New Responsibility

The CSS Group management is pleased to announce that Rajesh Arora has been promoted to Vice President- North India. In his new position, Rajesh will be overlooking the business growth of CSS India in the Northern region and will be responsible for all its operations in this region. With a rich industry experience of 18 years, Rajesh is looking at taking the North Indian operations of CSS to new heights both in imports and exports. His proven expertise includes, handling special equipments and break bulk cargo and excellent knowledge of customs policies and tariffs along with LCL exports and imports. A great motivator and team leader, Rajesh is a G card holder as well. With a strong professional team based out of his region for CSS, Rajesh is confident that the expectations of the Management can be fulfilled with hard work. The management and staff of CSS Group wish all success to this young man.

PIFFA Excellence Award

Ministry of Ports & Shipping will mobilize all resources to get land for Training Institute for Logistic Industry

The first PIFFA Excellence Award & Gala Night-2012 was celebrated with much fanfair wherein more than 1000 guests from Ports, Shipping Lines, Airlines, Terminal Operators, CFS, Banks, Insurance Companies, Bonded Carriers, Officials of Customs, ANF, and PIFFA member companies attended.

Vice Admiral Mohammed Shafi, Chairman Port Qasim Authority represented Senator Babar Khan Ghauri, Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping as Chief Guest. Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim Authority will support the PIFFA training, logistics and supply chain institute for the country and has also agreed to immediately start LCL transshipment hub in Pakistan. Mr. Asim Saeed Khan, Chairman Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association in his welcome address sought support for a piece of land for construction of PIFFA Training Institute wherein vocational education will be imparted in Logistics & Supply Chain Management up to Masters’ level. He also invited attention to PIFFA initiatives to build LCL Transshipment facilities at Ports to cater to the ever-growing transit needs of landlocked neighboring countries. “This will bring much needed foreign exchange for Pakistan and generate business and employment opportunities in the country,” added Asim Saeed Khan, Chairman Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association.

Vice Admiral Mohammed Shafi, Chairman Port Qasim Authority in his address applauded the capacity building efforts being made by PIFFA and assured that PICT along with Karachi Port Trust will mobilize all its resources to get the land for construction of PIFFA Training Institute for its training and education program for the benefit of Freight Forwarding Companies and its employees, allied stakeholders and general public. This will enhance professionalism in the industry and to meet the international standards.

Later, Excellence Awards were conferred in 22 categories to various shipping lines, airline, shipping agents, stevedores etc.

The Award distribution ceremony was followed by dinner and musical program wherein well-known singers and comedians entertained the audience.

“This event provided all stakeholders of the industry, a high-profiled opportunity to interact in a relaxed and a pleasant atmosphere whilst developing fellowship and corporate relationships,” said Asim Saeed Khan, Chairman Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association.

Winning Double

TIANJIN CONSOL WINS TWO AWARDS IN THE NINTH CHINESE FORWARDING INDUSTRY AWARD CEREMONY

Tianjin Consol have been awarded a “Freight Forwarder North China Gold Award” &  “Comprehensive Service Top Ten Freight Forwarder Award” at the Ninth Chinese Forwarding Industry Award Ceremony that was held on June 24th, 2012 in Shanghai.

The appraisal and election takes four months to complete which is different to the past several years, this year there was only one winner for each “Gold Award” in regards to VOCC, Port and Terminal, Freight Forwarder, VOCC’s booking agent, etc.  Tianjin Consol won the “Freight Forwarder North China Gold Award”.

There are awards for Top Ten Nvocc, Port and Terminal, Freight Forwarder, Vocc’s booking agent, etc., Tianjin Consol won the “Comprehensive Service Top Ten Freight Forwarder Award”.

What is the most exciting and encouraging is that Tianjin Consol is the only one freight forwarding company in North China that won two awards. This is a good recognition of what Tianjin Consol has contributed to the forwarding industry, and is truly an honor for the corporation.

“After experiencing the happiness and excitement, we have to say thank you to all our agents and partners for your continuous assistance and support, without you, we can’t achieve such great success.  There is a long way ahead, we will keep working hard for bigger progress,” added Emma Guo, General Manager, Tianjin Consol.

