GSSA Services, Export, and Import This Women’s Day

Celebrating Women in Logistics: Elevating GSSA Services, Export, and Import This Women’s Day

In the dynamic world of logistics, the role of women has been transformative, reshaping the landscape of GSSA services, export, and import operations. As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to spotlight the strides women have made in this sector, driving innovation and excellence in logistics solutions worldwide.

Empowering Women in Logistics

The logistics industry, historically dominated by men, is witnessing a remarkable shift. Women are not only participating but leading the charge in GSSA services, and export and import operations. Their contributions are not just elevating industry standards but are also key to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements and the indomitable spirit of women in logistics, acknowledging their role in steering the industry toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

GSSA Services: Women at the Helm

General Sales and Service Agents (GSSA) play a pivotal role in the aviation and logistics sectors, offering a range of services from sales and marketing to warehousing and distribution. Women leaders in GSSA services are pioneering innovative strategies, enhancing service delivery, and expanding global networks. Their expertise and vision are instrumental in navigating the complexities of the global market, ensuring seamless operations across borders.

Innovating Export and Import Through Women’s Leadership

The export and import sector benefits immensely from the diverse perspectives women bring to the table. Their leadership is evident in the way logistics companies manage international trade, handle complex regulations, and foster sustainable supply chains. Women’s day is a perfect opportunity to recognize their contributions to making the export and import processes more efficient, reliable, and adaptable to the ever-changing global market demands.

A Call to Action: Support Women in Logistics

This Women’s Day, let’s commit to supporting and empowering women in the logistics industry. By investing in their development, promoting gender equality, and creating inclusive work environments, we can unlock the full potential of GSSA services, export, and import operations. Together, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in the logistics sector.

Conclusion

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honor the women who are reshaping the future of logistics. Their contributions to GSSA services, and export and import operations are invaluable, driving growth, innovation, and diversity in the industry. Here’s to the women in logistics: your achievements inspire us all to strive for excellence and equality in every endeavor.

A Solid “Talent Stack” Serves to Unveil God-Given Talents – and Passions

Among the worst advice given to young people today is a phrase that enjoys the same reverence as an Eleventh commandment: “Follow your passion.” Sounds good, but truth be told, it ranks right up there with “Go West, young man!” as a vaguely inspiring but rather useless thing to say on your way out the door.

Horace Greeley, the newspaper editor who coined the “Go West” phrase back in 1865, did so while lamenting the horrors of Washington, D.C.: the rent, he said, was too high, the food was awful, and the dust was as disgusting, as the morals were deplorable. So, he advised, “Go West, young man, go West, and grow up with the country.”

Left unsaid, of course, were the particulars.

And for good reason: advice, as it turns out, is easy, life is not; and making the arduous journey out West by wagon was not for the faint of heart. Anyone who has ever played the video game Oregon Trail knows that even in the game, life was nasty, brutish, and short. That’s because well before you reached your destination, you were likely to perish from starvation, Indian attacks, rattlesnakes, and diseases like cholera.

And that brings me to my point: telling someone to follow their passion is like setting them on the Oregon Trail, but without the necessary skills to survive. In other words, it all but guarantees a short game.

Instead, we should tell young people to build their talent stack, or skills that work together to make them more effective and unique in the marketplace. If, for instance, you are a brilliant engineer but lack any networking skills, you’re liable to lose out to someone who does.

A talent stack allows you to take advantage of your God-given talent and yes – your passion – while being multidimensional. And it’s important to note here that you don’t have to be phenomenal at another skill to improve your chances; you need only be competent. (Just like knowing the basics of how to start a fire or build a shelter increases your chances of survival in the wilderness.)

A little knowledge, as they say, goes a long way. And this is true, even in the most savage of places like – Hollywood. There, a triple threat is someone who can sing, dance, and act. That’s an example of a talent stack. Again, you don’t have to be “the best” at these other disciplines, just good enough to make you unique.

Which is to say: being a great actor is fine, but if you are also a reasonably good dancer and singer, that gives you the advantage over someone who is only an actor. Triple threats beat single threats every time.

