How India’s widest CFS-ICD network always keeps customers first

For a company like Allcargo Logistics that operates India’s widest CFS-ICD network, functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic has entailed constantly evolving as per customers’ needs and meeting their dynamic requirements – a feat it continues to achieve, even as the tough times give way to a brighter, more hopeful 2021.

A number of entities in the logistics ecosystem played an instrumental role in keeping Exim trade moving while dealing with the unprecedented global pandemic. In India, especially, the Container Freight Stations (CFSs) and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) really proved their mettle in preventing ports from getting choked and keeping cargo moving.

Even today, as the new normal gives way to a business environment that is constantly evolving, leading logistics services providers like Allcargo move ahead in an agile, nimble manner to meet increasing customer expectations with innovation and ingenuity.

Never losing sight of customers’ needs

As business supply chains get restructured to align with the fast-paced digital transformation, customers’ demands in terms of global cargo handling and storage are also undergoing a change. What customers seek the most today; is flexibility. Who they need, essentially, is a partner who can anticipate their needs and offer customized solutions that help optimize their business operations.

Allcargo’s CFS-ICD team lives by two words – customer-centricity and service delivery. It is set apart by its willingness to go the extra mile for customers and never compromise on the commitment to excellence. With expert professionals, and processes, operations, infrastructure and security at facilities which comply with international standards and benchmarks, Allcargo’s CFS-ICD team offers its customers nothing but the best.

Even when businesses came to a grinding halt during the lockdown, Allcargo’s CFS-ICD COVID Warriors were right there, keeping the world-class facilities up and running with all the health and safety precautions as needed, to make sure that there was minimal impact of cargo clearance and deliveries.

Innovative ways to deliver on promises

What sets India’s widest CFS-ICD network apart is the approach of coming through and delivering on their commitment, come what may. Across its CFS-ICD facilities at Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata and Dadri (ICD), teams ensure efficient cargo handling backed by a number of services like bonded and non-bonded warehousing, storage of hazardous and dangerous cargo, assistance with documentation and clearance formalities, and lots more.

In the face of challenges like space constraints or shortage of containers, Allcargo works as a reliable partner for its customers. Enhancing capabilities in an asset-light manner, hiring space at other facilities if needed, working together with peers to be more efficient, and constantly maintaining transparent communication channels with customers, are just few of the many ways in which the company reiterates its position of market leadership.

Always aiming for customer delight

For CFS-ICD facilities, one of the key factors of consideration is distance from the port. Allcargo’s strategically located facilities that are close to the port along with collaborative partnerships in some locations allow customers to fully leverage the location advantage.

Allcargo’s collaboration with Gati has made it possible to offer truly end-to-end logistics services. CFS-ICD customers can now opt for first and last mile deliveries in India, opening up their access to more than 19,800 PIN Codes in 735 out of 739 districts in India. This adds further strength to Allcargo’s extensive global network operating in more than 180 countries and creates unmatched synergies of international and domestic reach for customers.

Making safety a top priority

An obsession with safety has long been second nature to Allcargo and the company has, over the years, constantly upgraded and updated its infrastructure and facilities to keep cargo safe and secure.

A Digital Control tower helps keep track of all the activities going on in the facilities. This real-time overview allows for cargo visibility and elimination of gaps in the cargo movement flow. Certifications like ISO, CTPAT and OHSAS involve a detailed scrutiny of all documents and controls in place at the CFS-ICD premises and are important pre-requisites to EXIM business. They give customers an added assurance of safety. High-quality infrastructure, automated process for receiving imports, an automated weighbridge to measure container weight, cargo weight, etc., help maximises efficiency prevent errors.

Post-COVID, safety and security at Allcargo’s CFS-ICD facilities have moved up several notches. Strict maintenance of social distance at every stage, mandatory use of masks and sanitizers, regular disinfection of premises and vehicles along with temperature and oxygen checks for staff and customers showcase how the company cares about its customers and its staff members.

Being digitally-enabled and future-ready

With technology making in-roads in every possible sphere, Allcargo has ensured that its CFS-ICD facilities don’t stay behind! A number of facilities like e-tariff, e-Proforma, e-payment and e-rebates, make the process smoother, easier and quicker for customers. An automated SMS alerting system after Invoice and Gate Pass helps prevent security breaches. Additionally, use of web and mobile technologies like RFID makes real-time, accurate Track and Trace of containers possible, so customers can be reassured of the safety of their cargo.

In keeping with Allcargo’s thrust to be an innovator and lead the digital transformation with initiatives like the global launch of its state-of-the-art online platform, ECU360 v2.0, the CFS-ICD team too, continues its forward strides by implementing new-age tools and portals to digitalize operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences.