Moving Helicopters

Relocations division of CSS Group moved Helicopters from Abu Dhabi to Canada 

CSS Homeward Bound completed yet another challenging movement in style recently. This movement involved transportation of Helicopters to Canada. CSS operations teams were involved for the smooth handling of this valuable cargo. CSS Homeward Bound in collaboration with CSS Abu Dhabi team has smoothly handled an Export Project of BK 117 Helicopters from Abu Dhabi to Canada, with the overwhelming support extended by the staff of TWA.

The shipment has been split in to two, Air Freight & Sea Freight based on the priorities. CSS in association with Emirates Airlines has executed the Air Freight job in perfection which exceeded the expectations of the client satisfaction. CSS has handled the the activities involved with the movement like packing, documentation, export clearance, loading, freight, clearance & delivery at destination etc with utmost professionalism and with proper time management. The Air Freight was a part charter where as the sea freight was handled in two 40 foot high-cube containers. “The entire movement was managed professionally which brought us maximum job satisfaction, and I am happy that we could bring in cheer in the end”, commented Syed Ahmed Zeeshan, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.

The entire packing, lashing, crating, loading of the helicopter & accessories for the Air Freight and Sea Freight shipments has been handled by the Industrial Packing & Lashing division of CSS Homeward Bound in the most professional way which was even appreciated by the airline. The Freight and the further execution of the job were handled by the team at CSS Abu Dhabi.

Inspiring for The Best Results

CSS Delhi motivational programme for their employees



A unique employee engagement programme was witnessed at Console Shipping Services Delhi office with enthusiastic staff members participating with cheer and excitement.  Motivating employees to perform to their maximum potential is the responsibility of an organization’s leaders. It is important that your employees know they are viewed as valuable members of the organization. In order to make their team, feel special and appreciated, CSS Delhi senior management organized a team building activity.

The event also saw the staff members being recognized for their contribution and hard work. Awards were distributed amongst them for their exemplary service performances and displaying leadership qualities. The CSS management believes that such recognitions help employees to enhance their level of commitment and performance towards their core activity, thereby motivate the other members of the organization. This time CSS Delhi has awarded their team members for their continuous support and accomplishments based on their performance and personality. Activity was made transparent which based on voting system that eventually could make everyone to be the part of the programme and share their views and vote for the most eligible candidate amongst them. The final decision was declared by a panel of Senior Management Staff at the Delhi office under the guidance of Rajesh Arora, Vice President, North India. The decision was purely taken as per the voting done on the day.

The programme was well appreciated by the entire CSS Group offices and the Chairman, T S Kaladharan who said that the most valuable service from any person could be the next job he attends and we need to keep our employees motivated enough to equip them to deliver their best from the next job, while talking about the programme. A big congrats to CSS Delhi for organizing such wonderful programmes which surely will be followed by other offices as well, the soonest.

The list of awards distributed on the day and the recipients as below:

  • Mr. Punctuality : Mr. Sumit Kumar (Import documentation Department)
  • Old timer Award or Length of service Award : Mr. Vijay Pradhan (Field Guy)
  • Bring out the best (everyday leadership) : Mr. Rajeev Kumar (AGM – Imports)
  • Most supportive person : Mr Sudeep V Pillai (Accounts Department)
  • Steadiness under pressure : Mr. Prince Jawa (Imports – customer service)
  • Star performer : Mr Rajesh Arora (Vice President)
  • Rising star : Shared by  Mr. Prasun Roy (AGM – Exports) &
  • Mr. Prabhakar Kumar (Manager sales – Imports)
  • Most Humble / Kind personality : Ms. Ekta Sawhney (Asst. Manager – Key Accounts – Imports)
  • Marvelous Multitasker: Mr. Shankar Das (Field operations)
  • Best communication skills : Mr. Atul Jaiswal (Manager, Overseas co-ordination)

CFS Facility at Sohar

The new CFS facility of Arkan Sohar is operated by CSS Group

The first of its kind CONTAINER FREIGHT STATION in the Sohar Free Zone, ARKAN SOHAR FZC is positioned to provide convenient and seamless deconsolidation of LCL cargo coming in via the Sohar Gateway. Proximity to the port, the customs bonded CFS, ensures productivity and the fastest possible turnaround of cargo.