The legendary investor and billionaire Warren Buffet knows this all too well. His advice is to hone your communication skills, and Richard Branson, British business magnate and founder of VirginGroup, readily agrees. “Today,” he notes, “if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you also have to be a storyteller.”

So, by all means, channel your passion. That passion is kindling for the fire. But if you want to survive in the workplace, real life, or your own metaphorical Oregon Trail, learn to invest in yourself.

And build that talent stack!

Taking Stock, Moving Forward: A Global Economic Outlook:

Positive Indicators and Strategic Measures for the Upcoming Holiday Season

As the months tick away for 2023, businesses are taking stock of global economic conditions, the state of the logistics industry, and supply chain conditions. What’s the status this month, and what can we expect moving into the peak, end-of-year period for holiday shipments?

Of course, there’s no way to predict the exact outcome, because depending on how you balance the short-term and long-term, the myriad and contradicting indicators are a bit more positive than what many economists projected earlier in the year.

On the one hand, you can make case that based on what the Federal Reserve is saying, the U.S. economy is healthy. And it is, by many counts. Or you can track what’s happening in our business specifically, like Craig Fuller does as CEO of FreightWaves, a price-reporting agency focused on the global freight market. He will tell you the overriding theme to the freight market and the overall economy right now is a downcycle – and more than any other moment in time, it is hard to comprehend and draw conclusions where we are going next.

I full-throatedly agree. As you know, we tend to refer to market conditions through rates, and while rates are impacted by many forces, what’s hurting 3PL service providers right now is overcapacity.

In the airfreight market, overcapacity equals lower rates. So will experience greater volumes? The answer is yes, but not necessarily translate in rates at the levels we saw last year.

Long term outlook?

Bolstering our confidence of an ultimate recovery is the fact that the Prime Group of companies are seeing businesses expand in many worldwide markets, reflecting what Benchmark International recently synopsized in its “Global Logistics 2023 Industry Report.” This global M&A firm now projects the global freight and logistics market to grow to $18.69 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4 percent.

When looking solely at logistics, the market is expected to reach $6.55 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7 percent between 2022 and 2027. The report also says that the Asia-Pacific region is the largest in the freight and logistics market, with North America looking to be the fastest-growing region between now and 2027.

“Many economic analysts are increasingly optimistic about the economy because some inflation data has improved and key economic data points like GDP growth, consumer spending, and job creation have been stronger than expected,” the report explains.

In late July 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve, citing elevated inflation, hiked the target range for the federal funds rate to as much as 5.5 percent. The nation’s central bank also acknowledged that U.S. economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace, job gains have been robust in recent months, the unemployment rate has remained low, and the U.S. banking system is sound and resilient.

So, can it be best of time and the worst of time all at once? The answer is in the eye of the beholder.

At both Prime Logistics and Prime Fresh Handling, we’re doing our part to smooth supply chain issues by integrating new technology, developing a more diverse portfolio of vendors, adding more close-to-home logistics solutions for customers, enhancing our forecasting, and proactively communicating with customers. We know that safe, smart supply chain access and on-time delivery of your goods to market is paramount for your business.

Advance planning remains critical too. As we enter this lead-up period to the 2023 holiday shopping season, the time is now – in September and October – for our customers to be solidifying shipping preparations for holiday season goods. As we await further progress on the global economic front, let’s get moving to ensure that this year’s peak season sales have every opportunity for success – and good bottom-line performance for your business.

What’s good for your business is good for ours. We are in this together.

~Roger Paredes

CEO Prime Group

 

 

Time to Get Moving on Boosting Wellness into the Workplace

Employees who chose a career in logistics are undoubtedly resilient. Operating in our world is extremely challenging – you have to be quick on your feet, flexible, and be prepared to resolve any and all problems – now! Quite simply, our industry doesn’t stop – delays that happen in one time zone often cause a domino effect and we have to be on top of our game 24/7.

This level of nonstop responsibility create stress; and stress can lead to illness. According to research by LinkedIn, in 2021, 28 percent more supply chain managers left their jobs due to burnout compared to the previous year. Granted 2020-21 was the height of the hyper intense period for our industry due to the continued impact of COVID-19 on our industry, but turnout remains a very real problem in our industry. We must recognize how important it is to take care of our employees. We must repay their loyalty and dedication. And, we must give our employees the support they need and deserve.

