What do the company’s freight operations involve and what are the necessary measures for handling freight?
Our freight operations typically include the following steps: Once we receive a request to move goods from a client, we book space on a suitable carrier, which could be a cargo airline or a shipping line. Post that, we prepare all the necessary documentation required for the shipment, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations.
Once the documentation is completed, we arrange for the loading of the cargo onto the carrier and ensure that it is properly secured and protected. The cargo is transported to its destination via the chosen carrier, which may involve multiple modes of transportation, such as air, sea, or road.
One of the critical tasks in the entire logistical activity is to assist with customs clearance procedures. Ensuring that all the necessary documents and permits are in order, we compile the cargo under proper regulatory measures. Moreover, we also arrange for the delivery of the cargo to its final destination, which may include handling any necessary paperwork, arranging for storage or warehousing, and coordinating with local transport providers, until the goods are safely transported to the buyers’ warehouse/factory.
Throughout the entire freight operations process, we monitor the movement of the cargo and provide regular updates to our clients. Effective communication and coordination are essential to ensure that the cargo is delivered on time and in impeccable condition, and any issues that arise during the process are promptly addressed.
How do you ensure efficient and hassle-free movement of goods?
As a freight forwarding company, we ensure the efficient and hassle-free movement of goods through several measures. We leverage our expertise and experience in managing the logistics and transportation of goods. Our deep understanding of the various modes of transportation and regulations enable us to choose the most efficient and cost-effective route for the cargo. We manage the entire transportation process, from carrier selection to final delivery, to ensure that our clients can focus on their core business activities.
We select the most suitable carrier for the cargo, taking into account factors such as transit time, cost, and reliability. Being a cost-sensitive field, we deliver the best pricing to our clients to bring down their costs and create a level breaking field in the market.
The team at PrimeTime Logi Services takes care of all necessary documentation and ensures that all permits, licenses, and customs clearance procedures are in order. Advisories are raised to the clients on the requirements for the shipment of goods to different countries to avoid potential delays or penalties.
We strongly suggest and assist our clients in proper packaging and labeling for a smooth and seamless transportation process. Coordination between the carriers and other service providers is executed under our guidance to ensure that the cargo is handled efficiently and with care.
Providing regular updates on the status of the cargo and any changes to the transportation plan is undertaken in a timely manner. Since communication forms the basis of our industry, we make sure the clients and other stakeholders are informed of any issues or delays.
We provide insurance coverage to protect the cargo against loss or damage during transportation. We also advise clients on risk management strategies and measures to mitigate potential risks.
Please tell us about your fleet management initiatives.
At PrimeTime Logi Services, we are geared up to take on competition – both domestic and from international companies - by having the right infrastructure and ensuring transparency in our operations. We are on the road to become a fully in-house logistics service provider wherein we manage our own fleet of vehicles. This is an essential aspect of our logistics operations. We need to manage our vehicles and equipment effectively to ensure timely delivery and safe movement of goods. The key aspects of our fleet management cover fleet acquisition to regular maintenance to tracking and data analysis.
We carefully choose our vehicles and equipment, taking into account the cargo volume, weight, and mode of transportation. We may purchase or lease vehicles and equipment based on our business needs and financial resources.
Regular maintenance and repairs are crucial to ensure that our fleet is in good condition and performs optimally. We follow a maintenance schedule for our vehicles and equipment, including routine checks for wear and tear, fluid levels, and tyre pressure. Fuel consumption is a significant cost for our business since efficient fuel management is crucial to control costs. We use fuel cards, fuel management software, and other tools to track fuel consumption, monitor prices, and optimize fuel efficiency.
Since drivers play a vital role in the success of logistics operations; we manage and train them effectively. We ensure that they have the necessary licenses and certifications, follow safe driving practices, and comply with regulations.
We use GPS tracking devices or other technologies to monitor the location and movement of our vehicles and equipment. This just does not give us a sense of road presence but also enables customers to track their goods in transit. We collect and analyze data on fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, driver performance, and other metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to optimize our fleet management.
Effective fleet management is essential for us to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods. By investing in fleet management, we can improve our logistics operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
What growth prospects do you envisage for India’s Logistics industry?
India’s Logistics industry has seen exponential growth in recent years with the introduction of initiatives such as ‘Make in India’. Driven by the country's economic growth, increasing consumption and the growth of e-commerce logistics will only grow in times to come. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% during the period 2021-2026.
Several factors are contributing to the growth of the logistics industry in India: the Indian government has been investing heavily in the development of infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and airports, which has improved connectivity and reduced transportation costs. The rise of the Indian middle-class has led to an increase in consumption, driving demand for logistics services. The growth of e-commerce has created a huge demand for logistics services, particularly last-mile delivery.
Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has simplified the tax structure, reduced transportation times, and improved efficiency in the logistics industry. Adoption of technology such as GPS tracking, warehouse management systems, and automation, has improved the efficiency and accuracy of logistics operations. Observing the above factors and the world’s focus on Indian markets, we can say that the industry is on a strong upward trend.
What are the challenges confronting the industry?
The industry as a whole is impacted by changes in government policies, trade regulations, and tariffs – all of which can cause significant disruptions to global trade, which, in turn, can impact the volume of goods transported and profitability of the freight forwarding industry.
