ILA partners with Vanguard on China route

International Liner Agencies (ILA) has partnered with Vanguard Logistics Services (VLS) – one of the world’s largest non-vessel operating cargo carriers (NVOCCs) – for its China and Hong Kong operations. “The neutral, multi-national company controls a significant share of the market in the China/ Hong Kong region and this, coupled with the dynamic growth of the region and the development of new industrial areas, makes it the ideal partner for our expansion plans,” said Raymond Cutts, sales and marketing director for ILA. ILA has had a long-standing relationship with VLS as the company’s exclusive partner throughout South East Asia (SEA), he said. “This new association with China, along with that in SEA, will allow for much-needed flexibility in managing lead times and best routing options,” said Cutts. The partnership also allows ILA customers access to new markets through the expanded China network as well as to customised e-services, he said. “To date, 99% of our business is on-board with this partnership, which is a key indicator that this was the right decision,” added Cutts. Operating in a market as competitive as this, Cutts said that picking the right partner and sharing a common vision was crucial. “The success of ILA since its inception in 1995 is largely due to the fact that we handpicked our partners on all trade routes – including Europe, the North West Continent, the United Kingdom, India, Australia and the Far East.” CAPTION Raymond Cutts … hand-picked agents.