According to a recent market research report by Mordor Intelligence, the global freight forwarding market is pegged to grow from $162.24 billion to $207.19 billion from 2023 to 2028, respectively. As one of the major contributors, Singapore is considered a global logistics hub and is expected to show a CAGR of 8 percent between 2022 and 2027. With the impetus provided by the public and private sectors, the industry is witnessing a significant influx in the number of logistics service providers, vying for the same opportunity pie.
But, amongst the mindboggling numbers, it becomes challenging, yet imperative for businesses to entrust their shipments to a freight forwarding company that not only promises but also walks the talk by leveraging efficiency, safety, speed, and convenience. Incorporated with the capability to deliver a perfect amalgam of these key attributes, AFG Logistics - an international freight forwarder and logistics company - has been such a partner to bank on.
With reliability and professionalism at the core of its operations, AFG has uniquely positioned itself as a one-stop shop for all freight forwarding and warehousing requirements of its clients and associates from across the world. Handling services like air and sea freight forwarding and vessel operations, the firm enables the safe transportation of multiple products ranging from oil and gas products and perishables to ship spares and outer port limit (OPL) shipping. “But about 45 percent of our services include handling the wine and spirit importers in Singapore. These movements are majorly from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America”, says R Ravi Naidu, Director. The services are also driven by stateof- the-art technologies, which serve as an added edge to its excellence.
Backed by a B2B and B2C business model, AFG offers its customers access to its wide network of warehouses to reap the benefits of efficient cargo consolidation, thereby facilitating less-than-container load (LCL) shipping and temperature-controlled warehousing services. The firm also assists its customers in sea or air cargo import and export customs clearance involved in FTWZ, Project/ODC, special equipment, break bulk. Enhancing the customer’s convenience, the company provides a smooth air and sea freight shipment, from the cargo collection to delivery to the warehouse or factory.
Furthermore, the customers are also endowed with the flexibility to track and trace their shipments.
The Success Mantra
In their bid to top the chart of cost leadership, most businesses overlook the quality and standards of their services. However, standing on the other end of the spectrum, AFG is distinguished by its sheer focus on providing the finest customized services at a quality that is worth the price. In order to provide tailored services, Ravi and his adept team do not just aim at handling an inquiry but also endeavor to establish a positive rapport with the clients. “My team and I will then understand their requirements, and we will strive to provide the best of the best services. I also make sure that the clients are well aware of the services and procedures, from pickup to weight verification and fumigation to proper handover to the airline or shipping company. It is like a package deal”, Ravi explains. Not just the procedure, but the company also emphasizes its clients’ involvement in every documentation process, through continuous communication.
Although the company is just four years old, AFG has been formed by an expert team with a collective industry experience and expertise of over 40 years. The team is spearheaded by R Ravi Naidu, who has previously led complex projects like freight, road transportation, and railway cargo from Singapore to Malaysia. In addition, he also brings in an extensive portfolio of loyal clients, who have been working with him for the previous 20 years and continue to fuel the growth of the company. “Like them, my team has also been there with me from day one, and everyone is DG-certified personnel”, proclaims Ravi. To retain their certification and further hone their acumen, the company has mandated regular training and necessary courses for the employees and vendors alike.
AFG has uniquely positioned itself as a one-stop shop for all freight forwarding & logistics requirements of its clients & associates from across the world
Cruising Forward
Headquartered in Singapore, AFG has established its office and warehouse in free-trade zones (FTZ) of air and sea ports, and it has also partnered with a container freight station (CFS) operator in the port FTZ to strengthen service delivery. “For instance, our general cargo containers are shipped from the port area. The liquor, wine, and other spirits are shipped from FTZ and transferred to another bonded operator,” Ravi adds. En route to the future, the company is currently working towards fulfilling its geographical expansion plans, which were stalled due to the waves of the pandemic. With the intent to grow remarkably but steadily, the venture is gearing up to foray into five major locations overseas, including India and Malaysia, within the next three years.
R Ravi Naidu, Director, AFG Logistics
Ravi’s journey in freight forwarding started in the year 1980. He has 43 years of experience related to all aspects of freight forwarding, airlines, and vessel operations. Attended various courses in Operations, Customs Documentation, Dangerous Goods and Regulations, Cost Control, and Management. Established AFG companies to provide total freight – logistics services across six continents. The basic objective is to meet the requirements of clients, timely responses, and suggestions, cost-effectively, and resolve and rectify any movement problems immediately. With the support of the commendable teams, AFG has developed to its current position, expansions are in the pipeline duly and the Journey continues further.
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