The logistics industry has gained the most in the implementation of new technologies and is one of the most affected areas where technology innovation is on the rise. The logistics industry is rapidly relying on artificial intelligence, advanced tactics, and automation, which is helping logistics companies meet the ever-increasing demands from customers and overcome some difficult challenges such as cost optimization, faster service, loss management, routes Optimization, warehouse management, etc.
A leader in the field, Mr. Mahendar Puri is on a mission to transmogrify the Indian business sector with top-notched logistics services. In a talk with Mr. Mahendar Puri founder of MSA Global Logistics, we discussed the current industry scenario and what MSA Global Logistics offers to its clients.
Tell us about the MSA Global Logistics.
MSA Global Logistics established in October 2012 envisions being an integrated logistics service provider offering end-to-end solutions to its customers. It has been formed by professionals having rich expertise in commissioning and operating Container Freight Stations, Inland Container Depots, and Container Rails. The Company aspires to develop and operate CFSs / ICDs at strategic locations on a Pan India basis. In a very short span of a year, MSA Global has started spreading its wings in various locations of India. The company has its presence in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hazira, and Mundra.
- What were the initial challenges you faced?
The Logistics sector itself has already many challenges like Lower Standardisation, road network, Land acquisition and then there is the Launch of Direct Port Delivery (DPD) for Import containers.
India’s logistics industry has been adversely affected by the lower standardization of cargo and containerization of logistics traffic, hampering the overall speed and thus increasing the cost of storage and movement. Further to this, issues related to the land acquisition have also tempered the growth of the sector. The road network in India, though extensive, is still inadequate and suffers from several deficiencies like the inability to handle high traffic density, poor conditions of roads, etc.
The average productivity of a truck in India is an abysmal 200 km a day which could be increased to 350-400 km just by reducing congestion. Further to add, the Launch of DPD import containers across five geographical corridors at pre decided tariff has increased more Pressure on Container Freight Stations (CFS).
- How have the company graphs changed since the foundation? Can you share a few statistics?
- What is the reason behind your MSA Global Logistics’s long-standing success?
The backbone to The Company’s success is that it has been founded and managed by Professional Chartered Accountants which itself is a key factor of distinction in the Logistics Industry which is predominantly run by Master Marine & Shipping Professionals. Furthermore, MSA Global Logistics has a unique business model wherein we thrive by forming strategic alliances with Existing CFS operators thereby using already available resources and assets instead of creating a new one, making MSA Global Logistics an asset-light organization. This model works as a win-win situation for all players in the Logistics Industry by considerably reducing the overall Logistics Cost.
- What are the services MSA Global Logistics focuses on? How are your services different from those in the market?
The Company aspires to develop and operate CFSs / ICDs at strategic locations on a Pan India basis. At MSA Global Logistics, we are already operating CFSs at Nhava Sheva & Chennai. The entire gambit of services of CFS operations includes transportation of laden / empty containers/cargo by road/rail and handling activities inside the facility but not limited to loading, unloading, stuffing, de-stuffing, facilitation of clearances, on-wheel clearances, disposal of un-cleared cargo activities can be provided by us. The Company is also operating Empty Container Repair Depots across India in Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Hazira, Mundra, and Kolkata.
MSA Global Logistics is also operating a warehouse in Nhava Sheva and has also been providing Freight Forwarding services to its customers, thereby making end-to-end Logistical solutions easily available. MSA Global is an integrated logistics service provider offering end-to-end solutions to its customers. It has been formed by professionals having rich expertise in commissioning and operating Container Freight Stations, Inland Container Depots, and Container Rails.
- How do you decide to take MSA Global a step further in terms of your services?
Our Company aims to create an organization having a customer-centric approach with the freedom to expand and exercise quick decision-making at each stage to efficiently satisfy all Logistical needs of its customers. MSA Global Logistics Group has been adding value to the Logistics Industry for the last eight years, with its establishment in October 2012.
We have left no stone unturned by consistently embracing market changes and creating a Platform for MSA Global Logistics to grow and expand its reach across the Country. We are now getting into various projects which include but are not limited to the handling of Break Bulk cargoes at Nhava Sheva, Chennai, and Kolkata, handling logistics division for Karanja Port in Mumbai, thereby ensuring our expansion in various other services.
- Is there any new addition to the list of services? Anything exciting you would like to share?
As mentioned earlier, we have been associated with various Limited companies for providing their end-to-end Logistics needs e.g. handling of Breakbulk cargoes, handling shipment for Karanja Port. We are also one of the successful bidders for Shipping Corporation of India for handling their Empty container volumes at Nhava Sheva we are excited to serve them very shortly. There are many more projects in pipelines for which we are looking.
- How has technology transformed the traditional way of business?
Technology has changed business in the evolution of making more profit in business with high speed, to get more customers, to be able to serve more people worldwide, to improve the product and services quality, speed up a business process, less use of human power in high-risk intensive works. Technology has changed business the way we plan, start, operate, manage, market, sell, repeat, hire, communicate, and make a profit in business.
- What do you think are the responsibilities of an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship isn’t all about charisma and glory always. As an entrepreneur, you’ll be in charge of building the team that carries your ideas and objectives through to success. Entrepreneurs are idea people, always searching for opportunities for innovation and finding new ways to tackle old challenges. That role doesn’t go away once your business has launched. You’ll need to keep looking for new ways to improve, and new directions for your company to grow.
- What are the key achievements of your entrepreneurial journey?
Starting own Company in 2012 and Lead it to great success and create a Brand Name in the Logistics sector, following with Started business at Chennai, Hazira, Mundra, Kolkata, are the key achievements.
- How do you look after your employees? What makes your team unique?
I urge my employees to think out of the box to paint their success canvas with multiple colors. I give them opportunities in various sectors to learn, grow, and make themselves multi-tasking. I give them Freehand to work and I monitor closely and help them to motivate and improve their skills.
A combination of solid leadership, communication, and access to good resources contribute to productive collaboration, but it all comes down to having people who understand each other and work well together. My team has the right mix of Trust, ambition, and encouragement among others.
• It’s a rat-race out there. How do you cope with that?
The Status Quo Strategy. The first way to escape the rat race is to simply follow the most frequented path. To succeed, you must simply work until you die. The rate race is in your head if you let it be. Work to live, don’t live to work. Be focus and flexible and do your work.
Mr. Mahendra Puri – A leader adding fuel to India’s logistics sector
The Founder of MSA Global Logistics Private Limited Mr. Mahendar Puri has a strong Financial Background and decades of experience in the Logistics Industry to his merit. MSA Global Logistics is engaged in the business of operating and managing Container Freight Stations, Container Repair Depots, Freight Forwarding, Bonded Warehousing, Custom Clearance, and Contract Logistics.
After attaining significant positions at Multinational Companies and International Shipping Lines, Mr. Mahendar Puri founded MSA Global Logistics with a vision to provide end-to-end solutions to the customer under one roof.
Precision, Analysis, and Negotiation Skills are the three components necessary for a professional to withstand the challenges faced in the Logistics and Transportation Industry. Apart from this, any Logistics Enterprise needs to be spearheaded by a professional possessing in-depth knowledge of the Rules, Regulations, Benefits, and Costs associated with the various modes of transports, their implications as well as their day to day impact on the Business and the Industry at a large. The Founder of MSA Global Logistics Private Limited Mr. Mahendar Puri has a strong Financial Background and decades of experience in the Logistics Industry to his merit. The Team of young professionals, dedication and hard work, and experienced management helped towards the constant growth of the Company.
