Celebrating 15 Years Of Excellence

Celebrating 15 Years Of ExcellenceConsolidated Shipping Group is honoured to commemorate 15 years of excellence with a mission to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction and a vision to continually innovate and adapt to the latest trends within the industry. Providing cost effective and professional solutions has made CSS the most preferred service provider globally. Over the past 15 years, CSS has grown to be recognized as a complete logistics solutions provider and a trusted partner within the Shipping and Logistics fraternity. The Group’s strong conviction, drive to succeed and the ability to foresee the needs of its patrons has secured it an undisputed place in the market. CSS would like to take this opportunity to thank all its Customers, Global Network Partners, Shipping Lines, Airlines, Land Transport Operators, Business Associates / Institutions and Employees and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for their continuous support and commitment as it has been instrumental for our success. To extend our gratitude and mark the glorious occasion, CSS has planned a gala event for all its top agents and associates from across the world. The event is scheduled for the 16th, 17th & 18th of April, 2010. The guests will be welcomed by the hospitality of the Movenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai during the three day celebration. The conference is scheduled for the 17th April and will begin with a welcome note followed by CSS Presentations and open discussion opportunities with CSS Management and Senior Management. The festivities will continue through the evening with gathering of senior officials from the shipping fraternity followed by a grand gala dinner and entertainment night. A tour of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower is reserved for the 18th morning followed by a warm reception at the Arabian Desert resort Bab Al Shams. The spectacular sunset, Arabian night themed dinner, traditional Shisha, Belly dancing, Falcon show and Camel riding will make the CSS 15th anniversary celebration memorable

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

At our recently concluded Sales Strategy Meet held in Negombo – Sri Lanka, we had an opportunity to think about the future of our planet. Ensuring a greener earth, for our future generation, is something which as responsible citizens is close to our hearts. Nation states also try to highlight concerns by holding meetings under the sea, on Everest and in rain forests in attempt to raise our awareness about the dangers of global warming. Last December, at The United Nations Copenhagen Climate Summit, world leaders called for the highest level of ambition and momentum. The complexities in attempting to realise a united climate change policy had become even more apparent. As a global community we have failed in our responsibility to future generations.

The New Year prompts us to look back and realise how we have taken earth’s resources, in many ways, for granted. The movement to “pay back our dues” to our home, our planet, has become a challenge for all of us. As parents and as a company, it is a challenge we cannot afford to fail. We have achieved many things, of which we should be proud, but we must focus on the future and build on our past experiences. The 2nd Annual Breakbulk Asia conference, Singapore mid- January, provides an excellent occasion to discuss and develop eco-friendly issues, along with discussing usual business.

My New Year resolution and expectation is for progress towards a greener environmental philosophy which will be advantageous for our families and mankind. Time is not on our side. To save our world from a global warming catastrophe we must let our hearts lead. Wish you all an eventful and promising New Year

T S Kaladharan

CSS Group Awarded THLG Membership

The Heavy Lift Group (THLG) has welcomed CSS Group to become a part of the prestigious association. The Heavy Lift Group is an international group of specialized heavy transport companies which combine their forces to offer the best expertise and service according to customer needs. The Heavy Lift Group was CSS Group awarded THLG membership founded in 1987 by a number of West European heavy lift operators in anticipation of the single European market and has since then expanded into a worldwide group having members in the United States, South America, the CIS, the Middle East and Asia. With the united know how, skills, experience and equipment of its membership THLG can cover any movement or transport requirement from a single domestic job to the largest international multimodal project. THLG members specialize in heavy lift transport by sea, air and overland, outsize cargo movements, crane operations, rigging, machinery installation, and large-scale project forwarding. The aim of THLG is to offer clients the united power of its members ensuring a world-wide service of excellent quality at realistic prices.

CSS Logistics – Experts at handling Fine Art

Handling Fine art has never been a piece of cake; it requires precision & skills to penetrate the business of handling fine art and exhibition cargo. CSS Logistics has made a commitment to the fine art community to handle the art entrusted, with appreciation, respect, and understanding of its value.

