Of movers and shippers!

From being a much-subdued industry, shipping and transport forms the backbone of the industrial world. It is today evolving into an important commercial activity. It is all hard work and grit that bring steady profits along the way and promise stable employment.

WHEN the lucre of the sea comes a' calling, the lure is irresistible! In the days of yore, when ships were the only means of transportation, it was every child's dream to be a sailor. Innumerable tales have been spun around seafarers out to make a fortune, adventures exploring the world and pirates looting merchants at sea. It has evolved into an important commercial activity. It is a means of travel as well as transportation. From cruise liners to cargo ships; the shipping industry is a mammoth industry capable of surviving on its own steam!

Transportation has similarly grown into a profitable business avenue. From the rustic truck drivers to the modern and sophisticated delivery services, transportation includes a gamut of services like car moving, truck rentals, trucking companies, packaging and moving, and courier and delivery services. Transportation is also closely linked with the shipping industry. Most shipments or consignments before or after being loaded on to the ship are transported by rail, road, sea or air. Transportation in shipping essentially involves work in the logistics department and the actual travelling.

The work

Even today, shipping is an important activity as it saves on astronomical airfreight charges, though it may take a longer to reach the destination. It is the chief mode of exporting and importing bulky products across oceans.

A great deal of work in shipping is operational. Shipping companies are often headquartered at the ports and have a network of branches at various hinterlands. The port authorities and the shipping companies work in coordination and cooperation with each other. They handle various operational responsibilities like documentation, customs, supervising loading and unloading, insurance, marketing, etc.Transportation, like shipping is an equally tough business to handle. Transport by rail, road and air has become a highly specialised segment of the service industry.

BEST buses, APSRTC, KSRTC, TCI and Cholan Transport are some of the better public transport systems in India encompassing a complex network of facilities for citizens, from local to interstate travel. The state transport system is relative to each state and comprises various departments such as operations, maintenance, inventory management, medical, welfare etc.

With the advent of courier services, car moving, truck rentals, packaging, delivery and moving services, people have a wider choice. Courier services like DHL, Elbee, GATI, Blue Dart, etc are popular courier services that offer alternative and speedier delivery services. Similarly, packers and movers provide transportation for moving household and official items from one town to the other, usually by trucks and other large transportation. Work in both the services involves collection, delivery, logistics, finance and administration.

The workforce

In shipping, port authorities employ officials specifically for the purpose of ``chandling''. Chandling involves stocking the ships with provisions and spares required for a long voyage. These officials are also responsible for the movement and loading of containers and deal with the legal aspects of the business as well.

Ship brokers are the vital link between the client and the shipping company. They need to be aware of the changing trends and must be familiar with customs laws, loading documentation, etc. Shipbrokers negotiate terms on behalf of the client to buy freight space, or rent charter full ships and regular cargo runs. They also participate in the ``buy and sell'' of ships, bulk carriers and oil tankers.

Next come the freight forwarders. They are responsible for the safe transportation of goods to their destination. Freight forwarders take care of the bills of landing, export and import licenses, warehousing and specialised packaging, etc. They are the liaison between the customers and the shipping companies.

The transportation business follows the traditional hierarchical set-up, from clerical and the junior staff to the senior management level. It also employs messengers or field staff for personal delivery. Recruitment into the state transport departments till the supervisory grade is usually through notifications at the employment exchange and those carried in prominent dailies. Thereafter, career progression occurs through promotions. At the higher end, the government nominates the Board of Directors, Managing Directors, the Vice Chairman and the Chairman.

The plan of action

There are no rigid educational qualifications to adhere to, to get into shipping and transportation.

A specialisation or a diploma in shipping is preferred to gain entry in the field. Most entrants are trained on the job. However, becoming a shipper isn't as simple as it sounds. A keen interest in travelling, geography, commerce, world trade, goes a long way in helping one. Mental and physical stamina is essential to withstand the rigours of extended periods of travel at sea.

People and cargo management skills, loads of commonsense, and immense patience come handy when dealing with co-workers, port authorities, clients and shipping companies. There are opportunities aplenty in merchant navy, freight forwarding and shipping companies (national and international), and government bodies.Being in the transportation business requires you be a 'tough nut to crack' tough and knowledgeable! At the HR and administrative levels, the work involves extensive dealings with the labour and local drivers.

To ensure smooth functioning, you must be adept at communicating effectively with them. Like in any other enterprise, the transportation business too employs qualified professionals in the fields of finance, logistics, and administration.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in