Category: Interviews

Interview with CQR Sao Paolo

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Rogerio Fadigas is co-founder and owner of Cargofast Logistics do Brasil Ltda., Conqueror’s exclusive agent in Sao Paolo. With Brazil hosting the two biggest sporting events in the world, the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup over the next 4 years, we wanted to find out first-hand what the impact of organizing and holding these events is having on freight forwarders in the country. 
freight forwarder
freight forwarder

 

Q. How and when did you become involved in the freight forwarding industry?

A. Back in 2004, after working for 24 years in various ocean shipping lines, it became apparent to me that this segment of transportation was limited to basically a “port to port” range offering, whilst, worldwide, customers were looking for support from a broader scope of services (door deliveries and pick up, customs brokerage, airfreight, LCL consolidation, etc.) which ocean carriers were either not able to offer or not able to carry out well. In addition to that, customers were and still are, lacking a more knowledgeable, professional, dedicated and “humane” approach from ocean carriers. So to me, the freight forwarding industry looked like a great opportunity and a perfect match for my personality as it was much more about having a helpful, supportive and problem solving attitude to customers unlike a great ocean carrier full of bureaucracy, inflexibility and 9-5 office hours. It was in August 2008 with my three partners that we founded Cargofast Logistics do Brasil Ltda.

Q. What makes Cargofast different to other freight forwarders in Sao Paulo? 

A. I think it’s our 40 years of expertise and knowledge of logistics in Brazil and international transportation coupled with timely communications and the aim of serving our clients and agents with professionalism, competitive costs, and the highest quality of service.

Q. Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. What effects are the planning and organising of these events having on the freight forwarding industry in Brazil?

A. There has been a considerable increase in shipments to Brazil related to these events, particularly in Breakbulk and Project Cargo which we are also specialized in and have been able to secure ourselves or been granted to us by agents worldwide. We expect that as the dates of these events get closer, we will see an increase in our air freight quotations and shipments.

Q. What part is Cargofast playing in the setting up of these events?

A.Besides the Breakbuk and Project Cargo shipments, there has been an increase in our Customs House Broker activity as importers have looked for help on cargo classification codes for their goods in order to avoid paying fines or having their goods put on hold by Brazilian Customs in case of wrong declaration.

Q.What legacy will these events leave Brazil and the freight industry there? 

A.Despite the positive impact with upgrades of several airports (some of them have been privatized recently in order to speed up improvements and capacity), construction of new roads and refurbishment of old stadiums have been supported by a multi-million dollar budget, sadly we see that hospitals and schools for the poorer in society lacking investment and any support from these events.

Q. What do you think Cargofast will look like after these two events? 

A. Well in 4 years, we will certainly have hired more people in our Ocean, Air, Customs Brokerage, Project Cargo and Trucking departments. These new collaborators will have received training and expertise which will put Cargofast in a stronger position in the market, serving our partners and customers with a greater quality of service.

It is clear that Cargofast is experiencing a boom in its business which is sure to continue over the next 4 years. The result is sure to be that the company will have an even greater position in the international market.

Interview with CQR Sialkot

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Arif Nadeem is CEO of Teknik Movers, Conqueror’s exclusive agent in Sialkot, Pakistan. Recently, we spoke with Arif about the company, its approaching anniversary and future plans.logistics companies