Programs that encourage healthy habits not only benefit our employees, but also assist us by reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity. A recent Harvard study looked at the return on investment of wellness programs and the results showed that for every dollar spent on wellness programs, the employer saves $2.73 and experience significantly reduced absenteeism. And, obviously, healthy and happy employees will undoubtedly give us their best work.

Where do we start? First and foremost: Lead by example. Take the stairs, incorporate walking meetings into your workday, and go for a quick walk or run at the end of the day – ask your management staff to join you. Instead of pastries in the conference room, serve fruit. Not only will you feel better, but your employees will be more willing to participate in wellness activities if they see that you are interested in health, too. Inspiring our employees is one of the easiest things we can do to encourage a healthier workforce!

Next, provide employees with tools they need to live a healthier life. Have your HR team invite a nutritionist to visit once a month who can counsel employees on healthy eating habits. Also, have them post “eat this, not that” information in the break rooms. Some of the simplest steps can make for significant incremental change.

Wellness programs can be fun, too! Whether you organize an employee versus management soccer game or a weekly Wellness Wednesday where employees are given healthy snacks and recipes, it is incumbent on us to keep our workforce running, perhaps… literally, in the case of joining 14,000 other participants each year in what’s billed as South Florida’s largest “office party,” the Lexus Corporate Run in Miami.

Maintaining our workforce is crucial to our continued success. Working in the logistics field is absolutely challenging, but we can make it easier – and healthier –  by encouraging our employees to focus on wellness. Our greatest asset is our people. Let’s make sure our employees know this. Get moving!

~  Roger Paredes, CEO Prime Group 

Navigating Disruptions Always Boils Down to Communications

Everyone is familiar with the Boy Scout’s mantra, “Be prepared.” When the Boy Scout’s founder, Robert Baden-Powell, was asked, “Prepared for what,” he defined the motto to mean, “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.” Seems like a tall order, right? But preparation is crucial – our customers deserve nothing less.

No one in logistics will ever forget the March 2021 Suez Canal obstruction. Caused by the Ever Given container ship that ran aground, this major accident resulted in the blockage one of the world’s busiest maritime routes for six days and a freeze in global trade, which cost approximately $10 billion per day.

Also seriously damaging the global supply chain, was the significant escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 along with the lingering impact the coronavirus pandemic. And just last month, Canadian dockworkers finally ended a 13-day strike, but not before severely affecting two of North America’s largest ports – the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert – resulting in a loss of over $5 billion in trade.

So, how do we prepare for disruptions of this magnitude? How do we improve our resiliency? How can we hope to truly thrive in this capricious industry? The answer is clear: Communication. Yet, as crucial as communication is to supply chain success and logistics in general – perhaps more so than any other industry on the planet – it is often times one of the biggest areas in need of improvement!

We can’t predict with certainty the challenges we will face: major weather issues, labor disputes, scarcities of resources, civil unrest, etc.; however, through the practice of clearer communications skills, in the form of early assessment and notice of emerging situations, we can be in a better position to respond quickly and more appropriately.

With the Suez canal blockage, the shipping industry needs to discuss how to prepare for and prevent these types of accidents in the future. Safety and how to manage the ever-increasing size of these vessels is no doubt being addressed. The massive weight and length of this ship, not to mention the failure to correctly consider the winds and weather, contributed to this accident. Crystal clear, honest communication might have helped to prevent this accident from damaging worldwide distribution lines.

Obviously, the logistics industry could not have prevented the global pandemic or the war between Ukraine and Russia. However, there were (and are) multiple mixed messages relayed.

And with regard to communications around the pandemic on the use of masks and social distancing during the period 2020 through 2022. I am sure we can all agree that the presence of one clear message would have helped. Although it would not have necessarily halted the impact of the pandemic, at least the industry would have been able to speak with one voice to their employees, their clients, and other stakeholders.

