Globalia’s spring newsletter for 2022 is now available for reading and downloading from the Newsletter section of the Globalia’s website
Globalia Logistics Network’s first quarterly newsletter for 2022 is now out. Members can view and download the newsletter from Globalia’s website. The newsletter is well stocked with the latest news and interview from the members as well as breaking news and interesting reports from the logistics industry. Additionally, it also features all the important news and updates from the network.
1st edition of Globalia’s quarterly newsletter
Inside the newsletter, you will be reading a detailed feature on the new online logistics courses exclusively offered to Globalia members. Moreover, you will get to read all the latest news from your network partners in Ho Chi Minh, Tangier, Tema/Accra, Munich and Bristol. There is also an engaging interview with the MD of Globalia Sydney- one of Globalia’s founding members. In this interview, he talks about his experiences at Globalia and the factors that encouraged him to remain a member for the last 5 years.
We have included a special interview with Manuel Cardona, Globalia’s IT Manager and FreightViewer Developer. In this interview, he talks about the origins of this platform, what motivated the GLB team to develop and improve it, and its future potentials. There is also a news about the online certificate of membership that members can henceforth download and print.
Our sector news in focus is about the new logistics tools from Google and its uses. Additionally, you can also glance through some of the news headlines from the supply chain sector. Lastly, we have included a special article about intermodal containers and its utilities.
Do not forget to check out the page on cities needing coverage and make sure to refer your industry peers!
To feature the latest news of your company in our next newsletter, kindly send us an email with a few lines about your recent undertakings.
After a year working together, the alliance between xChange and Globalia Logistics Network has been upgraded. From now on, members will benefit from an exclusive discount which will enable them to save up to 1000 USD per year subscription
XChange provides with a neutral platform for container owners and users to collaborate easily and efficiently. Thus, they allow users to lease, buy and sell containers in 2500+ locations around the globe. Members will also gain a competitive advantage in the container booking “race”.
Globalia Members
Members may use the platform to find new partners and manage end-to-end container logistics operations. This includes services like payment handling, trading buyer protection, container tracking premium and wallet management. Through xChange, members gain greater market transparency, avoid demurrage & detention charges and enhance operational flexibility.
Globalia Members
With a vision to simplify the logistics of global trade, Hamburg based company Container xChange connects industry players and brings them on one simple and efficient infrastructure to help them digitize their container logistic operations. Globalia members will join more than 1000 companies such as Kuehne+Nagel, Seaco, Sogese, Ocean Box, VMR Lines and Sarjak in revolutionizing their container sourcing method.
“We are a united team that helps each other out, communicates frequently, and comes together to solve the problems of our clients.”
This week we are publishing an interview with Dustin Brown, who is the Membership Development Coordinator of Globalia Logistics Network. Dustin’s primary job consists of researching and enlisting the most competent companies for membership in Globalia. His job also entails meticulous research of the background of the members before deciding if they qualify for membership. Prior to becoming a part of Globalia, he worked for 4 years teaching English as a second language. He also spent many years working at the administrative department of a top US university. Through all this, he has developed a talent for international relations and communications.
Dustin Brown- Membership Development Coordinator of Globalia
Q. Tell us a bit about your experience at Globalia?
A. It’s been a few years now that I have been a part of the Globalia team and my experience here has been very satisfying. We have a small close-knit team who works together to help our members and solve any issues they might be facing. Moreover, working at Globalia has taught me a lot about client research, client communication and the job of enlisting new members to extend the coverage of our network.
Q. Tell us about your job. Do you find your everyday tasks interesting?
A. My everyday work is not only interesting, it can also become very demanding at times. My most important task consists of conducting in-depth research about the companies of the membership applicants to determine their trustworthiness. As you know, only the most competent, reliable and financially solvent independent freight forwarders make it to our network. Our strict membership criteria allow us to provide a safe work environment for all our members.
My task also entails connecting with potential members and informing them about how as one of the best freight forwarding networks Globalia can help them with increasing their business volume. I try to ensure that our network keeps expanding to cover all the major cities/ports around the world. Lastly, as the Membership Development Coordinator, I am the first person our members contact before becoming a part of the network.
Q. Which is the most challenging aspect of your work?
A. Conducting the thorough selection process to determine the financial solvency, competence, creditworthiness, business volume, market reputation and competitiveness of the members proves to be a highly demanding task that requires lots of time and effort. The territorial exclusivity that Globalia offers makes it even more important to conduct the selection process meticulously. Additionally, communicating with agents from so many different cultural and linguistic backgrounds is both exciting and challenging at the same time.
