INDUSTRY FOCUSPROJECT FORWARDER NETWORKS
The World Project Group met in Kyoto, Japan in 2015. Pegg believes his experience in the
market, having worked for shipping lines, agents and major ports, means he has “seen all sides of the business”. “We know that we are fighting in a
competitive market. In breakbulk it is about how much you can offer on a service and rate level. For project cargo, it is about deliverables. Can you do it on time and in budget? That is what ABA can offer.”
Identities Pegg explained how ABA is trying to establish a unique identity in what is a saturated market: “I can give the opinion of a forwarder that joined us. They told me that access to a Bill of Lading (BoL) was important to their business – something that ABA provides to its members. “As soon as you know the cargo has been
loaded without remarks on the condition of cargo or packing, you can provide the shipper with the Atlas Line BoL, even if you’re not in possession yet of the ocean BoL from the shipping line, which merely mentions the ABA members both in the port of loading and port of discharge.” he highlighted. ABA follows a one-member-per-country
mantra, with the exception of the bigger countries such as the USA, Brazil and China. The network uses an insurance company that is rated and registered with Lloyd’s, and has a AAA credit rating in the USA. Project and breakbulk cover has been upped to USD100,000 per member for protected default and bankruptcy of a fellow member. A members-only website has been launched to share leads, and IT infrastructure has been developed and evolves based on the needs of the members. With the proliferation of numerous
networks, each tries to distinguish itself in a unique way. Rossiter said WPG focuses on one member per country and excellent service levels. “Because of our size and method of operation, our members are all
www.heavyliftpfi.com
well known to each other and have developed longstanding, professional relationships that ensure they all go the extra mile to help each other out. This results in a better level of service for our clients, which then also enhances the credibility of the network,” he explained. Fuchs echoed these sentiments:
“Certainly the personal touch is a key element. For us the size of the network is second, first comes quality. We commit to a certain limitation in the number of members per country – that for sure is something that our long-lasting members enjoy a lot and do value highly.” Cutillo drew attention to the WCA’s
financial guarantee system and the provision of IT infrastructure. “The WCA member- to-member financial guarantee is another big benefit [risk reduction] as it guarantees payment of USD100,000 between any two members. “We also provide insurance, banking,
formal dispute resolution service, IT and marketing services to help members save money. We have recently developed an e-commerce network that is generating a high level of interest, even among some project companies.” The PLA’s Weyhausen says that his
network will have a platform soon enabling members to offer projects online (among members) and to let other members know about upcoming project cargo for certain regions in order to try to combine their cargoes on the charter-market to optimise their buying-rates. PCN has a policy of accepting general
In breakbulk it is about how much you can offer on a service and rate level. For project cargo, it is about deliverables. – Albert Pegg, Atlas Breakbulk Alliance
forwarders and providing a platform to help them develop their specialist departments. Humphrey said that the PCN would be launching a training programme geared to the heavy lift industry in 2017. “Practical ‘on the job’ experience needs to be paired with theoretical knowledge, as this leads to a deeper understanding. However, official heavy lift training courses and workshops can be expensive and involve travel and time away from the office. “We have spent some time looking at
whether PCN can offer a better option and we are pleased to announce that we are developing a five-module online training programme on a specially developed e-learning platform.”
Course units The course will be offered remotely and will be broken into 54, ten-minute sessions, with each individual unit assessed. “When the training is completed the user will understand the practical, operational and engineering aspects of heavy transport, heavy lift and project cargo, and will be able to ask pertinent questions at the relevant time and understand the industry terminology.” PCN plans to add more advanced modules for its experienced members at a later date, Humphrey added. On the theme of training, GPLN said it
continues to offer heavy lift and transport courses, as well as adding a maritime heavy lift workshop. “We also offer members a course where they can learn about the special bills of lading for the project and charter industry,” said Haffter. “All these courses are also open to the public. By offering our members access to method statements and technical drawings, we try to help build up their technical background, which ultimately will also improve their safety record.” PFN’s Bouwhuis believes that networks
managed by people with a background in project logistics are more effective. “Some networks are run by people that are not
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