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GLOBAL NAVIGATOR Summer 2021 FREIGHT • MAIL • E-COMMERCE PROFESSIONAL WORLDWIDE DELIVERY www.spatialglobal.com Trade Underfloor Supplies (TUS) specialise in the design and supply of energy efficient underfloor heating systems for the trade. After tendering out their ecommerce fulfilment to seven 3PL’s – they explain why they chose Spatial Global. Underfloor heating, renewables and plumbing supplies ecommerce fulfilment Ian Reading, Director at Trade Underfloor Supplies, was experienced in international fulfilment as he has worked previously managing an international team selling educational supplies which shipped tens of thousands of products globally every year. This experience was one reason why he had joined Trade Underfloor Supplies with founding Director Mike Beck. The company was modelled on a drop ship arrangement with its manufacturers but the dynamic of the market is rapidly changing, and to enable TUS to offer an enhanced service to their customers in the way of a consolidated delivery of multiple brands, they looked for a logistics partner. A partner which supports the high customer service levels, 24hr planning and quoting service and great technical support at the end of the phone. Ecommerce fulfilment for underfloor heating Mike Beck founding Director (left) and Ian Reading of Trade Underfloor Supplies “Spatial Global’s approach was professional but personal and stood out for all the right reasons, we are delighted to be working with the ecommerce fulfilment team at Spatial Global to take our business to the next level.” Ian Reading Director at Trade Underfloor Supplies Robert Tedd joined Spatial Global as Freight Manager in the summer of 2020, and as his first work anniversary approaches he looks back on a remarkable and challenging 12 months for the Freight Forward Industry. Testing times and ‘Can Do’ people The last 12 months have exposed the fragility of trade routes as they were sorely tested by air, sea & road disruptions caused by Covid 19. Shortages of containers and increased freight rates were once again exposed when the Ever Given ran aground while transiting the Suez Canal in March 2021. Brexit presented an extremely turbulent start to 2020, which has impacted on road haulage routes, timescales and rates. The rapid changes in consumer behaviour during the global lockdowns created a dramatic expansion of ecommerce, adding demand on networks and an additional dynamic into the mix. All of which has meant companies that operate in the freight forwarding sector have needed to adapt quickly to a number of challenges and trends during the past 12 months. Agility and innovation proved to be the key The team here at Spatial Global have worked incredibly hard to provide our customers with the very best solutions, answers and service levels during this unprecedented period. With rates changing constantly, routes getting booked incredibly quickly and influences beyond our control changing the options open to us on a daily basis. However, I’m pleased to say as a team we’ve performed extremely well, using new ports, finding new routes, and using our time served network to overcome the obstacles sent our way. It just shows what a ‘can do’ mindset can achieve and working with our clients we’ve proven to be a great team. Your Freight Forwarding Team When you encounter challenging times in freight forwarding, you need a good team.