CSS Group Sets Sail At The Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show

Following on from the success of the 2010 Inaugural Dubai Pre-owned Boat Show, the 2011 event will be held at the Dubai Creek Marina from the 17th to 19th November 2011.

CSS Group, the appointed agent for Peters and May in the Middle East, one of the leading service providers for Yacht and Marine Logistics will mark its first appearance in the upcoming Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show 2011. Please visit us at booth S1.

For more details log on to www.cssgroupsite.com

New Roads For Logistics

DELHI


Delhi and the national capital region together contribute to huge export and import cargo for both sea and air. This attracts most of the major shipping lines, forwarders, NVOCC and custom agents to have their   corporate and Head offices in Delhi.  The market being of various commodities like electronics textiles, handicraft, automobiles, manufactured majorly by Samsung, LG, Moser Baer, Maruti, Honda Cars, the logistics and infrastructure have the huge potential to grow multifold.


Containerized cargo comprises of total 52000 TEUs, from Delhi and vicinity, with all the major ICDs having a share of their respective volumes. Earlier the cargo was primarily handled by ICD TKD and CFS PPG, but with the revolutionary growth of the Exim volumes this gave rise to the private players operating ICD and CFS in the vicinity.  Before 2003 there was one private CFS in Faridabad. Presently it has grown multifold with ICD operators such as ICD LONI; ICD DADRI; ICD GDL; ICD PATLI.  This indicates the growth of Exim cargo. Other projects which are coming up in Bhiwadi and Rewari, will also add to the Exim growth in the region.


Another important feature in the development of growth in logistics is the public private partnership, by which the Indian railways invited private players to operate containerized trains.  Prior to 2007 the only train operator was Concor. Now there are 15 companies in total, providing healthy and stiff competition and resulting in ending the monopoly of concor.  These additional players indirectly or directly benefit the trade in terms of services rendered and cost reduction. In addition to this, within next year, there will be a dedicated freight corridor from Delhi to Mumbai, which will be advantageous for speedy movement and double stacking of trains.  This will further enhance productivity, cost reduction, and speedy movement of cargo.


Apart from the growth in Exim throughput, infrastructure and private rail operators, there are still challenges being faced by the trade fraternity from the government, be it the charges levied by Indian railways, or the ban imposed by DGFT. These require a good amount of improvement. As compared to the global segment, our logistics cost is still the highest by 25%.  More transparency in decision making is required by the government bodies to further strengthen the trade.


In a very short span of time, the India operations of Console Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd, has grown by leaps and bounds. Console Shipping Services, Delhi comprising a team of about 30 qualified professionals have put in their hard work in making CSS Delhi   a known service provider among the trade with expertise in consolidation and FCL Movement both inbound and outbound under the leadership and vision of Nitin Bajpayee (General Manager-Export); Rajesh Arora (General Manager-Import) and a highly motivated team having excellent relations with the lines, and government bodies. CSS Delhi,   with this combination of experts and experienced team, will achieve success in becoming one of the most preferred service providers in North India.

Heavy Equipment Logistics

CSS GROUP LEADERSHIP ALIGNMENT TO MEET GLOBAL MARKET NEEDS FOR SHIPPING NEW AND USED PLANT AND EQUIPMENTS WORLDWIDE

CSS Group is realigning its market development and customer support leadership role in a niche sector to enable an increased focus on the unique market segment in which we now serve.

Rahul Mathew, has been appointed as Key Account Manager to support the sales, market development and customer support departments in Dubai, UAE assuming responsibility of the Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates. He has held management positions in the global shipping business in various geographic regions in India.

Nandakumar, has been appointed as back up support and coordinator assisting – sales, market development and customer support, for regional as well as international clients assuming responsibility for insuring all inquiries are handled in a timely and professional manner.

“The global shipping of new and used plant and equipment is expanding geographically and in complexity,” according to the VP Business Development and head of the Heavy Equipment Logistics division, Ken Dinnadge.

