CSS Attends Ritchie Bros. Auction

The Heavy Equipment Logistics division of CSS attended the two-day Ritchie Bros. auction on October 1st & 2nd, 2013 in Jebel Ali, UAE. The team was able to network with the buyers and sellers at the auction while promoting its first class logistical solutions to the end user. The next RBA auction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is scheduled for December 17 & 18, 2013. CSS Group had a designated booth along with a meeting area whereby it was able to showcase its corporate materials. It even had a raffle for all visitors who attended. Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development,  Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, and Thushara Nishaman, Business Development Manager, represented CSS Group at the 2 day auction.

Ken Dinnadge added, “Being present at the auction was vital for CSS Group as we were able to network with potential and existing clients, while providing on the spot assistance for shipping various types of equipment, including construction machinery, transporting drill rigs, relocating a drag line, repositioning military equipment, exporting generators or simply moving large sized equipment. We are pleased to be associated with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers and would like to take this opportunity and congratulate the entire team on yet another successful auction held in the United Arab Emirates.”

Established in 1963 in Canada, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers operates at more than 40 auction sites throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.  The company sells, through unreserved auctions, a broad range of used and unused equipment including equipment utilized in the construction, transportation, mining, forestry, petroleum, marine and agricultural industries. Ritchie Bros. is a public company; its common shares trade on both the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol RBA.

“Providing innovative business solutions that enable the world’s businesses to exchange equipment with ease and confidence has been our company’s mission since our inception,” said Steve Barritt, Regional Manager, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. “Our attention to detail and our constant endeavor to provide value added services to our customers has been the cornerstone of our success. All of our innovative services that have been launched are evidence of how we’ve run our business for over 50 years, which is keeping our customers’ needs in mind.”

Ritchie Bros. auctions are known for the ramp method, where customers are able to sit in a covered auction theatre while the mobile equipment is sold as it is driven over the ramp. Once the bidding has started, the sale price increases until there are no new bids. The auctioneer announces the item as SOLD. Then, the successful buyer holds up his number to identify himself, and the process begins all over again. Bidders can inspect the trucks and equipment at all auction facilities prior to the sale.

Strategically positioned and headquartered in Dubai UAE, CSS Group has become a name to reckon within its own field of knowledge and has created its own trademark and brand name when it comes to providing a complete customized new and used construction equipment shipping and logistics support services to manufacturers, distributors, auction houses and their associated clients when dealing with all types of new and used heavy construction equipment.  CSS’s ability to supply this demanding sector with innovative logistical solutions for new and used equipment is recognized throughout the world and they are considered as the prime option for most of the leading manufacturers.

Watch out for the next auction in Jebel Ali, UAE on December 17th and 18th, 2013.

Log onto www.cssgroupsite.com & www.rbauction.com  for more details.

For enquires email: ship-heavy-equipment@cssdubai.com

CSS Sales Strategy Meet 2013-14

Every year, CSS Group gathers for its annual Sales Strategy Meet whereby the management and sales teams from all of its global offices get together for a number of days for divisional meetings, presentations, case studies, team building activities and an overall review of the current and succeeding year’s strategies.
The theme for this year’s strategy meet is “LIMITLESS” which was chosen as it represented the unprecedented growth so far achieved by CSS Group and stands for the vision of the CSS Group management for the organization going forward.  The theme was chosen from an in-house competition, wherein all staff globally were requested to provide suggestive themes for this year’s strategy meet. Limitless, suggested by Hinna Hussain, Team Manager, Sales (Jebel Ali 1) received the highest number of votes by Senior Management and she received a gift voucher of AED 500 to the store of her choice.
Over the years, the CSS Management had organized the Strategy Meet in various countries across continents. From the sandy beaches of Goa, India, to the picturesque Arabian sea and gulf countries on a cruise liner, to the serene and tranquil environment of Sri Lanka, and the architectural paradise of Dubai, this year their travel takes them to Kerala, also known as God’s own country. CSS Strategy meet will be held at Devas Farm House, Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppey Dist. Kerala from the 15th till 17th of November 2013.
Its varied demographics, culture and traditions have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. National Geographic’s Traveler magazine names Kerala as one of the “ten paradises of the world” and “50 must see destinations of a lifetime”. Travel and Leisure names Kerala as “One of the 100 great trips for the 21st century” In 2012, it overtook Taj Mahal to be the number one travel destination in Google’s search trends for India. Kerala’s beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries are the major attractions for both domestic and international tourists.

