Chairman’s Message

VISION” is a wonderfully exciting word as it has so many stimulating meanings including – the faculty of sight, intelligent foresight, the manner of seeing or conceiving something, a mental imagination, a mystical experience or something of great beauty. “Share The Vision”, the theme for this year’s strategy meet held in Middle East aboard Costa Victoria cruise liner from 14th December, was designed to utilise all aspects of “vision”.  In these global turbulent times, we all need to be focused and visualise provocative ideas so that our creative business skills are aroused. Our C.S.S. strategy team was encouraged to visualise, produce and absorb ideas so they may be put to practical use. Such a process is vital to ensure we surmount the current challenges forced upon all within our industry. To emulate the ethos of our strategy meeting we must remain open to others’ thoughts and ideas. We should be prepared to listen more than we talk and be happy to change our opinion when new information demands it. New ideas often arise by listening to what others have overlooked so we may benefit from their unrecognised opportunities. We should be encouraged to ask questions, even when they may expose our weaknesses, so that team players may willingly guide and inspire us. If we avoid acting defensively when faced with constructive criticism then such situations will provide a beneficial opportunity to respond and interact.
Imagine breath-taking panoramic views across a sparkling pool where avant-garde design sets new standards of excellence. You may ask, “What has this to do with C.S.S. and our visions?” “Everything!” is my answer. This is a description of The Costa Victoria cruise ship that reflects the warmth and spirit of Italy, which is destined to be feted as one of the most exciting and stunningly beautiful ships of our time. A new vision within the C.S.S. Group, The Costa Victoria emphasises our enhanced strategies which will enable us to rise above this period of global recession. I am confident and enthused by our resilience, perception and visions, which I know will achieve greater rewards for all of us throughout 2009.
Wish you an exciting and promising year ahead !!!
                                                                                                                       T S Kaladharan

Cruising Italian Style aboard Costa Victoria

It was one of the most exciting strategy meets, CSS Group had over the years. Yes, it was truly overwhelming, breathtaking and grand aboard The Costa Victoria. CSS group’s sales strategy meet was held from 14th to 17th December onboard this stunningly beautiful floating luxury to which the CSS Group boarded from Dubai and travelled through Oman & Fujaira to disembark at Abu Dhabi. It carries 1928 passengers and has 12 decks for you to explore, out of the 14 decks in total, while you are at sea. The 790 member crew will pamper you and see to your every need. The massive vessel takes you to the ports of your dreams as you sail away into the sunset. It is becoming too poetic when you describe about this floating extravaganza.
CSS strategy meet had seen an increase in the number of participants from 50 the last year in Goa to 61 this year. The team comprised of CSS group members from Middle East, India & USA. Associates of CSS group, from Doha and Kuwait also attended on an invitation for this meet. The meet was formally inaugurated with a welcome note from the Group Chairman T. S. Kaladharan, as he invited all to “Share the vision” of the group for the future, the motto being the theme this year. Amith Surya Horra, Asst. Marketing Manager, who was also the team head for the organising committee explained about the four days programme for the event, and the details about the Cruise Vessel.
From the breathtaking panoramic Concorde Plaza to the sparkling indoor pool, ultramodern Pompei Spa and incredible Planetarium Atrium spanning seven decks, the Costa Victoria cruise ship combines the elegance of European style with the sophistication of American comforts.
Day one saw the CSS Volume being presented by Paul D’ Souza, Senior VP for Sales & Marketing, followed by, the team from Projects Oil & Gas presenting their status with the current economic scenario and the figures they had calculated. There after presentations and figures from the sales team of Dubai was presented. The Captain’s night was the attraction for the evening where in the Crew heads introduced themselves to the passengers, which was followed by the Gala dinner organised by the Costa crew. The appetizers are good but sometimes unusual, along with desserts and salads. The Casino opened till early morning attracting many, to part with some good amount of bills, on the Black jack table.
Day two started with the Airfreight presentation from Sanal Haridas, Commercial Manager. Presentations and budget figures were later on presented from the Land Transport department, CSLC-1, Abudhabi, Bahrain, CSS Logistics, and Business development in USA. A scavenger hunt organised by the crew animators, was the team building activity for the day. CSS India presentations were started by Mumbai by Rampal and later on moved on to Kolkata and Delhi. The bar-be-que night organised by CSS Group topped up the day’s events.
Day three saw the presentations being continued from the Indian offices and then the group’s corporate communications department had its presentation. Marketing department had their presentation on Day four which was followed by the open discussion initiated by the Management
It was then time to pack back with lots of memories aboard this mighty liner. The team CSS disembarked at the Abu Dhabi port after the long four days of sail away parties and much more to remember. The CSS sales strategy meet 2009, can be remembered as one of the most exciting and stimulating of all the strategies meets we had over the years past.