About Tianjin Consol:

As the professional freight forwarder approved by National Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economy, they are also a National Class-A forwarder and a member of Tianjin International Freight Forwarders Association as well. With over 300 staff, well-appointed computerization and communication system they have 8 domestic subsidiaries, including branches and offices, with the head office in Tianjin.

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

Lucky Winner

As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 5 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the D/O counter at the CSS Corporate Office and CSLC-1 in Jebel Ali will be rewarded with a gift.
The winner picked and rewarded for the months of July-August 2012 was Abdul Latheef of Genius Computer Trading  who walked away with gift vouchers worth 200 AED from Carrefour, presented by Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.

Celebrating 40 Years of Port Development

This year – 2012, marks an important milestone. The journey that began at Port Rashid in the early days of the UAE has seen Dubai emerge as a major maritime, logistics and trade hub. The far – sighted vision of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum drove the development of Port Rashid. When the Port commenced operations in 1972, it was the largest Sea Port in the Middle East – the region’s first modern container terminal with 2 gantry cranes.

A mere 7 years later, Jebel Ali Port opened as the largest man – made harbour in the world visible to the naked eye from space.  Competitors initially, the two ports merged in 1991 to form Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), their throughput crossed 1 million TEU. DP World was formed in 2005 with the integration of DPA and Dubai Ports International (DPI). Today, DP World is the third largest marine terminal operator in the world, operating more than 60 terminals. Jebel Ali remains their flagship and the inspiration for their operations around the world.

Jebel Ali Port is an important growth engine and catalyst to the economic diversification plans of the nation. With world class infrastructure, modern technology and a customer centric approach our operations at Jebel Ali Port are geared to add value to your business and increase efficiencies to your supply chain. We pride in our roots and our terminals in the Port of Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Hamriya Fujairah act as the region’s premier gateways for container, general cargo, cruise and ferry traffic, handling passengers and cargo with the utmost care.

It is from these humble beginnings, strong foundations and a culture of excellence which has skilled them to be able to handle more than 125 million TEU till date within the UAE.

Port Rashid is today the regional cruise hub. DP World is committed to expand the cruise terminal to be able to handle more passengers and vessels. It has also been recently confirmed that Port Rashid will become the permanent home of the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner and a maritime museum will be developed. Their history is coming around a full circle – in the beginning they contributed to the development and economic diversification of Dubai and in enhancing the quality of life of the residents.

Nurturing Trade, Geared For Growth

Trade is integral to Dubai. Dubai’s strategic plan highlights Trade, Transportation and Logistics as key growth sectors! These sectors have proved to be resilient in the aftermath of the global economic crisis of 2009.

DP World UAE region continues to position Jebel Ali Port as the gateway port of choice to handle cargo destined for the Middle East, India and Africa regions. We cater to a population of over 2 billion in our wider region.

At Jebel Ali Port – Our Commitment to Nurture Trade is exhibited in our responsiveness to market needs and increasing efficiencies of your supply chain.  With over 100 berths spread across 19 kilometers of quay at Jebel Ali – a truly unique polyfunctional port our Container Terminals can collectively handle 14 million TEU per annum. With a 1 million square meter area at our General Cargo Terminal we can handle Break Bulk, Bulk and RORO. Our terminal infrastructure is complemented by our logistics capabilities including Trucking, Container Freight Station, Cool and Cold Storage and a proven expertise in cargo mode conversion.

During 2011, we handled 13 million TEU, our best ever performance yet reflecting a resurging economy from the previous best at 11.8 million TEU in 2008.

At Jebel Ali Port we facilitate end to end solutions offering the trade an unparalleled network accessibility and global connectivity reducing the number of re – handlings contributing to lowering transportation costs. Our efforts have seen lower land – side inventory, reduction in carbon footprints, all bringing greater efficiencies to the supply chain.

Keeping pace with the technology, Jebel Ali Port is one of the most modern facility of its kind. With Gate Automation system and paperless processing of cargo documentation, virtually, all manual transaction processes between the trade, the hauliers and the shipping lines have been automated.  Automation to the extent that, since Jan 2012 DP World switched to 100 percent electronic transactions.

Our port community portal (www.dubaitrade.ae) currently provides over 800 services dealing with not only the port but also Dubai customs, Free Zone, Banks and a host of other organisations that support the supply chain industry in the region.