With the ability to provide 3PL services as well, including short term storage / value added services ARKAN SOHAR is much more than a deconsolidation destination. This CFS service provides 1500 sq.meters of dedicated storage space, customs inspection facility, and ancillary logistics like IVMS enabled transportation, port to door cargo visibility and knowledgeable support systems ensuring the fastest turnaround for LCL cargo in the market.

Key Features

  • 1500 sq.mtrs of warehousing with DG dedicated storage space
  • Strategically located in the Sohar Free Zone
  • Dedicated Customs inspection facility at the CFS
  • IVMS enabled transport.
  • Customs Clearance Capabilities


In this new venture, CSS who manages the operations bring with them, their International network of partners, and their vast experience in the industry, and the same level of professionalism and dedication that is expected out of them.

About Sohar port and freezone

SOHAR Port and Freezone is a deep-sea port and adjacent free zone in the Middle East, located in Sohar, Oman, around 200 kilometers northwest of the capital Muscat. With current investments exceeding $15 billion, it is one of the world’s largest port and free zone developments. It lies at the centre of global trade routes between Europe and Asia.

SOHAR is currently home to logistics, petrochemicals and metal clusters that feed downstream industries with iron and steel, plastics and rubber, ceramics and chemicals. The port is equipped with deep-water jetties capable of handling the world’s largest ships.

The Port was originally established in 2002 and the Freezone was added in 2010. SOHAR Port and Freezone is managed by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC), a 50:50 joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and the Sultanate of Oman

Promising Days Ahead

Both Arkan Sohar Logistics & CSS Group Managements are confident about the new venture

Ali Al Muttawa
Managing Director
Arkan Sohar Logistics

Arkan Sohar Logistics – one of the growing logistics company in Oman, being operated from the port city of Sohar, the only port which serves the shipping needs of Northern Oman. The company offers a Neutral / Highly productive and Effective solution to the market – covering all 3PL / Deconsolidation and Storage requirements. The partnership with the CSS CFS Group services will only enhance the quality of the operation, keeping the CSS Group’s successful footprint in this segment and in this region in mind.”

Sreenath V
Sr. General Manager
CSS Group

The closure of Mina Qaboos, Muscat for General cargo and container movement has resulted in greater developments of the Sohar port & the Free zone. Our vast experience in handling CFS activities combined with our neutrality as an NVOCC operator will surely help in providing the customers with an easy and quick service to their requirements. With easy & short accessibility to the Sohar port & Terminals, ARKAN SOHAR state of the art fully racked  private CFS  will not only result in quick turnaround of containers but also will ensure a smooth & easy process to customers.

New Office for CSS at Chennai

Console Shipping Services, Chennai has moved on to a new location recently. The change in office location was primarily to provide better access for their clients. Being at the new place, Chennai team intends to cater to their clients in a better way and to ensure speedy and prompt service deliverance. CSS Group wishes Chennai team good luck at the new location.

CONSOLE SHIPPING SERVICES (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED
DOOR NO. 151, NEW CORPORATION DOOR NO. 132,
FIRST FLOOR, “GEE GEE EMERALD” COMMERCIAL COMPLEX
VALLUVARKOTTAM HIGH ROAD,
NUNGAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 034

Handling with Care

Dangerous Goods Handling License for CSS Airfreight Division, dubai



CSS Group Airfreight division has acquired the DG license, which enables the company to handle dangerous goods movement as per the provisions mentioned in the license. The airfreight division can handle Classes 1 to 9 items of DG goods as prescribed worthy for air transport by the competent authority. There are a number of restrictions which have been placed on dangerous goods which are permitted to be transported by air. All such restrictions shall be complied with by all concerned involved in the transport of dangerous goods by air.

Dangerous Goods may be carried safely by air transport provided certain principles are adopted. Therefore, these principles have been used in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, to facilitate transport while giving a level of safety such that dangerous goods can be carried without posing the aircraft and its occupants, health and or the environment at risk. This is also intended to improve the aviation industry standards and bring it up to the required level of compliance with dangerous goods regulations and to ensure safe and secure air transport of dangerous goods by air at all times.

The Competent Authority dangerous goods certified operators must ensure that its employees or employees of its appointed ground handling agent processing and handling dangerous goods shipment(s) for transport by air are trained commensurate with their responsibilities as specified in these Regulations.  The training shall be undertaken by one of the GCAA approved training providers, IATA Institute of Training and Development or ICAO.