Recently concluded Abu Dhabi Art Fair, held from the 19th until 22nd November, 2009 at Al Markayah Art Gallery, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi saw CSS Logistics handle exhibition cargo for Art Sawa Gallery based at Al Qouz, Dubai. The project was initiated & implemented by Ebie (Sales Executive) & Varuna Wirasinha (GM) without outsourcing the packaging & transportation exercise as it was handled by their sister concern CSS Homeward Bound. This enabled them to have total control of the project and responsibly execute every aspect to ensure the clients satisfaction.

As experts skilled in the unique aspects of handling fine art CSS Logistics specialize in installation, crating, shipping,and storage of all types. They have a fully trained and dedicated packing crew for rendering top quality fine art handling services, this includes an adequate skilled and technically qualified work force of packers, carpenters, packing and crating professionals.

The task here involved managing movements of 21 sculptures each weighing around 500 – 600 kg’s. Each sculpture required delicate handling and special packaging based on its structure, after packaging the sculptures were loaded onto 3 trucks, where they were secured by lashing. Hereafter the fine art was transported from Art Sawa Art Gallery to Abu Dhabi. Primarily, prior to executing the project a pre site inspection was arranged to logistically study the area in order to avoid any future hindrances at the time of operation and understand better point of pick up, access points, equipments required, delivery & timings. The movement of the sculptures to Dubai is due shortly as the same has to be brought back and placed at the Burj Al Arab hotel in Jumeirah. With successful handling of this project and many more to come CSS Logistics aim to offer comprehensive fine art handling services under one roof without sub-contracting any part of the work.

CSS SALES STRATEGY MEET 2010

CSS Group recently concluded its Annual Sales Strategy Meet 2010 at the Jetwing Beach Resort, Negombo, Sri Lanka. The three day meeting was attended by CSS Senior Management and Head of Departments from the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. The meet discussed the annual budget and accomplishments CSS SALES STRATEGY MEET 2010 Lighthouse6 of each team followed by a sales forecast and strategies and goals for 2010.

“Focus on the Future” was the theme adopted this year. Strategy Meet plays a vital role in evaluating team performances and highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the team. This provides a focus on the latest developments in areas ranging from sales strategy fundamentals to emerging IT technologies to prevailing competition.

Strategy Meet for CSS Group is more than presentations made by managers, analyzing previous year’s figures and forecasting budget. It also includes dissecting operational processes to review the excellence level attained. Although strategy takes account of the future, it takes place in the present. It is about making choices in the present with an eye to consequences these choices may have.

CSS Strategy Meet was organized by Marketing & Corporate Communications department of CSS Group headed by Amith Surya Horra, Unnikrishnan, Neyha Nurie and Cheryl Annes. CSS Strategy Meet is a well designed meeting structure that fosters opportunities for participation so people can be heard, questions can be asked and answered, discussion can take place, decisions are arrived at, and the most important items are attended to. It helps to collectively put together information from various sources to measure the impact and direction of strategies laid down and shape up new tactics based on imminent factors as per the current scenario and future analysis.

Sri Lanka was the chosen destination, for this meet by the Management and the Jetwing hospitality that catered to the group’s needs proved that the preferences were correct. Imran Naufal, the Resort Manager at The Beach Hotel, who needs a special mention, and his vibrant team, played a vital role in making this conference a success. The Sales Strategy meet was attended by Oliver Hahn from IFS Doha by special invitation.