Shipco Transport – Global Agents Meeting

Shipco Transport hosted a Global Agents Meeting in October 2008 in Weehawken, New Jersey.

With representatives from 58 countries, the meeting was truly ‘global’ and was the first time that all Shipco offices and agents had assembled since April 2000.

The guests had the opportunity to get together in the world-famous Shipco Bar in Hoboken on Thursday October 23rd.  This was the first social occasion of the event but was followed by more serious business on the Friday.

Klaus Jepsen, Group CEO for Shipco, opened the proceedings with a welcome and key note address.   This was then followed by presentations from other senior Shipco personnel. 

With the formalities out of the way, everyone got down to the real business of the day – one-on-one meetings.  This allowed Shipco offices and agents to meet individually, to further develop their relationship and, in some cases, start new working partnerships.  It is rare, with such a diverse crowd, that people have the opportunity to sit down, face-to-face and with the buzz in the meeting room, it was obvious that much business was done that day. 

Following a busy but beneficial day, the group left Weehawken for Liberty State House – a beautiful restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson River, overlooking the dramatic New York City skyline.  The ‘global’ nature of the event then took a very American twist with the theme of the evening being ‘Country & Western’.  As well as listening to some good old country music, the participants were given lessons in ‘line dancing’.  Everyone had great fun with this but whether their dancing skills improved remains to be seen.

On the Saturday, guests had a choice of leisure activities – golf, shopping or a New York City tour.  Unfortunately, the New Jersey weather was somewhat uncooperative although the golfers swear it was dry on the course.

However, the weather really did take a turn for the worse in the evening with hurricane-like winds and torrential rain – all the more unfortunate since the night’s entertainment was a dinner cruise around Manhattan.  With that plan ‘sunk’, the group had to make their own entertainment in the hotel.  This didn’t
seem to be too much of a problem and, although it was not quite as planned, the evening was still a success.

Sunday marked the end of the two day extravaganza and while many participants were tired, all agreed that it was a fruitful – and fun – event.  Let’s just hope it’s not 9 years until the next one!

30 years young- Shinyei Shipping Co. Ltd.


Shinyei Shipping Co.,Ltd. based in Tokyo prosperously commemorated
the 30th anniversary at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan on October 8th, 2008 then invited approximately 400 guests from home and abroad, i.e. the customers, the shipping companies, the customs brokers and the overseas agents. 

Established in 1978, they started LCL cargo business for Singapore and Hong Kong as a
specialist of the consoli-cargo transporter in Asia. They are now acknowledged widely
obtaining the legal basis as a pioneer of expanding the basis in this field having built
the network that covers all over Asia including the Middle East even from the time when the NVOCC was not yet common.

‘We’ve got all kinds of inquiries at the beginning, but NVO’s been established legally and acknowledged ever since. Nowadays the market is even seriously competitive.
Even though we’ve been through a lot, we wouldn’t be here without all your supports and would like to thank you for it. Keeping ourselves motivated, we’ll keep striving for the improvements.’ the general manager of the company, Mr. Nagashima greeted.

Representing the overseas agents, Mr. Iskandar Zulkarnain, the chairman of FPS Group congratulated and presented gifts. Representing, CSS Group, Mr. T.S Kaladharan Chairman and Mr. Paul James D’Souza, Senior VP- Sales & Marketing attended the function.

FPS AGM

This year FPS Annual General Meeting was held between 27th- 29th of October, 2008 at the Melia Galgos Hotel in Madrid, Spain.The meet was attended by FPS network agents and general agents. There were 113 delegates from 60 offices who represented 41 countries. “Your vision is our mission” is stated to be the motto /theme of the meet.

Iskandar Zulkarnain, Chairman was pleased to introduce 6 new companies to all the delegates. During his presentation, specially mentioned the spirit of togetherness during the time of economic crisis. Invitation to CSS proved to be an ideal opportunity for the team to cement the existing relationship with FPS. It was such a great honour for CSS Group to be part of this meet. It was always a strategic business relationship from the inception for both the groups.

CSS Group delegates headed by Paul D’Souza and the team consisted of Siby C Kurian from CSS UAE, Narayan R.T from CSS Bahrain, Dean Landers from CSS Kuwait, Jairam K R, Arup Ray, Rampal Tandon, Hemant Bhanushali from Console Shipping Services India and Asim Saeed Khan from Console Shipping Services Pakistan Private Ltd.