Consolidated Shipping Services LLC ensures that their DG handling staffs are trained by a competent authority and hold valid certificate issued by the Authority. Recurrent training must be provided within 24 months of previous training to ensure knowledge is updated. CSS Group has taken all measures to ensure safe and professional handling of Dangerous goods of their clients and provide maximum satisfaction in the least expensive manner.

Mahabali Crystal Award

The enthusiastic team at the CSLC 1, Jebel Ali, won this year’s Mahabali Crystal Award for the best Pookkalam (Kerala Traditional Flower Carpet) created in connection with the Onam celebrations.
Every year, in connection with Onam celebrations, at CSS Group, a competition is being held amongst all offices for identifying the best creator of Pookkalam on the main day of Onam, ie; Thiruvonam. Each office engages their best creative team to make amazingly beautiful designs only with flower. The photographs later on will be sent to a judging panel. Here are some snaps from the competition arena.
THE WINNERS : CSLC 1

Congratulations to the CSLC 1 TEAM!!!! You all did a fantastic job, and this could have only been done through your team work and creativity.
Quote from the Judges.
This team has done a great job in the pookalam design, and were in the top 3 for all the categories. 
FIRST RUNNER UP : CSS ABU DHABI / CSS KINGSTON LOGISTICS.

Congratulations to both the teams!!!! You all did an amazing job, and this could have only been done through your team work and creativity.
Quote from the Judges. 
Both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah did an amazing job so they both should be considered second place, they lost points on the pookalam design but overall presentation and theme was very well presented
SECOND RUNNER UP : TWIN INFO SOLUTION

Congratulations team!!!! You all did a good job, and this could have only been done through your team work and creativity.
Quote from the Judges.
One of the best pookalam designs in the competition and the overall presentation was good and simple.

CSS Group Welcomes OnBoard

Rajesh Menon


CSS Group welcomes Mr. Rajesh Menon who has joined the company in the capacity of General Manager, Supply Chain. Being a management graduate, Rajesh carries with him more than 23 years of experience in Dubai. His induction into the senior management level is a clear indication to enhance the supply chain activities of the group company and to improve the existing good will amongst the multinational giants in the Middle East. “We believe that there is great potential for developmental activities in the logistics industry in the Middle East. UAE supply chain and logistics industry alone is expected to touch USD 25 billion. With the current down turn in oil sector the governments thrust and focus in coming years is going to be more in promoting Dubai as a Logistics hub to take advantage of its strategic location and infrastructure that UAE offers with trade access to over 2 billion people. I am confident that with the support of our team members and the Management, we can accelerate our business in areas like supply chain, freight forwarding and logistics within the next few years”, commented Rajesh.

Sasikala


CSS Group is pleased to welcome onboard Ms. Sasikala (SK) who has joined our Marketing Department as Senior Executive, Corporate communications. Sasikala will be working from the corporate office in Dubai and will be handling all business related communications related to the CSS Group Middle East operations. A graduate in designing from the Raffles Institute, Singapore, Sasi has undertaken and successfully completed some of the major events of CSS Group prior to joining as an employee. Her induction is sure to bring in some value addition to the creative side of the Marketing department and thereby accelerate the brand value of the Group Company. We wish all success and a rewarding career for her.

Fedex Pledges $1 Million in Aid to Support European Migrant Crisis

FedEx Corp. has committed approximately $1 million in cash and transportation support to deliver emergency supplies and critical medical aid to the thousands of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe, and provide ongoing assistance to both the people and the local communities affected by the crisis.

“FedEx is committed to helping those arriving in Europe to escape conflict, as well as showing our support for the communities who are also affected by this humanitarian crisis,” said David Binks, president Europe at FedEx Express. “Working together with NGOs, we are utilising our global transportation network and resources to deliver immediate assistance where it is needed most and that lays the essential foundations for rebuilding lives.” Time is of the essence when it comes to providing help and FedEx, which is headquartered in Europe in Brussels, Belgium, is mobilising its humanitarian relief program through a donation of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).  The company will also use existing relationships with international organisations, including Direct Relief and Heart to Heart International, working closely with local partners in the most affected countries.