Now here we are in 2023 – and topping the list is the prevalence of labor disputes and major work stoppages. In fact, in a most recent example, trucking giant Yellow ceased operations July 31, putting 30,000 jobs at risk. A nearly century-old business, the trucking company was struggling with a massive debt load and was in a standoff with its labor union. The jury is still out on how this catastrophic regional disruption will impact the overall supply chain, but we will be watching.

Suspension, interruption, stoppage, cessation… whichever word you use to describe an event that disrupts the distribution of commodities by land, air, or sea, it is essential that those of us in leadership positions engage closely with our team to ensure they understand the circumstances surrounding any given tumult. In this way, they will be best equipped to put forth quick and creative work-around solutions designed to significantly minimize the ripples that disruptions can create.

At the end of the day, it boils down to being prepared, acting appropriately, and practicing the 4C’s of communication with your customers – and your employees, for that matter:

 

  • Clear: Make the goal of your communications clear to your customer.
  • Concrete: Ensure you share only the most important details and facts.
  • Correct: Make sure what you’re suggesting is accurate. Bad information helps no one.
  • Complete: Your message is complete when all relevant information is included in an understandable manner and there is a clear “call to action.”

 

Personally, I like to add one more “C” in the delivery of effective communications —  “Courteous.” You want to ensure that you always address the concerns of your clients in a  friendly, open, and honest manner, regardless of what the message is about. Be empathetic. Communicate with others as you would have them communicate with you.

If you follow this golden rule, you will not only be successful in logistics, but in life as well.

 

 

~ Roger Paredes

Prime Group CEO

Evoking the “Iceberg” Without Showing the Whole Thing

Steve Jobs once remarked that leadership was as much about “deciding what not to do, as deciding what to do.” He famously put these words into practice more than 25 years ago when he returned to Apple to save the company from bankruptcy.

To right the ship, Jobs charted a new course around the central idea of simplicity. Rather than make a dozen products that were merely adequate, Apple would focus on just four, and knock them out of the park. To that end, Jobs applied a Zen-like focus on ensuring that each product was beautiful and simple.

But simplicity, as he knew, was not just a matter of stripping away random components and buttons— it required a deep, almost philosophical understanding of the essence of a product, its purpose.

In the world of storytelling, this was akin to what Hemingway called the “Iceberg Theory.” In a word, the theory said that if a writer knew the shape of the ice underneath the water, he could evoke the iceberg without showing the whole thing. He could (with a few strokes of the pen) create a character or a moment with real meaning and gravitas – even though most of the ice, so to speak, was submerged.

In the same way, by understanding a product on a deep level, Jobs could distill it down to its essence and focus on what mattered; he could fashion something that was not only simple but sophisticated.

Apple summed all this up nicely in one of its first marketing brochures with the line: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

But the benefits did not stop there.

Once they understood something deeply, they could reinvent it by taking a new approach. They could reinvent the wheel, as it were. And the results, as we know, were exhilarating: a marriage of art and craftsmanship.

When people held an Apple device, they could sense the thought that had gone into every choice and the unifying principle at work— even if it was outwardly simple. (Much Like Hemingway’s straightforward prose suggested so much more because he understood the underlying details of his story, its purpose, and what made it tick.)

Jobs understood this too: which was why, after he returned to Apple, he managed to steer the company toward record profits. And the rest, as they say, is history.

 

The Prime Group Theory

On reflection, Prime Group was likewise founded on a strategy to focus on what to do – and that was to not be like anyone else in the market!

In the world of logistics, most anyone can get things from point A to B with a little luck and some muscle. But to do so in a consistently dependable, efficient, and professional manner – now that was to be our niche, our pathway to success. And it didn’t take brush with failure to get us here!

From day one, we decided to work only with the most professional and sophisticated air freight partners in the industry, like Atlas Air and Emirates Sky Cargo – and in doing so, grow our business by focusing on providing the highest possible level of customer service.

We’ve since branched into offering multiple modes of cargo transport and services all across the globe and it is a very challenging business that changes every day. But no matter what, I’d like to think that when people experience the quality of our “product,” not unlike Apple, they can truly sense the thought that has gone into every choice and the unifying principle at work – even if it is seemingly simple.