The CSS Group’s ‘reaching out program’ philosophy in this sector is to ensure every customer receives the highest standard of service, and this has enabled us to lead the way in different sectors serving various markets around the world. This new structure will now allow CSS to better implement market appropriate strategies globally that are in varying stages of development in the shipping of new and used plant and equipment. CSS has always demonstrated its ability to successfully develop strong customer relationships and drive strategic initiatives forward, resulting in innovative services and solutions.

Completing 4 Years Of Trust CSS Mumbai

Console Shipping Services India Pvt Ltd, an Indian establishment and amongst the leading NVOCC in its market today, saw its 4th year of operations being successfully completed on the 26th of June 2011 in Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country and home to the largest port in India.

It has been a glorious journey overcoming challenges, pressures and establishing itself in the most stylish and professional way in the tough Mumbai market. “Persistence pays off well is what I believe”, says Jairam K R, Director, CSS India and Mumbai’s success is a clear cut example of this saying.
Setting up an expert team and streamlining the services were the strongest challenges they faced over the most volatile period ever seen in the logistics trade and thanks to the young and dynamic management team who laid the foundation and became the pillars of growth for the organization.

According to Jairam, the steadfast growth was made possible only because of the whole hearted support from the agents, clients and well wishers. “They have always shown trust in us and they believed in our professionalism. The company has seen its employee and business graph make waves, as is common in our industry, but we have been focused enough to achieve our organization goals”, he adds. CSS Mumbai has always stayed close to the local market and the suppliers. This was a key factor in strategizing the winning plans during the tough time.

Today CSS Mumbai have export consolidation services to over 20 destinations across the globe including Far East, Europe, Middle East, Indian Sub Continent and Africa. The strong IT systems they have heavily invested in have added value to the quality of service they offer to their clients

CSS Mumbai is giving thrust to the high potential European market where they have established inbound services from Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe, Le Havre and other eastern European cities. The agents are professionals and are committed to long term business in their outlook. The team CSS Mumbai has been successful in creating a worldwide network by participating in some of the major trade shows and travelling extensively.

Projects management is another key area where CSS Mumbai team are concentrating at. They have rendered their services to renowned companies through their exceptional skill in handling over dimensional and break bulk cargo.  According to the management, the growth of projects cargo movement in India will touch new heights in the next few years and CSS Mumbai foresees a boom in this area of business because of its recent successes and professional approach.

Today with a list of credits to its hand, CSS Mumbai has widened its horizon providing a list of services ranging from LCL, FCL, Air, Logistics and Projects management. Its certifications with the MTO, FIATA and FMC are basic documentation infrastructure required by any professional company in the business

As Jairam sums it up, “The prime focus for CSS Mumbai would be to reach on top of the table and become the preferred partner for the professional companies in this market. We invest in training our employees, updating our systems, being professional in choosing our business associates who share the same thinking platform – and this goes a long way in creating the brand that we stand for today.”

The Preferred Partner

IronPlanet have recently expanded its global reach into the Middle East and Subcontinent region and have appointed the CSS Group as their preferred freight and logistics partner in order to provide door-to-door freight and logistic solutions no matter the size or location for cargoes purchased on line.

IronPlanet via CSS also provides complete documentation services, which enables seller and buyers complete security when handling transactions online.

“We are delighted to be appointed the preferred freight and logistic solutions partner in the Middle East and Subcontinent region for IronPlanet as our local knowledge with global expertise will enhance this fruitful business relationship,” adds T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group.“With our reliable network of partners worldwide andour well-trained and seasoned professionals we are able to cater to a niche market in the Middle East and Subcontinent region for used construction and agricultural equipment and look forward to continually build on our business relationship with IronPlanet worldwide,” says T.S. Kaladharan.

About IronPlanet

IronPlanet is the world’s leading online auction companies for used construction and agricultural equipment. Their sellers achieve more profitable sales through low transaction costs and better price realizations through a global audience of buyers. Their guaranteed inspection reports and exclusive IronClad Assurance enable buyers to bid with a high degree of confidence. IronPlanet is backed by Accel Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Caterpillar, Komatsu and Volvo.

