Independent groupage operator
International Liner Agencies
has entered the US trade with
the launch of an import and
export service through its
USA partners, Ocean World
Shipping.
“The US route has been
on our radar for some time,
but we wanted a partner who
could provide comprehensive
coverage and infrastructure
which we believe we have found
in Ocean World Shipping,”
marketing director Raymond
Cutts told FTW.
“It’s been one of the
missing links in the company’s
comprehensive global network
and service offering, and
through this partnership
we have finally been able
to address a longstanding
question being asked of us by
our customers: “When are you
starting a USA service because
this market needs a new
player.” Well, I think we have
comprehensively answered that
question.”
The OWS brand will be
supported by Vanguard
Logistics Services and their
infrastructure throughout the
USA.
Services account executive
Matt Mazikowski was in
South Africa last week to
touch base with the local trade
and to launch the new service
and promote the OWS/ILA
initiative.
“The OWS brand has in the
past considered moving into
the South African market,
but it’s all about having the
right partner – and ILA is that
partner,” he told FTW. “While
we do service some African
trade lanes we see South Africa
as a springboard to the rest of
the continent.”
Inbound sailings started
operating in May, while the first
export sailings are imminent.
“We’ll be offering a weekly
frequency to New York,” said
Cutts, who believes the timing
of the launch is spot on.
While the US is traditionally
a competitive market, Cutts
believes that Vanguard’s valueadded
capabilities – IT systems
and warehouse infrastructure –
will provide a competitive edge.
“We have a very good
operating system which is very
user-friendly, providing ILA
and its customers with full
visibility throughout the supply
chain,” said Mazikowski. “In
addition, we have our own
container freight stations (CFS)
where loading and unpacking is
done by Vanguard staff and not
outsourced.
“OWS offers one of best
inland distribution solutions
in the USA. Once the cargo
reaches New York it can be
trucked to any destination,” he
added.
“On the export side, we
have a routing guideline and
can pick the best routing
for the customer to his final
destination,” said Cutts.
“Speed of communication
in our business is key to
adding value; ILA has a
dedicated USA team focused
on delivering just that.
With the support of to the
Vanguard system we can
respond to any quote requests
and deliver a comprehensive
quote from any zip code in
the US to final delivery in SA
within 20 minutes,” he added.
This is Mazikowski’s first
visit to South Africa and he
intends to make it an annual
event.
CAPTION
Team USA from left: Matt Mazikowski (Vanguard Logistics Services),
Raymond Cutts (ILA), Lee Horrocks (ILA) and Kevin Taylor (ILA).
Photo: Joy Orlek
ILA launches US service
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