Trust us to do what we do best by providing you with the highest quality logistics services, so that you can do what you do best, run your business. It’s as simple as that.

 

Roger Paredes

Prime Group CEO

A Message From Our CEO: It’s a New Day for PrimeAir as LAS Cargo Joins our GSSA Portfolio

We don’t often use this space to share breaking news, but this is a big day for PrimeAir. Perhaps the lesser known of Prime Group’s four business units for many of our everyday customers, PrimeAir is an extremely well-known name in the Latin American market. In fact, since 2001 the company has been serving as a general sales and service agent (GSSA) throughout the region to some of the most prominent players in the global air cargo industry.

Today I announce that we are officially expanding our presence in the North American market – starting with a Lineas Aereas Sudamericanas (LAS Cargo). Founded in Bogota, Colombia, where they have been in operation for more than 50 years, LAS Cargo likewise is on a steady ascent to growth – and has selected PrimeAir to represent them in the U.S.  through our Miami office.

A First for PrimeAir

This is a first for PrimeAir. We have a long history of success in acting as an intermediary between airlines and cargo customers through our Ecuador and Colombia offices, assisting with the marketing, sales, and handling of airline operations within the region – for carriers such as Atlas Air and Emirates SkyCargo.

As our first U.S.-based PrimeAir operation to be managed on American soil, and we could not be prouder and more excited to welcome LAS into our portfolio. Let’s take a closer look at this new customer and the services they provide between North America and all points south into Latin America.

The LAS Cargo Story

LAS Cargo operates a fleet comprised of Boeing 737 and 727 cargo aircraft based at Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Offering full service and ad hoc cargo charters for over five decades, LAS Cargo has long prided itself by being highly attentive and flexible to client needs.

Shippers and freight forwarders seeking personalized service and competitive rates for cargo originating in the U.S.  will now be able to take advantage of LAS Cargo’s daily flights from Bogota and beyond. LAS is specialized in transporting everything from perishables and dangerous goods to livestock.

Welcome to Kenia Angulo

We are also proud to announce that the newest member of the Prime Group family, Kenia Angulo, will be specifically servicing this account as our Sales Account Agent for PrimeAir U.S.

Kenia has over 20 years of experience in the industry, having served in various capacities in companies, such as Tampa Cargo and GPS-Air. She has experience as an account manager, sales, and in managing export departments and will be responsible for selling and further developing this new line of business. So please join me in warmly welcoming Kenia in her new role with PrimeAir.

PrimeAir is the First Choice

PrimeAir’s GSSA services are crucial in expanding an airline’s reach and business opportunities in foreign or unfamiliar markets. By leveraging our local expertise, network, and resources, PrimeAir contributes to increasing cargo volumes, enhancing customer satisfaction, and optimizing operational efficiency for our airline customers.

PrimeAir knows the people, the policies, and the “tricks of the trade” in many local markets, particularly here in Miami – an easy point of contact for airlines coming from all over the world, and a convenient hub for information. Of course, PrimeAir also benefits from being part of the Prime Group, a network of coordinated cargo and freight specialists with offices and representatives worldwide.

We look forward to providing you with the same exceptional brand of world-class service that all our of our customers have come to rely upon over our many years as a GSSA representing multiple air cargo carriers throughout the Americas.

Learn More

To learn more about LAS Cargo, visit https://lascargo.com/en/about-us-las-cargo/

For more information about PrimeAir and to request a quote, visit https://www.primeair.aero/. Or for direct attention and service, please feel free to contact our PrimeAir Sales Account Agent Kenla Angulo via email at kcangulo@primeair.aero or by calling 786-835-5983.

Roger Paredes

CEO – Prime Group

Where Queen of the Skies Meets King of the Mountain

During our 22-year history, Prime Group has been privileged to work with the most prominent and professional air-cargo carriers in the business. I truly believe that the company you keep reflects your business acumen, philosophy, and practices. If “birds of a feather flock together,” as the saying goes, a smart, innovative company surrounds itself with partners that reflect its business acumen, philosophy, and practices.