Project Specialists in the Middle East

CSS Projects Management team has been handling crucial Oil & Energy projects for over a decade now. CSS has been successful in managing every aspect of logistics during the projects life span with its highly skilled & dedicated team. The team carefully studies the project by the complexity of cargo and technically plans for all heavy lifts and over dimensional loads via special trucks, barges, ocean vessels and aircrafts. As project management requires carefully planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific task, the process begins with developing a project plan, which includes defining and confirming the project goals and objectives, identifying tasks and how goals will be achieved, quantifying the re- Project Specialists in the Middle East sources needed, and determining budgets and timelines for completion. With its dedicated hands on projects and close relationship and understanding with the most qualified vendors in the industry CSS has been able to execute global projects that have build nations across the globe. With the projects commercial office in JAFZA, one of the fastest growing free zone in Dubai, CSS has not only been concentrating in the United Arab Emirates but the whole of Middle East with its offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait and Indian Sub continent and supported by world wide network of vendors and agents. Some of the projects handled by CSS outside UAE include Ranhill project in Sudan, Al Hidd Desalination Plant in Bahrain, Al Jahra Power Station & KOTC LPG Gas Plant in Kuwait, Ummbab Cement Plant in Qatar, JWAP MARAFIQ project in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and recently awarded Doha North Pumping Station project in Doha.

Being one of the world’s finest projects specialists, both locally and regionally has also helped CSS to become a proud member of The Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN). GPLN is the premier non-exclusive professional projects logistics network of independent companies specializing in international projects movements by air, sea and land as well as specialized lifts and the special handling of oversized, out-of- gauge and heavy lift cargo.

CSS Group Portal Launched

CSS Group launched its Portal, designed and developed by Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd, an India based BPO Company specialized in IT & ITES. This portal aims at meeting the customer service requirements of the group company with more ease. The entire system is divided primarily into three different sections or modules. The first module is exclusively created to satisfy the requirements of customers/agents and shippers and is named the customer portal. The second section is exclusively for the CSS Group staff and is called the employee portal, while the third module is crafted for the system administrators and it’s called the admin portal. The CSS portal carries innumerable features at launch level itself and is aiming at enhancing its features and incorporating new ones shortly. The portal can be accessed using the link http://www.cssgrouponline.com

Features of Customer Portal

Freight Forwarding

  • Job view: To list the jobs in a specific period (max 90 days), or a specific job. Can be navigated to sub jobs from this if applicable.

Documentation

  • Invoice view: To view the invoices in a specific period or specific invoices.
  • Credit note view: To view credit notes in a specific period or specific credit notes.
  • Cargo arrival notice view: To view cargo arrival notice in a specific period or job number or BL number must be specified.
  • Manifest view: To view manifest in a specific period or job number or BL number must be specified.
  • BL view: To view HBL/HAWB in a specific period or job number or BL number must be specified.
  • EDI in CSS specific format: Job number must be specified or BL details.
  • Outturn report: To generate outturn report for a job number or BL number must be specified.

Warehouse

  • Stock register: Warehouse item stock for a particular item or a group of items or in a specific period.
  • Goods receipt note (GRN): Specific GRN or GRNs in a specific period can be listed.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

The mention of focus groups, task forces, group seminars and working parties often send shivers down the spines of some management and staff. It is sometimes difficult to realise the objective and need for such proposals. However, as the era of traditional industrialisation draws to an end, to remain pro-active, companies must stay ahead of the game. This is achieved by identifying the changing demands of our clients and the logistics involved.
The age where territorial boundaries coincide with cultural and religious boundaries is fading. Worldwide, harder economic frontiers and projections are being superimposed. In business terms the world is growing smaller and smaller. These changes have to be supported, within a progressive company, by the creation of resource projects which ensure the backing of a highly educated and internationally competent labour force.
Specialised training, awareness development and orientation have become forefront in ensuring that companies have new opportunities to win. These projects act as catalysts, which compel industries and corporate entities, to implement new methodologies.
At CSS we give much importance to in-house training and seminars as we believe the experiences gained from these stimulate knowledge, new experiences and exposures, which are the driving force to our success. Focus, task, seminar or working party, whatever the project is called, the objective is the same to provide and stimulate new ideas so we all win.

T S Kaladharan

CSS GROUP SOUTH INDIA FOCUS

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd Tirupur and Tuticorin have successfully completed its 5th year of operations in October 2009. Hearty congratulations to the dedicated team who drive these offices forward. It is always encouraging to see success coming not by fortune, but by effort, and CSS’ South India operations are an obvious example for that.