CSS Opens Delivery Order Counter

As part of it constant commitment to provide the best possible service to its customers and clients alike, CSS Group recently announced the opening of its Delivery Order Counter at its new location at the Dubai Customs Building, adjacent to Port Rashid. The opening of the new delivery order counter was inaugurated jointly by Anil Kumar, Director – Finance, and Ahmed Al Rais, Senior VP, Air Freight, CSS Group.

The decision to relocate the CSS Group’s delivery order counter was done in order to provide better service to the growing clientele by being more centrally located within the shipping fraternity. The new office will allow customers to collect their delivery orders, and move directly into customs processing within the same building.

CSS Abu Dhabi Celebrates New Beginnings And A Farewell

Having recently opened its new office in Abu Dhabi, CSS conducted its annual staff party on September 27th, 2013 at The Club, Abu Dhabi. A Royal connection; situated on land kindly donated by the late H.H. The President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The Club was founded by a group of pioneering expatriates in 1962. In 2012, The Club proudly celebrated its 50th Anniversary, a highly significant occasion.

“The CSS Abu Dhabi staff party was held to commemorate the opening of the new office premises located in the heart of the city. The new office is located close to the airport and seaport, therefore providing better access to our partners and customers alike. In addition, the party was in honor of our colleague, Gillian Alexander, who had been a part of the CSS family for over 11 years and has now decided to move to the beaches of Goa. On behalf of CSS Abu Dhabi, I wish her all the best in her endeavours,” said Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

As Manager-Operations & Customer Service, Gillian Alexander, was renowned for her commitment to service excellence by constantly ensuring that customers’ expectations were not only met but exceeded. CSS Group, would like to thank her for her loyalty and commitment to the group and wish her all the best in her new life.

NEW BEGINNINGS

In addition to a farewell to Gillian Alexander, the celebration served also as a welcome to three new members to the CSS Abu Dhabi Team.

Renjith Pillai, who has been a part of CSS Group for over 10 years, will join the team of CSS Abu Dhabi as Branch Manager, Midhun George as Sales Manager and Amal Hareendran as Asst. Manager-Operations & Customer Service.

“The new additions to the team are part of our core strategy to strengthen CSS Abu Dhabi and provide better service to our growing customer base. The level of expertise that the new members will bring to the Abu Dhabi market will further establish our expanding footprint within the shipping and logistics industry of Abu Dhabi, and we wish them all the best in this new endeavour,” added Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi

For further information, please log onto: www.cssabudhabi.com

Operinter Visits CSS India

Carlos Pulido, Director Operinter Group visited CSS Offices in Mumbai & Delhi.

The Operinter Group is one of the largest Spanish logistical companies, with twenty offices in Spain, 6 offices in China as well as branches in Argentina, Cuba and France. CSS Mumbai enjoys a long time healthy business relationship with this Spanish giant and offers total logistics solution including door deliveries in Spain. Jairam K R, Director CSS India with his team welcomed Carlos Pulido on his visit to India. Both companies discussed various opportunities for enhancing the existing business trade lanes and conducted joint sales meets for strengthening business ties amongst their clientele. CSS with its unmatched presence in India is expected to do even better in the coming years, as they enjoy trusted partnership with major companies worldwide. Jairam K R had visited Operinter last year during his European business tour.

To Break The ICE…

An innovative HR Programme at CSS Delhi

CSS Delhi conducted an innovative HR programme to boost the employee morale.

Workplace pressure and strain can make people exhausted and hate their everyday job in office. When staff is unhappy, they are less efficient, less effective and more likely to squander work hours or quit. This may finally destroy the perfect balance of a team and thereby disturbe the company work to a large extend.

