Chennai CFS becomes operational 24/7

Round-the-clock efficiencyChennai CFS becoming operational 24/7 adds value to Allcargo’s service offering in the CFS sector and takes it a notch higher

Allcargo’s CFS-ICD (Container Freight Stations-Inland Container Depot) division has been consistently establishing new benchmarks in its service efficiencies. Recently, the Chennai Allcargo CFS secured a nomination from the customs authorities to become a 24/7 facility. It means that customs officers will be deployed in two shifts at the Chennai Allcargo CFS to enable seamless cargo transportation for the Export trade. This is Allcargo’s second facility, after the JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) CFS, to become operational 24/7 and comes on the back of it being awarded an AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certification from CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs).

The nomination is a testament to the trust that customs authorities place on Allcargo’s CFS services. It is an endorsement for the robust processes and procedures put in place by the company. As Arun Adak, Head Operations CFS — Corporate, proudly puts it, ”The authorities are aware that we are a trustworthy and reliable partner. They know that we stand for ‘No compromise on compliance”’.

The need of the hour

With AEO-certified CFS-ICD units present across the country, being operational 24/7 has given Allcargo an edge over the competition. For a start, customers can now clear their cargo at their convenience, which offers them the flexibility to plan their consignment logistics.

Let’s understand this with an example. ABC is an export house which wants to consolidate the cargo arriving from various exporters into a container meant to be shipped to Brazil. Various exporters will be sending the material at differing times resulting in different arrival times of the material. Since the facility is open 24/7, ABC doesn’t have to worry about parking, holding and fulfilling documentation formalities for vehicles that arrive at the facility in the night. Even if the material reaches at 2am, a customs officer will be present to provide the legal and statutory clearances. It is a big relief for people in the EXIM trade as they will no longer be required to make advance preparations for documentation, etc., to avoid delays at the time of loading or unloading the cargo.

A timely intervention

This move has further boosted Allcargo’s promise of delivering best-in-class service efficiency. Although all its CFS-ICD units have been operational 24/7 from the outset, the absence of a customs official for a significant part of the evening and the night was hampering its efforts. This move will now go a long way in enhancing the levels of volume handled by Chennai CFS. ”This move will enable us to achieve maximum throughput from the facility with the incremental volumes being in the range of 27 to 29 per cent”, says Mr Adak.

Considering the kind of infrastructure, technology and process-oriented system that Allcargo possesses along with its experienced workforce; the move will add teeth to Allcargo’s service offerings. It’s a reward for Allcargo CFS services’ continuous efforts at providing improved service levels.

The Allcargo team is buoyant about the authorities extending this facility to Chennai CFS manned by them.