Newer boulevards and Novel strategies

Seeking to strike a right balance between challenges and opportunities, the annual budget meeting of CSS India was held at Taj Bengal, Kolkata early in the month of April. Station heads and key decision makers from all over the Indian offices attended the meeting which was chaired by the Chairman, CSS group, T S Kaladharan.

In his welcome address, CSS North India Vice president Rajesh Arora re-iterated the need for close coordination amongst all branches for the attainment of a more focused approach so as to take the company to ever more heights. For the first time CSS team from Ludhiana and Kolkata had their presentations in the Annual Budget Meet. Ludhiana was represented by Meena Sharma, Branch Manager. CSS Kolkata being the host station was represented by Pijush Saha and Anirban Saha.

Rahat Talreja, Vice President CSS Central India during his presentation mentioned about the post GST scenario and the tactics to learn more from the challenges for enhancing growth. A session on the group software and its benefits was led by the CSS Group COO, NVOCC, Chandrakala (CK). She elaborated on the benefits of increasing the usage of ERP applications and bringing all offices under one umbrella of CRM, so as to better service the clients.

A session on “Effective ways of resource mana- gement” was taken by Ajay Krishnan, COO, Freight forwarding CSS Group, wherein he stated that the one reason why companies end up compromising their profits is due to the inefficient use of resources in hand. Throughout the presentation Ajay introduced tips on effective utilization of resources and mentioned that those tips if implemented properly will go a long way in assisting CSS in revolutionizing their resource management and utilization.

CSS South India was led by T K Vishwanath, General Manager. Budget figures and analysis of each of the CSS India offices were presented by the respective managers with a key focus on their projections and strategies. Other attendees included, Rajeev Kumar, Prasun Roy and Nishu Jain from CSS Delhi, Sandeep Anthur and Thainis Raj from CSS Chennai Sudeep and Jinu from CSS Corporate office.

CSS Group Chairman, T S Kaladharan in his closing remarks, congratulated CSS India team for successfully and profitably concluding the financial year. He also mentioned about his dreams and aspiration about the group company and while assuring support to the various suggestions put forward by the delegates, also stressed upon investing for a better tomorrow through clever delegation and planning.

BOOMING LOGISTICS BUSINESS IN INDIA

DESPITE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEFICIENCIES CSS PERFORMS WELL IN NORTH INDIA

CONSOLE SHIPPING SERVICES INDIA PVT. LTD. HAS SEEN A STEADY GROWTH IN THE YEAR 2017. LIGHTHOUSE SPOKE TO THE CSS TEAM IN DELHI, THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE COUNTRY TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR GROWTH PLANS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES.

The logistics industry is evolving rapidly in India. This is as a result of the combined forces from the infrastructure, technology and innovate approaches from the service providers. India has been widely acclaimed as an investor friendly country as well. But the economic growth has slightly reduced its pace in the post GST scenario.

The lack of liquidity in the market has badly affected the situation. As per Rajesh Arora, Vice President, CSS North India, the outstanding collection has become a nightmare due to the lack of liquid funds. The GST return which has to come from the government has not been materialised yet. The exporters are holding orders as they have to part with 28% as GST and that too for more than 6 months.

Lack of infrastructure is another major stumbling block on the path of development. Emphasis should be laid on building world-class road networks, integrated rail corridors, modern cargo facilities at airports. Logistics parks should be set up and accorded a status equivalent to Special Economic Zones.

“The warehousing facilities, for instance is too insufficient in this part of the country. Delhi market depends mainly on three terminals the IGI Airport, Inland Container Depot, Tughlakabad & Container Freight station, Patpargunj. All three terminals are over booked and not at all properly equipped to cater the entire Delhi & NCR business” Commented Rajesh.

It is estimated that the industry will continue to grow at a robust rate of 10-15 per cent annually. Hence more attention needs to be given for the overall growth and development. Lack of transport integration is another challenge in the region. Delhi CFS has a minimum stopping time of a month for rail movement from Ports. Due to lack of proper service and infrastructure problem 30% of ICD cargo went to SEA ports severely affecting EXIM trade.

