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Globalia takes a major step towards the digitization of the freight forwarding sector by creating FreightViewer

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Madrid, Spain October 2019: After two years of hard work and substantial private investments, Globalia with agents in 185 cities and 123 countries is all set to start working with its member-exclusive Transport Management Software, FreightViewer. This software will provide the members of Globalia the technological capability to compare competitive online freight rates, share shipping documents, and quote instantly in real-time all in one neatly organized platform.

Freight forwarding sector is aware about the need of digitization in the industry. The best example to show this fact, is the great investment of technological companies such as Flexport, Freightos or other pioneer freight forwarding multinationals, e.g. Twill and KN Freightnet, have done during the last few years. But even, after all these investments and efforts, a considerable percentage of freight forwarders continue to miss out on the digitalization race in the freight industry.

Even though it is not an easy task to become digitalize within this industry, highly demanding and inpatient customers, multinationals and globalization, are some of the factors which are forcing an important transformation in logistics sector. Inside this environment, Globalia has developed FreightViewer, revolutionizing the old ways of working. As a member-exclusive and free Transport Management Software, FreightViewer allows members of the network to automatize the uploading of their contract rates (Air, FCL, LCL and Cargo Insurance) through the online platform and share them with agents or customers instantly. Moreover, FreightViewer on the dashboard allows customers and agents to manage bookings for any carrier online, collaborate and share the shipping documents, and offer real-time status updates for shipments.

As stated by Antonio Torres, the CEO and President of Globalia, “The new tool is going to help freight forwarders within our network cope with the problem of ever-changing freight rates due to complex tariffs, various time zones and unresponsive overseas agents, which eventually leads to a delay in quoting a door-to-door service.”

FreightViewer will ensure that all members will become truly digital freight forwarders. Mr. Torres further added that “Digitization of the freight forwarding sector is starting but very slowly. For example, only three of the top twenty global freight forwarders can provide an instant quote online. We feel very proud to be part of the digitization process in our industry. Globalia is the first international freight forwarding network to launch instant quoting ability for its members. We have come up with FreightViewer after the launch of the operating system by the industry leader Flexport, who has received one billion $ investment, has eleven offices in four countries and is currently receiving all the attention world-wide from media related to the industry as it is growing incredibly. We haven’t a received a billion-dollar investment, but we have developed a state-of-art software and we have a huge worldwide infrastructure formed by our members. This makes us one of the biggest players running in the digital race of the logistics sector. Our main aim is to contribute towards actualizing the process of digitization in this sector and thereby create value for the shippers.”

FreightViewer will definitely alter the way independent freight forwarders conduct their businesses. It will not just reduce the quotation processing time from a number of days to a couple of seconds, but also help to enhance the productivity, client engagement, and profitability of the member companies.

Globalia Alexandria fulfils their yearly target of shipments 3 months before the end of the year

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Direct International Logistic ships 120 tractors and 134 RORO units from January to September

Direct International Logistic, Globalia member in Alexandria, Egypt, fulfils their yearly target of shipments 3 months before the end of the year. As a leading logistics provider of Alexandria, they have been offering comprehensive transportation management services, and providing their clients with a true competitive edge by combining cutting edge technology, industry expertise, and modern approach to real world logistics.

independent freight forwarders

“We defined our target at the beginning of this year which was to be achieved by the end of December 2019, but we achieved it 3 months earlier. This undoubtedly is a source of great pride and contentment for our company.” says Mr. Mohammed Dosoky, the Logistics Manager of Direct International Logistic.

GLB Alexandria targeted to ship 100 tractors to Egypt and Iraq by December 2019 but they shipped 120 tractors by the end of September. They also aimed to move 120 RORO units from Europe and the US to Egypt by the end of the year and they have already shipped more than 134 units! Mr. Dosoky further adds, “It took great effort and dedication on our part to achieve this! We had to make numerous contracts with importers, RORO liners, and container lines. The tremendous efforts of our team have been appropriately rewarded and we are absolutely contented with the result.”

Congratulations to Direct International Logistic and wishing them all the best for their future projects!