Our e-Gate, e-Token, RFID, e-Payment features have decreased haulier’s waiting and queuing times at port and terminal gates, wherein truck turnaround time has been reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes, resulting in an average fuel saved per truck per trip of 0.87 gallons, which translates to a saving of approximately AED 23 million per annum to the transport and trade community. DP World will continue to provide optimal infrastructure and expertise to drive innovation, cost efficient services and processes. Jebel Ali Port offers multimodal connectivity between sea, air and land. Rail connectivity to the Etihad Rail network will soon add to the current strengths of the Port.

In line with market demand 5 million TEU of additional capacity will be added to our container terminals. With this expansion, we will be capable of handling the next generation mega container liners, each of which can carry as many as 18,000 containers. Jebel Ali Port capacity will increase to 19 million TEU by 2014.  Developments across DP World UAE Region also includes the modernisation of Hamriya Port and Port Rashid. Over 100,000 square metre of yard has been paved and developed and are available for lease to trade and logistics companies. 1,650 metre long fishing wharf will be created to accommodate over 190 fishing boats. These expansions are aimed at strengthening Hamriya Port’s traditional shipping capabilities. Expansions at the Cruise Terminal are also in progress at Port Rashid which will enable the port to handle upto five cruise ships simultaneously.

Ver voce no Rio

London Olympics concluded on the 12th August, at the Olympic stadium. The event was officially known as “A Symphony of British Music”. There was an estimated 750 million global audience to watch this splendid function, and finally the flag was handed over to the next hosting city of Rio De Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics. Mayor Eduardo Paes received the Olympic Flag, via Jacques Rogge, from London Mayor, Boris Johnson.

Rio de Janeiro commonly referred to simply as Rio is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th largest in the Americas, and 26th in the world. Rio de Janeiro has become a home of a World Heritage Site named “Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea,” as granted by UNESCO on 1 July 2012 in the category Cultural Landscape.
Rio de Janeiro represents the second largest GDP in the country (and 30th largest in the world in 2008), and is the headquarters of two major Brazilian companies – Petrobras  and Vale, and major oil companies and telephony in Brazil, besides the largest conglomerate of media and communications companies in Latin America, the Globo Organizations.

Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, beautiful  beaches such as Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Some of the most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Sugarloaf mountain with its cable car; the Sambódromo, a permanent grandstand-lined parade avenue which is used during Carnival; and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums.

Some facts about 2016 Olympics

  • The Rio 2016 logo was designed based on four pillars: contagious energy, harmonious diversity, exuberant nature and Olympic spirit.


  • The bidding process for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games was officially launched on May 16, 2007.


  • Four candidate cities were chosen for the shortlist on June 4,2008: Chicago,  Madrid,  Rio de Janeiro, and  Tokyo.


  • President Obama was the first American president to make an in-person appeal for a bid city and first lady Michelle Obama had also come to lobby I.O.C. members for votes. King Juan Carlos of Spain and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of Japan also came to work on behalf of Madrid and Tokyo.


  • Chicago’s bid leaders had worked for nearly four years and spent close to $50 million to bring the Summer Olympics to the United States for the first time in 20 years.


  • On October 9, 2009 the IOC voted to include rugby sevens and golf on the program for the Games in Rio. Mr. Antony Scanlon, executive director of International Golf Federation told that the top players, including Tiger Woods and Annika Sörenstam, would show their continued support of golf’s Olympic involvement by participating in the events.


  • In May 2012, the International Sailing Federation announced that windsurfing would be removed from the 2016 Olympic sailing programme and replaced by kitesurfing.

Light – Fingered Economics

Do you know the connection between the following items:- towels, cushions, bathrobes, Christmas balls, a suit or armour, wooden ducks, clothes hangers and low energy bulbs? They all feature in the lists of items “borrowed” by hotel guests. It appears that worldwide, because of the economic problems, there’s an increase in the inclination to “borrow” things which will not be missed. Everyday parlance is to call such guests, along with others who have taken to petty pilfering, as being “Light-fingered” and they exist in all walks of life whether in sports clubs and schools, shops, stores and the workplace.

