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The Coop introduces a new team building activity during their 6th Annual Meeting at Phuket, Thailand

Posted on 15 November, 2019 | by admin

This new activity involves an optional corporate day trip to the Phi Phi Island- one of the most exotic destination in the country

This year The Coop has organized an optional corporate group tour to the Phi Phi Islands with the members and their spouses. “This new corporate outdoor activity has been introduced to provide an informal platform for fostering the team spirit of our network. A day out with your partners to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands will create the perfect environment for nurturing your friendships with your partners and open up new channels of communication!” explains Mr. Antonio Torres, the President and Founder of Cooperative Logistics Network.

The group tour which will take place on the 25th of March 2020 from 8:30 to 17:30 will go a long way in enhancing the camaraderie among the network members and allow them to warm up to each others in a friendly and informal ambience before they embark on the one-to-one meetings on the following day. Some of the highlights of this trip include a speedboat ride to the Phi Phi Island, visit to the Viking Cave, Pileh Cove and Loh Samay Bay, group lunch, and finally some adventure activities at the Monkey Beach.

The day trip to the Phi Phi Islands will allow the participants to strike the perfect balance between business and leisure and make the most of the trip to Phuket.

For trip itinerary and any further information visit the tour section of our website.

Alphatrans Ltd ships a blowout preventer equipment which was delivered to the largest gas producer in Ukraine

Posted on 8 November, 2019 | by admin

The shipment which mainly consisted of oil and gas equipment was moved from USA to Krasnograd, Ukraine

Alphatrans Ltd, a Coop member in Odessa, Ukraine, transports a blowout preventer equipment consisting of 3×40’FR, 3×20’DV, and 6×40’HC containers. As stated by Dmitriy Balaban, the Managing Director of Alphatrans, “It took a lot of hard work on the part of our team for the seamless delivery of this shipment. Delivery was arranged with road police escort since the maximum width of the cargo was 3.80 meter and the whole lot had been delivered to the consignee at the same time.”

international logistics service provider

Maximum dimensions of the packages on 40’FR were 10850 x 3840 x 3070 mm. Alphatrans was in charge of various jobs in Ukraine such as arrangements of permits, port formalities, and inland delivery. Mr. Balaban further added, “I’d once again like to compliment the Alphatrans team who worked relentlessly and came up with innovative ideas to carry out this project impeccably!”

Congratulations to Alphatrans and wishing them the very best for all their future projects!

COOP agent in Ahmedabad and Mumbai encourages all members to use FreightViewer in order reduce time to quote and easily share rates between agents

Posted on 1 November, 2019 | by admin

Our member, Mr. Ajay Shukla, from Translog Express PVT LTD, has given very interesting suggestions to improve FreightViewer and make it even more useful

After the launch of The COOP’s exclusive software, FreightViewer Department has been receiving plenty of applications from our members to test the software and suggest its improvements. Ajay Shukla, Executive Director of Translog Express PVT LTD, has been collaborating with FreightViewer Department and is now willing to start to work with FreightViewer.

Ajay Shukla states: “FreightViewer is a very good tool and I think it will save a lot of time in quoting rates between agents, as once shared with each other the rates are available online,It also helps forwarders who do not have elaborate and expensive software to easily keep track of their quotes and approvals from their customers […] it will be extremely useful as trusted agents can share the rates and quote to their customer instantaneously”

Our member, Ajay, has also suggested to have several detailed quotes in one page and a more simple solution for air rates. All these comments have been quite useful for FreightViewer Department and have helped us to improve the tool. Following our member’s statements, we are sure FreightViewer will enable all members of The COOP to reduce time to quote and save costs as it isa free tool for members.

FreightViewer Department will be happy to assist you if you may need any assistance with the use of the software or would like to know more about the system by scheduling a personalized demo, by contacting amartin@thecooperativelogisticsnetwork.com. We will be happy to assist you.

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

Posted on 25 October, 2019 | by admin

Madrid, Spain October 2019: After two years of hard work and substantial private investments, The Coop with agents in 286 cities and 124 countries is all set to start working with its member-exclusive Transport Management Software, FreightViewer. This software will provide the members of The Cooperative 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, The Coop 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 The Coop, “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. The Coop 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.