Globalia Itajai/Sao Paulo obtains an esteemed certification from ANTT- National Agency of Land Transportation in Brazil

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This OTM- Multimodal Transport Operator certification with both national and international scope will be valid for a period of 10 years

LAC Worldwide do Brasil, the Globalia member in Itajai and Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been awarded the OTM (Multimodal Transport Operator) certification by the National Agency of Land Transportation in Brazil. This certification will enable LAC Worldwide to act as a contractor for transporting multimodal cargo from its origin to destination by their own means or through third parties while performing the task of management of all door-to-door services under a contract.

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In the words of Mr. Luiz Gustavo Avesani Moura, the CEO of LAC Worldwide, “The constant efforts of our team have been duly rewarded and the OTM certification will surely encourage our clients and partners to place their trust in our company more confidently than ever before. Apart from the OTM certification, we’re also in the process of obtaining the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification which will give our team the status of a safe and reliable company in its operations.”

Congratulations to LAC Worldwide do Brazil for garnering this important certification!

 

Pauls Customs and Forwarding Solutions, Globalia member in Sydney, changes their name to PCFS Logistics Pty Ltd

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The change of name is a part of their brand enhancement programme which aims to better reflect their business strategy while providing enhanced customer services

Pauls Customs and Forwarding Solutions, Globalia member in Sydney, Australia, adopts the name PCFS Logistics Pty Ltd from 1st July 2019. “We believe this change summarises our portfolio of services and scope of operations we perform at a domestic and global level.” says Paul Petrovski, the Managing Director of PCFS Logistics.

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Pauls Customs and Forwarding Solutions remains as the holding company and the ABN number, general trading, terms and conditions, and banking details remain unchanged.

Since commencing their business in 2002, PCFS has prided themselves on their principled approach to serve the needs of their clients and partners around the globe by forming a dependable relationship.

Mr. Petrovski further adds, “Our commitment to the current and future needs of our customer remains unchanged, as does our desire to continue the development of forming longstanding and collaborative relationships with our customer, global partners, and vendors alike.”

Globalia wishes PCFS Logistics the very best for all their upcoming projects!

Broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations from their recently inaugurated Madrid office

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The Africa Cup of Nations is the main international football tournament in the continent which was held in Alexandria, Egypt, on July 2019

Visa Global Logistics SL, Globalia member in Madrid, Spain, inaugurates their new office in Madrid and moves a shipment consisting of mobile units of TV channels for transmission of the matches of the Africa Cup. “Transporting the cargo from so many cities all the way to Egypt wasn’t an easy task and we feel proud and satisfied for having accomplished the task smoothly.” says Ms. Lilian dos Santos, the Sea Manager of Visa Global.

African logistics

The cargo which was moved from various cities in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, were transported to Alexandria, Egypt, via the Mediterranean, from where they were brought back to their respective cities at the end of the tournament. Ms. Dos Santos further added, “We counted on the support of carriers such as Grimaldi and European seaways and we made use of RoRo vessels for moving the trucks through the Mediterranean and for bringing them back home.”

Congratulations to Visa Global for successfully completing this important project!

Globalia partners with the Transport Evolution Qatar Assembly and Expo

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The 3 days of exposition will unlock the trade and transshipment opportunities across Qatar’s ports, rail and road sectors

Logistics Industry

The Transport Evolution Qatar Assembly and Expo which will be held from 23rd to 25th September at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre is the region’s most influential transport gathering. The expo covers 5 main segments- Maritime Infrastructure and Expansion, Maritime Operations, Rail Infrastructure and Maintenance, Road Infrastructure and Maintenance and Security and Information Technology- all under one roof , with free connected educational content running alongside hundreds of exhibits and demos.

The event will bring together more than 2,000 senior industry stakeholders under one roof over the 3 days and highlight the diverse opportunities across Qatar’s ports, rail and road sectors. This is Qatar’s only dedicated ports and maritime, rail and road logistics mega event that brings the entire value chain of suppliers and buyers together thus enabling the region to reach its full potential in port, rail and road logistics efficiency, and increase the throughput of cargo and passengers alike.

Apart from the first-rate informative presentations, the exposition is designed with delegates and exhibitors in mind, allowing ample time dedicated to networking. World class content will be delivered by a panel of 40 industry-elite speakers.