GREGORY J. OWENS – IRONPLANET

Chairman and CEO

Greg is Chairman and CEO of IronPlanet, responsible for development, refinement and execution of the company’s overall business strategy and tactics. Prior to joining IronPlanet, Greg served as Managing Director at Red Zone Capital, a Washington, D.C. private equity firm focused on strong revenue growth opportunities. Prior to that time, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Manugistics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MANU), where he doubled annual revenues to over $300 million for the supply chain management software company. Before that, he served as Global Managing Partner Supply Chain Management at Accenture (NYSE:ACN) where he was a founding member of their supply chain group. Greg also serves, or has served, on several outside boards including Serena Software, Inc., S1 Corporation and SecureWorks, Inc. Greg brings to IronPlanet many years of experience and proven results in revenue growth and supply chain business management.

Greg holds a B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and serves on the President’s Advisory Board as well as the College of Management Board.

IronPlanet auctioned more than 3,000 items in June 2011

IronPlanet® (www.ironplanet.com), a leading online marketplace for used heavy equipment, has sold thousands of construction and agricultural equipment as well as cars, trucks and powersports items in its June online auctions.

The June auctions featured equipment from many different sellers located around the world including financial institutions, OEM dealers, independent distributors, rental companies and contractors. IronPlanet’s June auction calendar includes:

June 1 – IronPlanet Motors (Autos and Powersports): ?The auction featured more than 100 items from across the U.S. including cars, golf carts, motorcycles, RVs, trucks and more from manufacturers such as GMC, Harley-Davidson, Jeep, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and others.

June 2 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment: ?More than 550 items across the U.S. were for sale including aerial work platforms, compactors, excavators, forklifts, on-road trucks, skid-steers, trailers and more.

June 8 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment in Europe: ?The auction featured more than 140 items located across Europe including aerial work platforms, compressors, dumpers, excavators, forklifts, generators, telehandlers and other types of equipment.

June 9 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment: ?This auction will included more than 800 items from sellers located in the U.S. such as asphalt equipment, conveyors, compactors, crawler tractors, crushers, excavators, off-road trucks, screens, skid-steers, wheel loaders and more.

June 15 – IronPlanet Motors (Autos and Powersports): ?The auction featured more than 80 items located in Florida, Georgia and Utah and includes cars, golf carts, motorcycles, RVs and trucks.

June 16 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment: ? More than 500 items from sellers across the U.S. were up for auction.  Backhoe loaders, compactors, excavators, forklifts, generators, trucks, wheel loaders and more will be part of the auction.

June 22 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment in Europe and the Middle East: ?The auction featured more than 250 items from across Europe and the Middle East including boom trucks, excavators, forklifts, farm tractors, off-road trucks and more.

June 23 – World Crane Auction?Cranes from around the world were on sale including all terrains, crawlers, rough terrains, truck mounted and tower cranes.

June 23 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment: ?More than 350 items were on sale from sellers across the U.S. Featured items include aerial work platforms, backhoes, compactors, dozers, excavators, forklifts, on-road trucks, scrapers and skid-steers.

June 30 – Agricultural and Construction Equipment: ?This auction highlighted hundreds of items from sellers located in the U.S. such as concrete equipment, excavators, loaders, skid-steers, tools, trucks, water related equipment and more.

IronPlanet offers its Priority Bid service allowing users to place bids in advance of the auction.  On auction day, all items will be sold online to the highest bidder.  Buyers can attend the auctions from the comfort of their office or home, saving unnecessary travel expenses to view the items or visit the auction site.

IronPlanet conducts inspection reports on the items sold in its online auctions.  The reports include visual inspections of the exterior and interior conditions, operating systems, working components and fluid and oil samples.  The reports are backed by IronPlanet’s IronClad Assurance guaranteeing the inspection reports are accurate descriptions of the equipment’s condition.  The inspection reports and the IronClad Assurance equip buyers with the information they need to bid with confidence on the items they want.

GPLN Annual Meeting Global Conference

The Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) recently held at the 2011 Global Conference at the Hilton Munich Park Hotel in Munich, Germany, from May 3rd – 5th. 136 project cargo experts and independent project logistics specialist companies from all around the world, all of whom have an expert focus on project logistics attended the global conference.This global meeting allowed face-to-face contact with various GPLN partners. Members were able to efficiently build professional relationships in the most lasting and cost effective manner.