Employee engagement activities in the office will always keep the employees relaxed and refreshed. Having fun at work will increase team building, bring togetherness, relieve stress and make the employee emotionally attached to the work place and at the end of the day will reduce attrition. Recently, CSS team in Delhi conducted a fun filled HR activity to regain the momentum of employee cohesion and boost their morale. On the 4th of October Team CSS conducted a competition under different categories like the most handsome guy, the cutest of all girls, most talkative person etc.

Winners selected by votes from all the employees were given fabulous prizes by the office management. Below are the categories under which competitions were held and the winners:

Most handsome guy
Rajesh Arora
Most Cute Girl
Ekta Sawhney
Beautiful girl
Divya Sharma
Most shy person
Kishan Dutt Bhat
Most Dramatic person
Gaurev Uniyal
Most talkative person
Rajeev Kumar
Most Honest / Sincere person
Sudeep Pillai
Most Hardworking person
Atul Jaiswal

It was certainly a great experience for the entire staff at CSS Delhi, as they confirmed to have more such programmes in the future. “This HR activity brought in a new dimension from the routine work culture in the company as it provided a cheerful environment to the employees” said Rajesh Arora, VP North India. Team Delhi expects other CSS offices too to follow their path.

History of Containerisation

The history of trade dates back thousands of years before containerisation. People traded across oceans and lands, sailing the world in search of various goods and commodities that their countries did not have, everything from traded food, jewels and materials to new treasures.

Shipping before 1850 was difficult, expensive, and irregular, dominated by wooden ships using sails propelled only by wind. Later, the development of steamships made transportation cheaper and less risky. Getting goods on and off ships has historically been a bottleneck. A large part of the cost of international trade was taking the cargo off the ship, sorting it out, and dealing with the pilferage that took place along the way. Therefore the advent of containerisation brought about a massive transformation.

Containerisation has its origins in early coal mining regions in England from the late 18th century onwards. By the 1830s, railroads on several continents were carrying containers that could be transferred to other modes of transport. Before World War II, US, British and French railway companies experimented with methods of sealing goods in different sizes and shapes of boxes before transporting them. However, lack of specialised equipment like cranes for loading and unloading cargo combined with resistance from unions made it difficult for the development of container shipping till 50’s.

During World War II, the United States used specialised containers to speed the loading and unloading of transport ships. These reusable containers were used for shipping household goods of officers.

In 1955, former trucking company owner Malcom McLean worked with engineer Keith Tantlinger to develop the modern intermodal container. The challenge was to design a shipping container that could efficiently be loaded onto ships and held securely on long sea voyages. The result was an 8 ft. tall by 8 ft. wide box in 10 ft. long units constructed from 2.5 mm of thick corrugated steel. The design incorporated a twist lock mechanism atop each of the four corners, allowing the container to be easily secured and lifted using cranes. On April 26th 1956, McLean put 58 containers on board a refitted tanker ship, SS Ideal X and sailed them from Newark to Houston.

The immediate result of the first US container journey was a substantial saving in the cost associated with moving cargo piece by piece from truck or railcar from the warehouse, onto the ship, and then unloading at the destination port, to the warehouse and then again on the truck or railcar. Containerisation revolutionised this multiple handling of cargo by increasing port labor productivity through mechanised loading and unloading of containerised cargos.

The 1956 container operation by the Ideal X involved a ship and cranes that were designed for other purposes. Three years later the industry saw additional savings through the building of purpose-built container cranes followed by the large purpose-built containerships.

From a transportation technology perspective, containerisation resulted in the introduction of intermodal freight transport, since the shipment of a container can use multiple modes of transportation -ship, rail or truck- without any handling of the freight when changing modes.

It was a logical next step that container sizes could be standardised so that they could be most efficiently stacked and so that ships, trains, trucks and cranes at the port could be specially fitted or built to a single size specification. This standardisation eventually spread across the global industry.

To realise intermodal cargo transport, all areas of the transport chain had to been integrated. It was not simply a question of putting cargo in containers. The ships, port terminals, trucks and trains had to been organised and adapted to handle the containers.

