JCtrans: Hello, Mr. Peter Englezos. Firstly, will you please make a brief introduction of CTS (Customs & Trade Solutions) Pty Ltd?
Mr. Peter Englezos: CTS mission is to provide tailor made and cost-effective intercontinental logistics solutions combined with local "know-how" and unrivalled personal customer service. As a young and dynamic transport and logistics provider, CTS is committed to constantly and actively suggest improvements and offer alternative solutions. It is the company's vision to develop systems and methods to optimise the products and offerings and modify them to the new needs of a globalised world and to ensure that CTS meets those demands and grows along with its customers. The goal is also that clients can say the company is well worth doing business with, not only over price but also over a great product.
JCtrans: We know CTS services cover all types of international/local shipments. Would you please talk about your core-competitiveness or your services advantage?
Mr. Peter Englezos: The basis for the CTS strategic value propositions conveyed to the client includes the following key messages:
-CTS offers measurable and definable transport solutions, not just price quotes.
-CTS staff is easy to deal with, has a strong internal structure and processes and is known as your reliable business partner with a "can do" attitude, trusted advisor and responds to your business needs.
-CTS will listen to what its customers say or NOT say.
-CTS is pro-active and will continually pass along customs and quarantine information concerning your business and offers valuation and tariff concession advice as an added value.
-CTS clients do enjoy the convenience of a seamless door to door service, allowing the client to focus on their core competencies.
-CTS accredited customs brokers and logisticians work "hand in hand" with the client to ensure your products move to the right place and on time.
-CTS creates trust and commitment as a common shared goal.
JCtrans: Nowadays, the competition in logistics industry is fiercer and fiercer. What do you think is the most important thing to run a logistics company?
Mr. Peter Englezos:
-Add appreciation and value to the services offered and communicate that the logistics provider wants to grow together with the client.
-Don't follow the main-stream service providers with its sales approach.
-Know the audience, stay objective and offer only services where one can deliver high value.
-Building long term strategic alliances with clients.
-Create loyalty and client retention by going the "extra mile".
-Create personal partnerships and gain trust through honesty and pricing transparency.
Significant competition is present in the logistics industry and customers often see little difference between products offered. Exceptional customer service and personal attendance can provide a powerful tool of differentiation. In general, there are not many barriers for competitors to enter the market. CTS as such do not want to compete in the low price / high freight volume market, favored by the large Australian national retail and wholesale companies. The owners of CTS aim to define a strategic position and competitive advantage.
JCtrans: Would you please talk about the current logistics industry in Australia? Are there any advantages or problems?
Mr. Peter Englezos: Despite an ongoing boom in commodity exports from Australia, the shipping and airline industry sector has suffered heavily as a result of the global economic crisis, putting severe constraints on many container line operators which have in return created consequences for the many thousands who work in, and depend on the transport sector. Fluctuating fuel prices and overcapacity on various trade lanes are directly linked to the profitability of shipping lines.
Airlines are restructuring and revising their business models to adjust to the effects of the economic crisis and the excess capacity.
A feature of the modern economy is the scale of outsourcing that firms are prepared to undertake. For example, several overseas studies suggest the logistics outsourcing market is growing at more than 20 percent per year on a global scale.
Today's uncertain and dynamic business environment creates opportunities and risks for many firms. Given the trend to outsource logistics activities, confirms the benefit that firms experience in allowing them focus on their core competencies. Traditionally firms have worked with a multitude of transport providers, i.e. shipping and airlines, customs brokers, warehouse operators and haulage companies. Coinciding with the increase in logistics outsourcing, the kind of service demanded by customers has now changed from wanting a transport solution to require a transport, customs and warehousing solution. Typically, many firms are now offering complete logistics packages. Customs brokers and freight forwarders have adopted their skills and expertise to establish their own logistics companies offering value added services to meet their customer's extended needs. In many cases freight forwarders now deal directly with overseas suppliers on behalf of the client covering all aspects from order monitoring, shipping, trace and track, customs brokerage, quarantine, warehousing and distribution. The market trends in the freight service industry can be summarized by:
-The progression of logistics as a wide ranging scope of services
-Transformation of the relationship between customers and service providers
JCtrans: Finally, will you please talk about the prospect of CTS? Or what's your strategic planning for the next 3 or 5 years?
Mr. Peter Englezos: The ultimate goal for successful companies like CTS is to satisfy their current and future customers. The job is not to find the right customers for your products, but the right products for your customers.
- CTS to be recognized as a strong brand that embraces change and is adaptable to an ever changing market environment.
- CTS is committed to create and provide a positive and supportive working environment.
- CTS to be recognized as a company that comes recommended by selective industry colleagues through "word of mouth" recommendation and highly respected amongst network partners.
- CTS being a company that offers modern technology, traceability of shipments, order management and status reports.
- CTS to be a company that is continuously transparent, pro-active and shares knowledge and offers advice in customs and quarantine related matters.
- CTS to offer "value added" services including, 3PL and 4PL warehousing order fulfilling, distribution management, cargo insurance and claims processing.