The GPLN Munich meeting was the largest ever, up 68% from the 2010 meeting in Rio de Janeiro (93 attendees), which was GPLN’s previous attendance record.

“This meeting in Munich gives us a high bar to aim for in 2012,” said Gary Dale Cearley, Executive Director of GPLN, “But actually, the reason for the growth is not a secret. It is the quality of the members we have. We plan to keep to our membership standards high so I expect to attract even more high quality project logistics professionals to next year’s meeting.”

The CSS delegation attending the global conference were, Sreenath V-General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy, Suku Sudhakaran, AGM, CSS Abu Dhabi, and Chandrakala (CK) Management Trainee CSS. “The global conference was an excellent platform to network with all of our associates across the Projects, Oil & Energy fraternity worldwide. We were able to meet and discuss various trends within the industry and share ideas with each other that will promote mutual growth respectively. A special thanks to the GPLN team for organizing such a wonderful global conference,” added Sreenath V.

Projects At A Glance Cabling Project

As part of the cabling project, CSS Projects, Oil & Energy was appointed as the logistics provider to transport the shunt reactors as well as cable drums to the site location, which is one of the new generation residential hubs in the heart of Dubai. The 50-ton shunt reactors were transported on hydraulic multi axle trailers to the site and were installed onto the foundation by jacking & skidding methods. In addition to this, 272 cable drums were also transported and offloaded at the facility. The CSS Projects, Oil & Energy team were at the prime location and supervised the entire operation and represents yet another milestone for the team.

CSS Shake Hands with Peters & May

CSS enters into a strategic alliance with Peters& May, the global yatch transporting company, providing total logistics support for the latter in the Middle East region. Consolidated Shipping Services’ strategic positioning in the Jebel Ali Freezone and the advantage of Global presence, kindles a smooth completion for all project activities, both companies undertake.

“It has always been our goal to select partners that are well-placed and capable of meeting the requirements of our worldwide customers. We recognize Consolidated Shipping Services proven ability to deliver service to the highest caliber because of its set-up of offices in key locations, strong contacts and access to local officials and customs clearance for quick and efficient support. Due to the increased volume of business being carried out by our local Dubai office, we have found it necessary to appoint an agent with an existing network of offices in the region, which will support the growth that we are anticipating in the region,” said Gerald Price, Managing Director of Peters & May about the partnership.

T S Kaladharan, Chairman, Consolidated Shipping Services states, “With the growth in the number of waterfront developments being completed in the UAE we too recognized the need to partner with a firm that has received global recognition in boat transportation. In addition, we both share the same unmatched professionalism that has made us recognized leaders in our specialized fields.”

Peters & May has over 30 years experience in the provision of marine logistics and offers global boat transportation and freight forwarding via air, road, rail and sea from a global boat transportation and freight forwarding via air, road, rail, and sea from a global network of offices and exclusive agencies. The company ships 8000 vessels through more than 150 ports in over 60 countries and is the preferred shipper for many of the world’s leading boat builders, including Correct Craft Inc, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Viking Yacht Company.

GPLN Global Meeting

Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) will be conducting its 8th Global Meeting at the Hilton Munich Park Hotel in Munich, Germany, from May 03 – 05, 2011. 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 face-to-face contact with GPLN partners whereby they will be able to efficiently build professional relationships in the most lasting and cost effective manner. Sreenath Vishwanath and Chandrakala from the CSS Projects, Oil and Energy division along with Suku Sudhakaran from CSS Abu Dhabi will be attending the meeting representing CSS Group. For more details about GPLN, please visit www.gpln.net

CSS Extends ITS Logistics Capabilities

With diverse interests in logistics and freight forwarding within the UAE, the CSS Group continues to expand and add to its capabilities. The company has recently, for example, entered into an alliance with Southampton based Peters & May to provide specialised services in yacht and marine logistics.