In 1956, the UN Economical Commission for Europe defined a container transport unit with characteristics later reformulated by ISO – as a transport equipment of permanent character suitable for repeated use, designed to suit multiple modes of car without having to restuff, fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode of transport to another, designed to be easy to fill and empty, having an internal volume of 1m3 (35.3 ft.3) or more’.

These containers were only a box of different sizes. It was only in 1970 that the sizes were standardised. The 20-foot container, referred to as a twenty-foot commodities equivalent unit (TEU) became the industry standard reference with cargo volume and vessel capacity now measured in TEU. The 40-foot length container – literally 2 TEU – became known as the Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (FEU) and is the most frequently used container today even though the industry primarily refers to handling and capacity by TEU.

Various types of specialised container types also emerged over time, notably the ‘reefer’ for temperature controlled cargoes and various types of equipment capable of unitising odd sized (OOG), heavy cargoes, as well as liquefied commodities.

Containerisation gave birth to a new era of improved efficiencies – meaning that the ships spent less time in ports, had shorter transit times, used less labour and increased customer efficiencies since they could meet stock requirements on time. The containers also reduced damage and pilfering and also made documentation easier.

Since the 1950’s, containerships have evolved tremendous , from the Ideal X’s to 3000 TEU capacity vessels in 70’s, 4,000 in 80’s, 7,000 in 90’s, 16000 TEU vessels currently sailing.

The need for even greater efficiency and capacity has led to the next generation of mega ships – the Triple E’s; which will come into service this month capable of carrying 18,000 TEU – three times as many as the biggest container ships 15 years ago.

CSS Group Foray into the Cold Chain Segment

Cold Chains are temperature controlled supply chain intended to optimize product quality and cost for specific commodities while minimizing wastage. CSS Group has now been setup to handle refrigerated cargo as a first step towards building an unbroken cold chain. Recent investment in technically adept personnel in addition to leveraging on new partner strengths overseas, CSS will now actively pursue temperature controlled commodities both for sea and air.

While CSS is already entrenched in managing substantial quantities of frozen foodstuff under its existing airfreight division, the foray into the chilled side of the business is a first of its kind for the Group.  As with all new product developments, key areas within this new segment have been identified in order to focus on the finest product implementation in the marketplace. Fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and high end technology products form 3 key areas that the CSS Group will work on whilst creating a door to door cold chain.

“Our objective to enter into this segment of business is largely to help add value to our existing customers who engage in any of the 3 verticals we have identified, creating this as a full scale commercial product is on track as well for the coming year.  We have with us today, the personnel and the infrastructure (overseas and in our region) required to pursue this segment. Our recent success with select trial customers in the fresh produce and pharmaceutical verticals bodes well for the Group and the initiative,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.

As the UAE imports 90% of its food and its position at the centre of a US$9.4 billion market serving the GCC and Africa, a high level of supply chain safety becomes even more critical. For this reason, CSS has carefully identified and isolated possible problem areas and have designed solutions that will ensure this is seamless, both in terms of a process and delivery. Quality Management Systems are essential for a successful Cold Chain. CSS, already has an effective QMS in place for core products whilst building on the same fundamentals to ensure effective quality checks will not be an issue.

CSS Abu Dhabi Wins Onam Pookkalam Contest

Onam is reminiscent of Kerala’s agrarian past; the harvest festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug – Sep) and marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their King.

As part of its celebration, CSS Group organized an interoffice “Pookkalam” competition.  The floral carpet, known as ‘Pookkalam’, is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to create an intricate design. It is considered a work of art as it requires a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending.

The event was organized by Chandrakala (CK), Manager Operations – Ocean Freight, CSS, and was considered a tremendous success as members of CSS Group offices worldwide started preparing weeks before the celebration of Onam, by gathering supplies and finalising designs. “The competitive team spirit of the offices globally was truly showcased during the course of the competition and the artistic talents of the staff highlighted, as the designs that were sent across to the group of selected judges were truly outstanding. Unfortunately there could only be one winner, which was the CSS Abu Dhabi office,” added Chandrakala.

The Mahabali’s Crystal Award trophy was presented to the CSS Abu Dhabi office at a recently held gathering at The Club in Abu Dhabi on September 27th, 2013.

