3PL Services from CSS Kingston Logistics FZC

CSS Kingston Logistics provide 3PL services using our own infrastructure, skill and expertise. Ideally located inside the SAIF Zone provides direct access to major airports and airlines. Being the first and the only licensed 3PL service provider inside SAIF Zone, we offer our customers services that include air & sea freight forwarding, pick and pack, assembly, warehousing, packaging, shipping, and transportation. Our cost efficient and effective container transportation enables the products to be ready for distribution within the shortest possible period. CSS Kingston Logistics can support supply chain requirements throughout the product lifecycle. This starts from procurement and product packaging through final services such as liquidation and recycling.

Our services include:

  • Procurement & Packing
  • Storage and distribution
  • Logistics management
  • Reverse logistics
  • Survey and research


With our extensive network within and outside the UAE and a large pool of skilled man power, CSS Kingston Logistics can create and execute a truly global programme for your Supply Chain Management requirements. We guarantee you the most cost effective solutions for the requirements.

CSS Kingston storage facilities provide comfortable space for both Covered (110,000 Sq Ft) and Open yard storage (87,000 Sq. Ft) of your goods. The fully racked space is conveniently created for the smooth and quick movement of your cargo. We make sure to reduce the turn time and thereby ensure maximum value for your expenditure.

The open yard facility provides ample space for the heavy forklifts to work without hassles. This space can be well utilized to store your Breakbulk and ODC cargo requirements safely.

Welcome Onboard

CSS Group welcomes Gillian Alexander Pradhan who has joined CSS Kingston Logistics as Branch Manager.  Gillian carries with her a rich professional experience of 18 years including CSS Group from 2002 onwards. She took a break of 2 years in India after her assignment in CSS Abu Dhabi. Gillian is excited with the business prospects in SAIF Zone and the Northern Emirates and commented to Lighthouse that she is delighted as well for the opportunity given to her once again by the Senior Management of CSS Group to work with them. “Using the skills I have garnered over my 12 years work experience with CSS Group in various departments I am confident that I can add to the dynamism of the team and be a part of the drive to change the experience that businesses in this region have in working with logistics providers” said Gillian. Lighthouse wishes her all success in her future endeavors.

Centrally Located New Storage Facility

CSS Homeward Bound announces the new state of the art warehouse facility in Al Quoz.


CSS Homeward Bound has acquired a state of the art warehousing and storage facility, in Al Quoz. Complete with proper racking and convenient loading bays, the new facility offers you any storage requirement you have in their 20,000 sq ft area of warehouse space. They offer both normal and temperature controlled Storage solutions, customizable to suit specific cargo requirements.

The niche services at this facility include Personal effect storage, short term or long term; either through our premium CSS Homeward bound services or using our SDS BOX (Self Door Storage).

SDS BOX storage services can be customized to suite specific requirements, storage units range from a 5 cubic meter up to 10 Cubic Meter capacity. Customizable SDS storage boxes of larger or smaller dimensions can be made available as well.

This SDS Boxes are made from top quality plywood with a proper pallet system which enables them to be lifted by forklift or through a manual mobile lifter. Wood breathes and is proven as the safest storage solution for household items and furniture storage, protecting your precious items from mold, mildew, dust and pests.

In addition to our Personal Effects and Self Storage, Our suite of services at  the facility include 3PL  Storage, Heavy equipment, Plant and Machinery Storage,  Automotive Logistics and Storage and our renowned industrial packing -lashing and crating services, all operated exclusively by CSS trained Staff.

Our prime location within the AL Quoz Industrial area allows for quick access / proximity to the Dubai local market,  Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone,  Our CSS hub at Jebel Ali as well as Dubai International Airport.

New Facility for CSS in JAFZA

The new office and additional storage for CSS in Jebel Ali will be completed in a year


The construction work of the new office and storage facility of CSS Group has begun inside Jebel Ali Free zone area. Adjacent to the existing office building and the CFS, the new facility will increase the storage capacity of CSS, which in-turn will benefit the ever growing demand for warehousing facility inside JAFZA. Once completed, the new infrastructure will bring in an additional 47,850 Sq. Ft to CSS Group’s existing 3 PL facilities in the Middle East. The new facility will have 3956 pallet positions with double deep racking facility. The storage area will be partly temperature controlled as well.

