Tag: interview with freight forwarder

Interview with Conqueror Colombo

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international logistics service provider
international logistics service provider

Manik Pereira: “We are one of the top 10 freight and logistics companies in Sri Lanka. Additionally, we are first in investing in the latest technologies and ventures -we have a progressive outlook and are always willing to explore new opportunities and embrace change.”

Today we are publishing an interview with Manik Pereira, Chairman of Pership Synergy Pvt Ltd, CQR member in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In this interview Mr. Pereira talks about his company history, their area of operation, their strong points and the problems facing this industry.

Q. Please tell us a few words about the origins of Pership.

A. Pership was established in 1889 and Pership Group is a fourth generation business engaged in logistics and domestics services. We started as an import business in the 19th century catering to the British aristocratic society such as Governor Sir West, Lady Ridgeway in Ceylon. From 1905 we started expanding our operations with the introduction of the departmental store concept in Sri Lanka. To date, the Pereiras foster the same spirit of innovation and noble characteristics that is truly humbling.

Q. Which services do you offer?

A. We offer a wide range of services, from air transportation passenger services to cargo, ship, and freight services. We also manage exhibition logistics, relocation services, industrial household relocations, LPG discharging and oil bunkering, customs compliance, haulage solutions, fleet management, etc.

Q. What are the main challenges facing freight forwarders regarding the pandemic at the moment?

A. At the moment the only challenge I can think of is the Coronavirus. However, even during the pandemic, we worked around 24 hrs from home on a roster basis and handled a considerable volume of shipments with the spirit of teamwork.

Q. Which sectors in the freight forwarding industry are growing, and which are not? What is the outlook of Pership?

A. In Sri Lanka, currently, the sea volume is increasing instead of air. Regarding the outlook of Pership, with 130 years of partnerships and relationships, we have gained the trust and admiration of all our partners as an ethical and robust ally in the South Asian region. So all we ask for is to hold our position as one of the top 10 freight forwarders in the country.

Q. From your own experience, which are the keys to success in the freight forwarding industry?

A.Teamwork, good communication skill, seeking new business opportunities, and a strong bond with customers are some of the main areas which freight forwarders should focus on.

These are precisely the main skills that makes Pership stand out in the market. We are a highly respected Sri Lankan group of companies, with a strong reputation for the highest level of integrity adhering to fair trading policies, that is to say, that we are one of the top 10 freight and logistics companies in Sri Lanka. Additionally, we are first in investing in the latest technologies and ventures -we have a progressive outlook and are always willing to explore new opportunities and embrace change. We also count on a highly competent and empowered workforce across all disciplines in the maritime and logistics industries, and have immense goodwill and excellent rapport with all stakeholders & suppliers.

Q. In your opinion, what does the freight forwarders industry lack? How would you think it should improve?

A. Governmental aid to boost the transportation industry is absolutely imperative for the success of the freight forwarders. The government should invite / support / give them the maximum benefits, encourage the investors to visit and invest in the power, shipping and airline industries.

Q. What are the main technological challenges facing freight forwarders at the moment? How important is FreightViewer for the industry?

A. Technology is of vital importance to any industry in the present times and freight forwarding is no exception. However, it has to be remembered that not all stakeholders are tech savvy. Clients are keen on knowing the location of their shipments at any given time which is why live navigation and sophisticated tracking systems of multimodal shipments are now a standard requirement and not a luxury. Freight forwarders need to implement the various technological innovations such as FreightViewer – to make their services more attractive for the customers.

Q. From your experience, what are the keys to success in the freight forwarding industry?

A. In Asia, people still expect a personal touch from the service providers. I have to admit that freight forwarders bridge the gap between carriers and customers world over who come from different cultures and operate at different times. We need to create the right balance between olden day practices and futuristic processes.

Interview With Mr. Thomas Lee From CQR Los Angeles

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international logistics service provider
international logistics service provider

“Our product knowledge, experience, integrity and dedication to customer satisfaction have helped us grow into one of the trusted 3PL providers, with solutions for our customers across the globe.”

This week, we interview Thomas Lee, President of United Cargo Management Inc, CQR member in Los Angeles, USA. In this interview, he talks about the history and experience of his company and also sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on the freight forwarding industry in the USA.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about the history of United Cargo Management?