I’m pleased that we attract similarly smart business partners such as Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., that is a veritable king of the mountain in this businesses sector. They operate the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767, and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional, and international cargo and passenger operations. Prime Group has been privileged to serve as Atlas Air’s GHA/GSA since the earliest days of our operations that began in Quito, Ecuador.

So, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Atlas Air on taking delivery of the final Boeing 747 aircraft ever produced. As captured in this stunning arrival upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, this aircraft represents the last of the last of four new 747-8 freighters that the air-cargo company ordered back in January 2021. Today, Atlas reigns as the world’s largest operator of those freighters.

It’s fascinating to look back at the Boeing 747’s history. For more than a half century this wide-body “Queen of the Skies” has proven itself a reliable, workhorse aircraft. Passengers have enjoyed the world’s first twin-aisle airplane with a distinctive hump and upper-deck seating. From the cargo perspective, the aircraft has tremendous payload capacity and a unique nose-loading capability.

Over the decades, 747s have transported everything from perishables (including fresh flowers, vegetables, fish, medicines, and vaccines) to race cars, racehorses, rocket parts, electronics, overnight express shipments and much more. Among Boeing’s “fun factoids” is that the 747-8 Freighter’s revenue payload can transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls – just in case you need to know that!

Production-wise, a total of 1,574 aircraft have been manufactured since the original Boeing 747 design was unveiled and factory production began in 1967. Enhancements have included introduction of the 747-400 model in 1988 and the final 747-8 model launched in 2005. Sustainability-wise, that latest model offers a 16 percent improvement in fuel use and CO2 emissions per ton, as well a 30 percent smaller noise footprint, compared to previous platform models. Across all models, the platform certainly has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency for both the passenger travel and air cargo markets.

Atlas emphasizes that its history and success are directly linked to the B747 platform and that it plans to operate the aircraft for decades to come. On the occasion of the last of the line, John Dietrich, president and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide, spoke to how Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single B747-200 converted freighter, and since then, the company has spanned the globe operating the B747 into well over 800 airports in over 170 countries with nearly every series of the aircraft, including Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts.

At Prime Group, we want to “be the best,” and in that regard, I firmly believe that we truly are the company we keep. First and foremost, I appreciate the dedication, focus, and professionalism of our employees each and every day. In addition, all of us at Prime Group are blessed to work with high-quality air-cargo partners including Atlas Air and many others. Together we are forging a bright future, one that will include seeing the “Queen of the Skies” in the air for many years to come.

ABOUT PRIME GROUP

Prime Group is a private company founded over 22 years ago on the idea that providing world-class customer relations is the fastest route to success Today, our Miami-based Group is comprised of four separate enterprises dedicated to offering the best in international logistics, food products, services, and customer support.

Whether it’s Prime Logistics, Prime Fresh Handling, our GSSA PrimeAir, or our popular snack brand Prime Planet, we work hard every minute of every day to ensure that your products and services – and your good name – continue to be a standout in the eyes of your customers. That’s just who we are.

~ Roger Paredes, CEO

Honor and Gratitude: International Women’s Day 

March 8 may be the official day that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), officially designated in 1910 by countries worldwide to pay tribute to the substantial achievements of women. But it is also Women’s History Month. So, whether you celebrate one day, the whole month, or all year long (as we probably should!), it is important to underscore that as an employer, Prime Group is extremely proud of the women in our workforce.

Day after day, we see the valuable contributions the women of the Prime Group make to help ensure our company’s success. But beyond the workplace, it’s also wonderful to see strong, accomplished women making significant contributions to their communities, countries, families, and society as a whole.

Embrace Equality

This year’s IWD designated theme is #EmbraceEquity. Equity isn’t simply nice to have. Rather, it’s essential. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities that an individual needs to reach an equal outcome. It’s important for women to be embraced by a global culture that actively promotes and supports them in all aspects of their lives, from education to the workplace to health.

Fortunately, we also get to celebrate women’s achievements during the entire month of March. Since 1987, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and some other countries also have formally recognized March 8 as National Women’s History Month to honor the economic, political, and social contributions of women. Other countries too celebrate the role of women in different ways, and some do so at different times of the year.