Mauritius Outlines Ambitions to Develop Bunkering Hub

The island nation of Mauritius has outlined its ambitions to develop its capital and largest city Port Louis into a global ship refueling hub that will be able to sell 1m metric tonnes of bunker fuel per year.

The country’s ministry of ocean economy, marine resources, fisheries, shipping and outer islands said the bunkering hub will also be able to employ some 25,000 people.

In 2014, Port Louis sold 287,546 metric tonnes of bunker fuel, achieving a 6.8% increase from 269,324 metric tonnes supplied in 2013. Each year, around 35,000 ships transit the waters around Mauritius moving between Asia, southern Africa and South America, and a greater number of ships are taking on bunker fuel in Port Louis over the last few years. The Mauritius government has embarked on an amibitious plan to transform the port into a business-friendly, industry leading petroleum and bunkering hub.

Logi Mart

Dubai based online Logistics market place LAUNCHED
Logimart.com is an online open Logistics Market place where genuine shippers get connected with most reliable and specialized Logistics service providers, Logimart asserts to verify all shipment requests and  filter and pass only genuine quote requests to qualified service providers in those sectors and service category.
Logimart helps SMEs and Corporate houses to safeguard their customers from poor logistics decisions and tap their dream markets avoided earlier due to lack of reliable logistics solutions.
“Our vision for Logimart is to become world’s best and simplest online Logistics market place. Backed by visionary investors and experts both from Logistics and Information Technology, we commit to integrating people, Process and cutting edge technologies, towards efficiently handling a hundred thousand shipments a day in 5 years to come.
“We will assist worldwide logistic partners and Shippers alike and contribute to positive growth in their business.”
“We invite you to be part of the Logimart and experience the growth”. CEO of Logimart.com concluded.

www.logimart.com, www.marketing.logimart.com

Best of Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and African Shipping Honoured at Seatrade Awards

The best of shipping and maritime across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent were honoured yesterday evening at the annual Seatrade Awards in Dubai.

The awards held under the patronage of Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and chairman of Dubai Maritime City Authority were attended by over 700 guests at the Joharah Ballroom at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Hosted by international broadcaster, Stephen Marney, with a guest personality appearance from Formula 1 world champion, Damon Hill, the Seatrade awards programme is widely recognised as the region’s premier maritime awards.

United to Preserve Wildlife

DP WORLD HOSTS UNITED FOR WILDLIFE TASKFORCE VISIT TO JEBEL ALI PORT VISIT TO DUBAI TO TACKLE ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES DUBAI, UAE- 5 OCTOBER 2015:

DP World recently hosted the United for Wildlife Taskforce, a collaboration between seven international conservation organizations established by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge, for lunch and a tour of the company’s flagship Jebel Ali Port. DP World is a member of the Taskforce which is committed to focusing increased attention and action on the most pressing conservation issues of our time, including the multi-million dollar, illegal wildlife trade from Africa to Asia in elephant ivory, rhino horn, big cats and many other species. The meeting follows continuous work by Dubai Customs, in collaboration with DP World, to tackle the trade in line with UAE legislation. Between 2012 to 2014 Dubai Customs seized, destroyed and repatriated over 775 pieces of ivory, worth over $10 million dollars, and 618 tons of sandalwood. Overall seizures increased by 36% during this period.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Slayed, Chairman of DP World, told Ken Dinnadge who represented CSS Group at a recent event: “Stemming the flow of illegal trade in endangered species is a major issue and as a global ports operator we have an important role to play, in partnership with customs authorities, in eradicating this morally reprehensible activity. “As a member of the Taskforce we enjoyed meeting other participants to help develop recommendations for governments, global organizations and private sector supporters. “One of the aims is to promote greater awareness within our industry and to encourage greater cooperation between official bodies, organizations and the transport sector to combat this illegal trade.

The transport industry – specifically airlines, shipping lines and port operators can contribute in breaking the chain between suppliers and consumers of illegal wildlife products.” The visit included a briefing by DP World management and Dubai Customs on how Dubai authorities work together to eradicate illegal wildlife trade through the emirate, in line with UAE legislation on endangered species introduced in 1974. Task Force members in Dubai led by the Rt Hon William Hague include DP World; Emirates Airlines; World Customs Organization (WCO); Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); International Air Transport Association (IATA); International Maritime Organization (IMO); World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF); United Nations Development Program Middle east, and Cruise Line International.

