchase, are determined as HATCHE, QEZBAN and PAQIZE and will carry out three weekly round trips.

The maiden voyage took place on 12th January; a vessel packed to capacity with 240 trailers, each representing an exclusive EKOL customer. With offices based at the ports, the team cleared all the goods and prepared all the documentation on behalf of their clients, as well as hiring Mafis, lashing equipment and security. In addition to port side services, EKOL loaded a number of the trailers at their warehouses, where they also provided packaging and palletizing services.

EKOL’s Agent Relations Manager, Devrim Koray, said, “With our strong technological infrastructure and sectoral experience, we have strengthened our intermodal transportation service with the Ro-Ro services, and aim to offer more productive, high quality and sustainable services in order to enhance the competitiveness of our customers. We wish this initiative to be beneficial for our country, to the sector and to all our customers.”

To find out more about CQR Istanbul, please visit www.ekol.com or contact Devrim Koray on Devrim.Koray@ekol.com

CQR Lahore clears shipments ‘faster easier with less hassle’

Posted on 8 February, 2013 | by admin

CQR Lahore, UF Logistics, promises its customers that it can clear shipments ‘faster, easier and with less hassle,’ but this promise was severely tested last August when they were asked to ship two Super Swinger Trucks (specialized crane mounted trucks) from Rotec Industries in Illinois, USA to their customer at a wind power plant site close to Karachi in Pakistan.

The team knew that they would need to use RoRo to transport the trucks which, in any other month, would not have been an issue, but in the months of August and September 2012 there were no direct RoRo services from the USA to Karachi. So, the decision was made to go via Jebel Ali port. Problem 1 fixed! But then came problem 2; the fast approaching US holidays (at the end of August) which needed to be avoided.

Manager Usman Butt continues the story, “The team was getting very concerned that we were running out of time and options and we really thought that we would be unable to meet the deadline for our client, but then came our ‘knight in shining armour,’ CQR Chicago, International Freight Services, Inc who dealt with the local transportation in the US on our behalf. Thanks to them we were we able to get the trucks delivered to our nominated carrier Liberty Global lines at Port Wilmington and from there they caught the RORO vessel Liberty Pride V. 30 and arrived in Ali just 38 days later.”

After all that drama the rest of the journey was uneventful, to the relief of the CQR Lahore team! At Jebel Ali, the team managed the transshipment activity and loaded the shipment on board MV Victoria Star, which safely delivered the shipment to Karachi port within the contracted time. Customs clearance on a temporary import basis of ten to eleven year old specialized machinery is a difficult task in Pakistan. However, for the UF Logistics Karachi office it was just a formality and the shipment was managed in the most efficient way and delivered to the site on a turnkey basis.

“It is our team’s relentless focus to provide outstanding services to our customers that ensures we meet our deadlines, whatever the obstacles,” said Usman Butt.

Interview with CQR Bangkok

Posted on 25 January, 2013 | by admin

Trans Air Cargo, CQR Bangkok, was founded back in 1979 by Mr Keree Chaichanavong (Managing Director) and Mr Siri Vorapongsathorn (General Manager). Recently, TAC’s Overseas and Projects Manager, Kantorn Lertchirakarn, told us about the company’s success and some of the more unusual shipments that they regularly handle.

Q. TAC has been ranked in the top 5 freight forwarders in Thailand for the past 15 years, which is very impressive! How have you maintained this position so consistently?

A. We deal with all market sectors and handle all kinds of different products. Our team understands that every single shipment, regardless of size, is crucial to the company’s survival. It is as important for us to protect and keep our existing partners, as it is for us to find new ones.

Q. You used the word ‘partner’ there to describe your clients. What do you mean by that and how is the idea of them being ‘partners’ manifested in the approach you and your team take when dealing with customers?

A. It’s vital that we all bear in mind that each and every customer is a business partner. We want to build lasting relationships and create customer confidence, so we show a willingness to serve and assist in whatever way we can. The growth and success of their businesses are crucial to us because without them, we cannot grow and succeed.

Q. TAC specialises in the handling of some of the more unusual shipments out there. Could you tell us a little about those?

A. TAC specialises in handling live animals, perishables, frozen food and automobiles. We have also shipped filming equipment to the sets of some major blockbusters including James Bond, Rambo, Alexander, The Beach and Stealth.

Q. What would be your most memorable shipment?

A. Well, live animal shipments are always fairly memorable! Over the years we have shipped horses, elephants, white whales and crocodiles, to name but a few. The most memorable though would be the largest single ‘live animal’ shipment we have handled; 3,000 live crocodiles weighing 114 tons from BKK to Guangzhou on a chartered Cathay Pacific Airways 747 freighter.

Q. With such a variety of services the future must be bright! What do you see the next decade holding for TAC?

A. Having the reputation for providing outstanding tailor-made logistics solutions coupled with excellent customer service is one thing, but maintaining that reputation is vital as well. We are also working on a joint warehousing and logistics venture which once completed will extend the services TAC can offer.