Did you know that in many countries, IWD also ranks right up there with Mother’s Day, as children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers? Well, it seems fitting that on March 8 or anytime in March, many of us will show appreciation for the women we value in our lives by giving the gift of flowers. Certainly, Prime Group plays a vital role as shipping and handling fresh flowers is one of our top business specialties.

We’re Working Overtime

Currently, massive shipments of fresh-cut flowers of all varieties are now headed to markets all across the globe with Bogota and Quito being at ground zero for those outbound shipments. Our PrimeAir team is working overtime to keep up with demand, while at the same time providing the highest quality customer service. Likewise, Prime Fresh Handling is providing expert logistical support on the ground and while this precious product is in transit – handling everything from cold storage warehousing and documents processing for time-sensitive perishables.

So, to all the women in our workforce, let me take this opportunity to thank you for all you do. You’re valued in so many ways. As team members, you make our company a better place. Separately, throughout March, I’m planning to recognize the women who’ve helped me along my own life’s journey, with flowers of course, but perhaps also with a special dinner or a night out on the town – and I urge others to do the same.

– Roger Paredes

All Good Things Come in Threes

During the first half of 2023, Prime Group’s “Big Three” for fresh flower shipments span Valentine’s Day on February 14, and International Women’s Day on March 8, and then Mother’s Day on May 14. Certainly, Valentine’s Day is basically upon us, with an estimated 250 million roses shipped globally. But the other big days will be here before you know it, too.

I’m proud to say that the teams of workers at our three business units – Prime Fresh Handling, PrimeAir, and PrimeAir teams – are working 24-7 to meet the needs of our various customers who are directly involved in the shipping and handling of millions of fresh blooms across the globe.

That said, our key Prime Group business divisions continue to expand across the globe, serving business customers in a multitude of diverse industries. Currently, we also offer expert logistics for everything from technology to seafood – including aviation parts, pharmaceuticals, heavy machinery, building supplies, fresh produce, and many other perishables and hard products. We also are a top provider of top-notch GSSA services in several markets, where we serve as the dedicated “boots-on-the-ground” team for several major cargo airlines that are providing lift for wholesalers, retailers, and other distributors out of South American.

Homage to Our Company Roots

While we have branched out into serving so many other different industries, with the tremendous annual flower-shipping effort now underway, I believe it’s a fitting time to pay homage to Prime Group’s roots in fresh-cut flowers. That’s how our corporate journey began over 22 years ago.

Initially, our business started with handling fresh flower shipment from Ecuador to North America and ultimately from Colombia as that market blossomed. Over the years, we’ve expanded into managing floral shipment all around the world, going wherever our customers need their blooms, and partnering with Atlas Air and Emirates SkyCargo to handle the immense payloads. Did you know that Mother’s Day, in particular, is the “Super Bowl’ of flowers – accounting for one fourth of all floral purchases annually?” That’s a fact.

For our employee teams, though, after handling such extreme volumes of product, back-to-back for more than two decades, it’s like “just another day at the office.” So, to all the dedicated PG staff across the globe. I’d like to express my thanks for all you do. In addition, as our loyal wholesale and retail clients receive their fresh flower shipments in 2023, I’d like to say that we’re deeply appreciative of your support – and honored to do our part in helping you meet the immense demand for this beautiful product. We simply wouldn’t be the success we are today without you. My deepest gratitude goes out to all and we look forward to serving you this year and beyond.

Certainly, fresh flowers create a good bottom-line revenue stream for many of us – flower growers, our Prime Group companies, air cargo operators, forwarders, and distributors. But I also believe there’s more to the equation. As we’ve all learned through the years, it’s the little moments in life that truly count. So, as consumers give the gift of a fresh bouquet of roses, an arrangement of colorful tulips, or a lovely corsage, that simple gesture can bring great joy to the faces of their loved ones or friends.

We at the Prime Group are happy knowing we’ve helped make some of those poignant moments possible. So, here’s to a good year, creating more of life’s best and most memorable moments, and “saying it with flowers.”