Even though problems were numerous, CSS Delhi performed well in the last quarter and the new office in Ludhiana is doing extremely good. CSS India management hopefully wait to hear the government intervention in improving the ailing infrastructure which will bring a greater impact on the growing logistics industry. It is indeed necessary to realise that training facilities too should be improved so as to mould a competent down the line to take the business to greater heights, Rajesh mentions.

Emphasis on research and development is potent because it encourages the use of indigenous technology, which can make the industry cost-effective and can also bring about improvement in services.

IATA FOR CSS INDIA

CONSOLE SHIPPING SERVICES INDIA PVT. LTD HAS BEEN RECOGNISED WITH IATA CERTIFICATION.

Governed by the Cargo agency conference, IATA cargo agency programme affords benefits to both airlines and agents. It provides agency with industry recognition of their financial and professional cometence while airlines gain access to a global distribution network of approved agents to sell their products. As an IATA agent they get access to Cargo account settlement system(CASS) at no cost as well. CSS India today operates from 11 offices offering a wide range of services in the shipping and logistics industry.

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd

CSS India inaugurates its new regional headquarters recently. The office is situated in one the fastest growing cities in India, which is Kochi. CSS India had its Kochi operations from Wellington Island for the last many years. The new office is situated in the heart of the city close to the prestigious Lulu Mall in Edappally. The regional headquarters will serve its facilities for the India Finance department and the South India sales force.
The office was inaugurated by T S Kaladharan, Chairman, CSS Group. The function was attended by Sudharshan Vice President, South India and Pijush Saha, Branch Manager for CSS Kolkata. The ceremony was attended by other senior officials from the CSS India offices as well. “I feel that it is an opportune time to have a centrally located office in Kochi as plans are in place to strengthen the sales force in Kochi and nearby cities in the peninsular region. Also finance will be centralised in the new office which will give an edge to the operational team of CSS India” Commented Kala on the occasion.
Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Regional Head Quarters
Rainbow, Near Mylalath Temple
NH Byepass, Edappally, Kochi 682024
Tel : +91 484 485 4401
Fax : +91 484 485 4402
Email : mailcochin@cssindiagroup.com

Unparalleled Service Guaranteed

CSS Group has made remarkable progress in the Indian Sub-continent last year with a well reputed brand identity. Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. is today one of the front runners and a respectable brand within Shipping and Logistics. CSS India operates as three major regions namely Northern, Central and Southern regions which control major cities and gateway ports in their respective domains. Delhi being the centre at North India is progressing under Rajesh Arora, Vice President North India. CSS North Indian operations are evenly spread out with deep roots of business in-lanes created through Punjab, Haryana and other manufacturing centres of the Northern Region. “The demand for Logistics services has been largely driven by the remarkable growth of the Indian economy. The growth cannot be judged with any short term situation, but it is totally dependent on the infrastructural development and the policies adopted by the government. CSS India has got aspirations in gaining greater momentum in the region” Commented Rajesh Arora.

Mumbai takes control of the Central Indian sector which is led by Rahat Talreja, Vice President Central India. CSS has seen a steady growth in its central Indian operations over the past years. The remarkable progress in the export segment and projects has attracted major brands to CSS. Currently the annual logistics cost of the world is estimated at about USD3.5 trillion. India spends around 14.4% of its GDP on logistics and transportation as compared to less than 8% by the other developing countries. Indian freight transport market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.35% by 2020 driven by the growth in the manufacturing, retail, FMCG and e-commerce sectors. “CSS India will see a commendable growth in the year 2017-18. We are mainly focussing on relationship marketing which is by far the most important thing required. The overall prospects for the logistics segment in the country are promising as well” mentioned Rahat.

Economic reforms, trade cooperation, improved transportation infrastructure, and industrial growth is ushering in increasing opportunities for the logistics service providers (LSPs) in India. Presently, the Indian logistics industry is witnessing development and expansion of its existing infrastructure, emergence of e-commerce specific logistics solutions, has a strong focus on manufacturing, but also has a large presence of unorganized service providers.

