The Shipping Association of Jamaica comprises more than 60 member-companies. We have been featuring some members as they undergo changes and further development. Below, is the fourth article, highlighting Newport Warehousing, a long-standing member.
Newport Warehousing, private bonded warehouse # 116 in the local shipping industry, has been implementing a number of strategies to improve its operations and meet the needs of its clients.
From the expansion of its physical infrastructure to the computerisation and automation of its processing and inventory systems, the company has undergone several developments in the past few years all in the name of reducing the length of time its takes for clients to get cargo.
"Time is money and we have been pushing to accelerate the processing time for our customers and as such we are constantly monitoring and making improvement in the service we offer," said William Worton, Director of Sales for Star Transport Group, under which Newport Warehousing falls as a subsidiary. Other companies in the group are Star Logistic Services, Star Interfreight, Inter Freight Agencies, Inter Transport Services and Western Freight Services Limited.
The company was founded in 1968 by the late Captain Harry Worton, a pioneer in the consolidation business, who introduced the concept of operating a private off-dock bonded warehouse in Jamaica.
Newport Warehousing, which occupies a 40,000 square-foot facility, is one three of customs bonded warehouses in Kingston. The primary services the company offers are receival, storage and delivery and distribution of cargo. Additionally, the company offers duty paid and general cargo storage. "The company has grown from strength to strength," observed Mr. Worton, who credits to his father's entrepreneurial skills and the dedicated and hardworking staff for the success of the company.
Mr. Worton said the most significant development at the company has been the computerisation of the processing and inventory system, which facilitate quick assessment and resolution of problems. Another significant development is the dedicated delivery gate and the expansion of the delivery yard to eliminate congestion.
"In the past we have had some congestion and we have instituted this system to reduce the time taken to get cargo out of the warehouse," said Mr. Worton. "We are emphasising a one-hour clearance time in and out of the warehouse for our customer not including the time taken for customs processing, which can vary from 15 to 20 minutes," he added.
Another special arrangement is that personnel effects and commercial cargo are separated and there are dedicated cashiers for both categories.
NPW has 50 persons on staff. Mr. Worton, said the company had invested significantly in the training and professional development of the members of staff.