A new book by Dan Ariely called “The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty” came to conclusion that nearly everyone cheats in such ways, but usually only a little. However I am reminded of the proverbial rhyme:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Although this proverb is centuries old it demonstrates how a seemingly insignificant event can grow into something dramatically disastrous. It’s easy for “light-fingers” to justify that their actions, believing that pinching little things, have no consequences. In an atmosphere where others are doing the same why not say, “Everyone else is doing it…so why shouldn’t I?” The adverse impact this attitude has on trust within a team, workplace, college and even one’s own family is overlooked. This is why I consideration of the horseshoe nail proverb is so relevant because it prompts ones imagination to consider the logical consequences of any action. Petty pilfering an office pen might seem irrelevant, until you cannot find one to write an important note during telephone conversation. Between the time taken looking for a pen and trying to call the client back you may lose the order but who knows what you may then subsequently miss out on?

Shortly after the economic downturn started, a UK national newspaper article focused on the amount of petty pilfering that was taking place, especially in the work environment. “Light-fingered economics” was rising in popularity! It seems that four out of five people thought it was acceptable to pilfer things from work. This similar lax attitude to the value of what is yours and what is not included illegally downloading music and shoplifting. The facts also showed that the notion of honesty varies considerably from one person to another.

But is anyone or anything to blame for the apparently increasing pilfering?

Certainly an article about millionairess Britney Spears, appearing to have taken to petty pilfering, does not help. She was photographed leaving a petrol station store in Los Angeles, holding a disposable lighter; when it was pointed out that she had not paid for it. It was reported that Britney Spears seemed quite proud of herself retorting to the paparazzi: “I stole something. Oh, I’m bad. Ohhhhh!”

A completely different outcome springs to mind, told by my headmaster at my school assembly in the 1960’s.  He related the story of the son of a very rich father who, when it came to his final day before leaving at the age of 18, said he wished to confess that he had been petty pilfering small items for several terms. When the items were returned what had been the headmaster’s response? It would have been very easy for the student to have said nothing as no one had been aware that he had been responsible for the items disappearing. The headmaster realised that the student, who was due to start at university, had put his “head on the chopping block”. But the headmaster  said, “You started here as a boy, and what you have done today demanded considerable courage and an acceptance of the need to go through life upholding ethics which are honest and true, not only to yourself but also to others. By returning all these items…..you may hold your head high and leave our school as a MAN!” The student went on to become very successful, known as a person who was steadfastly trustworthy.

So it’s worth remembering that the next time you see someone who is “light-fingered” they may well be “borrowing” something which, whilst only small, ends up losing you a winning opportunity. This is why, if I ever feel the urge to participate in “light-fingered” economics, I make sure I keep my hands firmly in my own pockets! I would hate for someone to miss out simply because someone light-fingered had “borrowed” a horseshoe nail!

Chairman’s Message

It is no understatement to say that the world is eagerly awaiting the 27th July when London opens the 2012 Olympic Games. It’s an occasion when nations come together with heart and soul, to display the talents they have been grooming over the past four years.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony parade will feature 10,000 athletes from 205 nations. CSS wishes all the participants, the host nation and nations taking part, good fortune for a memorably enjoyable triumphant event. The news that former “Beatles” member, Sir Paul McCartney, will take part in the closing ceremony caused my mind to drift away onto the parallel business prospects the Olympics brings opportunities should always be grasped and the potential from the commercial aspects behind this world event are, in many ways, unimaginable. London’s economy is projected to grow by $80 billion by 2015 and carry along its wake many more prospects for the country. But this does not happen, “as if by magic”. It needs objective focused planning. The scenario with shipping and logistics is similar. Just like the Olympics, the numbers involved in the amount of cargo movement, in and out of a country, are huge and many of our friends will gain from this. But it needs strategic planning and a wide overall vision to convert the possibilities, from such occasions, into profitable returns.
Discussions at recently held business events, where we shared experiences and ideas about shipping and logistics, are gatherings which enable everyone to hone their skills. This is so important in helping to develop progressive strategies. We need to act on them and accept new challenges in true Olympic spirit: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – “Swifter, Higher, Stronger”. With such a long lasting motto, driving us, we may all look forward to a great business season ahead of us.
I hope you will enjoy reading this edition of “Lighthouse”.

CSS Group Attends GPLN Global Annual Meeting

Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) conducted its 9th Annual General Meeting at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, Singapore, on May 9- 11, 2012.