Console Shipping Services towards the Southern region is headquartered in Chennai under the able leadership of Sudarshan who is the Vice President and T K Vishwanath General Manager. South has recently witnessed some commendable achievements in the field of Projects Movement, especially Machinery. “It is a welcome initiative from the Government of India to create freight corridors and Logistics Park in the National Highways. Southern region, where the infrastructural developments are by far the best compared to the other parts of the country, will greatly benefit from this new development” commented Sudarshan.

Console Shipping Services commenced its services in the year 2004 from Tirupur, Tuticorin and Coimbatore which got further expanded in the year 2007. Today, Console shipping services India, with its strategic positioning at all the gateway ports of the country, is capable of handling all types of logistics movement both Imports and exports from any remotest part of the country.

Mission Accomplished

CSS IT has migrated it’s ERP from I-Pack to FINS

CSS Group IT department has confirmed the upgradation procedure of their software has been completed. In a recent statement released by the CSS IT Dept., the new version namely FINS will have an array of innovative features and facilities, than its predecessor I-Pack. The final migration happened on the first week of July 2016, whereby all users of FINS will benefit with the modified system.

The company has been using the software, which was developed in-house by their IT professionals some years back. Since then the system has been put on test for constant upgrades and incorporating novel features.  FINS will be used by all CSS offices in the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent.

FINS takes pride in having novel features like browser compatibility, all format report generation, personalised screen colours and enhanced speed along with some other new features like calculator, improved memory management system and user friendly forms.  FINS has the ability to offer you a one-stop-solution across many business related applications, such as Human Resources, Payroll, Finance & Fixed Assets, Construction, Warehousing & Distribution, and General Freight Forwarding.

The system has the capacity for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), the transfer of data between different companies using networks, such as the Internet. EDI becomes increasingly important as an easy mechanism for companies to carry out their core businesses. FINS, deployed on a web server, has the advantage in offering integrated services, capturing all transactions in a single module, for any company involved.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars


As part of a CSS – CSR initiative, new bags and umbrellas were distributed amongst pre-primary and primary school children at Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppey Dist. Kerala. Three schools which are running under the Government of Kerala aid were benefitted by this regular CSR programme of school aid distribution by CSS under the guidance of T S Kaladharan, Group Chairman. The schools were Govt. LP School Valiyaparambu, Govt. LP School Thrikkunnappuzha & Govt. LP School Panoor.
New bags and umbrellas brought beaming smiles on more than 600 little faces. The programme commenced with local authority members from the Panchayat wards welcoming the gathering.  All the children, their parents and the school authorities were present for the occasion.  On another occasion the school park and play area which was also donated by T S Kaladharan to Govt. LP school Thrikkunnappuzha was inaugurated the previous day by the Hon. Home minister of Kerala, Ramesh Chennithala. People’s representatives and the school authorities thanked CSS and Kala for this noble activity. G Unnikrishnan, Head-Corporate communications, CSS Group and Hareendran, Manager, Devas Farm house were present on behalf of CSS for the programme.

Operinter Visits CSS India

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

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

Hills and Houseboats Revive Kerala’s Tourism

Tourism is not new to Kerala, thanks to the state’s booming economy, world-class infrastructure, warm hospitality, cultural heritage and breath-taking natural beauty. Renowned international hotel chains have set up facilities here, offering top-of-the-world services at relatively inexpensive rates. Humongous banquet halls, multipurpose halls, convention centers and a series of entertainment clubs are available under one roof at Kerala’s top-rated hotels and luxury resorts.

As per the latest statistics, backwater cruise and mountain trekking are the most popular activities a regular tourist looks forward to while holidaying in Kerala. Panoramic sights worth a thousand photographs, is what allures travelers to the breath-taking backwaters and misty hills found only in India’s greenest destination – Kerala.

