CTSI Logistics: Celebrating success at the crossroads
Nearly 80 participants from over a dozen nations worldwide and islands in the Pacific gathered on Saipan this past week for the 10th Annual CTSI Logistics Management Conference. Held at the Aqua Resort Club on Saipan, the theme of the event is “Business Leadership through Technology and Strategic Alliances.”
Ten years ago, the island of Saipan was the site of a new entrepreneurial venture. The need for freight forwarding services in the Micronesian region was growing at a rapid pace along with the developing economy. Recognizing potential in the freight forwarding trade, Saipan-based Tan Holdings Corporation opened Consolidated Transportation Services, Inc. (CTSI).
Renamed “CTSI Logistics” to incorporate its expanded focus, the company today has gone far beyond freight forwarding and is a full-scale third party logistics provider. It has grown steadily over the years into a network of 16 stations in Saipan, Guam, Palau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Hong Kong, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, China and Guatemala. The company also has several stations in key cities in the United States.
One of the strengths of the company is its competitive IT-based logistics solutions. Managers at the conference were familiarized with the company’s tracking and tracing capability that will enable the clients to attain the “end-to- end visibility” of their shipments over the company’s web site called CTSItrax. Aside from this, the company also engages in other software tools through the development of its Hong Kong-based sister company, Integarted Solutions Technology (IST).
“CTSI Logistics will optimize this competitive advantage by fully integrating IT into our operations and logistics capabilities as part of supply chain initiatives which we are working on with our major customers in the United States,” said CTSI Logistics Chief Executive Officer Jerry Tan, in a presentation of the company’s plans for additional growth.
The conference agenda also included presentations by affiliate companies, business agents and business partners. Special guest speakers included Federal Express Corporation North Pacific Region Vice President David Ross and CSX Lines General Manager for Micronesia Mar Labrador.
“CTSI and Federal Express have a very strong alliance. We look forward to growing this with additional services,” said Ross, whose company Federal Express operates the world’s leading express freight transport service with over 660 aircraft.
On the other hand, Labrador of CSX Lines mentioned that the conference theme was especially timely as he presented his own company’s IT initiatives for tracking and tracing shipments called “NetCaptain.”
As part of the conference activities, CTSI Logistics also formally reaffirmed its commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities where it operates. CTSI Logistics’ “We Care Project,” a community support initiative was officially introduced to over 200 guests at a gala dinner held at the poolside of Aqua Resort Club last Friday night.
Two Saipan-based governmental agencies – the Division of Youth Services (DYS) and the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Services, Inc. (NMPASI) – were recipients of the proceeds of merchandise sold during the event. “This generous donation will go a long way to help our less privileged children. CTSI Logistics will surely make them happy,” said DYS Acting Director Concepcion Cabrera.
“At CTSI Logistics, we place our social responsibility at the top of our corporate priorities. We want to play a significant role in helping to build a healthy and prosperous society,” said CEO Jerry Tan.
The dinner was also capped with a management awards segment where CTSI Logistics commended the outstanding performance of some of its key officers. Earning the top award for “Outstanding General Manager of the Year” was Saipan Station Manager Frank Camacho.