CSS Group was pleased to be the exclusive sponsor for the GPLN Annual Meeting Cocktail reception that was held onboard the Ming Dynasty imperial vessel on May 9th 2012. The “Cheng Ho” allowed participants to soak in attractive sights of little vessels anchored in Marina South Pier bay, The Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Cove, Tanjong Pagar Container Port – the busiest in the world by shipping tonnage and the coastline of Singapore’s pleasure isle, Sentosa.

TS Kaladharan, Chairman, Raj George, Senior Vice President Ocean Freight,  Narayan RT, General Manager CSS Bahrain, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC and Amal Hareendran, Coordinator, Projects, Oil & Energy department attended the GPLN Annual Meeting Cocktail reception representing CSS Group.

Raj George, Senior Vice President Ocean Freight, CSS Group and Narayan RT, General Manager CSS Bahrain represented CSS Group during the 2 day GPLN Annual Meeting whereby they were able to network with various members discussing various trends and market forecasts within the industry.  “It was an excellent opportunity to meet a multitude of partner companies to discuss past, current and future business, exchange sales leads, and develop a range of business possibilities within the GPLN Network,” added Raj George.

About GPLN Annual Meeting:

GPLN brings together project cargo experts and independent project logistics specialist companies from around the world, all of whom have an expert focus on project logistics. This global meeting will allow members the face-to-face contact with other GPLN partners whereby they will be able to efficiently build professional relationships in the most lasting and cost effective manner.

CSS Group Partners with HOLSHIP

CSS Group is pleased to announce they have recently partnered up with the HOLSHIP Group & Global transport provider in Scandinavia to better service the Scandinavian market for the various customers here in the Middle East and Sub continent market.  “We are excited for this new partnership with HOLSHIP and we look forward to continually build upon our business relationships globally.  This new alliance will further expand our global coverage so that we are better positioned to service our clients irrespective of cargo origin or destination,” added CSS Group Chairman, TS Kaladharan.

HOLSHIP is based in the Scandinavian countries and work with a worldwide network of professional agents and CSS is delighted that they have selected the CSS Group to partner with due to similar DNA in the way both companies currently operate.

HOLSHIP, like CSS offers various modes of transport such as road, sea and air freight services to and from all the world’s destinations. They also offer warehousing, quality control, labelling, handling of customs formalities, certificate applications, bonded warehousing and distribution as part of total logistic solutions. At HOLSHIP they have a group of experts controlling and minimizing logistics expenses and maximizing efficiency when it comes to import and export to and from the Nordic Region. They focus on delivery quality and a personal contact between customers and their network partner offices.

“It is with great pleasure to announce the cooperation with our new partner in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, CSS Group. We are looking forward to the cooperation and to build the partnership to new heights,” said Michael Ranners, Director Business Development, HOLSHIP. CSS, VP Business Development Ken Dinnadge added, “We are all delighted at CSS in this region about the new alliance and look forward to growing our business together with HOLSHIP.”

HISTORY

HOLSHIP was founded in 1967 under the name Holbæk Shipping & Spedition. The main focus was stevedoring and road freight. Seven years later Kent Ranners began his shipping agent career in the company. In 1985 Kent Ranners took over the company and paved the way for an international approach to the market situation. Soon the name HOLSHIP was announced. ‘Global transport – local service’ is the motto for the re-named company. In 1994 a new era began with offices in the UK, Norway, Sweden and Finland and with the development of complementary services like warehousing and other third-party logistics solutions.

ABOUT HOLSHIP

1967    Holbæk Shipping & Spedition was established.
Stevedoring and truck service was the main part of the business.
1976    Kent Ranners started in Holbæk Shipping & Spedition.
1985    Kent Ranners took over Holbæk Shipping & Spedition.
1990    An international name is essential now, while trading with the US and the Far East is growing rapidly.  Therefore Holbæk Shipping & Spedition changes the name to HOLSHIP.
1994    HOLSHIP UK was established in order to provide truck service between Denmark and England.
1996    HOLSHIP Norge was established.
1999    HOLSHIP Sverige was established.
2000    C.R. HOLSHIP was established in Køge as a result of the fusion of CR     Shipping and HOLSHIP.
2001    HOLSHIP Finland was established and situated in Helsinki Airport.
2005     The HOLSHIP Group focused on the Scandinavian market and closed down HOLSHIP UK.

