CMA CGM Jamaica Ltd, has been awarded Top Exporter's Support Service for 2009 by the Jamaica Exporters Association. The award was presented at the recently held National Export Awards, which sought to recognise excellence in the industry of trade. Recipients were nominated by the customers they serve.

The awards ceremony culminated month-long activities aimed at focusing the nation's attention on the export sector as a vital contributor to the country's economy. With the National Export Strategy now being finalised for implementation in 2013, the key players within the export industry must all seek to deliver the best in service if they hope to survive in a globally competitive market.

Anchored on service

General manager of CMA CGM, Leo Nesbeth, attributes his shipping line's success to it being anchored on service. "Our existence as a business depends totally on our customers. Satisfying and surpassing their needs is a must in ensuring repeat customers. The economic climate has challenged everyone, but excellent service must transcend low freight rates. For any business, including shipping lines, to survive you must be delivering world-class service."

Nesbeth pointed out that the entire CMA CGM staff operated with a customer-centric focus. He also emphasised that the biggest team at CMA CGM was customer service, with more than a quarter of the staff complement dedicated to customer care. "We are the engine on which trade depends for their transport needs; and we at CMA CGM take that responsibility seriously," he said.

Dedication

Customer-service manager at CMA CGM, Carolyn Trudy Bell, attributes the success of her team to dedication. "Service before self. It's not uncommon for any member of our team to work well beyond their required hours to ensure that the peculiar needs of our customers are met. Many of our staff members work six-day weeks just to be able to keep our customers informed." She added, "Not only is quality service good business practice, it also feels good to know that you helped; and awards such as these confirm that you've executed a job well."

CMA CGM is one of the highest ranked in Jamaica. The line carries cargo of all kinds - both personal and commercial, worldwide, and their container fleet includes special equipment such as reefer containers that have in the past carried anything from medicines to meat.