Q. What is the most important objective of your team with regard to sales?
A. The most important task of our sales team is to expand the coverage of Globalia Logistics Network. Our motto is to increase our outreach to cover all the important cities/ports in the world. To this end, our PR and Marketing team organizes many promotional campaigns. Moreover, as the Membership Development Coordinator, I reach out to the leading forwarders who have to meet all the requirements to become a part of our network.
I believe in putting myself in my customers’ shoes and easing any pain points they might have. The satisfaction of our agents is our ultimate objective and to this end, I will keep putting in my best effort.
Q. In your opinion, which is one of the less known benefit for Globalia members in terms of sales?
A. One of the less known benefit for members in sales terms is undoubtedly the referral program. The members need to suggest to us the names of trustworthy freight forwarders in cities that are vacant at the moment. If this referred agent makes it into our network, the member will obtain a 25% discount on their membership. They can avail of a maximum of 4 discounts of 25% every year by referring their industry peers. This implies the chance of paying zero membership fee in the next year! Moreover, agents who go for membership in more than one territory are required to pay just 50% of the membership fee for every additional branch.
Q. Globalia turned 5 last year. Is there any new benefit that you are offering this year?
A. That is a good question. In the last 5 years, we have developed a wide-coverage network with reliable freight forwarders, However, we are always looking for new ways to give our members the best benefits and service. That is why, this year we have launched new logistics courses exclusively for our members, in cooperation with CIFFA and Container XChange. The objective of this online e-learning platform is to allow members to upgrade their skills and knowledge base by training their employees.
Q. What do you like most about working at Globalia?
A. The best part about working here is surely the warm, friendly and positive work environment. My seniors allow me to exercise my creativity and allow me to try out new approaches to each aspect of my work. Additionally, my colleagues as well as my seniors are very considerate and encouraging. Even during a large part of the last two years when we were working from home, our team was constantly in touch and we coordinated all our tasks online. Despite finding my work challenging, I thoroughly enjoy it since I love to resolve issues and experiment with new strategies to improve our services. The positive and energetic office ambience further fosters my productivity. Lastly, over the past years, my work relationship with my colleagues has transformed into friendship. We are a united team that helps each other out, communicates frequently, and comes together to solve the problems of our clients.
Q. What are the work ethics that inspire you?
A. Honesty, ingeniousness and the expertise to solve tricky situations and come to the right decisions are a few of the qualities I have picked up during my career. I firmly believe that transparent communication, resourcefulness, and operational integrity can help us reach out to more forwarders and enable our agents to place them successfully in the industry. I believe in putting myself in my customers’ shoes and easing any pain points they might have. The satisfaction of our agents is our ultimate objective and to this end, I will keep putting in my best effort.
The agents will get to access this certification from the Members’ Area of the Globalia website
Globalia Logistics Network is now offering an online certification that the members can download from the website. They have launched this online certificate to digitize their services, offer enhanced accessibility of the network’s intranet and to provide innovative benefits for the network members. To this end, Globalia’s IT team has developed a new section in the intranet from where the agents can access and download the certificate attesting their membership of the network. Moreover, this certificate also includes the date on which the network accepted the agent.
New membership certificate from Globalia
To quote Antonio Torres, CEO and Founder of Globalia Logistics Network, “Only the most reliable, professional, solvent companies with a significant business volume and a good credit history make it to our network. This certificate will confirm the fact that our members are some of the most competent freight forwarders in the market who have passed a rigorous selection process. Additionally, the new online membership certification is a part of our plan for digitizing every aspect of our services for facilitating our members’ work.”
Agents can download and print the soft copy of this document from the Members Area. Moreover, the members just have to access Globalia’s intranet, and click on the “Certificate” tab to find it in the Dashboard.
In the last few years, the freight forwarding industry has witnessed a new phenomenon viz. the rise of digital freight forwarders.The tremendous need for automation and technological innovation culminated in the emergence of this new category of online freight forwarders. But why didn’t this happen earlier? Why were freight forwarders so reluctant to the digital transformation and why are they still bottled up in the old working ways?
Our topic for this week is a little chat with Manuel Cardona, Globalia’s IT Manager and FreightViewer Developer, who has provided us with interesting inputs and anecdotes about the hidden reality behind the freight forwarding industry that he discovered while launching FreightViewer. By taking an in-depth look at this, he has been able to create a truly practical and useful TMS.
