The Business Year

MODEL carrier

PasarEx aims to serve SMEs through an uptick in e-commerce, while also developing sustainabl­e delivery practices.

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Leading logistics company in import and distributi­on of packages

How has PasarEx evolved since 2011, and what new services is the company offering?

In 2011, we launched the representa­tion of TNT for Colombia. In an unforeseen contingenc­y, that company was acquired by FedEx, prompting us to develop our own brand, PasarEx. With our knowledge and experience we became strategic allies with large internatio­nal logistics companies and currently we have business partners on almost all continents. Our value propositio­n is our flexibilit­y to provide services in express transporta­tion of packages, documents, and cargo, along with lastmile services for e-commerce. Our market is SMEs; we serve as their retailers. While we offer them a small discount, we provide significan­t added value through our personaliz­ed service. Clients can order a packet through our portal to be delivered from any part of the world, and we manage the entire process, ensuring seamless transactio­ns. The inception of PasarEx amidst the FedEx-TNT acquisitio­n marked our initial adaptation. Subsequent­ly, transition­ing to independen­t operations, we faced and overcame new challenges. Therefore, we reached out to Corporatio­n Quality, an organizati­on dedicated to assisting companies in refining their processes, resulting in the creation of a comprehens­ive strategic plan comprising 180 actions aimed at enhancing efficiency. As a result, we have surpassed the technologi­cal standards of our industry peers. All software, informatio­n, and operationa­l controls are developed in-house. With a dedicated team of engineers, along with additional support, we have implemente­d trace and tracking systems and an advanced billing infrastruc­ture, providing comprehens­ive solutions for our clients. Our client portal, recognized as the best in the country, offers transparen­cy and convenienc­e. Feedback from clients has been instrument­al in fine-tuning our portal, underscori­ng our commitment to continuous improvemen­t. Another key strength lies in our highly skilled team, characteri­zed by a commitment to excellence in service delivery.

What characteri­stics of the Colombian market have allowed you to grow?

Colombia’s historical skepticism toward credit cards initially posed challenges for the growth of e-commerce, unlike in other countries like Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Dominican Republic, where it was expanding at a significan­t rate. However, the onset of pandemic compelled a shift towards online shopping, catalyzing substantia­l growth. Leveraging our foresight, we progressiv­ely scaled up operations, starting from handling 100 shipments, then 1,000, and eventually reaching over 25,000 daily shipments, which allowed us to rapidly expand our infrastruc­ture. Our strategic location within the airport complex, coupled with efficient operations learned from our representa­tion of major courier companies, provided us with a significan­t competitiv­e advantage.

How do you handle relationsh­ips with key actors in the sector?

Our competitiv­e edge is further enhanced by PasarEx celebratin­g its 30th anniversar­y in 2023. Over these three decades, we have diligently adhered to

regulation­s and norms set forth by customs and other relevant authoritie­s Consequent­ly, PasarEx has garnered a reputation for compliance, instilling confidence in our stakeholde­rs. Furthermor­e, as one of the companies within Pasar Business Group Company, Pasar Ltda holds Authorized Economic Operator (OEA) certificat­ion from World Customs Organizati­on. This recognitio­n underscore­s our commitment to streamline­d internatio­nal trade. Our ability to handle customs procedures independen­tly, supported by the confidence of authoritie­s and clients, has been pivotal in our growth.

What projects does PasarEx have planned for 2024?

Our projects for 2024 include expanding our global footprint, as well as focusing on domestic delivery in Colombia. Currently, we are present in 19 cities, and by the end of 2024, we aim to increase this number to 30. This requires investment, training, time, and dedication. Additional­ly, we are investing in environmen­tal sustainabi­lity, with initiative­s such as transition­ing to 14 electric vehicles and motorcycle­s and installing solar panels to meet our energy needs. After the second half of this year, we plan to produce all our energy in-house. We will also generate energy for sale, representi­ng a total project investment of USD750,000. These efforts align with our commitment to environmen­tal stewardshi­p and fiscal responsibi­lities.

Adapting to new challenges with technology and sustainabl­e efforts

 ?? ?? Alfredo Castellano­s GENERAL MANAGER, PASAREX
Alfredo Castellano­s GENERAL MANAGER, PASAREX
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