There were presentations given by FPS members on various functional activities of the Group such as Oliver Ward GED, Marina Rollan–SC Header of IT Development, Kettivit Sittisoontornwong, Ian Matheson–Impress Communication. The meet truly witnessed a great networking opportunity for all the delegates.

Professional Talk


NGL is a leading transportation and logistic solutions provider in Germany with an enviable international network of partners and agents. As a European company, NGL offers a comprehensive service portfolio to the customers through their extraordinary and sophisticated logistic solutions.
Face to face with Mr. Mathias Brosowsky, Managing Director, NGL Logistics Company. The Company is 2 years old in the market.
Mr. Mathias is a pioneer in the logistics industry with an experience of more than 2 decades


What would you consider as the USP of NGL in the cut throat market conditions of today?
Ans: More Performance equals More Success. This is the philosophy that we would like to carry on towards servicing our customers and maintaining the relationship with our business partners. We are in the logistics service industry, so service means  to us more than the routine handling of logistics and transportation jobs , we believe in personalizing our services by tailoring our products to suit the customers .
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Can we please talk about the NGL team?
Ans:   Every NGL team member is empowered to be the decision maker on-the-spot who believes in understanding the customers’ needs and giving a new dimension to the service with our personalized logistics solutions. We are available 24 hrs for our customers needs.
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What are the core products/industries that NGL has focused primarily?
Ans:  Our core products are Air & Ocean freight, as well as Logistics. Our understanding of Logistics ranges from classical consulting up to the realization of complex outsourcing solutions.
Our customer portfolio ranges from small and medium sized companies, as well as stock exchange listed global acting companies.

Brief about NGL network (countries)?
Ans: It is our goal to cover the major industrial states with network partners that share our philosophy and business understanding. A major benefit for us is working with Partners that are able to offer services in different countries under one brand. For example, our exclusive Network Partner for US and Asia is Phoenix Intl. For Dubai and other GCC Countries we are associated with the CSS Group.

Has the recent economic crisis had any effect on your business?
Ans: We are associated with a group of networking partners whose reputation and experience has taken them beyond small size business. Of course worldwide economy crises will also affect the forwarding industry, but such crises can also be a chance for forwarders that offer personalized and sophisticated logistic solutions.

Can we please discuss about NGL’s association with CSS?
Ans: Mr.T. S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group and I go long back together in this industry. His foresight has helped to place CSS Group as one of the leading freight forwarders in the region.
Apart from our excellent personal rapport, we have zeroed down on CSS Group as our Middle East networking partner because of the Group’s enviable world wide network and professional team service.
We have always received excellent support and service from the team and will look forward to enjoying a mutually beneficial and supportive working relationship.

Corporate Backchat

Would you like to hear some “Corporate Backchat?” How about a little light teasing, some slightly audacious or perhaps adroit and clever replies?  Backchat makes the world a livelier place and also more challenging. What though does backchat mean for management and staff, especially in the context of a company’s internal communications??

Well if you were asked, “What do you think about the painting – Backchat” what would you say? “It’s nice”, “I do not like it”, “It is bright and colourful” or “Why should I care?” maybe some of your short responses but if we consider these replies they do not really tell us anything constructive. An art critic would examine the emotional thoughts of Kerala artist, Rajesh Ragendran and interpret the composition design. Is it two ladies who have fallen out or are they defending themselves, united together, “back to back”, fighting off a verbal attack? For someone who is trying to be investigative and look for the meaning, all sorts of ideas spring to mind. It is these same qualities of constructive investigative comments that a company seeks in responses and feed-back from their staff. Whereas backchat might be seen as sometimes cheeky or impulsive it often provides, for those who are alert, an insight into what is uppermost in the speaker’s mind. Remember many a true word is said in jest.
Recent findings
A recent study by The Work Foundation, a London based non profit making independent research consultancy, recognised the importance and potential of corporate internal communications.  Based on a study of over 500 organisations, many of which were multi-site, it found that departments who developed good internal communications were able to enhance closer contacts and responses between executives, management and staff. This resulted in improved organizational cohesion and performance. To be effective it is important that internal communications move both upwards as well as downwards within the corporate structure. This is why staff feedback, throughout all levels of management, is so important for the development and well being of a company.  So why is it in many companies that the staff seem reluctant and shy to give meaningful feedback? Why, when asked for “feedback”, are the few comments which are received usually so general and vague?.
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Barriers to be breached
Feedback responses, to be helpful, need to explain or give suggestions for discussion otherwise they are not much use. Probably the main difficulty for staff is that they wish to be seen as “team-players” so making individual comment is tantamount to “sticking one’s head above the parapet”. This may not only cause jealousy or problems but also there is no obvious possibility of a reward. If this is so, why bother to respond? This is the barrier that needs to be breached and broken down so that a company may achieve greater things. That’s why backchat within internal communications is an innovative concept. “Backchat” requires that all involved within a company need to be proactive as well as reactive. Those who ask for responses and comments should never primarily look to apportion credit and certainly never blame. Their “backchat” motivation should be an endeavour in discovering information on which to develop opportunities.  The upside of getting involved, by sending in comments or feedback, is that it stimulates staff to focus their own thoughts which has a beneficial effect amongst team members.