Manuel Cardona- Globalia’s IT Manager
The factors that motivated Globalia to create a new TMS
Around 4 years back, Antonio Torres, Globalia’s President, and CEO understood that digitization was no longer an option for freight forwarders- it was a necessity. Companies across all sectors were moving ahead with online platforms and services. Nevertheless, independent freight forwarders were somewhat late in waking up to the call for digitization. This is when Mr. Torres started exploring the possibility of investing in a new software that could enable hundreds of Globalia agents to automate their operations while cutting down costs.
“Soon after we started having long brainstorming sessions during which we started exploring new avenues that would help our agents to finally discard the backdated manual data entry processes. We understood that without a definitive solution, our agents were at the peril of losing out businesses to their multinational competitors,” explains Mr. Cardona. Precisely at this point, Globalia Logistics Network started moving ahead with its digital transformation endeavours.
After a lot of hard work and considerable private investments, Globalia finally started testing the platform in mid-2018. The objective of FreightViewer was to offer a digital infrastructure that enabled the establishment of an automated data transfer of carrier rates and tariffs. For the first time, independent freight forwarders could create instant accurate quotations and have a 24×7 showcase for their freight rates without any investment on their part.
“We were confident enough to dream big and expected it to become a success. Our member-exclusive TMS- FreightViewer came with a remarkable advantage over any other similar platform. Unlike the rest, Globalia is an international network consisting of 191 agents in 129 countries. This allows our agents to have rates from almost every corner of the world,” continues Mr. Cardona.
The launch of FreightViewer and the problems Globalia found out
It was during Globalia’s 2nd Annual Meeting at Kuala Lumpur that FreightViewer was first presented to the agents. It provided a very opportune moment to launch the platform as the meeting witnessed a 60% increase in the attendance of new members.
To quote Mr. Cardona, “This was a very exciting moment for our team as we knew that we were doing something that no other freight forwarding network had done before. Andrea Martin, Globalia’s FreightViewer Coordinator, played a key role in conducting the FreightViewer workshops for the network members.”
“However, it was then when we found out the hidden truth about the difficulties to digitize the freight forwarding industry. Our members were very enthusiastic about this platform, but some showed a distrustful attitude over it. There were lots of doubts about the software, about how they would upload rates, the constantly changing transportation fees, etc. Members also saw that there were a lot of features they needed but the TMS didn’t allow them to have. It goes without saying that this didn’t discourage us to further invest in the platform. On the contrary, it made us realize that not every software in the market would serve the purpose. We had to increase our efforts to create a personalized tool with all the required utilities to make it functional.”
With this in mind, the IT department of Globalia continued working hard. The objective was clear: FreightViewer aimed to allow Globalia members to be at the cutting edge of technology and compete with the stalwarts in the industry by digitizing a very important part of their operations.
The process of enhancing the platform
“We thought that the only way to build a more convenient tool for our members, they had to test it in order to give us their feedback about how to optimize it. In this regard, the efforts of Andrea deserves special appreciation. She spent hours with our agents to get their feedback on how the tool can be made more efficient and practical. Even now she keeps helping the GLB members with any doubts about the use of the software”.
Following Globalia’s 2nd Annual Meeting, the next step involved finding industry leaders to collaborate with. Back in 2019, Globalia teamed up with SHIPCO, one of the world’s leading neutral NVOCC’s. This was a very big step for the network since it allows the members to access LCL rates in over thirty countries right from FreightViewer. In other words, this partnership enabled members to digitize a substantial chunk of their day-to-day paperwork
The next step was to further enhance the platform’s accessibility to encourage the agents to discard the manual quoting process for good. “In the same year, we added a very useful feature to FreightViewer that allowed agents to send and receive quote requests to/from any of their partners including those operating outside the Network. As a result, members were able to store quotations provided by any freight forwarder on a single platform.”
The process of improving the tool did not stop here. Globalia continued forging partnerships with industry leaders like Onus Cargo Services, an insurance broker or BlueX an API developer.
FreightViewer in 2022: a revolutionary freight quotation software
Presently, FreightViewer has come up as an indispensable tool for the members. It is allowing them to instantly generate accurate and professional quotations. Additionally, their clients can go almost through all the logistics processes by themselves through the website for customers, where different quotes can be compared quickly and easily. This TMS is currently helping members to manage rates, create personalized quotations, and even follow up with the customers and customize their website. Most importantly, it is enhancing the customer-relationship for our agents.
By processing all the freight forwarding operations within a unique channel, FreightViewer is enhancing the visibility for all the stakeholders of the shipping process. In a sector when an instant response is absolutely crucial, FreightViewer is greatly adding to operational efficiency. Additionally, the platform is reducing the members’ expenses, saving their time, eliminating manual error, augmenting visibility and security, and minimizing the steps involved in shipping operations.
