MSC Chile exec on challenges and trends on logistics sector - FreshFruitPortal.com

MSC Chile exec on challenges and trends on logistics sector

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MSC Chile exec on challenges and trends on logistics sector

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about more challenges for the fruit sector. In the agricultural industry there has been greater uncertainty around volumes, as well as challenges in terms of concerns over possible contamination of exports.

In that line, flexibility is key in facing the greater uncertainty shippers face this year due to the pandemic.

One company that has been evolving in order to face the new challenges that 2020 has brought is MSC.

Cristian Montenegro, Commercial Director of MSC Chile spoke to PortalFrutícola.com about the challenges that they have faced as a company, trends arising in the industry, new services, among other things.

In terms of new trends, Montenegro said that digitalization and automatization in terms of logistics documentation are rising topics of interest among shippers.

“We have increased our digitalization efforts and provision of online customer support, especially on documentation aspects, so that customers’ dealings with MSC is made easier and faster”.

“In Chile, we have developed an online portal called MSC GO for several procedures, including consulting account statements, obtaining invoice and Bill of Lading (without valuation), reviewing payment history and making online payments, with the added benefit of improving transparency and control for our clients”.

“We are doing our best to support fruit shippers, and are working closely with all parties, including exporters, consignees, depots, and authorities”, he said.

He added that they have been able to adapt to customers’ requirements and offer more flexibility and tailor-made services.

“We have been focusing on promoting the advantages that containerized reefer shipping can offer - as opposed to reefer breakbulks - which include a fixed arrival date, regular weekly services, and a more extensive global network (instead of a single A to B service)”.

Regarding the current season, Montenegro said that they are expecting a strong cherry season, due to the growth in production.

“We are in close communication with customers regarding equipment availability”.

In that line, the introduction of the Cherry Express service has been an initiative very well received by the industry.

He added that in addition, for this year, they have taken the decision to complement the regular service with two additional vessels: MSC Alessia and MSC Fiammetta.

As the cherry season keeps growing MSC stated that for their industry it is crucial to provide flexibility and choice.

Finally, he stated, with global concerns around cargo contamination amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chilean cherry exporters have enquired about more stringent safety measures in their supply chain.

“We have therefore introduced the option of sanitizing containers for fruit shipments in Chile as an added service to our customers via our exclusive tie-up with MEDLOG in the country”.

 

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