The ground breaking ceremony of the new building was done two months back in the presence of invited guests and dignitaries from the Shipping and Logistics community. The ground breaking ceremony of the new facility in JAFZA was attended by Dr. Mohammad Al Banna, Vice President – MEA Region, Economic Zones World, Malayalam Cine actor Mr. Anoop Menon, Mr. Srinivas from Orbit engineering consultants & Mr. Ajit T P from Space Max Contracting L.L.C.

CSS Group will have their Regional office along with a new warehouse within the new facility. The new facility  is expected to become operational in a year’s time from the commencement of the work.

Upgrading CSS Group Portal

CSS Group will soon have their group portal with a major facelift

The IT and design divisions of CSS Group is working on a key facelift project of the CSS Portal. The portal will soon be launched with an enhanced look and feel. Some unique features will be added on to the existing features of the portal, according to the IT department.
This portal aims at meeting the customer service requirements of the group company with more ease. The entire system is divided primarily into three different sections or modules. The first module is exclusively created to satisfy the requirements of customers/agents and shippers and is named the customer portal. The second section is exclusively for the CSS Group staff and is called the employee portal, while the third module is crafted for the system administrators and it’s called the admin portal. The CSS portal carries innumerable features in itself and is aiming at enhancing its features and incorporating new ones with this facelift.
The group portal is developed and managed by Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd, an India based BPO Company specialized in IT & ITES. The portal can be accessed through the link www.cssgrouponline.com

Breakbulk Middle East

Breakbulk Middle East, 26-29 october 2015
in Abu Dhabi

Breakbulk Middle East is scheduled from 26- 29 October 2015, in Abu Dhabi and is expected to attract thousands of decision makers this year. Breakbulk Middle East 2015 attendees will benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities with project cargo owners, freight forwarders and transportation specialists. The four-day event offers industry workshops, two conferences featuring leading Breakbulk and project cargo experts and an exhibition showcasing a range of both international and regional companies.
Breakbulk Middle East 2015 is the venue to tap into the growth in infrastructure, industry and trade in the region. Bringing together key sectors — EPCs, forwarders, transporters and others involved in the region — this is a must-attend event for Breakbulk and project cargo logisticians.
The exhibition floor will offer a multitude of networking opportunities throughout the event, including hosted coffees, luncheons and an evening reception. Two days of executive presentations will be held to better understand both the risks and rewards of moving cargo through the region. For the first time, the event will offer an Abnormal Load Summit, designed for those focused on road transport. An additional two days of workshops are available to individuals seeking to build their project cargo management skills and master handling heavy-lift cargoes.
Visit the Breakbulk Middle East Exhibition to network and connect with over 200 exhibitors and sponsors that provide specialized services. Various visitors will be visiting the show like executives, financial, logistics, project, transportation, operations and distribution management from Shippers EPCs, BCOs, Manufacturers; Freight Forwarders; Transportation Providers; Ports and Terminals.

Managing CFS Operations, the CSS Way

DP world team visits CSS CFS to understand professional CFS Management

The DP World team was extended a warm welcome at the Consolidated Shipping Services Container freight station (CFS) by Sreenath V, Senior General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy and Operations on their facility evaluation visit. CFS at Jebel Ali is considered as the flag ship facility of CSS Group.

The VP Business development of CSS Group Ken Dinnadge stated that the main purpose of the visit according to the DP World was to experience how we Plan and supervise our CFS activities and how we maximize the efficiencies and effectiveness. They also wanted to study how a CFS ensures  high level industry compliance with safety and operational disciplines.

DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 45 terminals and 13 new developments across 29 countries, with its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serving customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world selected the CSS group’s CFS as part of their CFS service evaluation process as they see us as one of the leading private CFS operators in this market sector.