Fuel prices are a significant cost for our company, and fluctuations in fuel prices can impact profitability. The volatility in fuel prices can make it challenging for us to plan and budget logistics operations effectively.
The freight forwarding industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for business. As a result, we need to constantly innovate and provide superior service to remain competitive and retain customers.
Capacity constraints in the industry can create significant challenges; for example, during peak seasons, there may be a limited capacity in the vessels transporting goods via air or ocean, which can result in delays and resultant increase in costs.
Technology disruptions can impact the industry significantly. While new technologies such as automation and block-chain can transform the industry, implementing these technologies can be challenging and costly.
Logistics and freight forwarding is a people’s industry. No automation can replace this entirely; hence, the requirement for skilled and experienced personnel to manage the operations. Given the outlook of Gen-Z in today’s world, the youth are unwilling to enter this industry since it lacks glitz and glamour. We are therefore faced with the problem of sourcing talented people and finding it all the more difficult to retain them.
These challenges require us to remain agile and adapt quickly to changes in the industry. By embracing technology, investing in talent development, and providing superior customer service, we can overcome these challenges in order to thrive in this competitive industry.
What kind of support can the government provide?
The government can provide various incentives to encourage growth of the industry such as tax breaks and infrastructure development. The government can implement policies that streamline customs procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for companies to do business.
The government can invest in skill development through vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and internships. It can encourage inclusion of logistics and supply chain management courses in educational curriculums and thereby help create a larger pool of skilled professionals for the industry.
By facilitating collaboration between industry and academia the government can promote research and development in the field of logistics and supply chain. This will help drive innovation and create new opportunities for skilled professionals.
How is technology and automation bringing more efficiencies in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management?
The impact of technology is being felt across the entire logistics and supply chain management processes - from transportation and warehousing to inventory management. Use of autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots, is helping to reduce the need for human intervention, making the logistics process more efficient and cost-effective.
In warehousing units, technology is being used to improve inventory management and order fulfillment. Warehouse management systems (WMS) are being used to automate and optimize various tasks, such as inventory tracking, order processing, and product picking. This is helping to reduce the time and cost of warehousing operations while improving accuracy and efficiency.
In the supply chain, technology is being used to improve transparency and visibility. With the use of advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, companies can track the movement of goods throughout the supply chain in real-time. This allows them to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve delivery times.
Overall, technology is having a transformative impact on the logistics and supply chain management industry. Companies that embrace technology and invest in the latest tools and technologies are gaining a competitive advantage by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience. However, the implementation of technology also requires a significant investment and expertise, and companies must carefully evaluate and plan their technology strategy to ensure that it aligns with their overall business objectives.
What are PrimeTime Logi Services’ areas of expertise and its resources that support daily operations?
PrimeTime Logi Services Private Limited prides itself on its wide range of expertise and resources to support daily operations. We have a team of experienced professionals with specialised knowledge in the transportation of goods using multimodal transport including air, sea, and land. We have a deep understanding of customs procedures, documentation requirements, and regulations, allowing us to navigate complex logistics challenges with ease.
In addition to logistical expertise, we also offer warehousing and inventory management services to our customers. We provide third party warehouse facilities to our esteemed clients for storage and inventory management solutions. This allows us to offer value-added services, such as consolidation and de-consolidation of shipments, pick and pack services, and inventory tracking.
Our investment in advanced technology resources such as transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) further enhances our ability to optimise logistics processes and automate various tasks.
We have a vast network of agents and partners that allows us to offer end-to-end transportation services across different regions of the world. These partnerships provide us with access to local knowledge and expertise, enabling us to navigate local customs procedures and regulations more effectively. Our skilled workforce, trained in different aspects of logistics and supply chain management, including transportation, customs clearance, documentation, and customer service, ensures that we consistently deliver high-quality services to our customers.
Some goods handled by PrimeTime Logi Services Private Limited on behalf of our clients include:
1. Agricultural Silos
- Dimension: 26030 x 5200 x 5230 mm, 17600 x 3390 x 3340 mm, 24300 X 4500 X 4580 mm, 17450 X 4330 X 4370 mm, 17450 X 4330 X 4370 mm, 17450 X 4330 X 4370 mm, 26030 x 5200 x 5230 mm, 26030 x 5200 x 5230 mm
- Weight: 228,830.000 kgs
- Route: Mumbai Port, India – Jebel Ali, Dubai
- Total No. of pieces – 8
- Dimension: 4960x4480x3630 mm
- Weight: 145,620.000 Kgs
- Route: Huemen Port, China – Mumbai Port, India
- Total No. of pieces – 1
- Dimension: 12100 x 3350 x 2750 mm
- Weight: 132,180 kgs
- Route: Mumbai Port, India – Jebel Ali, Dubai
- Total No. of pieces – 6
4.Electric Motor
- Dimension: 85x60x78 Inches (1 Piece)
- Weight: 10,350.000 Kgs
- Route: Mumbai Air Port, India – San Antonio, Chile
- Total No. of pieces – 3
- Mode: Air
5. Electronic Display Screens:
- Dimension: 497x22x25 inches (1 Piece)
- Weight: 1,584.000 Kgs
- Route: Los Angeles, United States – New Delhi Airport, India
- Total no. of pieces – 3
- Mode: Air