FPS Group AGM 2012

FPS Group Annual General Meeting would be held at the NH Marina hotel, Genoa, Italy from the 23rd to 26th October 2012. The group member’s executive summit will be held on the 23rd and the annual general meeting would be held on the 24th. This will be followed by one-to-one meetings on the following days of 24th and 25th. The entire programme will be garnished by cocktail receptions and gala dinners. The AGM would be an excellent opportunity for all the group members to share and discuss the business growth and strategize for the next year. The annual general meeting is an important occasion in the FPS calendar, which provides the unique chance for its members to participate in business discussions, hear presentations and talks on specific topics by experts and express your views. CSS Group looks forward to attend the FPS AGM  in the most scenic Italian ambiences and to participate with other members.

For Information and Bookings: Cindy Ko Tel: 852 2599 0508 or Email : group-adm@fps.com.hk

CSS Homeward Bound For IELA

(INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION LOGISTICS ASSOCIATES)

CSS Homeward Bound will be attending its first IELA (International Exhibition Logistics Associates) Congress and Partnering Event to be held from June 27-29, 2012 in Barcelona at the world-renowned Hotel Arts, Port Olimpic.

Massimilano Spina, VP Freight Forwarding CSS will be representing CSS Homeward Bound during this time. “This is an excellent platform to meet with industry leaders and find ways to grow our business mutually and with over 211 registered decision makers representing 156 companies from 47 countries. The IELA congress will be an excellent platform for CSS Homeward Bound to meet the criteria of becoming IELA affiliated”, added Massimilano.

The International Exhibition Logistics Associates (IELA) is a worldwide trade association dedicated in enhancing the professionalism of the transportation logistics and freight handling segments of the exhibition industry.

IELA, a union of internationally experienced professional exhibition freight forwarders enables you to concentrate on the construction and presentation of your exhibits. In addition they will also look after everything else: customs clearance, vehicle loading and unloading, forklifts, cranes, manpower, packing, translations, storage, on-site office facilities, etc.

The 2-day congress allows members and non-members an opportunity to network and explore mutual business opportunities in a formal networking gathering along with social functions such as cocktail receptions and an industry gold day.

IELA members provide their clients, organizers and exhibitors alike with a first class service and immediate access to specialist event logistics solutions at major and minor exhibition and event venues anywhere in the world.

IELA members are experts in:

  • Customs Clearance
  • Documentation Assistance
  • Freight Forwarding
  • Lifting & Cranage
  • Logistics Planning & Implementation
  • Manpower Provision
  • Packaging & Crating
  • Site Supervision
  • Temporary Importations
  • Vehicle Loading & Unloading

New Face For CSS Homeward Bound Website

CSS Homeward Bound is pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved website. Designed with a fresh innovative appearance the website has a plethora of features to assist our users in product/service selections in a user-friendly format along with information about our latest products and services.  The new website is designed to allow users to quickly find the content they are looking for.
From a marketing perspective the new website enables CSS Homeward Bound to lead the way in how we communicate with our customers, through regular updates and innovative technology that we are embracing including Facebook and Twitter.
With a growing focus on digital and social media, CSS Homeward Bound has also set up Facebook and Twitter accounts, as a form of communicating with our clientele.

CSS Group Attends Powerlogistics Asia 2012 Conference And Exhibition

The very first PowerLogistics Asia 2012 Conference & Exhibition took place in Singapore at the luxurious five star Marina Bay Sands Singapore Expo & Conference Center on May 7th – 8th, 2012.

The first PowerLogistics Asia 2012 brings together the providers of project logistics services and products with the consumers of said services. This noteworthy event grew out of the vacuum of Singapore being a major international hub for project logistics, with no conference or exhibition that specifically addresses this market directly. PowerLogistics Asia 2012 was designed to fill this need.

Companies taking part in the conference and exhibition ranged from project forwarders, vessel owners, charterers, and other service providers to the project logistics industry as well as consumers of the project services.

PowerLogistics Asia creates the ideal marketing platform for project logistics professional to find out what is going on in their industry, to promote their products and services to a dedicated target audience of a solid number of senior executive project logistics conference delegates from Asia and around the world.

The concurrent two days conference featured nearly twenty world-class senior executive level speaker (topics) highlighting the latest issues effecting the development of project logistics throughout the Asia Pacific region as well as latest developments in chartering, shipping and lifting and handling for the oil and gas, energy, heavy engineering and mining industries.