The joint initiative is already proving to be mutually beneficial, and earlier this year CSS was tasked with coordinating the door-to-door delivery of a luxury Technomar Nadarda 24 yacht from Genoa to Jebel Ali. CSS handled export clearance, supervision of loading, the provision of a cradle for the yacht and delivery into Dubai.

In January 2011 alone, CSS and Peters & May handled the shipment and clearance of more than 12 yachts and boats in Dubai. ‘We are looking forward to an exponential increase in the volume of business, due to the boat shows in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi,’ says Ken Dinnadge, newly appointed Vice President, Business Development. ‘We expect to be the preferred logistics supplier to many manufacturers and race teams.’

CSS is also looking to develop, together with its network partners across the world, a global ships spare parts service, and is further planning to offer regional heavy lift transport services.’This is an initiative we are planning to start in the near future in Abu Dhabi, taking into consideration the huge developments taking place in that part of the UAE,’ adds Dinnadge.

One particular area of focus for CSS over the coming year will be the provision of global shipping and logistics services for new and used construction machinery and equipment. As a recent example of its capabilities in this sector CSS was recently appointed to secure a suitable vessel to load and ship a large consignment of Caterpillar dump truck machines from Mumbai to Jebel Ali on behalf of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.

Since being established as a ‘one man band’ by Chairman T. S. Kaladharan in 1995, CSS has grown to become a diverse logistics business employing around 750 people worldwide. The group is ranked as one of the leading NVOCCs in the UAE, and the import and export of LCL and FCL containers is still at the heart of the CSS business. In 2010, CSS handled around 16,000teu of import containers and over 8,000teu of export container loads through its Jebel Ali facility, representing a significant increase over 2009 levels.

‘Being an independent service provider means we can source the best route, through the best carrier, for the best price,’ says Dinnadge. ‘But, while we are independent, we also benefit from having a global network through relationships with other companies in different parts of the world.’

Yacht & Marine logistics

Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C, work hand in hand in Middle East with Peters & May, leaders of Yacht & Marine Logistics. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Southampton, UK, Peters & May has over 30 years experience in the provision of marine logistics and offers global boat transportation and freight forwarding via air, road, rail and sea from a global network of offices and exclusive agencies. The company ships 8000 vessels through more than 150 ports in over 60 countries and is the preferred shipper for many of the world’s leading boat builders, including Correct Craft Inc, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Viking Yacht Company.

Creating New Ideas And Initiatives

Business Development is among the foremost concerns of any organization; it typically involves nurturing a business and its elements through change. As change is constant, Business Development expertise is required to adapt to the changing market scenarios, expand existing business and its mode of operations or venture in an untapped market.

Rakesh Menon, Senior General Manager – Business Development has recently taken over operations at CSS Logistics as Senior General Manager. Affirmative to take the business forward, Rakesh says, he has always been upbeat about creating new ideas and initiatives by adopting a team approach in pursuing common organizational goals. He sternly believes that Business Development is an on-going process and an organization aiming to withstand competitors never stops engaging in business development.

For any business to grow there is a continuous need to formulate strategies based on business performance and goals, and to achieve the desired goals a proper planning process is required. Planning mainly involves market intelligence and making use of the readily available resource to seize every given opportunity. Moving further, once the plan is in place an organization needs to ensure the managed implementation of the plan and be flexible to incorporate changes in the process.

Furthermore, Rakesh explains business development techniques and strategies as quintessential when it comes to attracting new customers and penetrating existing markets. Particularly to generate sales, business development expertise may focus on developing strategic-channel relationships with clients and partners to foster mutual trust and growth.

“As a Senior General Manager, much of my attention is devoted to developing and utilizing the business opportunities that are presented to me and my company”, says Rakesh. Rakesh believes in guiding a business through tasks by giving advice and acting as a mentor to provide direction. He adds that CSS is always on a look out for people who can create new concepts, people who can acquire new concepts and take them forward by good management. Market challenges always count on Business Development strategies to outgrow the monotonous and routine jobs and reach new heights by proper planning and efficient execution of the strategic plans along with effective management and financial plans, concludes Rakesh.

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.