JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Sonal Singhal never planned to work in freight forwarding. She had always aspired to be a doctor. Fate, however, had other plans for her when she stumbled upon a summer job in a freight forwarding company. Little did she know that this serendipitous opportunity would lay the foundation for her inspiring career in logistics.
Fast forward more than 20 years, and now a seasoned veteran in the industry, Sonal joined JAS in 2020, where her initial days were met with many challenges. With no time for doubt or hesitation, she faced them head-on. Stepping into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for India, she embarked on a journey of building a team from scratch during a global pandemic, and leading sales – something she had never done before. "While I couldn't travel and meet teams and customers in person, I was able to use that extra time to double down on the behind-the-scenes work," she recounts.
Sonal's abilities and talents did not go unnoticed. In less than a year, she was named as Managing Director of India – making her one of just two female Managing Directors at JAS. Under her leadership, JAS India has experienced a change of culture coupled with remarkable growth and has become a pivotal player in the logistics space.
She is humble in all her accomplishments but recognizes there is still work to be done.
"I take pride in my role, but I also feel like I have a responsibility to mentor more women in this space, for leadership roles," she affirms, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, representation, and empowerment. As a woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry, Sonal acknowledges the challenges she's faced. "There are certain gender biases that still exist, it takes time to break those stigmas," she observes. Despite these obstacles, Sonal remains resilient, offering words of encouragement to aspiring women in the field. "Don't give up, and just keep doing your best," she advises, embodying perseverance and determination.
She is passionate about the powerful role of encouragement and mentorship, as she knows first-hand how it feels when someone believes in you more than you believe in yourself. She recalls what made her stay on at her first freight forwarding company, "I actually didn't want to stay, but the head of the organization loved my work and encouraged me that I could succeed. I think the faith and belief he showed in me then was something that influenced me to stay. And history repeated itself at JAS, where leadership has entrusted the same confidence in me and gave me an opportunity which I couldn't have dreamed for myself, at least not so soon. This is a great sign at JAS with male allies promoting inclusivity and driving the change."
Sonal remembers how that empowerment made her feel and now ingrains the same sentiment into her leadership philosophy. "Failures are yours, and success belongs to the team," she asserts, embodying a collaborative approach to leadership. She champions democratic decision-making and fosters a culture of open communication and feedback, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Sonal is a devoted mother of two teenage boys and is a loving daughter. Balancing her career with family responsibilities, she finds fulfillment in nurturing her children and maintaining strong ties with her parents – all with the support of her spouse, without which it would have been impossible. "I'm trying my best to raise them as men a society would like to see," Sonal lovingly shares.
Sonal's journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and dedication. As she continues to pave the way for women in logistics, her impact extends far beyond the boardroom, inspiring future generations of female leaders.
JAS Projects and JAS Sweden are proud to share an exciting achievement in heavy transport, executed deep in northern Sweden near the Polar Circle. This unique project involves the movement of oversized cargo through challenging winter conditions, where temperatures plummet as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius.
The cargos dimensions are impressive:
Transporting such massive loads requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and flawless teamwork—all of which were on full display as our team worked tirelessly to ensure safe and efficient delivery through the icy terrain.
Luiz Dos Santos, Project Coordinator at JAS Projects, accompanied the operation and shared his firsthand experience. For Luiz, this was his first opportunity to be on-site for a heavy-lift transport, and it proved to be both thrilling and educational:
"A thrilling mission in the far north. I accompanied the heavy transport from start to finish through the icy winter landscape of northern Sweden. It was an extraordinary and impressive experience to see the required precision and flawless teamwork with my own eyes. The execution, as well as the planning, are significantly more complex than they often appear from the desk. So, it was all the more helpful to have experienced the entire process firsthand."
This operation is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence, even in extreme environments. From intricate planning to navigating unpredictable Arctic conditions, the success of this transport highlights our ability to deliver solutions tailored to every challenge.
As you may have seen in recent news, labor negotiations between the ILA and the USMX remain unresolved. While a tentative agreement was reached in October 2024 to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, key issues are still under negotiation, raising concerns about potential port disruptions.
Despite ongoing efforts to reach a resolution, the risk of disruption is increasing as the deadline approaches, though the situation remains dynamic.
Current Negotiation Status:
Potential for Disruption:
As negotiations remain stalled, the risk of disruption at East and Gulf Coast ports is escalating. Stakeholders across various industries are urging both parties to reach a resolution to avoid further economic impacts.
Carrier Surcharges:
Proactively, several carriers, including CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and ZIM, have announced the implementation of surcharges due to the potential for labor disruptions:
As the deadline draws near, it is anticipated that all carriers will implement similar surcharges. As we continue to monitor developments, JAS as well reserves the right to activate the BWL congestion surcharges should any actions be taken by the ILA.
Impact of Previous Strike Action:
The previous three-day strike in October 2024 caused significant delays and operational disruptions, affecting:
Mitigating Future Disruptions:
To minimize risks, businesses should consider these strategies:
Guidance from JAS:
JAS Worldwide continues to support clients during this uncertain period. Businesses are encouraged to prepare for potential disruptions by exploring alternative routing options and staying informed about ongoing negotiations. JAS is available to provide tailored solutions to help mitigate risks associated with these developments.As the January deadline approaches, both parties must work diligently to resolve their differences and secure a stable working environment for longshore workers and businesses alike.
JAS Projects successfully completed the Koh Sichang Islands – Submarine Electric Transmission Line Project, designed to enhance the electrical infrastructure of the Sichang Islands in Thailand. This initiative ensures a reliable power supply for residents and businesses on the islands.
From October to November 2024, JAS Projects executed a complex transportation operation that began at the port of Shanghai, China, and concluded at Siam Kerrz Seaport in Laem Chabang, Thailand. The cargo included two packages with a total weight of 327,476.00 KGS and a volume of 322 CBMs, featuring a specially designed basket carrying a submarine cable and its accessories.
The success of this project was driven by the collaborative expertise of JAS Projects teams in Vietnam, China, and Thailand. The teams developed a comprehensive logistics solution, starting with the design and fabrication of a seaworthy cable basket. The design was technically vetted and approved by a Marine Surveyor before the operation began.
Key steps in the project included:
The MPV then embarked on its sea voyage to Laem Chabang Port in Thailand. Upon arrival, the vessel’s cranes discharged the cable basket onto the receiver’s barge in Thai waters. Marine Warranty Surveyors (MWS) oversaw the entire operation, from steel cutting for the basket fabrication to its final discharge.
This project demonstrated the exceptional capabilities of the JAS Projects team in managing international logistics with precision and efficiency. Through seamless coordination and expertise, the team delivered a successful transportation solution for this critical infrastructure initiative.
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