Networking the atlas

Momentum Logistics, a subsidiary of international port management company, Gulftainer, has announced that it has joined the Atlas International Network, a group of independent forwarding companies, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) / non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and related service providers.

Atlas International Network is one of the largest freight forwarders alliances in the world and has been in business for over ten years. The Atlas network is an alliance of companies involved in the freight forwarding sector who work together enabling members to compete with global players. Today, Atlas International Network has over 160 members with over 190 offices in more than 90 countries around the globe, each one with the flexibility and superior service only locally-owned companies can provide.

“Since its establishment, Momentum has always looked to provide the highest standard of service to our customers, and to develop our global network,” says Momentum Logistics General Manager Matthew Derrick. “In the last year, our freight division has established a global network of agents, assembled a team of experienced professionals and attracted over 50 new clients. Joining the Atlas International Network enhances our existing freight forwarding network and enables us to provide our customers with the superior service that they have come to associate with Momentum, no matter their location.”

“As a member of the Atlas network, Momentum has access to a global network that operates in accordance with the highest international standards in the freight forwarding industry, enabling us to offer our customers value-added logistics on a truly worldwide scale,” he added.

Since its inception in October last year, Momentum Logistics says it has been focusing on growing and expanding its services, and this latest move is in line with its aim of becoming a global provider of choice for third-party logistics and supply chain management services.

In addition to the growth of its freight forwarding division, which is based in the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD), with new offices planned to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi soon, Momentum has also been developing its other services. Its transportation fleet of tractors and trailers has grown to be the one of the largest trucking operations in the region. The fleet comprises 122 tractors and over 240 trailers, including specialised low bed trailers and tipping chassis. The division has also relocated to new offices and opened a vehicle maintenance and repair facility within the SICD.

The development of logistics cities is also in full swing, and the levelling of the site for International Logistics City in Al Saja’a is complete, with work underway on the perimeter road network, while 12 new warehouses have been added to SICD’s facilities, with work underway on a further 12 that are due to be completed in Q2 2010. The new container repair depot at SICD is also operational, and this division continues to attract new business, having added six key clients to its portfolio so far this year.