Globalia encourages its members to participate in the event. Interested members can download the exhibition brochure from their website: https://www.transport-evolution-qatar.com/

The challenges of perishable shipments – where safety, quality and freshness are imperative

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Selecting the right packaging for the perishable items, using the appropriate shipping label on the package and choosing an optimum shipping service requires attention to detail


A cargo is designated as perishable by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) only when the contents of the shipments start deteriorating after a period due to exposure to environmental conditions like humidity or extreme temperatures. Generally, items such as meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, live fish, seafood, and plants, flowers, etc. are defined as perishable shipments. It goes without saying that shipping these items poses certain challenges and the shipper needs to ensure that the items are still fresh at the time of the delivery.

 

Proper packaging, insulation, and refrigerants are absolutely essential when it comes to shipping perishable items as well as chemical and medical cargoes. Data from IATA indicates that 20% of these shipments are damaged during transport due to a broken cold chain. That is why trusting in a professional and experienced freight forwarder becomes the most important issue to take into account for companies.

Cargobay, Globalia member in Zurich, and Baj Freight, Globalia member in Tema, have been handling perishable cargoes for quite some time and they have all the required expertise to handle sensitive cargo where packaging and temperature control is the key.

As the Import Manager of a company with over 9 years of experience in this field, Lucien Morel of Cargobay states, “As the name suggests, perishable products are extra sensitive. On the one hand, temperature control is key, on the other, time is also a very important factor.In the case of foodstuffs, a late delivery may result in the shipment being completely damaged. In the category of more challenging shipments, we could even include living animals like fish and marine animals.”

Reason being that these shipments need multiple legal steps as well as a tailor-made transport which needs to be done precisely. This is why the freight forwarder has to pay special attention to the shipping lines rules and regulations at the point of discharge. “Selecting the right packaging for the perishable items, using the appropriate shipping label on the package and choosing an optimum shipping service are a few of the other areas which deserve extra attention.” states Ishmael Oduro-Marfo, the Logistics Area Manager of Baj Freight and Logistics, Globalia member in Tema, Ghana, who has long years of experience in working with this Ghanian owned company which has garnered more than 12 business awards since 2014.

In addition to this, there are further challenges mainly because of the several regulations which apply to the perishable industry. Mr. Morel explains that “The various laws regarding perishable shipments are constantly updated and the forwarder handling perishable good always needs to be informed about the actual rules. For Cargobay, this means the need to be up to date with the current Swiss laws and regulations. As we handle several kinds of cargo (foodstuff, marine creatures, flowers, pharmaceuticals, etc) this is a grand spectrum to be aware of. If one procedure is not done correctly, it causes delays and even rejection of the export/import by the local authorities.”

The temperature is yet another relevant factor and some cargoes like pharmaceutical samples are very sensitive to temperature. Shippers have to keep that in mind and arrange the appropriate carriage and storage conditions for the goods. In the words of Ishmael, “Maintaining the required temperature and ensuring that the cargo remains intact isn’t as easy as it sounds. Our most complex shipment involved the handling of perishable items for a crew vessel and the task was a challenging one since we had to get the right equipment and trucks while performing proper monitoring and temperature control to ensure that the cargo doesn’t go bad.”

Mr. Morel agrees with the importance of temperature by further adding, “Nowadays keeping track of the temperature is a standard for highly sensitive products. This implies getting back the data loggers once the cargo is delivered and sending the measured information to the clients for them to check if the cargo had the correct climate settings during the whole transport.”


‘Nowadays keeping track of the temperature is a standard for highly sensitive products. This implies getting back the data loggers once the cargo is delivered and sending the measured information to the clients for them to check if the cargo had the correct climate settings during the whole transport  ‘


The temperature monitoring and control are the two pivots around which the entire supply chain management of perishable cargo revolves. The advancement of RFID sensor tags has immensely helped the logistics companies to improve the monitoring of the cold chain of perishable food products. In the words of Mr Oduro-Marfo, “Perishable goods must be shipped in specialized units which have been designed with the express purpose of carrying them. Being the go-to freight forwarder of Tema, our team always makes sure to eliminate any confusion over Celsius and Fahrenheit. Keeping in mind the shipping requirements our team never fails to deliver a perishable and time-sensitive cargo to its destination on time.

Getting perishable items with limited shelf lives to customers and patients presents complicated challenges, but safety, quality, and freshness are a common denominator. That is why managing perishable logistics requires specific expertise to maintain the cold chain, which varies from product to product.