Q. How did you get into the freight forwarding business?
A. It was after receiving my Masters in Business in 1993 that my career in freight forwarding began with a position as a trainee manager. Whilst in that position, I was given many opportunities to work with the top freight companies and gained invaluable knowledge and experience of all areas of freight forwarding and management.
Q. What prompted you to start Teknik Movers?
A. It was whilst working in these top freight companies that I realised that customers prefer a personal service by accredited freight partners. On the 4th February 2004, I launched Teknik Movers with the sole purpose of serving my quality conscious clients. I brought a team of dedicated managers on board and within two years we received IATA approval and opened branches across Pakistan. Within just a few years, Teknik Movers went from a single entity to a vast network.
Q. What is unique about Teknik Movers?
A. It’s simple; Teknik Movers always meets the customer’s needs. Our team is dedicated to building trust with customers so that they can rely on us for any project being assigned for the importation/exportation to and from Pakistan. We also offer value for money, a choice of carrier, a one window solution and a solid base to secure customer confidence.
Q. What has been your proudest moment as CEO of Teknik Movers?
A. For the year 2010-11, I was elected Chairman of the Community for Air Cargo Agents of Pakistan. Myself and Teknik Movers were acknowledged for our commitment to serving the local community. Currently, I am a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan.
Q. What current challenges are freight forwarders in Pakistan facing at the moment?
A. Well, thanks to the economic crisis, there is currently a price war between agents as agents are heavily investing in the overseas as well as the local market. Also, the negative attitude of carriers towards agents is equally unhelpful and inhibiting to all freight forwarders.
Q. How does Teknik Movers deal with these challenges on a daily basis?
A. As a team we have a positive attitude and we aim to serve our customers to the best of our ability in whatever the industry or economic status is in on that given day.
Q. Next year, Teknik Movers will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, what plans do you have for the company over the next decade?
A. While Teknik movers is a big name in Pakistan, we are aiming further afield with an international marketing campaign showing our successes over the 10 years and our plans for the future. Of course our success is down to our team and they will certainly be rewarded come the anniversary!
Teknik Movers has quickly made a name for itself in Pakistan and it sounds like it will be doing the same in the near future.
We welcome all members with shipments in Sialkot, Pakistan to get in touch with the Teknik Movers team.

Interview with CQR Constanta

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An Eastern European Success Story is by far the best way to describe Europrim Shipping, Conqueror’s exclusive agent in Constanta, Romania. Recently, we sat down with Augustin Muller, Europrim’s Manager, to find out more about their journey to success and how it plans to sustain it.

freight forwarder

Q. Europrim was started in 2005, can you tell me a little about the logistics situation in Romania at that time?
A. When the company was started in 2005 as the shipping arm of the Europrim Group, the logistics market situation was so promising and optimistic; development plans were pouring in from all over the business world, direct foreign investments were literally marching into the country! It saw the start of a 7+ year period when business was booming in every sector of the economy.
Q. So, at a guess I would say things changed in 2008 when the global financial crisis hit. How did this effect freight forwarders in Romania?
A. The global crisis brought the economy to a stand still and people were in a state of shock; the good days were over. Factories were cutting costs, companies were lacking the hugely needed cash for development and people were being laid off. It was a gloomy outlook much like the rest of Europe at that time. Now, after almost 5 years, many small and medium sized logistics companies have closed down and many are still struggling to find their position in a more crowded than ever competitive market.
Q. But Europrim is still here, how has it kept going in such a gloomy financial climate?
A. It is said that “If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies”. At Europrim Shipping, we all know this saying to be true. But what kept Europrim Shipping alive and kicking hard, we, a small sized company, when even some of the big players were brought down to their knees? The answer is simple: the power to embrace change, to reinvent ourselves and to think outside-the-box.
Q. Can you give me some examples of these changes?
A. We have changed the way we do business by putting the emphasis on the new challenges of the market and trying to understand the ways in which the customers are looking for improvements in their logistics chain. We are constantly looking to optimize stock management and for ways to make the supply chain more flexible and more efficient. Because a new, flexible and innovative organisation was the answer to our customers needs, we fully rebranded the company.
·         Received the ISO 9001:2008 certificate
·         Joined several global organisations as IATA and FIATA
·         Hired industry specialists who are keen to start something new in an independent company