A. After graduating with Maritime Degree from National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, I entered into the container shipping industry. I was a part of the management team which set up Hanjin Shipping in Taiwan. Once I started a family, I decided to immigrate to the United States where with my shipping knowledge and experiences, I established the United Cargo Management, Inc. in April 1987 in Los Angeles, California.

Q. Which objectives have you have met during these 33 years?

A. We have a simple mission statement- we are a team our customers can rely on. Our product knowledge, experience, integrity and dedication to customer satisfaction have helped us grow into one of the most trusted 3PL providers, with solutions for our customers in all geographies across the globe.

Q. What distinguishes United Cargo Management from other freight forwarders in your city?

A. To meet our simple mission statement we take the time to listen and understand our customers’ business so we can offer solutions custom-tailored to their needs. We strive for client satisfaction with a highly experienced and dedicated multilingual team who are ready to focus on all shipping needs. We are constantly investing in our information technology system so we can provide the best possible customer service experience.

 ‘‘We all share the same challenge this year with the Covid-19 global pandemic. However, this has also created opportunities. With extra planning and coordination, we have ensured minimal delays and overall there haven’t been any issues.
                                 

Q. What are the main challenges facing freight forwarders in USA at the moment?

A. We all share the same challenge this year with the Covid-19 global pandemic. New York and Los Angeles have the highest cases in the US. With logistics and transportation considered essential, we have been working from home with half of our staff working in the office on a rotational basis for the past three months for the past three months until 15th June, when all our staff has returned to the office.

Importers are struggling to cope with the effects of the global pandemic. There is a high sense of uncertainty for the market which makes it difficult for our customers to forecast their import requirement with many facing warehouse congestion. China and US trade war has added additional uncertainty to the mix. However, this also created opportunities for other countries.

Moreover, as a result of the protests in so many cities across USA, our truckers are constantly checking on the traffic. With extra planning and coordination, we ensured minimal delays and overall there haven’t been any issues.

Q. How are you tackling these challenges?

A. We provide our customers with a variety of logistical options. We review inventory flow and volume requirements- using our expertise, we are able to provide the most efficient routing that will also result in lower cost for our valued customers.

Interview with CQR Valletta, Malta

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logistics business partner
logistics business partner

“We consider ourselves a one stop shop. We can cover all logistical needs our clients might have.”

This week we had a chat with Dwayne Caruana, Senior Logistics Manager of Carmelo Caruana- our Conqueror member in Valletta, Malta, who tells us about his experiences in the logistics sector, the achievements of his company and more.

Q. When and how did you get into the freight forwarding industry?

A. My career started 22 years ago as a junior runner with a customs brokerage agency. After a couple of years, I engaged with Carmelo Caruana Co Ltd as third-party agents to CMA-CGM and other major shipping lines. I had a short spell with a marine intelligence anti-piracy firm before joining a major Spanish ferry company representing a ship chartering subsidiary in Malta. Today I find myself back at Carmelo Caruana Co Ltd, Malta, managing their freight forwarding division.

Q. Give us a few examples of cargoes that you have handled either with your base being in Malta or via Malta to other destinations.

A. We have handled a pipe laying logistical project between Libya and Italy, and we have handled perishables such as fruit and vegetables, valuable cargo and hazardous cargo such as chemicals. Moreover, our teams have been entrusted with the transportation of turbines, large storage tanks, yachts, industrial steel wire reels, industrial reactors for the Valletta breakwater bridge, the new LNG power station at Marsaxlokk port and for international yachting events organized locally, among others.

Q. What distinguishes Carmelo Caruana from other freight forwarders in your city?

A. We consider ourselves a one-stop shop. We can cover all logistical needs our clients might have, being it sea freight ( FCL/LCL/FTL/LTL/OOG cargo ) with weekly dedicated services, airfreight and customs clearance, storage and warehousing fulfilment services, ship agency, port operations, ship to ship rendering operations, commodity transfer, passenger services and more. We can engage in air charter and project cargo at clients’ request since we have personnel with extensive experience in these areas.

Q. How did you hear about Conqueror? What most attracted you to us?

A. Conqueror was first found online by CCCL. Apart from the wide network and agent coverage, the professionalism experienced through dialogue is what attracted us most.

Q. Where do you see Carmelo Caruana Co LTD in 10 years?

A. CCCL strives for reputation and growth. Since we already consider ourselves key players in logistics both locally and abroad we believe our professionalism and integrity could possibly take us into the maritime sector locally and/or overseas.