Chairman’s Message
The past few months have proven to be invigorating with numerous activities inside and outside our company. This has bucked the trend caused by a general business slowdown, in the entire logistics business, owing to the unrest in the Middle East. At CSS we have had the opportunity to strategise new ventures and plans for the future. The new facility created by the SAIF Zone, Sharjah and the forthcoming project in the Sultanate of Oman provide exciting prospects. Especially within CSS it is our belief, to engender and appreciate trust and confidence in our work force, which gives rise to welcome initiatives.
Recently, I had the opportunity to hear one of my senior managers saying that the biggest asset of our company is, “We have people in our work force that can think and not just follow orders”. Very true, I totally agree with this comment.
I believe that for any organisation to become successful it has to attract, motivate and hold on to staff that can co-create value with customers and constantly improve operations.
In my message four years ago, ‘Lighthouse’ July/August 2011, I highlighted the success story of a talented enthusiastic young team at CSS Mumbai. I wrote:-
Anyone who wishes to have impact and succeed, in this environment, requires maximum flair, unconventional creativity, extra energy and enthusiasm.
These words ring even more true today. The trust and confidence which resounds, throughout CSS, encourages everyone to take bolder steps. No matter the size of the steps it is the boldness in moving forward that counts the most. This is what brings about added value and new initiatives for the mutual benefit of our customers and CSS.
As Vincent Van Gough said, “Great things are achieved by a series of small things brought together”. This is why I am confident that our latest strategised ventures will prove successful.
“Every honour is a reminder that you have been noticed amongst your partners within the industry. I believe that this brings in a feel of additional responsibility for the deeds you are involved into. Thanks a lot to Safmarine for recognizing our services” mentioned T S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group while receiving the customer award from Safmarine.
Consolidated Shipping Group has broken ground on its new facility inside the Jebel Ali Freezone. The proud function was held recently in the presence of invited guests and dignitaries from the Shipping and Logistics community. CSS Group will have their Regional office along with a new warehouse within the new facility. This new warehouse will bring in an additional space of 47,850 Sq. ft to its existing 3PL facilities in the Middle East.
CSS Kingston Logistics has started its full fledged operations from the SAIF Zone, Sharjah, providing specialized solutions for Freight forwarding, Warehousing & Transportation along with other regular logistics activities. CSS Kingston Logistics is a joint venture company of Consolidated Shipping Group and Kingston Holdings.
Kingston Holdings the single largest investor in Sharjah Airport International Freezone is spear headed by Mr Lalu Samuel one of the leading Industrialists based in the UAE. Being in the UAE for more than three decades, he owns Kingston Management consultants as well. Mr Samuel is also the CEO and Managing Director for four major multinational companies namely Pierlite Middle East, an Australian Multinational, GP Middle East an Asian Multinational Public listed in Hong Kong, Rexton Technologies of UK, and now Xpelair Middle East of UK for the Middle East, Africa and subcontinent Region.
SAIF Zone is adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and close to the main ports, terminals and cities of the country. Despite the short history of the free zone, it has been noted for the fast development providing state-of-the-art facilities for investors.
The recently concluded Breakbulk Europe expo 2015 in Antwerp could be seen as the continent’s largest exhibition designed for the Breakbulk and project cargo industry. Celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary, attendees benefitted from unparalleled networking opportunities with project cargo owners, freight forwarders and transportation specialists. The four-day event offered industry workshops, a conference featuring leading Breakbulk and project cargo experts and an exhibition showcasing a range of both international and European companies.
The Sales Dubai team in coordination with CSS Homeward Bound and Jebel Ali operations division successfully completed one major movement from Sharjah, UAE to Adabiya, Egypt. The movement which required close coordination was handled professionally by the CSS teams with careful planning and skill. The products were HVAC Units (Heating, Ventilating & Air conditioning Units) from a reputed company with a volume exceeding 2000 CBM.
DPW recently announced an MoU signed in Jebel Ali by Mohammed Al Muallem and Mohammed Abdullah Al Jarman
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World UAE Region, said:
Social media revolution within the Face book page of CSS Group is the latest IT update from Consolidated Shipping Group. Recently the face book page of CSS Group has received 10,000 likes and is still going. Widely accepted by the entire shipping fraternity, the Face book page of CSS is a constantly updated platform connecting the company members with the Social media community. You can find the latest updates from within the company as well as interesting, must know facts happening in the logistics and freight forwarding fraternity from CSS Group Page.
CSS Kingston Logistics FZC has launched its new website recently. The website features all activities of CSS Kingston Logistics from its flagship facility at the SAIF Zone, Sharjah. The new website was designed and powered by Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a Kerala based BPO Company. The site has been neatly decorated with the images from their warehouse and other services CSS Kingston is offering. The company is planning to add more interactive links to the website to make it more users friendly and productive, in the due course.
As part of a CSS – CSR initiative, School kits which included new bags, books and pencil boxes were distributed amongst pre-primary and primary school children in and around Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppey Dist. Kerala. Five lower primary schools which are running under the Government of Kerala aid were benefitted by this regular CSR programme of school aid distribution by CSS under the guidance of T S Kaladharan, Group Chairman. The schools were Govt. LP School Valiyaparambu, Govt. LP School Thrikkunnappuzha, Govt. LP School Panoor, Govt. LP School Pallana & Govt. LP School Atmavidya Sangham.
New bags and books brought beaming smiles on the faces of more than 900 little faces. The programme commenced with local authority members from the Panchayat wards welcoming the gathering. All the children, their parents and the school authorities were present for the occasion. The school kits were distributed by Mr. Babu Prasad, former Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and the present member of the Kerala State Electricity Board. People’s representatives and the school authorities thanked CSS and Kala for this noble activity. Lunch was also served to more than 500 people that included the children and parents on this auspicious occasion.
The world environment day was welcomed by the CSS Mumbai in a unique manner. Under the guidance of CSS India Director, Jairam K R, “The smart commute” promotion was launched during the world environment day. This was an ambitious effort to promote the concept of “Cycle to work”, which was well received by many young and enthusiastic nature lovers of Mumbai. The concept of Cycle to work was a humble effort to reduce the everyday commuting problems, the people of Mumbai faces during the heavy traffic of the rush hours.
Opposed to traditional methods of managing loads/containers at the yards, today with the assistance of latest technology, there is not only effective time management but a lot of double guessing can also be eliminated. For instance the elaborate procedure of filling and filing in paper work has been drastically reduced by adopting online procedures. This not only avoids time lags but also speeds up the process, as all essential information with regard to the load are available in the system and hence when the trailer arrives, the details not only pop up, but from the gate in time itself, the warehouse is alerted that the load has arrived. Still further with the use of modern technology it is easier to track the location of the container, the kind of container, ie refer or normal etc, its contents and to also monitor the priority for loading etc.
Another plus point with the use of drones is that long standing containers can be identified and dealt with in a timely manner. This also simplifies the task of updating demurrage and detention charges which is critical for efficient management and operation of any yard.
Invariably many things, in our day to day lives, change in a way that we just do not seem to notice. It was not that long ago that, in many countries, the small corner shop ruled. It not only provided personal service, it was also the centre of local gossip and news. The compulsive attraction of the shopping experience seems to rob most customers of good sense and reason. Impulse buying, influenced by the way store displays are arranged, often mean we return home with things we never really intended to purchase.
As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 6 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the Delivery Order Counter will be rewarded with a gift.