DP World wanted to see the customer-centric approach of CSS, and how they are building on established relationships. They also discussed with CSS CFS team on key accountabilities which include:

CSS CFS strategy and utilization

  • They understood how CSS define stacking strategies, defining parameters for assigning cargo locations in the facility and yard.
  • How CSS plan and manage the optimization of 20 and 40 feet ground slots to capacity throughput.
  • The management of operational aspects allowing necessary separation of various cargo types.
  • The inventory control methods at CSS CFS.


Cargo Control & Operations Support

  • Supervision of the billing activities for all CFS operations.
  • How to coordinate with our customers and the authorities in order to address billing issues as and when they arise.
  • Ensure that sufficient resources are made available for system upgrades and testing whenever required
  • The employee engagement programmes and following of the Standard Operating Procedures.


CFS Operations

  • How to collect the information of pending workload, new incoming work request and available space from the respective CFS team prior to being allotted new work requests in order to ensure a smooth and speedy operations.
  • Preparing daily work schedules.
  • How CSS ensures industry high level safety procedures while handling cargo.


CSS Provided the visiting team with an over view of smooth customer coordination, reallocate equipment’s and resources across planning teams in a timely and organized manner based on the workload, Co-ordination with IT to ensure system requirements are met for effective planning and operations, Liaise with Line Agents for all relevant information, Ensure effective inter and intra departmental communication for movement of containers to and from the Container Terminal. They also explained the team about how to attend customer related problems, Planning, monitoring and analyzing relevant reports and how to prepare and present performance analysis.

DP World Begins Work on New $1.6 Billion Container Terminal at Jebel Ali Port

Dubai, United Arab Emirates,              28 July 2015: –

DP World Chairman HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, announced today the start of construction work on a brand new container terminal at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai.

Phase 1 of the Container Terminal 4 (T4) project will deliver new capacity of 3.1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2018, taking Jebel Ali Port’s total capacity to 22.1 million TEU. The port complex will be equipped with at least 110 cranes with a total quay length of around 11,000 meters by that time.

T4 will be located on a reclaimed island north of the existing Terminal 2 allowing DP World to further expand capacity to a total of 7.8 million TEU in line with market demand. As part of the project, a bridge is being built to provide access to the island from land near Terminal 2. Work is scheduled to get the 3,000 meter causeway and bridge partially open to traffic before the end of 2015.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said:

“Given the strong economic outlook, both domestically and regionally, including the lead up to Dubai Expo 2020, we are delighted to announce the construction of Terminal 4, which will deliver new capacity of 3.1 million TEU in Phase 1.

“The new capacity is a response to feedback from customers expressing the need for more capacity at Jebel Ali due to an expected increase in trade in the run up to Expo 2020. Shipping lines will be able to bring more of the world’s largest vessels to our terminals so helping improve the efficiency of the region’s supply chain.”

Meanwhile, Jebel Ali and other DP World terminals in the UAE handled 7.9 million TEU in the first half of 2015, representing a growth of 6.0% compared with the first half of 2014.

HE Sultan bin Sulayem remarked:

“Jebel Ali continues to respond to market demand as we have in the past.  Despite the addition of 2 million TEUs capacity in Terminal 3 scheduled in the second half 2015, the port still experiences high levels of utilization.”

“With Jebel Ali’s total capacity set to reach 22.1 million TEU in 2018, we are ensuring our flagship asset in Dubai continues to have sufficient capacity to serve the future growth demand of the UAE and the wider region.”

Terminal 4 will be equipped with semi-automated quay cranes, providing operational efficiencies for customers, comfortable and safe working conditions for employees and environmental benefits for the community at large by reducing the carbon footprint.

Under Phase 1, T4 will feature a 1,200 meter long quay with an 18 meter draft, and 13 of the world’s largest and most modern quay cranes, remotely operated from a sophisticated control room off the quayside. Some 35 Automated Rail Mounted Gantry cranes (ARMG) will operate in the yard.