Sports @ CSS

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, Chairman of the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Kobe Bryant Health and Fitness Weekend in support of diabetes awareness was held at the American University in Dubai (AUD) on September 27th, 2013.
Hassan Haji, Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSS Dubai, was amongst the referees for the match and was elected as head basketball referee for the celebrity match which included local and international celebrities coached by basket ball superstar Kobe Bryant. An American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, has played for the Lakers his entire career, winning five NBA championships. Bryant is a 15-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, and 12-time member of the All-Defensive team. As of March 2013, he ranks third and fourth on the league’s all-time postseason scoring and all-time regular season scoring lists, respectively.  CSS Group has been active in promoting sports and cultural activities amongst employees and Hassan’s participation as head referee was indeed a proud moment for CSS to be part of such an internationally recognized event.

CSS Group-Title Sponsors of “HEXA Onam 2013” Celebrations

Sponsored by CSS Group, the “HEXA Onam” celebration 2013, held at Family Palace Restaurant in Sharjah, UAE was a great success as they organized various cultural programs in honour of the Onam festival. HEXA, (Haripad Expatriates Association) had arranged performances that included, Thiruvathira, classical dances, cinematic dances, film songs, the Pookkalam and Maveli. The Maveli of HEXA Onam 2013 was none other than Swan Chacko, Operations Supervisor, CSS Projects, Oil & Energy division.  Also in attendance was Shelly V. John, Manager Admin, CSS.

“All programs were outstanding and congratulations to all the artists who participated and made this celebration a grand one.  The event was an outstanding success and received praises from the South Indian community that attended the event,” added Shelly V. John.

Tips On Ship Arrest Procedures in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now become an important global hub for the people in the Shipping Industry. To arrest a vessel is a statutory right of a claimant under the UAE Maritime Code No. 26 of 1981, as amended (The ‘Maritime Code’). It provides and regulates the arrest of vessels.
TYPES OF CLAIM UNDER “MARITIME DEBT” LISTED IN ARTICLE 115 OF THE UAE FEDERAL MARITIME LAW
(a)    Damage caused by a vessel as a result of a collision or other accident.
(b)    Loss of life or personal injury occasioned by a vessel and arising out of use thereof.
(c)    Assistance and salvage.
(d)    Contracts relating to the use or exploitation of the vessel under the charter party or otherwise.
(e)    Contracts relating to the carriage of goods under charter party, bill of lading or other documents.
(f)    Loss or damage to goods or luggage transported by a vessel.
(g)    General average.
(h)    Towage or pilotage of vessel.
(i)    Supplies of product or equipment necessary for the use or maintenance of the vessel, in whichever place the supply is made.
(j)    Building, repairing or supplying a vessel or dock dues.
(k)    Sums expended by the masters, shippers, charterers or agents on account of the vessel or on account of the owner thereof.
(l)    Wages of the master, officers and crew and other person working on board the vessel under a contract of maritime employment.
(m)    Dispute over the vessel’s ownership.
(n)    A dispute in connection with the co-ownership of the vessel. Or with the possession or use thereof, or with the right to the profits arising out of the use thereof.
(o)    A maritime mortgage.
LOCUS STANDI OF THE CLAIMANT TO ARREST THROUGH POWER OF ATTORNEY
To arrest any vessel in UAE, the claimant shall provide a Power of Attorney (POA) to lawyers along with right of audience in the UAE Courts and if the said POA is executed abroad, it shall be notarized and regularized by the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Country of execution and authenticated by the UAE Embassy in that Country. Further, upon its arrival in the UAE, the POA shall be further authenticated into Arabic. In fact, this could be lengthy process and in case of urgency, these procedures are always an impediment to complete the arrest process.
NO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS APPLIES TO ARREST IN UAE
UAE is not a party to any International Conventions relating to arrest of ships. The arrest will be under the UAE Maritime Federal Law.
In this context, it is relevant to note that the UAE is not a signatory to the Hague Rules, Hague-Visby Rules, or the Hamburg Rules. The UAE has not expressed an interest in the Rotterdam Rules as well.
International Conventions that are expressly incorporated into bills of lading will only be given the force of law in UAE Courts, if a translated and certified copy of the convention is provided to the Court. In practice, this rarely happens due to expense of having conventions translated and certified.
Whilst the UAE is not a signatory to the above conventions, the UAE Maritime Code borrows largely from the Hague-Visby Rules and relevantly incorporates, by way of example, the carrier’s obligation to exercise due diligence to make the vessel seaworthy, the Hague-Visby force majeure- type defences to the breach of the sea-worthiness obligation and package limitation.
Joy Thattil
Maritime Lawyer & Partner @ Callidus Corporate & Maritime Consulting ( CCMC) Dubai & India
joy@calliduscmc.com 