-As reported by Ken Dinnadge

 

 

The End of The “Sales & Marketing Glory” and Emergence of “Execution Teams” as The Future of Logistics

I would segment our business into two parts:

A.     Business creation team

B.     Business execution team

Typically , A would constitute sales people (who these days sell nothing , just say  yes or  no, to customer’s rate target since service is known and doesn’t need to be sold) marketing people who would entice customers with brand value if it really meant anything – ask if the brand “ go airways is better than spice jet” or if “ Emirates is better than Etihad” and i really don’t think we have a concrete answer.

Its like asking “do you like ambuja cement or binani cement“ well i need good cement at a good price, period.

So, in logistics / consolidation business – A has become a menial task which is needed for only 10% of the job , which is more of keeping in touch with clients and servicing crony customers needing kickbacks / favours / ego massages etc but not really related to business.

The sales teams were historically the glamorous and heroic teams who were the only custodian to clients secrets and had street smart ways to get things done. But it all changed with the information age. Everything is on the click of a button, its a google-ised society and information keepers or sellers are no longer needed

You need information – you don’t need a sales man – you need to click a button on your computer and have much more data than you need

Where in the world are any new businesses having “sales teams “ they aren’t – because it has all changed due to free information flow.

Need to buy a jaguar? go to the site, see everything

Need to buy a plane ticket ? go to a site buy it

Need vessel details? the site has it all Need to book a term deposit with the bank , go to the site and do it, after comparing rates

Need insurance, do it online after comparing premium

no longer do you need  middlemen, salesmen, agents,  representatives etc

A decade back, yes, we needed one. But today ?

We say we educated the customers , but we didn’t, we just informed them, they are loaded with information but not necessarily educated or else they would never let us make a single dollar of profit.

“Information” is different from “education”

The emergence of B is the story of the next decade.

B, would typically comprise:

Customer service teams – who actually start the work of communicating and formally quoting, sending routings, making line bookings, co-ordinating with clients, vendors and in house teams for maximum through put – they are typically “confidence building” teams and if they are good, clients trust the organisation and gain confidence.

Pricing teams – who can be part of customer service since they actually work on the buy rates which is really what we have in our hand since sell rates are common and known , ours has become a commodity business where sell side things are known and cannot be altered – no pricing power basically, I wish pricing teams actually were about sell side pricing power  and not just the buying side. But they are important since they help create the “oh so important” bottom-lines for balance sheets.

documentation teams – who opens jobs, file manifests, issue delivery orders, bills of lading which are so very important, a wrong bill of lading could mean legal issues, a wrong delivery order could mean jail, a wrong manifest would mean amendment and money, a job opened wrong could mean a wrong MIS to management.

Operation teams – who would transport, destuff, stuff, latch , chain, put on board – a wrong stuffing means money, a wrong latch means damages which is again money, a transport mistake means delay and again money.

So if you actually analyse, all the B teams MEAN MONEY.

They are much more important, need to be paid much higher, need to be trained much more, need to be retained at any cost, need to be motivated more than anybody.

So an air ticket costs lets say “5000” on 3 airlines, just like it costs 10 dollars freight from port A to B wether on XYZ logistics or ABC forwarder or PQR consolidation services.

So businesses which will manage their back end well, which will in turn save money, reduce mistakes which again saves money will be the ones to gain and sustain.

And therefore I reiterate that

B   Is the future

A   Is important

But today, the new diseases are cancer and heart failure, nobody dies due to small pox or flu.

Lets accept it, business creation is 10% and business execution is 90%.

We need to breathe air through the nose – 10%.

When air enters, wind pipe, nose hair, lungs, blood, all have a bigger function – 90%.

Managements, Finance teams, Heads of stations, departments etc – take note, the world has changed.

You dont hear the song  “chithi aayi hai (Pankaj udhas)” today, that is so 90’s.

You dont hear the song  “what is mobile number” of Govinda hasina maan jayegi, that is so 2000.