·         Followed the market trend of LCL as opposed to FCL

Q. Tell us about your LCL services and why the change from FCL was necessary?
A. Change from FCL to LCL was starting to be the standard in the business comMunity. In order to adapt to these times, we started an awarness and free consultancy campaign targeting customers who were still reluctant to change their FCL to LCL. We are now operating our 2500 sqm bonded warehouse right near the container yard in Constanta Agigea South Terminal and recently we became licensed for customs operations.  All our cargo is cleared in the shortest time possible, for further oncarriage to final destination. For more and more importers who are looking to manage a healthy company cash flow and consequently searching for more cost-effective ways of transporting their cargo, the LCL services from Shanghai and Hong Kong hub to Constanta port developed in 2010 by us have proven to be a good option. The results of the LCL service were beyond our expectations: from a mere 56 cbm co-loaded in 2009, our LCL cargo traffic grew on our consols to 567 cbm in 2010 and 2388 cbm in 2011, reaching the 5497 cbm record in 2012 helped by the opening of the new Ningbo and Shenzhen direct services. Probably for bigger ports and players these figures are not representing much, but for us, they are placing Europrim in the top 3 Romanian LCL operators in Constanta port.
Q. Can you tell us a little about what Europrim has up its sleeve for this year?
A. We have recently opened a new operational office in the port of Varna, in the friendly neighbouring country of Bulgaria and another one in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital. With these two new points pinned on the map, our sales force has become regional and we can now say that “thinking big” is far from being a simple cliche. But we don’t plan on stopping there. For us, this is just the beginning, we believe welcoming change is welcoming the future.
It is clear that Europrim Shipping is operated by a highly motivated and innovative team who, far from being complacent in these dreary economic times, are actually moving forward and growing their business successfully and at a rate previously unimaginable in Eastern Europe.
We welcome all members with shipments in Constanta to get in touch with the Europrim Shipping team.
Augustin Muller / Manager
freight forwarder

Interview with CQR Budapest

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Hunicorn joined Conqueror in August 2012 covering Budapest and then 4 months later took on Koper in Slovenia. Peter Schlembach, Hunicorn’s CEO, recently shared his thoughts on the challenges Freight Forwarders globally are facing and what their strategy is for meeting these challenges head on.


Q. Could you tell me a little about Hunicorn’s history and when you became involved with the company? A.Hunicorn was established in 1991 and I was there from the very beginning. Prior to Hunicorn, I worked in the overseas department of Masped, the only freight forwarder (state-owned) in Hungary during the socialist times. Once the opportunities for privatization opened up, Hunicorn was born! Over the past 22 years, as a company, we have had our ups and downs like everyone else. We became ISO certified in 1998, started airfreight in 1998 and overseas LCL at the dawn of the Millennium. Since then, we have grown year on year. Last year we opened our new office in Koper and are planning another in Prague. 2012 also saw the launch of two new services for us; dangerous goods and personal effects.

Q. On Hunicorn’s website, it proudly states that Hunicorn is 100% Hungarian owned. Why, in your opinion, is it so important to emphasise this?

A. In Hungary, the multinationals have bought and are in control of almost everything or at least that’s how it feels, but the reality isn’t that far off with them having the monopoly in most markets, freight forwarding included. Many small and medium sized Hungarian foreign trading companies, shippers and consignees are not happy with the services these multinationals provide and as a result they prefer to use the services of Hungarians. So it is important to let our clients, both current and potential, know that we are not controlled or influenced by foreign powers!

Q. In your opinion, what are the current challenges facing independent forwarders such as Hunicorn, both in your country and worldwide?A. That is a very good question. We have had students from the Foreign Trading University, who are studying logistics and who come to us for experience and to write their final dissertations and many of them have chosen just this issue you are asking about. The answer to this question is clear, the multinationals. We have to fight the multinationals who have better global contracts with carriers, more money to finance their business and who take all the business on offer from international companies such as Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Phillips, Unilever, car manufacturers etc.Q. Clearly the multinationals aren’t too much of a challenge for Hunicorn, as the company is now over 20 years old and is going from strength to strength. What is the secret to Hunicorn’s success and how does it meet the challenge of the multinationals?
A. The only chance we have for success is by providing a high quality personalised service. Thankfully, not all clients are interested in the cheapest ‘solution.’ Everywhere, everything has its price and of course we cannot be the most expensive. We have learnt that if the price difference between us and the multinationals is over a certain level we will lose. Anything below that level and the customers are happy with us and over time, as we increase our volumes, we are able to offer better and better rates thus narrowing the gap. Furthermore, I have come to realise that Hunicorn alone will never actually be enough in certain fields of freight forwarding. This is why we have found strategic partners who, although technically our competitors, are also suffering at the dominant hands of the multinationals. We know that if we join forces, we can fight them!
Q. Hunicorn joined Conqueror 6 months ago, what initially attracted you to Conqueror as opposed to other networks?