HE Sultan Bin Sulayem added:

“We have invested significantly in the infrastructure, equipment, technology and training of our teams at Jebel Ali. Our priority is to ensure that we can serve our customers efficiently and help them realize the benefits of scale that the fleet of new, larger vessels bring.

“Today, Jebel Ali has the capability to accommodate ten of these mega container ships simultaneously. The new state-of-the-art facility at Terminal 4 will increase this number significantly.”

HE Sultan Bin Sulayem concluded:

“We are committed to be a world leader in our industry and our growth is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai with smart systems using technology.

“We will continue to develop Jebel Ali port to meet the current and future needs of our customers. The new terminal will further reinforce Jebel Ali’s role as the premier gateway serving the wider region of two billion people.”

From a CSS perspective Ken added, “this recently facility enhancement will also enable us to better serve our global customers in this region especially as we enjoy an excellent working relationship with DPW here in the UAE.”

DP World Reaffirms Indian Commitment During PM’s Visit

DP World has reiterated the company’s commitment to enabling India’s growth and economic development through its operations in the country, where it supports over 32% of India’s container trade, during the Indian PM’s visit to the country.

DP World is a market leader in Indian container terminal operations and has the largest portfolio of ports along the Indian coastline. The network includes terminals in Gujarat (Mundra), Maharashtra (Nhava Sheva), Kerala (Cochin), Tamil Nadu (Chennai) and Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam).

Building on the historic ties and strong friendly relations between the UAE and India, DP World has established a strong market position in India, shaping the future of the maritime terminals industry and investing over US $2 billion. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World chairman welcomed the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, saying that as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, and with the UAE being India’s third largest trading partner, the two countries shared a close relationship.

Trade between the two nations reached US $60-billion last year.

Adani Group to Complete Vizhinjam Port Project within 1,000 Days

Adani Group will strive to commission the Vizhinjam international deep water multi-purpose seaport in 1,000 days, according to its Chairman, Mr Gautam Adani.

The project agreement was signed on 17th August 2015, at the Durbar Hall of the Government Secretariat. Speaking after the signing ceremony, he said the mission was to make Vizhinjam the largest and most efficient Port infrastructure in the Country.

He said work on the project will start on November 1, the Kerala Formation Day. The Group has already formed a special purpose vehicle Adani Vizhinjam Ports Pvt Ltd, which will be headed by Mr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra who was at the helm of the Dhamra Port in Odisha. Adani described Mohapatra as the most experienced leader from his stable with a proven track record of executing large projects.

The special purpose vehicle has already started off with some of the planning and engineering work related to the project, he said.

“Vizhinjam is one of the most exciting projects that we have taken up in recent times,” he said, and added that the breakwater being built will be one of the most complex structures ever engineered.

“Relaxation of the Cabotage Law will be crucial to sustainable operation of the port as and when it becomes ready,” Mr. Gautam Adani said.

He hoped the Centre will give due recognition to this aspect and consider the request of the State Government for necessary action.

Mr. Gautam Adani also offered to take every stakeholder on board whose livelihood is dependent on the prospects of the mega project.

He assured the Adani Group’s commitment to serve the best interests of all and sought cooperation from all stakeholders in translating the dream project in to a reality.

Al Gharbia Pipe Company to Open a New Pipe Manufacturing Facility at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad)

Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and industrial zones in the Emirate, has signed a standard Musataha agreement (SMA) with Al Gharbia Pipe Company to open a new pipe manufacturing facility at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad). The state-of-the-art facility will cater to the region’s oil and gas industry, manufacturing high quality, sour grade Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding (LSAW) steel pipes.

The SMA will see Al Gharbia Pipe Company invest a projected total of 1.1 billion, with their new facility requiring a plot size of 200,000 square metres. Al Gharbia Pipe Company, a joint venture between Senaat, one of the largest industrial holding companies in the UAE, and two of Japan’s leading steel firms, JFE Steel Corporation and Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. (MISI), expects the facility to be completed by March 2018. The plant will employ over 370 staff and produce up to 240,000 tons of steel pipe a year,

“The exceptional infrastructure and transportation network offered by Kizad will make a significant difference to Al Gharbia’s business operations,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.