You hear in 2015 : chal beta selfie lele rey…

God bless

Rahat Talreja

PS: when pricing power is nil, only internal systems matter

Arrested Vessel Escapes Maltese Waters

In today’s day and age there are many advanced tracking methods introduced to monitor the movement of vessels in the territorial waters;  However, despite the same, there have been occasions when arrested vessels manage to flee from their specific jurisdiction, thereby tricking the automated tracking systems. The most recent incident being, MV Madra which escaped the Maltese waters.

Malta imposes penalties on corrupt ship owners who break the law and escape the Maltese waters.  Pursuant to Article 865 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, when a vessel subject to arrest warrant escapes, a penalty of Euro 116,470 shall be paid by the following parties, namely, the owner, bareboat charterer or the person who is in possession of the vessel during the time of breach. In a recent case “Cassar Fuel Limited vs. MV Madra”, the Maltese Civil court examined the application and interpretation of the said Article.

Facts:

The vessel MV Madra was arrested due to default in payment to M/s. Cassar Fuel Limited and subsequently it absconded.  The Master of the ship along with the crew switched off the vessel’s automatic id system, which was the only security that Cassar Fuel Limited had and escaped the Maltese waters.  Cassar Fuel Limited initiated the proceedings in rem against the vessel for the penalty payment as stipulated in Article 865 of the code.  One of the key issues in question was whether an action could be brought against the vessel or the person(both legal and natural) who fled the vessel from Malta in violation of the court order.

Findings:

Jurisdiction of the Courts was determined on the following factors:

  1. 1.The subject vessel should be in Maltese waters
  2. 2.If the ship owner remits the claim amount as alternative security in court, then it would be an exception to the first rule
  3. 3. If an alternative security has been remitted in the court instead of the vessel, then the ship owner could leave the territorial waters.


However, in this case no such deposit was made by the vessel that jumped arrest.  Further the proceedings under Article 865 would be based on the presumption that the vessel is no more within the territorial waters of Malta, which by itself would defy the requisites for jurisdiction in rem.  Therefore, the court held that the claim for penalties under Article 865 could not be initiated against a vessel in rem.

Decision:

The Maltese court concluded that the proceedings be commenced in personam against the ship owner, the bareboat charterer or any other person in possession of the vessel during the time of breach.  The court concluded that the right to claim the penalty under Article 865 is totally independent from the underlying claim, and as such the proceedings should be commenced in personam against the individual(s) who removed the vessel from the Maltese water.

Conclusion:

After a thorough interpretation of Article 865, the court confirmed that the said Article provides a partial remedy to the Creditors where the vessel escapes the territorial waters.  An arrest warrant could be recognized as a kind of security granted by the courts when it is yet to determine the case based on merits.  However, the court confirmed that, as it is rightly explained in Article 865 of the Code, the right to claim penalty is without prejudice to the creditor’s alternative right to chase behind their claim.

To Selfie or not ot selfie

Many years have passed since football legend Pele visited Kolkata and a lot has changed since then. A few weeks ago, when he was greeted by fans at Atletico de Kolkata’s ISL fixture against Kerala Blasters at the Vivekananada Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata; one thing other than football was also uppermost in fans’ minds – get a selfie with Pele. This thought is so far removed from Pele’s first visit, thirty-seven years ago; no one would have predicted that the word “selfie” would have gained so much prominence. But fans, who managed to take selfies with Pele, soon started posting pictures of their memorable moment on social media. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram were soon full of selfies with Pele.

It is only two years ago that the Oxford English Dictionary, an icon of the English language, gave the accolade of “Word of the Year” to “selfie”. Since then the word has become a feature, for many of us, in our everyday language. For the uninitiated, and others will tell you that you had better get with it, a selfie is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a mobile phone camera, held in the hand or supported by a selfie stick.

Ranging from the flattering, casual and sometimes bizarre, most selfies are taken with the mobile held at arm’s length or pointed at a mirror so as to avoid using a self-timer. But the one indisputable fact of a selfie, which makes them so much in demand, is the overarching thought that if it happened then there must be a picture. No picture then it didn’t happen!

However the temptation to take a selfie and post it almost immediately on social media has brought its own problems. Just like pressing the send button on an email, and then regretting it soon afterwards, selfies are being posted without any thought to the unexpected consequences. Once posted on social media, selfies can soon attract reposts and retweets gaining so many views they are deemed to have gone viral. What the picture taker felt was a personal view of an event, to share with a few friends, becomes everyone’s property on which to make comment – good or bad.

When Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt was shown taking a smiling selfie, sitting in-between US President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron, it probably never crossed her mind that she was going to create an international commotion. Although the selfie was taken at a memorial service for Nelson Mandela in December 2013 it is still, even now, doing the rounds as a selfie “in bad taste”.

Believe it or not more people have died, in recent years, while trying to take a “selfie” than from shark attacks. You may wonder how these unfortunate tragic selfies occurred.  There is the 66 year old Japanese tourist who fatally injured himself, after falling down some stairs, whilst taking a selfie at India’s Taj Mahal. Others have been killed getting too close to wild animals for that once in a lifetime selfie. In 2014, organisers of the Tour de France were compelled to ask spectators to “respect the riders” after a number of accidents occurred when spectators ran onto the roads to take selfies.

These situations arise because selfie takers frequently become so engrossed in achieving a “wow-factor” picture they forget about what they are actually doing. Of course as the selfie trend grows so do the opportunities for others to make money. Have you spotted the product placement which appears in many of the celebrity selfies? You can safely bet this is not by accident. But the image that the celebrity selfie encapsulates is one that today’s selfie generation is attracted to follow – to take part in what seems glamour and fun. Posting a selfie democratises the idea of celebrity and the dream of instant success. For one moment, as the selfie is taken, that person is making a self-confident statement.

However like many things it is all “ifs and buts” so as many of us will be tempted to take selfies, especially during festive celebrations, there is little point waiting on the side-lines as just one selfie might make YOU famous. Like the lottery saying, “You have to be in it to win it” and with fame should come some good fortune. So smile everyone please this “Kaleidoscope Team” selfie is about to go VIRAL!

Lucky Winner

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.

The winner picked selected and rewarded for the months of July-August 2015 was Faheem from Pearl Shipping Services LLC who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Lulu, presented by Fida Asghar, Team Manager, NVOCC, CSS Dubai.

Chairman’s Message

In CSS we have always been gifted with a pool of brilliant people who demonstrate an ability to lead from the front. This has brought us well deserved rewards in return for our endeavours. Console Shipping Services India exemplifies this because their accomplishments deserve high acclaim. Accordingly it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the entire CSS India team. It is their drive and commitment that has led to remarkable success. It gives me personally a sense of pride to acknowledge the development of CSS India especially as it now has a presence in nine major cities.  As they have completed eight glorious years, in the field of ‘Shipping and Logistics’, from Mumbai, Delhi & Chennai regions, we must not lose focus on the fact that it was their forward planning and strategising that enabled them to identify and prioritise opportunities.
At this landmark time my advice, to the entire CSS India team, would be for them to analyse and quantify all the feedbacks they have received. Understanding these and subsequently developing meaningful responsive strategies will take us to the next level of success. There is no doubt that Console Shipping Services India is sailing forward and promises to deliver remarkable growth because of our dedicated, progressive and dynamic team.
Just like our colleagues in India, we need to be not only actively aware but also responsive to feedbacks as precursors for recognising new opportunities. It is this rationale that has resulted in CSS Group starting operations from Saif Zone, Sharjah. By following these examples, I have no doubt that we will all be spurred on to greater achievements.

Saluting a Success Story

Console shipping services India Pvt. Ltd. completes 8 years of Full fledged operations from major Indian cities

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. reaches the land mark success of completing 8 years in the field of Shipping and Logistics from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi & Chennai whilst Tirupur branch has completed 11 years of operations. A company started with a single office in India has grown to become one among the leading names with 09 offices for catering to the shipping and logistics needs. CSS India is a part of CSS Group which has created its own name in the global shipping and logistics.

“CSS India is a shining example of success as it has taken very less time to grow with the aspirations of the management and proved to be a trust worthy partner across the globe. We feel humbled with this success” mentioned T S Kaladharan Chairman, CSS Group.

Today Console shipping services India operates from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Mumbai, Tirupur and Tuticorin offering services in both Import and export management of Cargo.

Mainly focusing on the consolidation business, CSS India is now developing its strengths in Air freight management sector as well. Remarkable progress has been witnessed in the project management handling with many major projects which were successfully handled and received client appreciation.

An  Excellent  Team  Work


This successful journey has been built on the trust and confidence of our agents, valuable clients, other associates and most importantly our management and staff.