A. We receive many recruiting emails from many networks every week. I am of the opinion that if a network is serious enough, there is no need to recruit new members like this. Actually, by sending these emails, they are saying they don’t care who joins, they are just interested in collecting the annual membership fee and that’s it! Conqueror seemed different especially because of its very serious application process. Plus, in the past, we had worked with some Conqueror agents and our experience was positive. When we began investigating, we saw that there were opportunities for us in Central Europe which is where we are currently opening new offices.
Q. I know that you and your network coordinator, Mihály Csapucha, are both attending our meeting in Bangkok this May. How do you think Hunicorn will benefit from your attendance?

A. We believe that Hunicorn will benefit a lot from the two of us attending this meeting. I strongly believe it will signal Hunicorn’s firm establishment in Conqueror. Exchanging hundreds of emails, even with our best customers, cannot compare to visiting them in person because it is during these face to face encounters that new issues come up. Our aims are to introduce ourselves and to meet as many members as possible and to discover their abilities and needs. We are sure that after the meeting our cooperation with individual members will grow!

With its eyes open to the challenges faced by freight forwarding companies, Hunicorn is ready for the fight!

We invite all members with shipments from/to Budapest and Koper to get in touch with the Hunicorn team.

Interview with CQR Durban

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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.

 

Interview with CQR Bangkok

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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.

Interview with CQR Tokyo

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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.

logistics business partner

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.

Interview with CQR Venice

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Stante, which operates as CQR Venice, is one of the ‘big’ players in the international forwarding and logistics market and since its inception it has continually grown year on year; now employing in excess of 150 people.logistics companies Recently we sat down with Managing Director Riccardo Stocco to find out more about the company and the secret to its longevity.

Q. Could you tell us a little about Stante’s history and when you joined the company?

A. The business was founded almost 40 years ago by Robert Stante and it has stayed in the family with the next generation following in his footsteps. The Venice office opened a decade ago and I became involved 5 years later.

Q. What sets Stante apart from other Freight Forwarders?

A. Great customer service! At Stante we believe in being clear about exactly what that entails, so we came up with a 3 pronged customer service ‘value system’.

1. Constant improvements and innovation in the services we offer.

2.Constant quality control monitoring of internal and external systems.

3. Listening to the needs of our customers in order to build lasting relationships with them.

Q. How are these values translated into every day operations at the company?

A. I could give many examples so let me explain one which is more recent. It is the opening of a new ID office where we will implement new software and technology that will then be offered to our customers.

Q. As well as offering your clients ‘every-day’ forwarding services, does Stante specialise in handling certain shipments and what would be your most memorable?

A. We offer 360 degree services and solutions along with legal assistance and customs services in import and export. We readily handle shipments which require special equipment to load them and those which are oversize. Probably the most memorable was a break bulk shipment of 3500 ton, 4500 m3 from the North of Italy to Azerbaijan (via Mersin Port – Turkey). Although the actual goods didn’t have the ‘wow’ factor, the size certainly did!

Q. Stante has been a member of Conqueror since 2011 and has just renewed its membership for the coming year. Why did you choose to join Conqueror as opposed to other networks and what benefits does being part of this global network bring to your company?

A. The exclusivity was definitely an attraction as it has given us the opportunity to be on a level playing field with our competitors. Furthermore with a limited number of agents, we can strike the right balance between competition and opportunity, and the development of lasting relationships.

It is clear that with such a well-established position in the industry and customers at the core of all operations, Stante can only go from strength to strength.

 

Interview with CQR Lima

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International Freight Shipping S.A.C. is a comprehensive logistics solution provider based out of Peru. With its high-quality consultancy, project cargo, integrated logistics and NVOCC cargo consolidation services, IFS International has established a name for itself in both the domestic and international freight market.

In an interview, Yovanna Llerena, Managing Director at IFS International, reveals to us their private mantra and the secret to their success.

Q: What motivated you to enter the freight forwarding industry? How long have you been associated with IFS International?

A: The freight industry always appeared to be an area of immense potential to me. Right after finishing college, I became sure this was where I had to find my career path!

I established IFS 12 years ago and I have never looked back!

Q: How do you think IFS International is different from other freight companies in Peru?

A: I think what distinguishes us from other freight companies in Peru, is the fact that we offer high-quality consultancy, paired with excellent logistics services. We also exploit technology to the utmost and are always on the lookout for novel innovations.