“The new facility will create business opportunities and jobs in the Emirate, directly supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision of a diversified economy”, he added.

Essar Ports Plans Rs. 3,500 Crore Capex for Upgradation and Expansion

Essar Ports is planning Rs. 3,500 crore capital expenditure in the next three years as a part of its corporate expansion plans, said Mr. Rajiv Agarwal, Managing Director, Essar Ports. Till date, the capital deployed by the company is about Rs. 10,500 crore. He said that funds for the capital expenditure would be raised from debt and equity, in the ratio of 70:30.

For upgrading port infrastructure at Salaya Terminal around Rs. 350 crore would be invested in the coming months.

Paradip Coal Terminal would require about Rs. 850 crore and Hazira Terminal would cost about Rs. 750 crore, to expand its capacity from 30 to 50 million tonnes.

At Vizag Coal Terminal Rs. 1,150 crore would be invested. The remaining funds would be used for other port-related infrastructure.

The cumulative cargo handling capacity of all the ports controlled by the company is about 120 million tonnes.

Essar Ports plan to increase this to 140 million tonnes by the end of the current fiscal. The company is looking at handling 190 million tonnes of cargo by 2017. The cargo handling capacity of all Ports across the Country is about 1,100 million tonnes, of which Essar Port’s contribution is about 120 million tonnes.

Essar Ports would be able to double its capacity at Vadinar, Salaya and Hazira terminals as and when the economy of the Country picks up.

Sohar Port to up Capacity to 1.5 Million TEU with New Terminal

Port of Sohar is expanding the container handling capacity of terminal C to boost annual throughput capacity to 1.5 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), according to a senior port official, up from today’s one million TEU.

Port authorities are discussing with contractors plans to pave large areas and build yards to capitalise on the shifting of commercial activities of port Sultan Qaboos to Sohar port. The plan is to build another terminal (D) to raise container handling capacity to five to six million TEU per annum. The development plan for terminal D will be finalised during 2016-17 and the work will start thereafter, said executive commercial manager Edwin Lammers. He said that “We have to build quay walls for the terminal.”

Sohar port will continue the development of facilities to capture growing trade activities in the Middle East and will have the capability to serve the world’s largest 20,000 TEU ships.

Air Partner Buys Aviation Safety Specialist

The jet charter company said, Britain’s Air Partner has acquired aviation safety specialist Baines Simmons for £6 million (USD 9.4 million) to gain exposure to the growing demand for air safety advice.

Air Partner, which charters aircraft for governments, companies and high-net-worth individuals including the UK’s Queen Elizabeth, said the deal would add a more stable revenue stream to its sometimes volatile broking income.

Air Partner director Justin Scarborough said, “What companies are being forced to do across Europe is to have increased levels of accountability (for safety).”

Baines Simmons’ customers include British Airways, the Royal Air Force and Airbus.

Hole in One

Ken Dinnadge achieves hole in one at Emirates golf club


CSS Group VP Business development Ken Dinnadge continues to impress in his friendly customer golf outings by achievement yet another mile stone in his golfing by scoring yet another hole in one on Dubai’s championship course, the Emirates golf club.

Ken was presented with a certificate by the club and will also have his name listed on the wall of fame:-

The Emirates Golf Club, host of the European Tour sanctioned Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18 hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse remains the most eye-catching in the region. The Majlis Course has been presented with numerous accolades over its 25 year history, including its 2012 ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in the World’ and being awarded ‘Best Course Middle East’ in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards.  Emirates Golf Club is also the only golf club in the MENA region to receive GEO Certification.

To achieve a hole on one on this course is a great achievement!

The Wreck Removal Convention, 2007 – The Commercial & Legal Implications

Shipwrecks are a growing concern with typically a 1,000 casualties attributed to shipping globally each year. MSC Napoli, The Container Ship Rena and The Costa Concordia are a few examples of the most notable wrecks. The total cost of the top 20 most expensive wreck removals from the past decade currently stands at $2.1B and is set to increase over time.

