Navigating Uncharted Territory
Geodis Wilson helps Alfa Laval deliver complex cargo to global destinations.
THE CUSTOMER: Alfa Laval Aalborg Inc., Miramar, FL
Alfa Laval Aalborg is the world’s leading marine boiler engineering company and a manufacturer and major supplier of inert gas systems, thermal fluid systems, and shell and tube heat exchangers. Alfa Laval’s products are sold in approximately 100 countries. The company is over 125 years old and employs approximately 17,500 people worldwide.
THE PARTNER Geodis Wilson, Iselin, NJ (N.A. HQ)
With 9,000 employees in more than 60 countries, Geodis Wilson is one of the world’s largest freight forwarders and 3PLs, building partnerships and serving customers with integrated supply chain solutions that deliver cargo by air, ocean, and ground worldwide.
Moving large heat transfer, centrifugal separation, and fluid handling systems from manufacturing origin to final destination requires Alfa Laval to rely on logistics partners that can create complete solutions and ensure timely delivery of complex cargo to customers all over the globe.
Rafael Lugo, a repair sales account manager for Alfa Laval, was recently involved in a project that required transporting a large, complex shipment from China to Venezuela. The shipment consisted of approximately 200 tons, and needed to be shipped and delivered at one time.
"The cargo was not a standard size, and it required specialized handling," said Lugo. "We had no idea how to move it to Venezuela, or how to deal with that country’s strict import regulations."
Lugo began looking for a partner to assist him, asking three different freight forwarders for help.
"I reached out to some freight forwarding companies, but I did not feel I received the attention this project deserved," said Lugo.
Lugo then turned to Geodis Wilson. Geodis Wilson presented Alfa Laval with a complete solution, from factory to final destination, explaining how they would handle the shipment, the process, shipping requirements, customs, brokerage, and more.
"Geodis Wilson was more interested in our project and understanding our needs than the others had been," Lugo said. "They were very proactive during the planning and execution of the shipment. They were also involved directly with our customer during meetings to help walk them through the process."
Venezuela was under political unrest when the cargo arrived, which caused further delay. Geodis Wilson again came to the rescue.
"When the cargo was stuck in Venezuela customs, our representative from Geodis Wilson worked directly with customs in order to release the cargo early," said Lugo.
Overall, Lugo said, Geodis Wilson provided personalized services and guidance where others did not.
"We have no knowledge of logistics and handling of a project of this magnitude," he said. "Geodis Wilson provided enough information to make us feel comfortable, dedicated endless hours, and most importantly, open communication to ensure a smooth operation. The delivery was handled with the utmost professionalism and in a timely manner."