The future potentials of FreightViewer
The digital transformation has finally become a hard reality and logistics companies of all sizes are competing to adapt to the big changes and come up as digital freight forwarders. As Mr. Cardona points out, “The pandemic has brought a very important fact to our attention- Freight Forwarders need to digitize their services. Keeping pace with Logistics 4.0 has become crucial to be well positioned in the freight forwarding industry. Simply put, independent freight forwarders who fail to digitize their operations and come up as digital freight forwarders will soon fall behind the competition.”
This is one factor that motivates Globalia’s IT team to works hard to further upgrade the tool. At the moment, Globalia is negotiating new partnerships with other leading companies in this sector. Globalia is presently dealing with Webcargonet to upload and update more than 14 million buying airfreight rates to FreightViewer. Additionally, they are also trying to reach cost-effective cargo insurance rates for the members. Lastly, Globalia is working to implement a new way that make the process of rate uploading even easier.
As Mr. Cardona aptly sums up, “FreightViewer enables our agents to leverage digital trends for facilitating seamless communication among all the stakeholders of a shipping project. More importantly, it entails the use of a completely transparent cloud-based system that allows for easy comparison of several shipping rates to provide the best deal to the customers. One of the main aims of this tool is to reduce paperwork and manual processes. I can confidently state that we have been successful in fulfilling the objectives of launching this platform. Nevertheless, we still continue to work hard as we believe there is always room for improvement.”
The two-level freight forwarding courses by CIFFA along with the Masterclass by Container xChange will foster the know-how and industry knowledge of experienced forwarders and newcomers alike
Globalia Logistics Network has opened an online academy for the members to offer comprehensive logistics certification courses. Globalia has teamed up with two globally recognized course providers- Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) and Container xChange. The courses will allow the members to augment the expertise and industry knowledge of their employees. Above all, the courses will help the newcomers in the logistics industry to get an in-depth understanding of all the important supply chain processes. Additionally, experienced freight forwarders who want to stay updated with the industry trends can also enroll in the courses.
Freight forwarding courses launched by Globalia Logistics Network
In the words of Antonio Torres, President and Founder of Globalia Logistics Network, “We have opened our online academy with the intention of providing our agents with a platform for inspiring educational courses. Moreover, availing of these courses will enable them to set an international standard in their everyday shipping and logistics operations. I am certain that our new endeavour will help to create a new generation of forwarders and logistics professionals with fresh perspectives, and the ability to come up with innovative logistical solutions.”
CIFFA is an institute with over 6 decades of experience in logistics learning. Moreover, they are also a certified training provider. Container xChange is a neutral online platform that offers a range of course material enabling forwarders to get a deeper understanding of the leasing container industry.
Globalia is offering two levels of freight forwarding courses provided by CIFFA. To begin with, there is a course on International Transportation and Trade. It will get the students acquainted with subjects like freight quotes, risk mitigation, Incoterms rules, freight costs, etc. This course will help the students get a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of international freight forwarding. Enrollment for this course is open till 30th March 2022. The course will start on the 1st of April.
The second course is on Essentials of Freight Forwarding. It focuses on topics like documentation, regulatory compliance, hazardous cargo, risk mitigation, packing, cargo insurance, and more. It is well-suited for trainees who want to start their journey in this sector on a strong footing. Registration for this course will be open from 14th June to 14th September 2022. The course will start on 15th September 2022.
Lastly, Globalia members who sign up for one or more of the above courses will get free access to the SOC Container Masterclass. This Masterclass provided by Container xChange will offer detailed instructions about the topic of handling Shipper Owned Containers. The SOC Masterclass will start on 1st April 2022.
Globalia’s online training programmes will enable members to cope with the industry challenges and confidently execute complex logistical procedures. Furthermore, upgrading the work skills of the employees will help to prepare them for greater responsibilities. Employee education is an investment for boosting your team’s productivity. It helps to reduce employee turnover rate and nurtures the growth and reputation of the member companies. Additionally, the participants will get a certificate for completing the course. CIFFA will provide the students with interactive classes, audio, video lessons, and a downloadable e-book.
Andrea Martin, Globalia’s FreightViewer Coordinator, is a speaker at one of the Roundtables that will take place during the conference
Globalia Logistics Network has partnered with Logistics Business Show– an international virtual exhibition cum conference for the logistics and materials handling sector. Logistics Business Show offers a synergistic platform for professionals involved in transportation, logistics, warehousing, materials handling, and other supply chain services. This event happens twice a year in March and October. More than 5000 supply chain professionals will attend the March and October events.