Q: What kind of shipment does your company mostly handle?

A: While we handle all kinds of shipments, IFS has carved a niche for itself in dealing with LCL and Project cargo.

Q: How important do you think the value of “trust” is for your organization? How do you ensure IFS lives up to the trust your clients place in you?

A: At IFS, we put a lot of emphasis on the “human” factor, which means we don’t see our clients as customers with needs to be met but as people who place their “trust” in us. It then becomes imperative for us to live up to that trust.

All the staff at IFS work with immense “co-operation” to keep this trust intact and that is why we have a 24/7 working environment, where a client can get in touch with our staff at any time

Q: How do you ensure that quality is maintained in all services provided by IFS International?

A: To ensure maximum quality control, we keep our infrastructure equipped with the most up-to-date communication system. This aids us in exercising maximum control over all procedures, while also helping us to provide excellent customer service.

Q: Your website claims that IFS employs stringent security policies. Can you elaborate more on this and also explain why this is so important?

A: The Latin American freight market has a complex structure and plenty of room for loopholes in security.

We need efficient security policies to be able to provide high-quality yet extremely secure services. For this reason, we keep our security policies up-to-date at all times, while also performing regular internal audits. Our BASC certification also assists a lot in this regard.

With such fool-proof security and quality control policies, IFS International is guaranteed to climb higher up the ladder of success. But what is sure to keep them gaining maximum mileage in the race for better business, is their devotion to their customers who, for them, aren’t just people but, as Yovanna Llerena puts it, people who place their “trust” in IFS International!

international logistics

 

Interview with CQR Leeds/Bradford

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Global Freight Management (GFM) and its subsidiary jets4pets, is the brainchild of Martin Bland. While most freight companies are founded for handling conventional cargo, Martin decided to target non-traditional cargo as GFMs niche area. And that is why, while providing high-quality services for general cargo, their company is, at the same time, highly adept at handing a box that is “not just a box”. In a special interview with CONQUEROR Martin Bland shares interesting facts about his company and GFM’s unique success formula.

Q: When did you enter the freight forwarding industry? What instigated you to do so?
A: After having held highly responsible roles in cargo handling companies and important airlines for almost 16 years, I felt motivated and driven to start my own venture. Since there were not many organizations dedicated to handling sensitive cargo, I decided to start a company specialized in handling all items that can be labelled “sensitive,” backed by 24×7 customer support.

Q: What kind of shipment does your company handle?
A: Like all forwarders, the range of shipments we handle is diverse. Our daily traffic comprises a wide range of both general and sensitive shipment; like live animals, fish for human consumption, cut flowers, etc. We also deal in regular courier, automotive and footwear shipment.

Q: When did GFM start jets4pets? What was the motivation behind this initiative?
A: Jets4Pets was formed shortly after I founded GFM. From my prior experiences, I knew how distraught airline passengers get when they are informed that their beloved pets cannot travel with them due to incorrect documentation or discrepancies in container specification. I had always known that I have to do something to help such pet lovers.

Q: Could you please tell us more about jets4pets and how it is managed?
A: At Jets4pets our animal-loving staff is dedicated towards safe delivery of pets to their desired destinations. This can imply door-to-door service but generally deliveries are required to be made to airports or quarantine facilities. We take care of the pets as our own and provide great care to them while they are under our guardianship, including high-quality veterinary assistance.

Q: Could you share with us any unique shipment experience?
A: I think I can safely say we have several to our credit! Just recently we worked in alliance with other organizations to ship 13 lions from a Romanian zoo. We have also shipped part of a huge iceberg and relocated an entire house. The latter was a highly complex job because it did not merely involve shipping the contents of a house but moving entire kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, furniture, etc. On a smaller and jester scale, we have worked on reuniting a set of false teeth with its owner.

Q: What is your formula for success?
A: Our formula for success is providing high quality 24×7 customer support and treating every shipment as our own. We also lay great focus on establishing personal relationships with our clients; understanding their needs to our best and then providing services that go above their expectations – and all at a fair and reasonable cost.

With this formula for success GFM is sure to go a long way! If you too share their ethics and success formula, feel free to get in touch with GFM!

 

independent freight forwarders