Social Media – Friend or For ?

Did you hear about a school-teacher who, four years ago, featured in the international press because she lost her job over pictures she had posted on FaceBook? She had the privacy settings set to high and only allowed friends to view. However, someone forwarded them to her school superintendent.  The pictures were pretty innocuous of her drinking beer at a Guinness brewery in Dublin.  The school ruled that if students saw them it would appear that drinking alcohol was being promoted by one of their school-teachers.  So she had to resign!

Earlier this year, when it seemed like everyone was joining in on YouTube, doing a version of “The Harlem Shake” dance, a group of Australian miners joined-in the craze which was sweeping social media.  At one stage some 4,000 variations of “Harlem Shake” were being uploaded daily. Their employers were not pleased when the miners’ dance videosurfaced. The company determined that the miners’ antics compromised its “core values of safety, integrity and excellence”.  The miners lost their jobs!

There are many more examples of how what we do in social media influences what happens in our business and equally, vice-versa, in our social lives. It is easy to get carried away, when we think we are only chatting with friends, because in our enthusiasm we forget others may see and read what we are posting. Social Media is INSTANT and it is important to keep the word INSTANT in capitals whenever you post, tweet or blog.  What personal checks you have in place, before you press the send key, determines whether social media is your friend or foe because once you have pressed it there is no turning back!

Many work colleagues share our social media contacts.  Examples of co-workers having, either inadvertently or deliberately, caused problems for their social media friends are well known. However private you think postings may be, they are not. It only takes one person to copy and paste your posting, somewhere else, and the “cat is out of the bag”. We need to realise that today our private lives are no longer so private. Many still believe that an individual has a right to control the information they consider private, but this has become an impossible aspiration.  The overall view is that we are not losing control; we are simply giving it away. Posting pictures on social networks or just sending an email may make public – private information. We are turning what should be a friend into a foe by not observing some basic rules.

  1. Never forget anything can leak outPictures of you posted on-line, drunk at a party, can ruin your professional reputation. What you do on-line affects your off-line persona.


  2. If you have nothing good to say, don’t say it!If you are trying to build a positive image of yourself, imagine what an employer might think if all they hear is that you only ever complain.Having a bad day, frustration at work, headache – then go to the gym or chat directly to a friend but DO NOT post your irritations and grievances on-line.


  3. Do not promote or post too much Many businesses have grown on the strength of social media as work and home life are intertwined on social networks. However if all you do is promote yourself and your company rather than concentrate on building on-line relationships, others will soon get fed-up with you. The dangers of # “hash tag” twitter have caused many a tumble!


  4. Stir well clear of posting anything– which you consider a joke because some might find it offensive. Similarly do not post anything which is religious, political, sexual or graphic in content. The social media world is a very big place and it is easy, even innocently, to upset others.


  5. Never argue on social networksThis is one of the most important aspects to remember. You will never win an argument on social networks because there will always be someone else waiting to enter a counter viewpoint. Stay positive and polite, remember you can always “de-friend” them.  As for taking legal action about something which offends is, without doubt, the last resort. It is not true that all publicity is good publicity and legal action could well promote the very thing you want kept private as well as costing a fortune.


These rules may seem simple but if you were to ask the 500 million people on FaceBook or the 100 million on MySpace if they are concerned about their privacy you would find that the greater majority really don’t care. Just like in real life, most believe that on social media, “accidents and bad things” only happen to other people. Social media – friend or foe – it’s your choice !

