Shipping agents, freight forwarders and shipping companies form the most important links in the transportation industry and their efficiency and productivity have a direct impact on international trade.
Auckland based Sailax Shipping & Freight has carved a niche for itself with comprehensive services including documentation, transshipment, warehouse and door-to-door delivery, meeting customer demand.
Established in 2004, the Company is involved in the gamut of import and export trade, removal services including personal effects and household items from and to any destination. With agents and associates worldwide, Saliax Shipping & Freight is considered a one-stop-shop for corporate and individual customers.
Director Suresh Mani said that with economic recovery in sight, the Company was confident of a busy year in 2011.
“Recession has not had an adverse effect in our operations, probably because we constantly assess market trends and align our strategies accordingly. As a small company, our overhead costs are low,” he said.
Nonetheless, it was not smooth sailing over the past two years.
“We have faced some stiff challenges with fierce competition. But we are here to stay and serve our customers offering them the best,” Mr Mani said.
He reckons that 2011 will be a better year, albeit with a number of challenges.
“We will add value to our working relationship with customers, through special agreements with freight forwarders and agents across the world,” he said.
His mission is to serve the Pacific Island communities with cost effective solutions.
“We have absolute transparency and my vision is to make this company a household name in Shipping and Freight Forwarding to the Islands and rest of the world,” he said.
One of the reasons for unstinted growth even during tight market conditions is proper use of warehousing, which constitutes the core of shipping operations.
Mr Mani said his Company has contracted warehouse facilities, the use of which is optimised through professional management of time and logistics.
“Similar arrangements exist with trucking companies to move goods efficiently, without delay. We use our own transport for moving lesser goods,” he said.
Mr Mani is a licensed New Zealand Customs Broker and was a Customs Officer at Fiji Customs back home.
His experience at a number of well-known organisations such as FedEx (where he won a ‘Bravo Zulu Award’ for quality customer service), Owens International and TNT Express has given him an insight into the nuances of the profession.
Sailax is a ‘profiled agent’ for Carpenters Shipping in Fiji, an IS9005 company with offices in Suva, Lautoka and Nadi.
“The Agency gives us a distinct advantage,” he said.
The firm has become a specialist in personal and commercial shipments, import, export, FCL, break-bulk and door-to-door deliveries.
“We have special rates to Fiji, Australia and India for personal effects, house removal, gift shipment and unaccompanied luggage,” Mr Mani said.
