KWL signs agreement with freight forwarders for contactless service

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) recently signed a service agreement with two leading freight-forwarding companies to expand access to its Click N Collect contactless pick-up service. KWL signed two separate agreements with Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company Limited and Jamaica Trading Services Limited (JTS) to formalise the arrangements for the clients of both companies to have the benefits of the Click N Collect service.

Click N Collect is an innovative and simplified cargo clearance option geared towards satisfying the growing demand for a contactless pre-clearance and door-to-door delivery for personal shippers sending barrels, boxes, pallets and other less-than-container-load cargo.

Corporate Services and Client Experience Manager at Kingston Wharves Simone Murdock explained that under the agreement, freight forwarders will be able to broaden access to their pre-clearance and door-to door service to clients. They will also be afforded co-branding on KWL’s electronic platforms, and as partner agents, benefit from other promotions of the new service to personal shippers.

Murdock underscored that the plan is to sign a number of these agreements with other freight forwarding partners and agents to broaden the access to the convenient pick-up service.

Working with partner agents and customs brokers, Click N Collect provides an e-services portal where clients can pay agent fees, customs charges and KWL charges online in a single payment window, and schedule the pick-up of their cargo, without physically navigating the cargo clearance process themselves. Personal shippers may procure the services through their shipping agent or they can contact KWL directly.

Click N Collect can be accessed at KWL’s e-services website: www.eservices.kingstonwharves.com. A single window for personal shippers importing cargo through KWL partner agents, the site also houses KWL’s electronic payment options, provides information on charges, and details on KWL’s bank transfer service which allows for direct deposit to its account.

“Click N Collect is yet another example of KWL bringing e-commerce solutions to maximise efficiency and safety in the delivery of traditional shipping services. We continue to invest in harnessing digital technology for improved processes, operational excellence and enhanced security. These are now even more relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Murdock noted.

CEO of Jamaica Freight and Shipping Anna Hamilton was upbeat about the signing. “Jamaica Freight and Shipping is excited to partner with Kingston Wharves Limited on this bold initiative. Click N Collect allows us to offer our customers a more complete, hassle-free, logistic service, with quicker turnaround time. As the global community tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless services are being demanded by the general public. Click N Collect will allow us to more effectively respond to this demand,” Hamilton stated.

In the meantime, JTS Managing Director Mitzie Gordon Burke-Green noted that Jamaica Trading was pleased to participate in the programme. “JTS is very happy that we are able to participate in this service, which in the bigger picture will help to reduce the foot traffic to the warehouse, which is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have taken the bold step in signing the agreement to engage aspects of the Click N Collect service with KWL. I say bold, as this is a completely new service. Having signed the agreement and engaged the service, we are pleased to advise that the service delivery has been efficient, even as we continue to work through teething matters,” she stated.