Representing CSS Group during this conference & exhibition was Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC and Amal Hareendran, Coordinator, Projects, Oil & Energy department.  “During the two day conference & exhibition there was ample opportunity to network with all participants to discuss various trends and market related topics globally which at the end of the day is one of the most important aspects of this event,” added Chandrakala.

“This two day exhibition of the region’s best known international project logistics companies and sponsors provides the ideal marketing platform to promote CSS’ products and services to a dedicated target audience of 250 senior executive project logistics conference delegates from Asia and around the world,” added Amith Horra.

Projects @ A Glance

IRAQ

CSS Projects, Oil & Energy division of Consolidated Shipping Services successfully handled the export of 6 fire fighting vehicles & 4 water tankers with pumps. The shipment was transferred from the shippers yard on low beds and moved to Jebel Ali Port and loaded RORO onto the vessel to Umm Qasr. The shipment was roughly 745 CBM and was successfully handled by the projects team at the prime location. The shipment was executed as per schedule while ensuring maximum client satisfaction.

Yacht Movement

Consolidated Shipping Services and Peters & May imported and executed the discharge of Princess P64 Yacht. The shipment was collected in Poole, loaded in Southampton, and discharged in Jebel Ali for transit on its own keel to Doha. The shipment was about 836 CBM and was carried in vessel CMA CGM. The dedicated teams of Yacht and Marine Logistic specialists were onsite overseeing the logistics operation of the offloading activity in the early hours of the day.
CSS and Peters & May were also involved in the export of a 2002 Sunseeker Manhattan 78 approximately 1064 CBM was loaded into Leda Maersk container ship sailing from Jebel Ali to Genoa. The yacht was loaded onto the vessel with the help of specialist divers and special lifting crew from DP World supervised by the CSS team at the prime location.

CSS at Breakbulk Europe 2012

UBM Global Trade’s 7th Annual Breakbulk Europe Transportation Conference and Exhibition took place from May 22nd -24th at the Antwerp Expo in Belgium and addressed anticipated industry growth from emerging markets. The program featured two days of panel and keynote discussions as well as workshops and networking events within the heavy-lift and BreakBulk transportation sector.

During the Breakbulk Europe exhibition, visitors and participants from all over the world learnt about the current business challenges & opportunities facing shippers within the traditional Breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo markets. Various visitors to the show came from industries such as, financial, logistics, project, transportation, operations and distribution management from Shippers, EPCs, BCOs, manufacturers, freight forwarders, transportation providers, ports and terminals, technology & equipment providers, and government agencies.

Over the 2 days of Breakbulk Europe, many topics were discussed with conference delegates pertaining to various topics such as, Combating the Scourge of Piracy, The Changing Emphasis on European Short Sea Shipping, Ports, Roads & Rail Development in India, New Future for Energy Generation and many more.

Janet Plume, content director of Breakbulk Magazine & Events, and Walter van Mechelen, chairman of Alfaport Antwerpen, provided opening remarks, followed by a keynote address on trends and forecast for the power generation market by Sandro Lepori, director of logistics, Alsom Ltd.

A panel of industry experts provided a general session on the future of the multipurpose vessel fleet, followed by a panel on compliance. The day’s conference agenda closed with a panel on project forwarding.

In addition to the program, attendees toured the record 200 booths at the Exhibition Hall, along with networking at coffee breaks and a network luncheon.

Throughout the day, Allpack, Cordstrap and Maersk provided flat rack cargo safety demonstrations.

CSS Group was well represented during the Breakbulk Exhibition, showcasing a strong presence led by a delegation from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and India.

From CSS Dubai, Raj George, Senior Vice President-Ocean Freight, Siby Kurian, General Manager Sales & Marketing and Amith Horra, Marketing Manager were in attendance.

From CSS Bahrain, Narayan Tagore, General Manager and from CSS India, Prabhakar Maniyan, Vice President-Projects represented their respective regions during the exhibition.

“Visitors were given a great opportunity to meet the professionals and avail the facilities provided by the exhibitors during the exhibition. CSS Group took advantage of this opportunity to exhibit our products and services by having a direct face-to-face contact with the visitors”, added Raj George, Senior Vice President-Ocean Freight, CSS.