Alphatrans Ltd arranges the delivery of a LT Master press-wrapper

Posted on 11 October, 2019 | by admin

The 4.0 m high shipment was moved from Nikolaev, Ukraine to Port Qasim, Pakistan

Alphatrans Ltd, a Coop member in Odessa, Ukraine, has recently transported a shipment consisting of an LT Master press-wrapper from Ukraine all the way to Pakistan for relocation to new buyer. The dimensions of the press wrapper were 11550 x 2550 x 4000 mm. The vehicle was delivered to port on low-bed trailer, and then reloaded to 40′ Flat Rack container and delivered to the consignee by sea.

In the words of Dmitriy Balaban, the Managing Director of Alphatrans, “Our team is satisfied with the outcome of this complicated project which required a lot of labour and careful attention on the part of our team. Credit goes to my competent team who have repeatedly made a success out of every project!”

Congratulations to Alphatrans Ltd for a job well done!

The Coop turns 5!

Posted on 4 October, 2019 | by admin

The Coop started accepting applications from members in September 2014 and commenced their global operations since December 2014

The Cooperative Logistics Network which started its journey from September 2014 has turned 5 years old. The Coop was formed with members from over 60 cities across more than 50 countries which together had a total of over 5000 employees with a sales turnover exceeding EUR 550 million for 2014. Since then, The Coop brand was endorsed worldwide as a practical and attractive new opportunity for freight forwarders who henceforth benefitted from the tailored service of a strong network of local independent agents, and an international reach.

“It was during our 1st Annual Meeting at Bangkok in May 2014 when members began to realize the enormous potentials of our network and the rewards of collaboration. Since then we have travelled a long way and presently we count on over 288 agents from numerous cities covering 124 countries with a total of more than 13,928 employees.” says Antonio Torres the President and Founder of Cooperative Logistics Network. Last year alone The Coop was joined by 85 new members and the number keeps increasing.

Presently, The Coop is one of the premier non-exclusive networks of independent freight forwarders who are offered an international brand, a digital infrastructure, and an impressive global presence. Apart from 5 highly successful Annual Meetings, the steady rise in the number of our agents, and the introduction of an array of online tools and PR services for our members, one of our most significant achievements in the last 5 years consist in the introduction of our member-exclusive online tool FreightViewer, which has taken the digitization efforts of independent freight forwarder one step further.

Keep an eye on our upcoming newsletter for a special coverage of our 5th Anniversary!

Interview with Devadas K.M., Fortune Logistics

Posted on 20 September, 2019 | by admin

“Our company was founded back in 2000 and our founding members came with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We are capable of handling any kind and size of shipments by sea or air with 100% infrastructure and tailor-made customer services. ”

This week we are publishing an interview with Devadas K.M. the Founder and Director of Fortune Logistics, a Coop member in Chennai, India. In this interview, he talks about his company, its achievements and how they are preparing themselves for the future.

Q. Can you tell us a little about Fortune Logistics’ history?
A. Our company was founded back in 2000 and our founding members come with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We are capable of handling any kind and size of shipments by sea or air with 100% infrastructure and tailor-made customer services.

Q. What distinguishes Fortune from other freight forwarders in your city?

A. What makes us different is our instant response and transparent and client-centric transactions.

Q. Which was your experience before running Fortune Logistics?

A. Before establishing FORTUNE LOGISTICS in the year 2000, I acquired experience in handling breakbulk cargo ships, bulk cargo ships, tankers, etc. acting as a chartering agent or as an owner agent for container lines like CONTSHIP, UASC, CMA, MISC, OEL, DONGNAMA etc., and represented as agents for Leading Multinational Freight Forwarders like AEI, KUHNE & NAGEL, JAS, CLASQUIN CDG, FRACHT AG. Afterwards, I founded Fortune Logistics and now I am also running an e-commerce business and I own a 15 hectares organic farm.