CSS, today with its array of offices in the peninsular India has shown its prowess and might to become one of the fastest growing NVOs in the region. South India has always been contributing generously to the cause and growth of Logistics industry with its major ports of Chennai & Tuticorin. Confusions regarding the administrative domains are also quite often due to the overlapping geographical boundaries of states and due to the lack of hinder land in this region. Console Shipping, who entered the Indian market of shipping and logistics through Tirupur, popularly known as the cotton city of India, soon accelerated it’s momentum of growth by establishing its strong presence in Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Chennai, the gate way port to the South.

The facilities and the infrastructural advantages in the two major ports have attributed the Containerised cargo movement growth of Console Shipping to multi fold. Chennai port works 24X7 with many user friendly characteristics attached to its activities. Situated at the Coromandel Coast, this port connects South India to all the major ports of the world. The Port serves the geographical regions of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, South Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and has now emerged as hub on the east coast of India. Major commodities being handled at the Port are Containers, Automobiles Exports, Iron Ore, Coal, Fertilizers and general cargo items. CSS Tirupur and Tuticorin offices, with its most efficient and enthusiastic team is exploring the advantages of the infrastructural facilities offered by their port and the market. They enjoy round the clock operations of the port and moreover the last minute loading for time sensitive commodities like garments are possible here.

From handling a meagre volume of cargo in the early years, consisting chiefly of imports of oil and motors and the export of groundnuts, granite and ores, the port is moved towards handling 57.15 million tonnes surpassing the Ministry’s target of 55.86 million tonnes of cargo this year. Undoubtedly, the port of Chennai has contributed a lot in the developmental process of Tamil Nadu particularly and South India as a whole.

Recession blockades are a major hindrance to the industry as a whole, but the CSS Team in South India headed by Eugene in Chennai & Sunil in Tirupur are optimistic about the resurgence of the scenario, of which traces are being noticed. The sales team is being strengthened to tap the hinterland markets of Coimbatore, Karur, Bangalore and other parts of the South, where ever attention is needed. Console Shipping is already present in Coimbatore and Bangalore to service its clients. The presence of the group in North India and the Middle East is a supportive factor to its South India operations.

Services Offered:

  • LCL Consolidation & FCL
  • Ocean Freight
  • Sea-Air/ Sea- Land Transportation
  • Buyer’s Consolidation
  • Air Freight
  • Customs Clearance
  • Projects Handling
  • Warehousing
  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics

CSS Sales Strategy Meet 2010

CSS Group will be conducting its Annual Sales Strategy Meet 2010 in Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 19th until 21st November, 2009.

During this meet the annual budget and accomplishments will be reviewed by Senior Management followed by a sales forecast along with outlining strategies and goals for 2010.

Like every year there is a theme associated to this event and the theme picked for this year is ‘Focus On The Future’. The ability to foresee, anticipate and organize for future potential represents one of the most outstanding traits of individuals. CSS is all geared up to take this event as an opportunity to highlight achievements and formulate vital strategies to attain significant growth in the coming year.

Project Management

The constant research and development from the IT department of CSS has brought in constant updates in its in-house software FINS. The latest of which is the new project management module under its freight forwarding application with countless capabilities such as contact management, packing list, quotation management, resource allocation and management, bookings managements, projects job management and project related finance details.

The purpose of this module is to provide sufficient information related to a project to the customers which in-turn could help amalgamate many individual operational modules under one roof. Project managers and Financial managers will get sufficient insight about the project operations and the distributed jobs done under each project. Further more, this module has the capability to manage project initiation till closing of a project.

Main Features

  1. Integrated project management module
  2. Project initiation and planning management activities can be recorded
  3. Project contact management or stakeholder management
  4. Project packing list management and item management
  5. Quotation management
  6. Project scope management
  7. Project resource management
  8. Project cost management

Main reports

  1. Total number of project jobs
  2. Total number of completed project jobs
  3. Total number of incomplete project jobs
  4. Total number of yet to start project jobs
  5. Total number of jobs in each project jobs and its type wise classification.
  6. Industry specific project details on the above 1,2,3,4 options
  7. Project cost details (Expense)
  8. Project sale details (Income)
  9. Each phase cost details and operation details
  10. Each resource cost details and operation details
  11. Personnel involved in the project execution
  12. Various project quality assurance reports
  13. Total Weight, Volume, Packings of each project jobs
  14. Total containers involved in the project job
  15. Various shipping lines involved in the project jobs
  16. Project/Phase budget and actual comparison report