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 2013 was Mohammed Zubair-Time World Freight LLC who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Carrefour, presented by Fida Asghar, Team Manager, NVOCC, CSS Dubai.

Chairman’s Message

Have you ever wondered how companies calculate the value of their employees? It is a question I have often pondered upon. Interestingly, I soon realised that, in the business world, there are numerous theories which are supposed to help work this out. Does this sound odd? Well it did to me, because I believe we must place importance on employee intangibles whenever one tries to value the worth of his staff. However I never forget that such an assessment is a two-way exercise. It is equally crucial to accept that my employees are free to assess and express what they think of our Company. Attitude, passion, creativity and knowledge are all qualities which give an indication of intangible staff values which apply equally throughout our Company.
As Chairman I consider it important to promote an environment where we provide opportunities for all my staff to feel valued and part of a caring community. Gone are those days where productivity was calculated only in terms of numbers. Working, without passion, is what machines do. As real people, it’s our emotional and intellectual qualities which make a fundamental difference. It is these traits which enables our Company to achieve distinction above others. We all need a workplace where we enjoy attaining our dreams. Enlightened by these thoughts my managers understand why “pushing the boundaries”, within their domain, enables all of us to feel valued because our passions and skills are all brought into play. This results in actions which stimulate our sense of adventure, whilst building on the tried and trusted. Discovering and learning new ways that work, and those which don’t, keep us on our toes. Such invigoration makes for a meaningful and exhilarating workplace where we use our intangible attributes to stimulate innovation and growth. It is this ethos which interactively unites us all; where the real value of employees and our Company, is truly determined.

New Address For CSS Abu Dhabi

CSS OPENS ITS NEW OFFICE IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI

Having been in operation for over 11 years, CSS Abu Dhabi has recently acquired new premises within Abu Dhabi to cater to its customers, clients and partners.

The new offices are located centrally in the heart of Abu Dhabi, making it easily accessible for customers and clients alike. The new premise is conveniently located close to the airport and seaport.

Well equipped with advanced capabilities in maintaining an efficient transport system and connections with global markets, gives the CSS Abu Dhabi a strong base to provide its customers with hassle-free and effective logistic solutions. In addition CSS Abu Dhabi offers its clients a vast array of services which include : NVOCC Management, Ocean Freight Management, Air Freight Management / Air Charter Services, Projects Management,  Multimodal Operations (Sea/Air, Sea/Land Management) CFS Management, and Relocation Management to name a few.

“The new premise in Abu Dhabi provides better access for customers and clients alike, as our customer base continues to grow it became necessary to be located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, and strategically located close to the airport and seaport. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners, agents and customers that have been a large contributing factor to the success of CSS Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to your continuous support,” said Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has seen extensive growth in all sectors over the past few years, with infrastructure on the rise Abu Dhabi has been in the investor limelight for the past few years. CSS Abu Dhabi has been able to capitalize on the success of the emirate because of its presence in the nation’s capital for over 11 years. While being an attractive hub for investors, it is its strategic location at the heart of the Middle East, with South Asia and Africa close by and well developed links to the Far East and Europe that makes it a growing logistics hub, across a variety of industries.

Over the past 40 years, Abu Dhabi has developed its port infrastructure, its road network, and more recently its airports to ensure it is well-connected to trading partners in the region and beyond.  With the development of an extensive road and rail network now started, Abu Dhabi has indeed become the trading hub of the Middle East having sailed strong through the difficult waters of the economic recession that almost left its neighboring emirate, Dubai, crippled. Abu Dhabi is currently ranked one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon suppliers and ranked among the top five exporters of crude oil, a fact which has largely contributed to the success of this division.



With the backing of CSS Group’s global network base in the Middle East and Sub continent, CSS Abu Dhabi is able to provide its customers and client’s services across a number of industries with the CSS Group’s promise of effective and efficient solutions backed by years of expertise. Moreover, CSS Abu Dhabi’s strength lies in well qualified and experienced professionals, dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. With the level of expertise available CSS Abu Dhabi is quite confident of extending value added services in the field of Logistics. CSS intends to cater to a vast and varied clientele in Abu Dhabi with its highly competitive man power and state- of the art facilities. Combining expertise, experience and CSS’ Groups reputation, CSS Abu Dhabi will indisputably cater quality service to its clients in a way that will lead to increasing its competitiveness over other logistic providers.