“Prompt communication, swift service, transparent dealing and a friendly and client-centric attitude are surely the keys to boosting the efficiency of any freight forwarding company”

Q. Apart from being the Director of Fortune Logistics, did you develop other roles in the logistics sector?

A. I am also a shareholder of the new International Airport called Kannur International Airports Limited (KIAL) which is the 4th best and largest international airports in India. I have also invested in land and infrastructure to develop this new airport. Moreover, I’ve been a HAM (Amateur Radio Operator) in the past 29 years with friends in more than 140 countries. I’ve traveled to over 63 countries for this shipping business and also for meeting my Amateur Radio friends.

Q. What is your opinion about Corporate Social Responsibility?

A. I actively cooperate with organizations that deal with Disaster Communication (tsunami, cyclone, earthquake, etc) which has contributed to save many lives. I have even earned many certificates because of this. Additionally, I am a past president of the Rotary Club and I’ve made donations of over $ 10,000 for polio eradication drive.

Q. Which is the most difficult shipment your team has had to deliver?

A. It is true that size doesn’t matter since our most difficult shipment was a PCB of 500 grams from London to Mangalore. We had to carry out the task within 3 days since the shipment was very critical without which an IT company would have been totally frozen. Though small, transporting this shipment was an achievement. Nevertheless, the largest shipment handled by us was a 600 TEU shipment within 30 days.

Q. Which do you think are the keys to increase the freight forwarding services efficiency?

A. Prompt communication, swift service, transparent dealing, and a friendly and client-centric attitude are surely the keys to boost the efficiency of any freight forwarding company.

Q. How do you see the future of the freight forwarding industry?

A. The advances in technology will allow us to augment our work volume with less manpower and better profit margins.

Q. Tell us an anecdote about your company.

A. Nearly 35 years back I gave a lift to a Greek guy walking inside the harbor under the scorching sun. He was a captain of a ship and his ship’s agent refused to drop him since he had an urgent meeting. Although I had a vessel waiting for berth allotment, I offered a lift to the captain who thanked me and asked for my business card. After 6-7 months I received a Telex message from this captain stating that his company wants to appoint me as their agent and we handled 7 continuous shipments with break-bulk cargo from which my company earned nearly $300,000. A simple support to a foreigner resulted in a superb business opportunity!

Solmaz takes on a new Sales Director!

Posted on 13 September, 2019 | by admin

Onur Birkal who has over 20 years of experience in the logistics industry is the new Sales Director of the Coop member in Istanbul, Turkey

“Solmaz, a Coop member in Istanbul, Turkey, welcomes a new teammate, Mr. Onur Birkal, who is working as their new Sales Director from August, 2019. In his own words, “I am really excited about joining Solmaz and I am hopeful that my presence will be advantageous for our team and together we can achieve a great many goals. My extensive experience in this sector will surely contribute greatly to the smooth working of our sales team.”

Born in 1976, Birkal, was graduated from Istanbul Erkek High School and finished a degree on Business Administration from Istanbul University. He started his career in 1999 and since then he has worked at managerial positions, in several prestigious freight forwarding companies.

As stated by the Operations Director of Solmaz, “We welcome aboard Mr. Birkal and we are hopeful about the positive contributions of his efforts in the coming days. I am confident that his addition to our team will greatly reinforce our Sales Department!”

Wishing Solmaz all the success for their future projects!

Synergie Canada celebrates its 10th Anniversary!

Posted on 6 September, 2019 | by admin

They commemorated this special day by getting together with all their suppliers, partners, and clients

Synergie Canada, a Coop member in Montreal, Canada, turned 10 years in business last October and celebrated it in April with all their partners. They invited all their members, suppliers and clients to a celebratory evening that took place in Montreal’s Art District. Some of the highlights of the party included a stunning performance by a rising local artist, dinner, cocktail and lucky draw prizes for the participants.

Coop invites its members to catch a glimpse of this festive evening by clicking on this image:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx9Lbkf1DiM

Synergie Canada has accomplished a lot ever since their formation a decade back. In the words of Sebastien Suicco, Corporate Vice President of Synergie Canada, “In the last 10 years we have achieved rapid growth of 30%, considerable increase in our revenue share, a growing and competent team, and expansion of our office. Additionally, in the last 6 months, we have been joined by 14 new members. It goes without saying that our team lived it up and made the most of this very special occasion.”

Warm congratulations to Synergie Canada on their 10th Anniversary!