The evolution of the world has spilled over into our everyday lives. This way, everything seems to have improved, bringing the world even closer and making life easier.
One industry that has, in recent times, experienced a significantly reduced degree of stress is the freight management process. Over the years, the entire process of organizing inbound and outbound goods for transport from one end to another seems to have gotten better with freight management companies such as OnePort 365.
OnePort 365 is a digital freight management start-up that empowers customers to take control of their shipment processes with the help of technology. This cutting-edge technology allows for an easy documentation process for customers as they offer a personalised dashboard that enables them to manage their shipments.
Through digitisation, the company optimizes freight processes for businesses, which paves the way for optimisation in operational efficiency for scalable growth and cash flow.
Catching up with The Lagos Today, the operations manager at OnePort 365, Mrs. Morenike Jaiyesimi, weighed in on how OnePort 365 is making a remarkable impact in the highly fragmented freight management process.
What is OnePort 365 about?
OnePort 365 is a tech freight management company. As Africa’s digital channel to a seamless containerized freight management, we aim to effect a positive change to enhance Africa’s participation in the trade space globally. OnePort 365 is driven by a desire to bridge every gap in the freight process, and so, we have developed a platform that is simple and orderly with the help of technology.
What locations does OnePort 365 operate in?
OnePort 365 is a full-service international ocean freight forwarder and we offer FCL shipping to multiple destinations.
We have a thriving workforce and clients presence across every geographical zone in Nigeria. We utilise Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos and PTOL and Onne ports in Port Harcourt to ship our clients’ containers and operate offices in Kano, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.
We are also building a footprint in Ghana.
As the Operations Manager, what is a typical day in OnePort 365 like?
My role as the operations manager is to see shipment from end to end, which includes every procedure that ensures the successful shipment of cargo. The first thing I do for the day is to follow up with all ongoing shipments with my team. I and my team collate the next steps and troubleshoot any potential hiccups. As an operations manager, I go to the port terminal to follow up on the gate-in and loading of our client’s containers. On occasion, I attend cross-departmental meetings, to ensure we have all required input for uninterrupted shipment procedures.
Being proactive is one way to be effective in this field, being able to foresee potential shortfalls and come up with strategies to solve them have also helped me excel. “It is always a thing of joy to be part of the Solution, being an Operations manager at OnePort 365 has given me that platform.”
Also, most of the challenges we encounter are peculiar, and being attentive helps to surmount these challenges.
What does it feel like to be a female operations manager in your male-dominated field in a conservative place such as Nigeria?
Being part of OnePort 365 where there is no gender stereotype has made my job a lot easier. People within see potential and ability above gender and this has allowed me to find full expression here.
Most of the challenges I face are external. Due to the general perception people have about women, I find myself working extra hard to prove that women are just as capable. Notwithstanding, being confident is the most important thing that has helped me. Being confident in my ability and experience is all the boost I need.
How has the ETO-call-up system at the Apapa port and Tin Can port influenced the gate-in/ gate-out process?
Before now, call-up systems were done manually. Several trucks were parked randomly at inappropriate locations and this resulted in a lot of congestion. The ETO-call-up system has brought improvement to the freight management process, however, there’s room for more to be done. I reckon that this is a step towards the right direction.
What are your expectations from the deployment of 135 modern scanners by the Nigerian customs service towards the digitization of the clearance process?
Hopefully, these scanners can speed up the clearing processes as against physical examination which takes a lot of time. I expect that these scanners will boost the efficiency of the Nigerian Customs Services and reduce the inconveniences attached to manually scanning through containers.
How well has the digitization process of OnePort 365 worked for both ends?
The digital process has eased operations for both OnePort 365 and our clients. Through our easy-to-access web application, we have simplified the booking process. Users of the platform can book a shipment in three easy steps. The first step is to search for negotiated real-time rates on the platform. The second step requires clients to click to select preferred services for a comprehensive quote and proceed to book the shipment with the simple click of a button.
Clients also enjoy having a personalized dashboard for monitoring and managing shipments. They get 100% visibility through trackers and real-time updates that ensure they are able to monitor shipments across every inland point as well as on international grounds.
Also, we have made the seamless exchange of both pre-shipment documents as well as post-shipment documents. Our users can log securely onto the platform and view all the documents attached to the shipments they have made. This eliminates the laborious process of combing through emails and messages looking for documents attached to their shipments.
Finally, in what ways can small and medium-sized businesses benefit from OnePort 365 services?
Our tracking systems offer clients the platform to monitor their shipment and this has played a key role in minimizing theft and vandalism in freight management. The result of a simplified booking process, 100% visibility, and a team of experts are optimized freight planning and operational efficiency. As a result, customers record fewer losses. At OnePort 365 we give priority to the safety of customers’ containers.
Speaking of cash flow, we also provide trade finance to SMEs to help cover the cost of their freight shipments. These create the capacity for the SME to expand into new markets and grow sustainably. Also, by being able to close their trade deals faster, they can better manage cash flow cycles.