New Address


Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. Abu Dhabi
ADCP Building C54
6th Floor, Door # : 603 & 604, Behind Trans AD
P.O. Box 32454, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 643 1717, Fax: +971 2 643 1919
Email: info@cssabudhabi.com

For further information please visit: www.cssabudhabi.com

Token Of Appreciation

CSS RECEIVES PERFORMANCE AWARD FROM SAFMARINE

CSS was recently recognized with a performance award by Safmarine, at their annual dinner held at the Shangri La Hotel in Dubai, UAE.  In attendance to receive this award for CSS was Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, Raufa Shaikh, Pricing Manager, Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC Operations and Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

“Our strategy to focus our volumes with core carriers from Quarter 3 of 2012 has shown positive results. This recognition by Safmarine is a testament to the success of our program,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.

The recognition of this award was for the growth and consistent performance for the fiscal year 2012 and this was a first for CSS with Safmarine. With this award, CSS joins an elite tier within Safmarine in the United Arab Emirates.

“Safmarine is by far the friendliest carrier around, operationally and from a process point of view and we look forward to growing our business with them further in the years ahead,” commented Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC Operations, CSS.

ABOUT SAF MARINE:

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.

For further information, please logo onto:
www.cssgroupsite.com & www.safmarine.com

CSS Onam

CSS Group Wishes you a wonderful Onam

Onam is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition.

Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival. It can be undoubtedly said that these elements constitute the diversity, richness and colorfulness that no other festival can claim in the world.

The most important things about Onam are the onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and onam sadya, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with an array of 18 to 32 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served. Dessert is usually ‘payasam’, a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.

Projects @ A Glance

CSS PROJECTS, OIL & ENERGY UNDERTAKES COOL DELIVERY
The Projects, Oil & Energy division of CSS Group recently moved 1200 CBM of air cooler units and accessories from a supplier’s yard in Malaysia to the port of Alexandria which is on the West Verge of the Nile Delta between the Mediterranean Sea and Mariut Lake in Alexandria, Egypt.
The entire job was undertaken smoothly and effectively in a very short period, with close coordination with both the agents and supplier. The task ahead of the team at CSS Projects, Oil & Energy was not easy as they had received the job at a very short notice from the clients, but the team took up the challenge and proved once again their dedication and commitment to the customers’ needs.
“Considering the notice period we received to deliver this job, it took the team a lot of dedication and hard work to ensure the delivery was timely and according to the clients expectations,” added Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS Group.

Building On A Strong Foundation

FPS HEADS TO SRI LANKA FOR THE AGM 2013

FPS Group announces that their annual AGM will be held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo Hotel in Sri Lanka, between October 21st-24th, 2013. The FPS Group AGM sets the stage for members around the globe to take part in discussions and network with their fellow freight forwarders from across the globe. The AGM allows for members to have the opportunity to discuss and develop the networks direction and development and also gain a deep insight into the group’s future developments.  It will consist of one-to-one meetings, group meetings, networking sessions, gala dinners and social gatherings for all of its members.

Gihan Nanayakkara, FPS Chairman, Advisory Board gives a hint of the delights that await all those who attend this year’s AGM with the theme of “Building on a Strong Foundation,” which his company is hosting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, “My country, Sri Lanka, is often described as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and for good reason. I count myself extremely lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place, with its history dating back to the birth of time. I and my team look forward very much to the honour of hosting this year’s AGM. We are proud of our beautiful country, and very much hope to share it with you.”

CSS Group will be represented during the FPS AGM 2013 with active participation from its network offices, in attendance will be: Dean Landers, General Manager CSS Kuwait, Narayan R T, General Manager CSS Bahrain, Jairam KR, Director CSS India, Rahat Talreja, Vice President CSS India and Siby C. Kurian, Senior General Manager, Sales & Marketing CSS Dubai.