The Convention

The Nairobi Convention was drafted to provide the legal basis for States to remove or have removed shipwrecks that may risk the safety of lives, goods and property at sea as well as the marine environment. This finally came into force in April 2015 with Denmark being the 10th state to ratify the convention to law.

The Convention applies only to wrecks located in the Member States’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).  However, a Member State may choose to extend the scope of the Convention to its own territory, including its territorial sea.

Under the WRC, claims may be made against a shipowner/club/insurer within 3 years from the date the hazard was determined. However, an action can also be brought against them within 6 years of the date of the maritime casualty that resulted in the wreck. Where the maritime casualty consists of a series of occurrences, the 6 year period shall run from the date of the first occurrence.

Legal Implications

The WRC, has brought about consistency and fairness in its approach to wreck removal, though it may be limited it has however created a uniform and enforceable regime to be followed around the world. Under the WRC, a vessel would not be allowed to enter the waters of a ratifying state unless she was properly insured and had a certificate to prove it. If the vessel’s flag state had not ratified the convention yet, then another Flag State may provide the certificate. Additionally, P&I clubs can no longer walk away from a wreck if the owner/member was unable to pay. This practice is now abolished under the WRC and a claimant can bring any associated/simultaneous action directly against the P&I Insurer.

The usual coastal state law that normally applied required any harbour authority issuing a removal order to first prove that a wreck would in fact be a genuine navigational hazard if it was not removed and this was often used as an escape hatch to legitimately ignore such an order. However, this hatch will be closed as the Convention provides an alternative entitlement to demand removal if the wreck creates the “potential” for substantial damage to the environment.

Liability is excluded in the event of an act of war or due to exceptional natural phenomena and if a state can be proven to have failed properly to have maintained navigational aids.

Commercial Implications

From the salvors’ viewpoint, there would be an increase in the amount of work and profits. The price for all of this will be paid by the P&I Clubs, insurers and re-insurers throughout the world with the cost then being passed back to ship owner insured’s and their customers.

The WRC offers increased financial certainty with strict liability on the shipowner for the costs of reporting, marking and removing the wreck if required by the coastal state. The shipowners have a freedom to contract with their choice of wreck removal contractors with direct action against the insurers.

The Nairobi Convention & India

The ratification of the WRC is definitely a step forward by the Government of India. India had earlier acceded to this convention which required at least 10 member states to ratify. Wreck removal came under the subject of the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 & Indian Ports Act, 1908. Previously, under these two acts, ship-owners were legally liable to remove wrecks only within the territorial water if the wreck was a hazard in a shipping lane or close to a navigation channel. Cases like the Rak Carrier, Tanker Pavit and many more, which were abandoned by the owner/club due to absence of the appropriate regulatory framework may now come under the purview of the WRC.

Bouncing Back

Have you ever wondered why some people nearly always seem upbeat and motivated, whereas others feel stuck in a rut? Even when the troubles of life hit them, there are those who just seem to carry on and bounce back. Well if you do find yourself wondering, you may take comfort from the fact that you are not alone. Set-backs are all part of life and it is how we deal with them that limits our ability to be happy. If you want to know how to “bounce back” then read on……

Happiness, and our ability to be happy, is known to depend on three main components. The largest of these, around 50%, are our genes, family background and upbringing. Obviously we are not in a position to change these but appreciating how they have influenced us brings a realisation that we must build on our experiences and not let them restrict our motivation.

A belief in one’s own self is what matters most. What others think of us should never take priority as a reason for holding back.

The second most important influence on our ability to bounce back and be happy, at 40%, is determined by our activities and relationships. It goes without saying that if you have a problem then do something completely different. Go for a run, play football, in fact anything energetic. The rush of blood through our bodies, our pumping heart and even the sweat detracts from a continued focus on negative thoughts. If we combine these activities with our friends then so much the better. Talking is easy but it does not really break the brain thinking cycle. Whereas spirited activity often proves to be a catalyst for breaking a downward defeatist cycle.