If you have any shipments from/to Zurich, Switzerland, or Tema, Ghana, do not hesitate to contact them! 

 

Interview with Maria de Magalhães Albuquerque from ETE Logistica, S.A

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“The keys in this sector are the constant improvement of procedures, making sure that the information provided to the customers is always updated, and the proper management of internal resources by constantly training the employees while attracting new talents.”

We recently did an interview with Maria de Magalhães Albuquerque the Sea Freight Supervisor of ETE Logistica, S.A, the Globalia member in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. In this interview, she touches upon the strong points of her company, the technological challenges faced by freight forwarders, and the advantages of becoming a Globalia member among several other things.

 


Q. Can you tell us a little about the history of ETE Logistica?
A. ETE Logistica was created back in 2008 and is a part of Grupo ETE which is the largest Portuguese player in the maritime sector offering services in 6 main areas – port operations, inland water transportation, shipping, shipping agents, logistics operations, naval engineering, and shipbuilding and repair.

Q. What distinguishes ETE Logistica from other freight forwarders in your city?
A. We have been offering specialized, competitive and customer-oriented services to our clients, thanks to our wide competencies in maritime, road and air operations.

Q. What has been the greatest success of your team so far? How did you handle it?
A. Our most successful shipment consisted of a cargo of breakwater pontoons, the value of which was estimated at 200 000€. This shipment was successfully handled and coordinated by our 2 offices in Portugal.

Q. What according to you are the main technological challenges facing freight forwarders at the moment? How important is technology for the industry?
A. The biggest technological challenge we are facing revolves around the implementation of a computer program which serves both the operations and the sales department so as to keep all the info online and up to date. Technology plays a major role in the dissemination of information between departments as well as with the customers. In today’s fast-paced times it is absolutely essential that our clients be informed about the exact location of their cargo at any given time. Although this is a rather ambitious plan, I am sure it will be possible in the near future.

Q. What are the main advantages of operating from Portugal? Are there any challenges facing your country at this moment?
A. Geographically our country is strategically located with privileged access to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe (by sea, land, and rail), North and South America, the entire African continent, as well as the Middle East and the Far East. The greatest challenge for our country is to upgrade its outdated railway network which connects Portugal to other European countries. Moreover, we also need to increase the capacity of the ports in various parts of Portugal.



‘The advantage of being a part of Globalia is the exchanging of shipments with other agents which allows us to win more businesses with better competitive values for our customers.’
                                  

Q. From your own experience, which are the keys to success in the freight forwarding industry?
A. The keys to the success of a freight forwarder are the constant improvement of procedures, making sure that the information provided to the customers are always updated, and the proper management of internal resources especially in the area of employees. Freight forwarders need to constantly train the employees while attracting new talents to this sector and allow the new recruits to interact and work with the seniors so as to foster a synergy that will contribute to the sustainable growth of the company.

Q. What is your impression about our Annual Meetings?
A. The Annual Meetings allow the agents to meet face to face, exchange experiences, share ideas and develop contacts. The informal and relaxed environment of the meetings fosters empathy, strengthens ties, and helps us grow our business.

Q. How did you hear about Globalia? Which advantages do you see in the network?
A. We got to know about Globalia through a with collaborator. Globalia was presented to us as an asset for the development and growth of our client portfolio. The advantage of being a part of Globalia is the exchanging of shipments with other agents which allows us to win more businesses with more competitive values for our customers. Another benefit is that we can have representation in so many different locations of local agents which allows us to offer a dedicated door-to-door service. The exchange of shipments is beneficial for the entire network of agents a point that differentiates us from our competitors.

Q. Tell us a funny story about a curious shipment you’ve recently handled.
A. In the process of importing a bulk seed container, I had a funny situation with the Lisbon Customs. The container had been selected for a physical inspection I.e. opening doors for physical cargo verification. I had to go to customs to talk to the inspector because if he opened the doors, the seeds would surely fall on him! Of course, he cancelled the inspection and ordered the container out.

Q. Where do you see your company in 10 years?
A. With the entry of the new CEO and the implementation of her restructuring plan, the focus is now on the growth of air, sea, and road cargo with greater investment in sales and customer service. With the help of our partners in Globalia, we believe that in 10 years our team will undoubtedly be an internationally recognized forwarder. 