Breakbulk Europe 2012, which concluded May 24 at the Antwerp Expo in Antwerp, blasted previous conference records with more than 5,000 attendees and 200 booths at the Exhibition Hall.

More people meant far more opportunities to network at coffee breaks, a network luncheon, and with exhibitors and colleagues.

The conference’s second day kicked off with opening remarks and in the final day’s sessions, covering conference panels expertly covered analysis of the Baltic and EPC-shipper logistics management trends.  “In May, we held the largest Breakbulk conference and exhibition to date, with close to 5,000 attendees in Antwerp, Belgium,” said Alli McEntyre, Breakbulk vice president and publisher.

Carotrans Opens Office In Seattle

NVO NOW OFFERS EXPEDITED IMPORT & EXPORT SERVICES TO AND FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Clark, New Jersey, May 9, 2012 – CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC (non vessel operating common carrier) and ocean freight consolidator, today announced the opening of a new CaroTrans office in Seattle, Washington.  This office will provide enhanced, expedited import and export ocean transportation services – LCL (less than container load), FCL (full container load) and breakbulk – in this active trade region.

CaroTrans’ Seattle office is the company’s fourteenth office in the U.S.  In 2011, CaroTrans added a Dallas office, as well as a new global office in Santiago, Chile.  They anticipate further expansion in 2012 with new office openings in the U.S. Midwest, and in global locations.

“We are committed to open offices where our customers are located to better serve their needs,” said Greg Howard, Global CEO, CaroTrans.  “Our decentralized approach empowers our local teams which enables them to provide the highest level of customer service and support.”

Brian Allcorn, Seattle Branch Manager, CaroTrans, remarked, “We are excited about the opportunity to serve local freight forwarders in the Pacific Northwest, an important international trade area.  We believe we are positioned well, in the U.S. and globally, to provide the service and support freight forwarders require to meet their customers’ global shipping needs.”

The CaroTrans Seattle office is located at: 20415 72nd Ave. South, Suite 470, Kent, WA  98032  Phone:  253-277-1898, E-mail:  briana@carotrans.com   

ABOUT CAROTRANS

Established in 1979, Carotrans International is one of the world’s leading NVOCCs providing global LCL, less than container load, and FCL, full container load services.

Through our network of offices in Asia, South America, Oceania, and the United States, along with our strong local partners, we offer a global reach that is truly unique.

Carotrans is a people driven company with dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable team members who engage customers with passion and experience on a local level.

For additional information, visit www.carotrans.com

Contact:
CaroTrans, Greg Howard, 732.540.8121, 908.206.1067
gregh@carotrans.com
CKL Communications, Carol Lerner, 973.635.6923,
ckl.communications@gmail.com

Carotrans Expands Global Network With Launch Of New Office In Europe

LE HAVRE, FRANCE BRANCH ESTABLISHES PLATFORM FOR FUTURE GROWTH AND DIRECT GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Clark, New Jersey, June 18, 2012 – CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC (non vessel operating common carrier) and ocean freight consolidator, today announced the opening of a new CaroTrans branch in Le Havre, France.  This new hub office in Europe creates the foundation for future growth and supports CaroTrans’ overall network of global operations.  Container freight stations will be established in Paris and Lyon, France to serve local shippers with secure, expedited services.   For inland moves throughout France and Europe, CaroTrans provides a comprehensive, door-to-door distribution network for consistent, reliable deliveries.

Le Havre is an important European gateway for CaroTrans’ full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) services to and from points in the U.S., Asia, Middle East, South America and Canada and is a natural platform for freight moving to West Africa from these regions.  Initially, CaroTrans’ Le Havre office will support FCL and LCL exports from the U.S. with exports from France to the U.S. soon to follow.

The Le Havre office is the second new office for CaroTrans in 2012.  A CaroTrans office was opened in Seattle last month to serve global freight forwarders in the Pacific Northwest.

“We are committed to strengthening our presence in Europe with strategically placed branches in key markets.  CaroTrans branches, along with our network of dedicated agent partners, position us to provide the highest level of stable and secure customer service and support,” said Greg Howard, CaroTrans, Global CEO.  “The next phase of our expansion in Europe will likely be setting up CaroTrans offices in Paris and Marseilles.”