Surprisingly the least important of the main happiness factors, at only 10%, is shown as life circumstances, income and environment. Now come on, be honest, how many of us have said,

“If only I had more money everything would be so much better?”

In fact research shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Many have more money than any of us but they are still unhappy.

So taking these three main components into account, how do we bounce back and become happy? Well it is all about motivation – which is central to creativity, productivity and happiness. When we are motivated we act, create and change because we feel involved and able to influence not only ourselves but also those we love. This gives our lives purpose and as a consequence brings happiness.

When life becomes boring or some failure, disappointment hits us, then those who remain happy have a mind-set where they see the adversity not as a stumbling block; but as a stepping stone to greater success. They do not let feelings of inadequacy or even a fear of success, hold them back. Such negative emotions may arise from our upbringing, which is why we need to examine and understand our formative years. It is said that if you want to be a millionaire, firstly start mixing with millionaires. Similarly if you want to be happy and successful start mixing with others who are happy…..because success may then follow. It is worth noting that very few successful people are unhappy as they generally bounce happily forward on their success.

In conclusion therefore, the question arises as to how do you view your ability to bounce back?  A good example for you to ponder comes from an experiment with jumping frogs. These were placed in separate glass jars, then covered with glass lids to prevent them escaping. They were given food and water so they could survive. At first the frogs kept jumping, trying to escape, but they kept hitting their heads on the “invisible” glass lids. After thirty days the glass lids were removed. Even though the lids were not there anymore and it would have been easy for the frogs to jump out of the jars, they did not even try. Over the previous thirty days they had learnt they could not escape, so even when the glass lids were removed, they were still restricted by their self-limiting belief.

So if you find yourself, needing motivation to “bounce back” make sure you are not being fooled into believing you are limited by what was a glass ceiling that is now no longer there. Jump high and jump with confidence because you will probably find yourself leaping happily higher than you ever believed possible. Nothing ventured, nothing gained…so go on “Bounce Back”.

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 May- June 2015 was Haja from Times World Freight LLC who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Lulu, presented by Sasi Kala, Senior Executive Corporate Communications, CSS Dubai.

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.

Performance Excellence Award

CSS RECOGNIZED ONCE AGAIN BY SAFMARINE
“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.
CSS was recently honored at the Customer Award Night by Safmarine, at a dinner held at the Shangrila Hotel, Dubai, UAE on April 13th 2015. The function was attended by the Chairman of CSS Group T S Kaladharan, Ajay Krishnan Senior General Manager Freight Forwarding and Key Information Department (KID) and Raufa Sheikh, Manager Pricing and (KID). The award was presented by Mr Stephen James Brodie, Commercial CFO- Copenhagen, Safmarine
“It’s a great pleasure for Safmarine to celebrate the customer service award in style and honour our valuable partners during this event. The growth of both the CSS and Safmarine together to achieve greater customer service excellence proved to be an encouraging factor for us and we cherish the relationship. The hand in hand work was always a key factor for the accomplishments of both the entities”, commented Seema Nair, Managing Director, Safmarine.
The recognition of this award was for the growth and consistent performance for the fiscal year 2014 and it is the third consecutive year that CSS has been awarded by Safmarine. “It’s a great honour and achievement for CSS Group. By this, it has been proved once again that trust and confidence amongst partners could bring in greater rewards in the business and we believe that such recognitions would definitely cement the relationship between both the entities in the future as well.” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.
Safmarine is an international shipping business offering container and break-bulk shipping services worldwide. Formed in 1946 by South African industrialists and American ship owners, Safmarine is now widely known as a north/south trade and African specialist. The line is represented in more than 130 countries throughout the world, with more than 1200 sailors selling their services.
“It’s been a wonderful journey together for 3 years and we are proud for this trusted relationship with CSS Group. Both Safmarine and CSS Group has taken strenuous efforts in the industry to develop our business to reach far and wide in the global shipping and today we both share a wonderful feeling to have this achievement”, added Sanjeev Saraf, Head of Commercial, UAE, Safmarine.