Logistics Business Show 2022
The Logistics Business Show will take place from 15th to 17th of March. Andrea Martin, Globalia’s FreightViewer Coordinator, will speak at the Roundtable titled ‘Road Transport Challenges’. The Panel Discussion will then be broadcasted live at their show on Tuesday 15th March at 10.00 am UK/11.00 am CET.
Other topics for the round table include- Software for Real-Time Visibility, Automation Systems in the Distribution Centre, Robotics Affordability & AI, Delivery WISMO & Inventory Management, Warehouse Worker Health & Safety, Track & Trace: Rugged Mobile, Sustainable Supply Chains, Forklift Innovation & Components.
Registering for the event will allow the attendees to touch base with thousands of international logistics decision-makers. Furthermore, the visitors can watch the conference and meet the exhibitors on video calls and chats. Moreover, they will be able to schedule live video calls and chats with the exhibitors. Event participants will also get to purchase products and solutions and ask questions to the panelist speakers. Lastly, it will enable the attendees to enhance their industry networking and listen to the opinions and suggestions of supply chain experts and conference speakers.
Globalia members can register for this event by clicking on this link.
Their new parking lot is located in Tangier West – 30 minutes away from the Tanger Med Port
Futur Trans Atlantic FTA, Globalia member in Tangier, Morocco, has recently expanded its parking space to 75,000 m² and increased its capacity to 600 trailers. Their new parking zone is located in Tangier West near the industrial zones. Moreover, it is also close to the toll booth and is just 30 minutes from the Tanger Med Port.
Futur Trans Atlantic- independent freight forwarder
In the words of Mr. El Mootamid Abbad Andaloussi, the President of Futur Trans Atlantic, “Our parking lot will offer our customers a safe place for all types of vehicles and machines, thanks to our security systems consisting of cameras that detect every movement. Additionally, our well-trained security guards and dog handlers add a further degree of security to our customers’ cargoes.”
Congratulations to Futur Trans Atlantic and all the best for their upcoming shipments!
British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the leading body representing the forum for the pursuit of excellence and quality in the transportation and logistics sector in the UK
Killick Martin & Co, Globalia member in Bristol, UK, has won the BIFA European Logistics Award 2021. BIFA gives out the European Logistics Award to companies using road, short-sea or rail to provide transportation services to/from Europe. They selected Killick Martin as the winner of this award because of their continued service and client compliance with the new post-Brexit procedures.
In the words of Paul Gallagher, the Managing Director of Killick Martin, “We are delighted to have competed with the industry leaders and garnered one of the most prestigious awards in our sector. Moreover, Brexit has been a huge challenge for the entire logistics industry. Therefore, to win this award in such a year is doubly pleasing. I want to also recognize the great work done by our team of dedicated staff. During the first quarter of 2021 they were working 24/7 throughout and covering most weekends.”
Killick Martin wins BIFA Logistics Award 2021
BIFA is the leading body representing the international freight forwarding industry in the UK. They constitute the forum for the pursuit of excellence and quality in the transportation and logistics sector in the UK. Additionally, they are also the entry point for government regulation and fair practices in international trading. Every year they give out highly respected and recognized awards in 8 categories for freight companies in the UK.
Killick Martin wins the European Transport Category at the BIFA Awards 2021
Although the history of Globalia Bristol goes back over 160 years, the current organization is relatively young. “Winning this prestigious award underlines the quality of our team and our ability to fulfill customer promises. In addition to our people, systems and support infrastructure, this award will certainly position us as one of the top players in our sector,” adds Mr. Gallagher.
Congratulations to Killick Martin and all the best for their future endeavours!
The expansion of their fleet is a major step forward towards the enhancement of their container service operations
Futur Trans Atlantic FTA, Globalia member in Tangier, Morocco, has added new semi-trailers with extendable carriers to their trucking fleet. These new extendable containers aim to improve their customer service. They have already managed some shipments with these new trailers. Recently, they handled a shipment from Spain to Morocco through multimodal transport-road and sea. Additionally, they have used the trailers extensively within the Moroccan territory.
Futur Trans Atlantic’s new semitrailers
As stated by Mr. El Mootamid Abbad Andaloussi, the President of Futur Trans Atlantic, “With years of experience in container shipping, we are now ready to handle the movement of all types of containers. With our enhanced container operation services, our clients are guaranteed to get safe and flexible transportation, professional drivers, the expertise of a well-trained export team, optimal transit time and very competitive rates.”
Congratulations to Futur Trans Atlantic and all the best for their upcoming shipments!
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