BreakBulk Announcement

CSS Group will be participating in the 2nd Annual Breakbulk Asia Transportation Conference & Exhibition to be held in Singapore on 26th & 27th, January 2010. The event aims to serve as a vital forum where the BreakBulk industry’s issues will be expressed and potential solutions will be determined. It is forecasted to attract over 150 exhibitors from around the world and over 3000 trade visitors.

Stars in Dubai

Pakistan Hockey
Recently, UAE witnessed top Pakistani Hockey players like Rehan Butt and Salman Akbar battle it out in an exhibition match that was held in Dubai at the IAT Hockey ground in Al Ghusais. Consolidated Shipping Services was the official sponsor of the event that brought together veteran hockey player Jaffer Hussain and Qadeer Hussain (also an organizer) for an exciting evening that delighted all the hockey lovers in the UAE.

The exhibition match was officiated by top notch Umpires: Abid Naqvi and Lukas. As the game set in motion Salman Akbar (the International Pakistan goalie) made many excellent saves to deny Rehan Butt of any lead in the 1st half. But tables turned during the second half when veteran world cup star player of Pakistan Jaffar Hussain along with Rehan Butt planned some really exceptional moves to score on Salman Akbar. All the leading Pakistani National players, ex players, organizers and hockey spectators were present to view this extravaganza and were grateful to the visiting players and organizers for giving them the opportunity to meet their favorite stars.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

One attribute which assures success is the ability to identify and respond to opportunities. What some people see as difficulties, others view as chances for progress. As this difference is more pronounced when one is tackling the tides of recession, it is uplifting to be able to applaud the advantageous circumstances which India provides. The diversities within India are so vast that to pinpoint just two cities- Delhi, which has the biggest commercial center and Mumbai, which is now regarded as India’s commercial capital is just an understatement in terms of emphasising our potential. A current economic report forecasts that Indian companies are set to invest Rs 10.5 trillion in the next three years. CSS needs to be at the forefront of any countries economic growth so it was no coincidence that our Budget Meet 2009 -10 was held a few months ago in Kerala, southern India.
CSS India now has a presence in 12 major Indian cities. It is our forward strategising which ensures that we are well placed to participate in the opportunities ahead. It gives me a sense of pride to acknowledge that the development of CSS India is sailing forward and promises to deliver remarkable growth because of our dedicated, progressive and dynamic team. CSS India is set to become the number one player in the areas where it operates, bucking any adverse economic trends. I feel extremely proud to focus attention on their achievements as they highlight the exciting times ahead for all of us.

T S Kaladharan

Focusing North India

Strategy adopted for the business augmentation

Extensive market analysis was done and the most prospective clientele was filtered out. All efforts were given in grabbing the business out of the fierce competition. Thrust was given in the line of imports, since the profit margin is higher in this segment. That doesn’t mean that we were not giving importance to exports. Yet another strategy was to target the direct consignee which in turn helped us a lot to increase our revenue part. Our agents’ world wide supported us a lot with providing the most competitive import buying rates, which enabled us to penetrate the market in an effective manner. Another important factor was the volume of nomination support from the overseas agents. The confidence in our team was wonderful, which in no case can be ignored despite of all down turns happened around generally.

About the new office in Ludhiana

Ludhiana is one of the most sought after markets for the African Sub continent. The decision to start an office in Ludhiana can only been seen as a wise judgment from CSS Group’s Senior Management. The major trade from this part of the country includes machinery, hand tools, cycle parts, tyre & tubes. Considerable amount of sports goods and hosiery are also traded here. Ludhiana lies close to the excise free zones of Kaleamb & Baddi which are going to be the export hubs in the near future. This region is also a potential market for LCL export as well.