The current global economic challenges demand that every opportunity to rise above them should be seized upon. “Backchat” provides an advantage.  Remember, “Great oak trees from little acorns grow”. One small seemingly insignificant piece of “backchat”, if spotted and acted upon, may well increase a company’s good fortune…….and “Good Fortune” is, without doubt, something everyone wishes for in 2009. Thank you for the great support from our readers..
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Good Luck and happy reading !!!.
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Unnikrishnan G
Head- Corporate Communications

Chairman’s Message

“My word is my bond” and “Giving your handshake on a deal” are two well known principled sayings which underpin our ability to build-up longstanding relationships in our industry, where trust is paramount. Naturally any legal advice will tell you that it is the signed contract which really seals a deal. The time between reaching an agreement and actually signing on the dotted line is where trust is the supreme issue. I have always believed that relationships cannot be built in a day. Only personal effort and a commitment to our principles develop good relationships. Without such associations and connections, especially in the current global financial turbulence, companies and organisations will struggle to survive. C.S.S. has always taken a firm stand in our efforts to engender trust both inside and outside our industry. It is an opportune time to especially thank our C.S.S. sales and marketing teams for gaining new relationships and strengthening existing ones. We must carry forward our commitment and dedication, to ensure that we resolutely continue to uphold our promises and fulfil the trust which has been bestowed on us by our business associates. The elements of attraction, sympathy and trust are the ingredients of the chemistry for building and sustaining effective relationships. It is this chemistry which will, no doubt, become the subject for discussion for any marketing aspirants – a chemistry which is at the core of our philosophy. Trust and honour make me proud of C.S.S., as these core values emphasise ethics which we all justifiably share.

T.S.Kaladharan

CSS Cares

At CSS Group, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is first demonstrated within the organization. From conforming to all legalities to fair pricing, from keeping its promise of high quality services, from being honest to practicing employee welfare and promoting high standards of ethics throughout the company, CSS Group acts as socially responsible corporate organization. T S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group says “Having been sensitive to social issues right from inception, the Group always believed in the act of giving back to society seriously and continuously”. Emirates Association of Blind is a voluntary organization formed in UAE in the filed of humanitarian support and aiding the disabled and blinds. CSS Group has been actively supporting the organization cause for the past 3 years.

Welcome on Board

Surajit Pattanaik has joined CSS India as the General Manager- North India. He carries with him a rich industry experience of more than 12 years in Operational and Sales back ground. A native of Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, Suri, as he is known among his friends in the Industry circle, has worked with major logistics providers like Interline Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd and A V Global Corporation Pvt. Ltd. in senior management capacities before joining Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. He has worked in different locations in India and gained excellent leadership qualities. He is known for his strengths like strategic planning, problem solving & team building capacities. His ability to analyse market & product patterns and stream line strategies accordingly, has been well admired by his colleagues and friends. His interests other than his profession are Chess, Cricket and watching news channels. Mr. Surajit will be stationed in the Delhi office of CSS and control the operations of North India.

Face Lift For Console Shipping Services,Chennai

Console shipping services attains a major face lift with its new office in Chennai. The growing cargo trade in the region, and the demand for more personnel compelled CSS Chennai to increase its infrastructural facilities. The new office which is situated in the Beach road is more accessible for Customers from all part of the city. CSS Chennai has handled substantial amount of cargo and attained a notable position in the industry within a year after the operation started.

