In this edition, Claudio Torres, Director of International Business TAM Cargo, interviews Cristina Bishop, Director of Air Product DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) in Brazil, about the Brazilian market, the company’s projects for this year, and the commercial relationship that exists between both companies.
Cristina is a Business Administrator and a native of Sao Paulo. She began her career at DGF 22 years ago as Customer Service Analyst where she quickly stood out and gained access to new opportunities within the company.
Continually interested in contributing to the company’s growth, she has held the position of Import Manager, Branch Manager, Operations Manager and, currently, Director Air Product. As such, Cristina is responsible for the hiring, development and performance analysis of DGF providers – air carriers and transportation companies among them – as well as defining the product price for customers and providing support to the commercial area.
Claudio Torres (CT): During 2013 the market in Brazil was marked by the drop in exports, no increase in imports and, in addition, a decrease in all rates. Facing this scenario, how was 2013 for DGF in Brazil?
Cristina Bishop (CB): 2013 was a year with many challenges, and it proved to be a very positive one for DHL Global Forwarding in Brazil. In general, we had a significant increase in the volume of sales, specifically related to air cargo.
Our main goal was the enrichment of the product portfolio we offer our clients, by launching our domestic air service and the transfer to maritime transportation.
We also took into consideration that this was an expansion year for DGF in Brazil. We inaugurated two new offices: one in Recife and another one in Caixas do Sul. This allows us to be close to our customers in those regions.
CT: Brazil is a challenging market constantly developing. Considering the import and export business separately, what is your opinion relative to the air cargo projections in Brazil during 2014?
CB: When analyzing the market in general, we confirmed a decline in the first trimester. Export had a slight increase, while import had an important decrease during the same period. Notwithstanding this scenario, I believe 2014 will resemble 2013, and the market will remain at the same level.
In export, we notice the increase in the volume of transported perishables which had an increase of two digits during the first trimester in comparison to 2013.
CT: We are already in the middle of the year, and we know the results for the first semester. According to this, which are the principal projects for DGF in Brazil for the year 2014?
CB: Throughout 2014 we expect to continue with our growth and investment strategy in the country. In this respect, our new offers for air and maritime products are an important element and encompass more options within our ample array of products and services currently provided to our customers.
CT: Within the scope of the business relationship between TAM Cargo and DGF, from your point of view, which are our strengths? And how do you evaluate TAM Cargo as a long-term associate and provider?
CB: We have worked with TAM Cargo for a long time, and DGF considers them business partners. TAM Cargo offers a variety of choices for the transportation of cargo to multiple destinations.
I would like to emphasize flexibility as one of TAM Cargo’s most important characteristic. Since our clients sometimes require a particular route or differential transit times, we need our partners to understand this requirement.
Other important key elements of TAM Cargo are performance and the quality of the delivery service, both of which contribute reliability to our partnership.
CT: Specifically speaking of your plans for the remainder of the year, which actions would you recommend for TAM Cargo to collaborate with DGF ongoing projects during 2014?
CB: Our priority is heavily concentrated in the quality of services we offer to our clients, therefore it is fundamental that our partners share our same concern.
It is important to highlight that DGF Global is always attentive to the needs of our clients, offering a team of managers focused in the development of the principal areas of the industry. Our team of specialists also provides specific services, an operation aimed at segmentation; and for this to become a reality, our partners need to be ready to promptly assist with special requests while maintaining the usual quality of service.
Because of this, my recommendation is to keep focusing on the quality and the punctuality of the services.
CT: Moving to a different subject, how do you envision the World Cup in Brazil? Which team do you think will be the great winner?
CB: Well, as hosts of the World Cup I would be very happy if Brazil would win, and I think we have good possibilities since we have an excellent team. Obviously, there are other teams with great potential to win. Nonetheless, I think we will have a great celebration and the opportunity to show our country, our people, and our beauties to the world.
CT: Which would be your general recommendations to the people that will attend the World Cup?
CB: For those attending the stadium, we recommend arriving well in advance to avoid mishaps, the same as in any other part of the world. This is important because those days when Brazil will be playing there will be much traffic and people moving about during the hours preceding the game. Good planning is key to avoid setbacks.
CT: Finally, as a native of Brazil, which places would you recommend to the tourists that will be attending the World Cup?
CB: There are many cities hosting the games this year, but I will refer to those I know best.
In Sao Paulo we have many excellent restaurants for those who like gastronomy. There is also the Mercado, which is a reference point in the middle of the city. For sightseeing, the Ibirapuera park is an excellent choice; and, for those who like shopping, Sao Paulo has the best shopping centers.
Rio de Janeiro is well known for its exceptional beauty. In addition to its beaches, the tourist must visit one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Cristo Redentor as well as Pan de Azúcar.
Finally, for those who travel to Bahia, I recommend the Faro de la Barra, an excellent place to spend the afternoon.
CT: Cristina, thank you for this interesting conversation and for your excellent recommendations. I am sure that all our clients attending the World Cup as tourists will follow your advice. Soon we will find out if your predictions for the World Cup were correct.