Globalia invites its members with shipment to/from Porto and Lisbon to get in touch with their competent team.

Francis M. Fondevilla, the Forwarding Manager of Globalia Manila, receives a plaque of certification and an award for 15 years of services for the company

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Gateway Logistics Inc, Globalia member in Manila, celebrated their 17th Anniversary on 2nd of July 2019

independent freight agent

Gateway Logistics Inc, Globalia member in Manila, Philippines, recently awarded their Forwarding Manager, Mr. Francis M.Fondevilla for 15 years of services for the company. Mr. Fondevilla worked as the Sales Account Executive for a shipping company for 8 years before joining Gateway Logistics in 2004. “Initially, I was apprehensive of accepting the post of Forwarding Manager since my experience in this area was limited. However, after attending the formal seminars and the network meetings I learned all the nuances of the job and came across some real good connections which have been a perfect start for me.” says Mr. Fondevilla.

independent freight agent

Apart from a plaque of appreciation, Mr. Fondevilla also received a cash reward of $300 from the company. The timing of the award also coincided with the 17th Anniversary of Gateway Logistics. Mr. Fondevilla further adds, “We had a great time over food and drinks with our team members and friends and colleagues from the shipping lines. Now that GLI is on its 17th year in the business, we are very happy to inform everyone that our company which has a total of more than 60 employees has gone far in terms of experience and dedication and is well versed in all aspects related to logistics.”

Congratulations to Gateway Logistics and wishing them all the best for the future!

The regulations in Indian Customs have been modified

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Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India, has confirmed that the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations are to come to effect from 1st August 2019


As per the new regulations, the Authorized Sea Carrier (ASC) shall submit the Arrival Manifest electronically prior to the departure from the last port of call to the Indian port of call for imports and submit the Departure Manifest electronically before departure from the Indian port of call for exports.

The key requirements are listed below. Henceforth the customers will be required to provide shipping details to carriers, so as to strictly comply with all the regulations.

Arrival Manifest (AM) = Import General Manifest IGM 

For all imports into India: Mandatory rule of Arrival Manifest should be filed in customs before the vessel departs from last foreign port of call. This is applicable for all containers going to discharge for local delivery or discharge for transshipment at any Indian Ports. Mentioning of Harmonized (HS) Code of 8-digit is now mandatory for Arrival Manifest to customs.

Departure Manifest (DM) = Export General Manifest EGM 

For all exports from India: It is now mandatory to submit the Departure Manifest to Indian Customs prior to the sailing of the vessel from the port of loading in India. This is applicable for all containers being loaded / planned for loading, on the said vessel at Indian ports.

Indian Custom’s new requirement on Bill of Landing:

All future export shipments from India will require the shipper to submit HS CODE (6 digits) & CIF Value while updating the BL w.e.f from 1st August 2019 onwards. Both the HS Code & the CIF Value of the cargo should be the same, as mentioned on the ‘Final & Original Commercial Invoice & Packing List’ because this needs to be in compliance with the Indian Customs Regulations. However, if the client wishes to change the HS Code or CIF Value after submitting the details to shipping line, then, there are chances of additional documentation charges / amendment charges along with ‘Fine or Penalties’ if any, to be levied by the load port (for exports) & delivery port (for imports).

The SCMT meeting held at Mumbai Customs House was attended by the JC Customs, members of customs, along with the Chief Commissioners and the technical team from ICEGATE. The JC Member Customs said that from 1st August 2019, 45 days will be considered as the gestation period for filing IGM/EGM with / through the old system. Upon completion of the gestation period of 45 days, the concerned parties should start filing in SCMT and, after 90 days, the SCMT system will start in full swing. Additionally, the errors arising out of trial run shall be reviewed leniently.

However, the SCMT would officially take effect from 1st August 2019 with 90 days being the grace period, starting from 1st August 2019. Moreover, the HSN Code and Commercial Invoice Value are marked as “mandatory requirements”. Every container which is calling an Indian port should have the HSN Code and Commercial Invoice value – both for imports and exports.

Globalia would like to thank its member in Ahmedabad, Asia Master, for bringing this to everybody’s attention.