The new office address:
Console Shipping Services (I) Pvt Ltd.,
‘TAJ Towers’, #22A, 2nd Lane Beach,
Chennai 600 001, TamilNadu, India.,
TEL : + 91 44 25234511,12,13,14,
FAX : + 91 44 25234515

Bond Thru Years

Consol idated Shipping Group is proud to be associated with Shipco Transport since 1996. From the beginning, CSS Group and Shipco Transport have developed together within all areas of the shipping industry while strengthening their business relationships by continually supporting each other’s business activities. In 2007, CSS Group was honored to have a direct link with Shipco Transport as it positioned a CSS Group representative in their Hoboken, New Jersey, USA office. Roshmon Manoli, Route Development Manager-USA, CSS Group based in Hoboken, New Jersey says, “Having a base in the USA has eased the business activities between CSS Group and Shipco Transport while streaming the business processes for both sides when dealing with North America and rest of the world. CSS Group is honoured to be participating in the upcoming Shipco Transport, “ S h i pco ’ s Global Agents Meetin g 2008” being held on Octobe r 2008. Leading the delegation for CSS Group is T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group and Raj George, Senior VP-Ocean Freight. T.S. Kaladharan adds, “It’s an honor to be participating in such a positive Global Meeting and we look forward to a productive meeting ahead.”

Relationship Unbreakable

Consol idated Shipping Group is proud to be associated with FPS-Famous Pacific Shipping since December 2001. From its inception, CSS Group and FPS have grown together and strengthened their business relationships over the years by continually supporting each other’s business endeavors. In 2006, CSS Group was privileged with being appointed as a network agent for the FPS network. Over the years, CSS Group has participated in the yearly Annual General Meeting hosted by FPS and this year it is being held in October 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Key delegates from across the CSS Group will be in attendance during the Annual General Meeting. Leading the delegation from CSS Middle East is Paul D’Souza, Senior VP Sales and Marketing, Siby Kurian, Narayan-CSS Bahrain, and Dean Landers-CSS Kuwait. “We have always been enthusiastic in attending FPS AGM, since this platform gives us a chance to meet all our friends and have some exchange of ideas productively” said Paul D’ Souza. Leading the delegation from Console Shipping Services India (Private) Ltd, will be Jairam K.R, & Arup Ray, Directors CSS India. Jairam cited that The FPS network has been an instrumental catalyst in the endeavors of CSS India to provide an array of services t o their Indian customers and elevated them to the league of the leading NVOCC’s in India. The team includes Arup Ray, Director of Imports, Rampal, and Hemant from CSS India. From Console Shipping Services Pakistan (Private) Ltd Asim Saeed, Chief Executive Officer will also be in attendance for the FPS Annual General Meeting. For Arup Ray, FPS AGM is like coming back to his second home where he finds all his friends and colleagues from around the globe.

Brand Building for CS Middle East

Brands can be defined in two ways. Firstly, a brand can be identification or a mark, that differentiates one business from another. Secondly, a brand symbolizes how people think about your business. With CSS Group’s aggressive expansion plans to various regions in the world, it is important for all the units to maintain a certain corporate identity to reflect a global image. This calls for continuous branding activities for the Groups marketing depart ment. Recently CSS Middle East underwent a brand building exercise to continually enha nce the corporate image. An Indian based company, Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd has assisted in the brand revamping exercise. According to Amith Surya Horra, Assistant Marketing Manager CSS Group, “CSS Group’s branding is a continuous cycle that is crucial for staying competitive in an ever growing industry. It is vital to constantly build on CSS’ image as it creates a consistency amongst the groups overall representation. Marketing enables a valued client to trust the

Leschaco Visit

Anker Leschaco Group’s recent visit in the month of September to CSS Group Middle East was surely cementing the association with excellence for both the leading freight forwarding companies. CSS Group had the pleasure of hosting the visit for Jorg Conrad (Owner), Oliver Oestreich (Member of Managing Board) and Claus Dieter Osthoff (Finance Director). The team had a tour at CSS Group CFS administration office and facility areas. Leschaco team were given detailed presentation about CSS functional and operational activities. Paul D’Souza, Sr. VP-Sales & Marketing and Siby C Kurian, Asst.General Manager hosted the visit. Through this enhanced strategic merger between both companies , the clients will have access to time definite, multimodal transportation and logistics services on a global scale.

CSS Sales Review Meeting

CSS Group always strives for excellence amongst its employees and to review the performance, meetings for all the departments are conducted on a regular basis. The latest review meeting was held for two days from 12 to 14 September 2008. The destination was chosen in the culturally rich northern emirates of UAE –Ras Al Khaimah. The review meeting was held in the luxury Hotel Al Hamra Fort and proved to be the ideal get away from the hustle & bustle of the city. The components and plan that defines the target achievement and channels of execution were the main focus of the meeting. Presentations were given by each team manager for their entire team. Along with the senior management the team managers who attended the meeting were Rakesh Menon, Sreenath, Siby C Kurian, Narayan, Sanal Haridas, Nelson D’Souza ,Qais Abdullah, Ajit Puthran, Fida , Renjith Pillai, Angeli, Gillian, Amith & Suku. The performances of all the teams were reviewed by the senior management in open and forum discussion.