This month we’ve put KMB Shipping Group’s European Operations Manager Scott Andrews under the spotlight to give you an exclusive insight into the current issues surrounding the world of European Logistics.
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT KMB SHIPPING?
I have been with the company for six years and my current role is European Operations Manager.
2. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT KMB SHIPPING?
The team ethos, I work with an amazing group of people across all departments within the company. It’s true what they say that people are an asset, and, in my opinion, we have the best group of people working here that actually make it a joy to come to work.
3. WHAT’S YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND?
I started with my previous company (also a Freight Forwarder) at the age of 17 as an Apprentice. After I completed my course, they thankfully kept me on, and I worked my way up through the company. In doing so I gained knowledge on both the Deep Sea and European Departments, flitting between the two in my time there; eventually becoming Deep Sea Manager. During this time the company changed hands and with it the direction changed, I made the difficult decision at this point to leave after 14 years as I felt I had gone as far as I could with them. I then joined the team at KMB Shipping Group.
4. WHAT ISSUES ARE YOU SEEING CUSTOMERS FACING IN THE WORLD OF EUROPEAN LOGISTICS RIGHT NOW?
Unfortunately, with the rising Fuel prices and war in Ukraine, in addition to the entire world still trying to return to some sort of normality with Covid and Brexit still causing problems European Logistics is still proving tough for all.
5. WHAT HAS KMB DONE TO HELP CUSTOMERS OVERCOME THESE ISSUES?
Thankfully we are being proactive by recognising these problems and providing solutions and support for all customers. We have already successfully completed several aid loads to the Ukrainian border in an attempt to help where we can, to get them through this difficult time and help to end it.
We have managed to maintain Freight rates to help with the rising costs where others have increased them, we have also implemented a sliding scale for Fuel surcharges to enable us to move with the trends, showing transparency.
Throughout the pandemic and even now we are offering remote working from home for staff, enabling us to continue to offer all services to customers, with our extensive list of Hauliers and Agents too it means we can always offer a solution.
Finally, we have invested in new IT and Software systems along with training to offer a full Customs Clearance service, both alongside Transport and as a standalone service. This ensures we can use our skills and expertise to guide customers through the minefield that Brexit has left behind, so they need not worry about being left confused and without Cargo.
Need further information on our European Services? Get In Touch.