Agility India delivers temperature sensitive shipment securing special permission

In India, Customs do not allow movement of build-up pallets in and out of Air Cargo Complex due to multiple reasons including security aspects, infrastructural constrains and multiple handling issues. However, informs Vishal Kashyap, National Manager – A

For exports, agents have to deliver cargo to the air cargo premises for building up the airline units post clearance, examinations and security checks. Likewise for imports, de-stuffed deliveries of shipments are to be taken and built-up units are not allowed out of the cargo premises.

When Roche approached Agility for delivering a Cyro vessel to the consignee door 300 km from the air cargo complex, there were serious concerns.”

Vishal Kashyap national manager – air Freight, agility india

“So, when Roche approached Agility for delivering a Cyro vessel (Pharma ingredients, contained in an Envirotainer, set at -20 Degree Centigrade) to the consignee door 300 km from the air cargo complex, there were serious concerns. The AG team promised to revert on the best possible solution in due course of time,” said Kashyap. The company was fully aware of series of hurdles ahead - right from approaching Indian customs for their consent on taking stuffed delivery out of cargo complex, to the ground handling agencies, the airlines, concerns from the Envirotainers (vendors of the unit) and the strict security concerns on approvals for taking a unit out of the premises and bringing it back.

“In less than two months, Agility created history by securing all statutory approvals, relentless efforts from Mumbai AI team in terms of convincing Indian Customs officials and other concerned agencies along with Lufthansa Air Cargo team by making presentations and explanatory notes on why the permission for taking the delivery of an Envirotainer to the consignees door be granted and how the security concerns on the empty vessel will be addressed,” Kashyap pointed out.

Customs issued a circular endorsing Agility India’s request and the company’s Mumbai team took the delivery of Envirotainer from Lufthansa Air Cargo team stacked it up neatly in a Reefer truck and delivered the shipment right at the consignees door within 5 hours 30 minutes.

“It is laudable that Agility team took the extra care in handling this highly temperature sensitive shipment and by ensuring safe delivery. We greatly appreciate highest level of team involvement from Agility,” said Arun Manjeshwar, Director, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance, Roche India.