Expanding networks, finding partners for better third-party logistics

LOGISTICS provider JGL Worldwide is not only expanding its networks across the region, but increasing its service offerings, too.

Established in 1994, the company now has 12 offices across South-east Asia and is incorporated in India as well, serving more than 80 trade routes.

An extensive geographical network is one of three pillars underlying the company’s value proposition, alongside customer service excellence and value-added services.

“The world moves faster than we know, thus there is a need for us to stay relevant,” said chairman Desmond Gay.

“We strive to keep our company fresh and forward-looking, by working closely with our people, customers and partners.”

JGL plans to deepen its foothold in South-east Asia and beyond. It has fostered close relationships with more than 10 international logistics and freight forwarding networks, as well as trade, business and commerce associations.

A wide network, including partnerships, strengthens its core business of providing third-party logistics (3PL) services.

JGL offers a comprehensive range of services, including warehousing, ocean and air freight arrangements, domestic and international distribution, and value-added upstream supply chain services.

What helps to make this possible is an integrated cloud-based freight management system that ensures the smooth passage of cargo between locations.

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It includes a track-and-trace system, as well as a warehouse and purchase order management system, which streamlines processes for greater efficiency.

Digital and agile

Digital systems are part of JGL’s journey towards becoming a digitalised supply chain service provider, from a traditional 3PL one.

The company is also co-developing a digitalisation platform that makes processes more efficient, enhances transparency and processes transactions more quickly, without compromising data and information security.

To be an all-rounded 3PL provider, JGL is going upstream, too. For instance, it plans to set up depots in Vietnam to house tanks of oil and liquid chemicals, while providing value-added services.

In the dynamic shipping and logistics industry, companies are highly sensitive to the evolving global landscape and macroeconomic events. The company strives to remain agile and adaptable, even in the face of unexpected setbacks.

For instance, after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed on Mar 26, 2024, JGL swiftly rerouted some shipments to ports in New York, then trucked them to their final destination in Baltimore.

The company’s quick and accurate decision-making minimised delays in cargo arrivals, ensuring that customer needs were met.

Good and green

Across its geographical network, JGL gives back to the communities in which it operates through corporate volunteering.

In Singapore, for instance, it partnered Arc Children’s Centre to engage children battling cancer. Its regional beneficiaries include a children’s cancer hospital in Vietnam and an orphanage in Thailand.

As for employee well-being, the company’s lean structure fosters a collegial culture, with constant feedback between employees and senior management.

Its mentor-mentee programme enables senior employees to impart valuable experience while younger colleagues contribute contemporary knowledge.

Environmental sustainability is another focus, with JGL striving to achieve net-zero emissions, and to help others do the same.

It co-organised the Green Logistics – Improving Competitiveness of Mekong River Delta Import-Export Businesses conference in Vietnam.

This was in collaboration with the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City, Vietnam, as well as the Vietnam Asia Net Zero Alliance.

For its own part, it is looking at implementing sustainable practices in its operational processes, with the aim of transitioning to a greener business model.

It is developing a robust environmental, social and governance framework to improve its ESG reporting efforts, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through these efforts, JGL hopes sustainability will be ingrained as a core element of the company and in its employees, too.

This series is part of the Enterprise 50 Educational Project between the E50 partners and the NUS Business School. JGL Worldwide was among the winners in 2023. The annual E50 ranking is co-organised by The Business Times and KPMG, sponsored by OCBC Bank, and supported by Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Exchange and Singapore Business Federation.