The strategy of CSS India is teamwork which leads to achieve greater heights with continuing enthusiastic efforts. This journey was filled with challenges which seemed impossible at certain times but with continuous and focused efforts we could achieve targets and our organizational goals.

We as a team of young qualified professionals have put in our hard work in reaching a landmark achievement. This has earned us reputation as a service provider amongst the trade with expertise in consolidation and logistics solutions which attracts most of the major shipping lines, forwarders, NVOCC and custom agents to have trust in us. The guidance and leadership shown by our senior management team is truly remarkable and always helped us, sharpen our focus and enabled us to be more targeted toward our goals. Going forward, we would request our customers, vendors & partners to continue patronizing this organization and support us in executing our vision.

Professionalism  &  Commitment


CSS India went through its troughs and waves and here we are, completing 8 years of learning and growth, inspite of the challenging scenario on profitability due to the deteriorating macro trade in the logistics business.

However the key reasons of passing through and looking firm are:

  • We could unlearn faster
  • For us, reality was more important than perception of reality
  • We chose to leave behind legacy issues of the trade
  • We competed only with ourselves
  • We offered complete transparency to our clients – straightforward and real feedback – sugar was never on our menu. Clients respected that in the long term.
  • Organization culture was of complete cohesiveness
  • Though they sound clichéd, Professionalism and Integrity are the pillars of our existence

A word of Gratitude

CSS India Director, Jairam K R speaks about their successful journey and their ambitions, in an interview with Lighthouse

As a team leader for CSS India, could you please tell us about the success you recently achieved?

It’s been a modest start from CSS India from Mumbai, Delhi & Chennai since 2007; however the Tirupur office was functional from 2004 onwards. From the beginning itself it was challenging and interesting at the same time. Since being in the industry for a very long period and having a very good rapport amongst the big and small players in shipping and logistics, my first focus was to put a proper and professional team in place when we began. Even though I have always believed in leading from the front, it’s been an excellent team effort and each and every one at CSS has contributed in his/ her own way from day 1. Today having been completed this journey, I still believe that we have a long way to go and achieve.

How would you describe the position of CSS India today in the market?

Today CSS in India has grown to become a reasonable good service provider. We focus on small and middle level companies who contribute to more than 70% of our business.  We are on a consolidation mode currently. We have trust in ourselves and the service we provide. Being a thorough professional, we could hardly compromise in the quality of our rendition. It is this quality that propels our customers to stick on with us forever.

How has CSS evolved to meet your client’s needs?

At Console shipping services India, every single customer whether small, medium or big are treated with respect and with utmost care and customer retention is our main focus. Even though its cargo, we know that it’s wrapped up in somebody’s sentiments. It is this understanding which has brought us the recognition as a client friendly cargo handler. We are open to discuss anything at any point of time regarding the job we are doing with our customer. This transparency has created a comfortable space within us and our client. In this technology driven world, CSS constantly upgrade our technology to stay Online with the market requirements.

After the recently commenced Ahmedabad office, do you plan for more presence in the country?

We plan to establish and consolidate our position first in Ahmedabad and then slowly diversify to other areas in Gujarat. We do extensive market study before opening an office in any location. Right now we have 9 offices in India and all these are managed by professional team. Major offices like Mumbai and Delhi can cater to the suburban areas and closer towns as well. Also we have satellite presence in small towns to work as support stations which we are not mentioning here. India being a very large country we need highly skilled and dedicated manpower to satisfy your professional requirements. Hence, we plan and strategize much prior to setting up an office.

Today CSS Group is seen as a global player in freight forwarding and logistics, how far CSS  India benefits with this recognition?

CSS Group consists of CSS Middle East and India. We have very strong presence in the Middle East like we have in India. Since the platform, agency network, the style of operation and the quality of deliverance are all same, that is of high standard, CSS Group as a single entity benefits largely from these and CSS India is no different.

What plans are in store for the immediate future?

The current market condition does not auger an expansion program. Every day is a new day and every opportunity is a chance to learn more. We are using our resources to enhance the present offerings in the market and strengthen our consolidation business. We have plans to enhance the CRM features in the software which are under discussion with our IT department. At the same time, we are adding another vertical to our business and this is Airfreight. We are working towards acquiring our own IATA in this regard.