With such a wide skills-set, TAC can only go from strength to strength. We welcome all members with shipments to/from Bangkok, to get in touch with the TAC team.

CQR Bremen: 163 years in the industry!

Posted on 11 January, 2013 | by admin

Joh C. Henschen GMBH was founded in 1849 by the Henschen Family and over the past century and half CQR Bremen has firmly established itself as one of Germany’s preferred forwarders for its specialist OOG skills.

CQR Bremen demonstrated these most recently when it handled the shipping of a Form Press from Bremerhaven in Germany to Batangas in the Philippines. The Form Press was disassembled into 2 big boxes and the smaller parts were loaded into 4 dry containers. The boxes were shipped on mafis by Ro/Ro (K-Line) via Singapore and the containers where shipped with OOCL.

The team arranged the whole process as pre-carriage including the special transport permits (transport over two nights), unloading/reloading in the port of Bremerhaven and inspection during transportation.

Although generations of Henschens have come and gone over the past 163 years, the vast knowledge, skills and expertise they possessed have not; they have been passed down and are ever present in the current generation.

CQR Ahemdabad: anytime, anything anywhere!

Posted on 14 December, 2012 | by admin

Aeromar Logistics Ltd prides itself on living up to its motto, ‘Anytime, Anything, Anywhere!’ In this story the emphasis is really on the ‘anything.’ If there is one kind of shipment that freight forwarders are known to shy away from, its perishables. To be honest, I don’t blame them; there are far easier ways to make a quick buck! But CQR Ahmedabad is not one of those and they regularly handle every step of the shipping process for these kinds of perishable shipments.

One of their most recent perishable shipments consisted of 918 Kg of live fruit plants which the team had to ship to Ethiopia by the airline Emirates. The Aeromar team took care of the custom clearance of the plants as well as all the product related documentation, including the Phyto Certificate and the Certificate of Origin.

When speaking with CQR Head Office, General Manager, Dhaval Shah, said, ‘This kind of shipment, although rare for some forwarders, really is another day at the office for us. Our expert staff ensure a personalised timely service to even the most obscure locations.’

Interview with CQR Tokyo

Posted on 30 November, 2012 | by admin

Alisped Japan Ltd joined Conqueror in January 2012 and has become one of our most enthusiastic members, getting stuck into life within the network. Recently, we spoke with Koji Inuyama, Alisped Japan’s Sales Manager, to find out a little more about the company.

Q. Could you briefly outline Alisped Japan’s history and tell us when/why you became involved?

A. Alisped Spa is an extremely well-established Italian Forwarder, which has been in operation for almost half a century. 15 years ago, Alisped’s President, Mr Nitta, saw an opportunity to open an independent Alisped Office in Japan and thus Alisped Japan Ltd was born. I became acquainted with Mr.Nitta after a chance meeting when I worked at the Japanese offices of Schenker, more than 20 years ago.

Q. What do you think makes Alisped different to other Freight Forwarders in Japan?

A. When asked a question like this, many forwarders would answer with the names of their BIG multinational clients and forget about the smaller customers. I really don’t like this and it is not what Alisped is about. We are about looking after all our clients equally. We do not feel the need to shout the names of our clients from the roof tops. All we want to do is provide a tailor-made service which keeps the customers happy, so they keep coming back!

Q. What would be your most memorable shipment?

A. The most memorable shipment we have handled was the transportation of 4 classic cars valued, on average, at USD 600,000 each! As well as feeling the pressure of handling something of an extremely high value, we were also under pressure time wise, as the vehicles were taking part in one of the most famous classic car exhibitions in the world, ‘Concours d’Elegance.’ Thankfully, their transportation from Yokohama port to Shuwaikh port in Kuwait and back again, went without a hitch!

Q. What attracted you to join Conqueror as opposed to other networks?

A. Conqueror was recommended to us by Peter Sequeira of Tri-alliance, whom both myself and Mr.Nitta have known for several years. It was after speaking with Peter and hearing the advantages that Tri-alliance were experiencing that made us decide to join. In my opinion, a recommendation from a fellow agent far outweighs any advertising and that’s why we chose Conqueror and, I have to say, we have not been disappointed.

Q. How has being part of Conqueror helped the operations of Alisped?

A. Well, it was after I attended the conference in Phuket that we really felt the benefits of being in the network. The amount of business exchanged between ourselves and the other members has far exceeded our expectations. Since we joined, we have exchanged business with approximately 30 CQR members in 25 different countries, moving 30 exports / 30 imports.We believe that with further attendance at the meetings and with the development of relationships within the network, our CQR business volume will only continue to rise!

Alisped Japan Ltd has completely embraced what Conqueror is about; cooperation. They are without a doubt an asset to the network, and a perfect example of the kind of agents we have in Conqueror.

We welcome all members requiring assistance with shipments in Tokyo and Osaka to get in touch with the Alisped Japan Ltd team.

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Author: admin