Dear ITCO Member
The past two years have been the most challenging that we can recall, due to the Covid-19 virus, which has changed the whole world - in a way that none of us has experienced in our own lifetime.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody who has been affected by the virus – and we hope that our members, their families and work colleagues have managed to stay safe and well.
Hopefully this virus will soon be “under control”, and current travel restrictions are lifted allowing us once again to meet up with our Members, their customers and suppliers face to face at various conferences and exhibitions on a global basis.
Webinars have allowed us to keep Members updated with current tank container issues - and we have used these extensively over the last year to good use. However, they are no long-term substitute for actual meetings, where much of the useful information and exchange of ideas are obtained over breakfast, during coffee breaks and at evening dinners
There is a real need to meet with our existing customers, plus new potential users, to emphasise the benefits of shipping bulk liquids in tank containers door to door, thus providing a truly “just-in-time” delivery.
We should remind our customers that tank containers are the safest and most cost-effective mode, when used door-to-door as part of a Company’s own liquid supply chain. This point has been highlighted over the past 6 to 8 months where the tank container has proved the saviour of many companies’ liquid supply chain, when their long-standing supply chains let them down during this current worldwide pandemic.
For once, price has not been the issue - service and reliability have counted the most. And the tank container has proved that it can deliver that service; however, we need to be paid to enable us to maintain a service.
I am pleased that many of our members have seen a change of their fortunes in the last 6 months, now being able to charge the right price for their services without having to quote for every piece of business on a “Bid and Offer Basis”. There needs to be more long-term agreement for shipments between shipper and tank container operating companies to allow stability.
The tank container manufacturers have also seen a big increase in the number of new tanks being manufactured and this looks to be continuing into the New Year - and beyond.
Going forward into 2022, the signs for our industry look good, and members need to ensure they continue to give a premium service, and value for money, to their customers for the long term.
I am delighted to see our industry doing well - despite the current pandemic - and trust that, when the world returns to normal (whatever that might be), there will be a better understanding of the service tank containers offer their bulk liquid customers
Because of the global pandemic, we have not be able to hold any face-to-face ITCO Board meetings. For this reason, I have asked all eight Board Members if they will extend their board duties until the end of 2022 (this is permitted under the ITCO Articles of Association). I am pleased to advise that all eight board members have agreed to continue.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Members, their colleagues and families:
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR in 2022
I look forward to meeting and greeting you all when the current travel restrictions are lifted, we are clear of the virus - and we can move freely around the world again
Stay Safe!
Best regards
Reg Lee
President
International Tank Container Organisation
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