Kumarakom, Alappuzha (Alleppey), Cochin (Kochi), Kottayam and Kollam are the main backwater destinations for any tourist looking for a house boat cruise in Kerala.  Kerala’s tranquilizing charm is best enjoyed from aboard a fully-furnished “Kettuvallam” (houseboat). It is not an uncommon sight to see a Kettuvallom glide across the vast expanse of serene backwaters, taking care not to disturb the sanctity of the path with as much as a ripple. What’s more enchanting is spending a full day or two inside a fully-furnished, air-conditioned houseboat. These kettuvallams are made in the traditional Kerala style architecture and journeying aboard one will guarantee a memorable experience worth cherishing. A cozy, intimate ambiance is created inside the houseboat with flamboyant sunsets and whispering lake music waiting to be explored outside. Couples can cruise in comfort, grace and style as the houseboat glides past the main attractions around Alleppey, Kuttanad and Kumarakom. A tantalizing platter of local beverages and gourmet Kerala meal will be freshly prepared on board by a specially-assigned culinary expert and served piping hot. Stopovers can also be arranged at the local villages to enjoy a friendly chat with the local community and taste the authentic local cuisine at their humble abode.

For those who are looking for the ultimate hill-station indulgence, Vagamon and Ponmudi offers more than just a holiday. While the first promises an exhilarating experience amidst deep valleys and magnificent hues, the latter abounds in natural beauty, refreshingly cool climate, rich tropical vegetation and mountain streams. Ponmudi is one of the best locations for trekking, hiking and exotic wildlife safari. Golden Valley, Kallar river, Agasthyarkoodam and the mesmerizing tea gardens are among the other wonders this heavenly place has to offer. Talking of tea gardens, nothing beats the gorgeous plantations one gets to see at Munnar. Enveloped by dense jungles and gorgeous blue-mountain peaks, the mere mention of Munnar is enough to make one’s soul dance in ecstasy.

Of late, the supremacy of Kerala in the MICE market is also being explored due to the distinctly different conference possibilities the land is able to offer at a single destination point. A board meeting on a houseboat, product launch atop the highest hill or convention amidst exotic fauna can be easily conjured up in Kerala, by blending the purpose of a meeting with the requirements of the participants. With the Commonwealth Games in the horizon, Kerala will be playing the perfect hostess for several large-scale business tours from all over the world.

Devas Holidays and Travel Services India (P) Ltd is one of the fastest growing and trusted tour operators in India. The company offers a bouquet of experiential tour packages covering exotic destinations, beaches, backwaters, wildlife, monuments, hill stations, houseboats, ayurveda and so forth that suit every budget. Backed by an excellent team of tour planners and organizers, Devas Holidays offers holidays that are memorable and hassle-free. Right from air-ticket reservation, transportation and vehicle bookings to the choice of accommodation and fascinating itineraries, Devas ensures a comfortable travel experience without compromising on quality.

Call +91 484 4131000 to book holidays with Devas Holidays.

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 India started functioning from Pune

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. has started operations from its new office in Pune. This is CSS India’s 11th office. Pune is one of the premier industrial centers of India. It is home to one of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers. Apart from the auto giants, a large number of engineering, electronic and electrical industries have set up base in the large, medium and small scale sectors of this city. The industrial township of Pimpri Chinchwad, adjacent to the main city, is dotted with over 4,000 manufacturing units. This vast and well established industrial base has imbibed the city with a ‘professional’ ethos and work culture. Atlas Copco, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Allianz, Bajaj Tempo, Cummins India, Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals, Kirloskar Oil Engines, Kinetic Engineering, Mercedes Benz India, SKF Bearings, Sandvik Asia, Tetrapak India, Thermax, Zensar and various other corporate giants are having its headquarters in Pune. The presence with an own office and dedicated manpower here will definitely be advantageous for CSS India in many ways. We wish all success for the CSS India team at Pune.

CSS India becomes a FIATA member

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. has become a FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association) Member.

FIATA, a non-governmental organisation, represents today an industry covering approximately 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms, also known as the “Architects of Transport”, employing around 8 – 10 million people in 150 countries. FIATA has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (inter alia ECE, ESCAP, ESCWA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). It is recognised as representing the freight forwarding industry by many other governmental organisations, governmental authorities and private international organisations in the field of transport.

Console Shipping Services started its Indian operations from Tirupur in the year 2004 expanded its operations, with in a short period of time to become one of the strongest of its kind in India with centrally located offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Bangalore & Coimbatore with a staff strength of more than 150 professionals. FIATA is the largest non-governmental organisation in the field of transportation. Its influence is worldwide.