The freight movement prospects in North India

The prospects in this region are bright. Delhi takes the 2nd position after Nhava Sheva in terms of total volume of both imports and exports. North India is a multi-product market and it has got a lot to offer to the freight forwarding fraternity. The ICD and the CFS- Delhi now act as the focal point for the entire North India operations. All major MNC’s and Corporates do have their presence in Delhi or in the suburban areas. The major exports and prospects are towards the US, Europe, Gulf region, China and the South East Asian countries whilst imports are from US, Europe, Mediterranean and China. Moreover Delhi is the capital city and lot of decision making happens here in the administration level.

Network strengths

CSS Group takes pride to have an effective agency network globally. This gives momentum to our operations from both North and South. We have confidence in our agents and vice versa. Constant networking sessions do happen inside and outside the country through agency visits and trade fairs. This keeps the relationships lively and meaningful.
Agenda to tackle recession

Recession as such has not affected much in the Indian scenario. The scientific studies are also showing positive signs in the Indian shipping and logistics industry. We have adopted certain procedures to constantly monitor the growth graph. The reporting structure is defined in such a way that we are able to point out the flaws happening, if any the moment it happens during the entire process flow and to effectively rectify it. We update ourselves with constant market research and surveys. On the other hand, we have a brilliant team of professionals to penetrate the existing market and to find new markets to pursue in this region.

CSS Started functioning from Ludhiana

Console Shipping Services India Pvt Ltd. has started operations from its new office in Ludhiana from 15th July  09. This is CSS India’s 12th Office. Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. established in 2004 with its operations from Tirupur, Tuticorin, and Coimbatore, further expanded its horizons in 2007.  In an industry with ever increasing demands Console Shipping Services India has proved itself to deliver the best to its clients around the globe.  Today, regarded as one of the leading players in the  industry Console Shipping Services operates from all major gateway ports and commercial hubs of India.
Ludhiana Office Address is as below:
Console Shipping Services India Pvt Ltd
155, Venus Street No – 9
Opp. Urban Estate Nursery
Jeevan Nagar, Focal Point
Ludhiana – 141010
Tele Fax : +91 161 5016004 / 5 / 6

Aman Parhawk – Branch Manager
Mobile: +91 9317803031
Email: aman@cssindiagroup.com

CSS Kolkata moves to a new office

Console Shipping Services Kolkata has started functioning form its new office from the 01st of August 2009. All trade partners are requested to take note of the change in Address.

The new office address is as below:

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd,
36A , 1st Floor, Bharatiya Bhasha Parisad Building
Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700 017
Phone No : +91 33 40648300 – 29, Fax No : +91 33 22900104
Email: mailkolkata@cssindiagroup.com

Breakbulk Announcement

CSS Group will be participating in the 2nd Annual Breakbulk Asia Transportation Conference & Exhibition to be held in Singapore on the 26th & 27th of January 2010. The event is forecasted to attract over 150 exhibitors from around the world and over 3000 trade visitors.

CSS India becomes FMC Registered

CSS India becomes FMC Registered which gives an added impetus to activities in shipping and logistics for the company. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of ocean borne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S. CSS India operates from 12 cities in India which includes 5 gateway ports of the country.

CSS Middle East Budget Review Meet

CSS Middle East delegates met at Devas Farm House, Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppy on the 09th and 10th of August for the half yearly review meeting. Sales figures achieved were analysed and new possibilities were discussed during the two day session. The meeting was attended by T S Kaladharan (Chairman), Anil Kumar (Director- Finance), Raj George (Senior VP- Ocean freight), Ahmed Al Rais (Senior VP- Air freight), Rakesh Menon (Senior General Manager- Sales & Marketing), Siby Kurian (Dy. General Manager- Sales & Marketing), Sreenath V (General Manager- Projects, Oil & Energy), Narayan R.T (General Manager- CSS Bahrain), Suku Sudhakaran (Asst General Manager- CSS Abu Dhabi), Radhakrishnan ‘Babu’ (Senior Manager- Air freight) Qais Abdulla (Branch Manager- CSS Logistics), Amith Horra (Marketing Manager) & Unnikrishnan G (Head- Corporate Communications)