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Over the course of the past few years, JAS Chicago has been one of the fastest growing and top performing branches within the global JAS organization. Then, in March 2020, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruptions threatened to derail the results and momentum: the culmination of many years of hard work. Business continuity, especially consistency in high levels of customer service, was always goal number one, but shifting an entire office staff to a virtual work environment overnight while ensuring the safety of essential warehouse personnel was an incredible challenge.
While the immediate challenge was met head on, and successfully so, by the entire JAS organization, anxiety regarding the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic was ever-present. The challenge was now how does JAS adapt to a global industry that had essentially changed overnight. Based on the feedback of customers, JAS invested immediately into an own-controlled flight network with additional adhoc charter space to inject much needed air capacity on key trade lanes. Due to its strategic geographic location, warehouse, and airport infrastructure, Chicago became the US hub for both the trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flight operations.
In one month’s time, the uncertainty had begun to fade and the excitement about a new direction was taking hold. By the end of April 2020, the Chicago branch had transformed from a successful large local branch into a key strategic global gateway servicing the entire JAS network. This held its own challenges and many lessons were learned from issues that arose, but every challenge was met with hard work, determination, and an eye towards the future.
Over the following months, a continual drive to find efficiencies and improve the process and structure around the flight operations was a central focus. The JAS Chicago team knew that this would ultimately bring value to their customers while offering a differentiator in the market for future growth. Efficiencies in the warehouse were implemented in order to accommodate incredible volume growth in a limited space. Warehouse efficiencies resulted in faster turn-around times from flight arrival to final-mile delivery. High performing staff were given opportunities to grow into newly created gateway leadership roles, while no less than six other promotions within the branch were executed. New high-level talent was recruited and on-boarded that will one day grow into the future leaders within the Chicago branch and beyond.
In March of 2021, the annual USA Executive/Branch Manager meeting was held virtually. As a result of their incredible performance and impact to the JAS global network over the course of a most challenging year, it was announced that Chicago was named the JAS USA Branch of the Year for 2020. In the same meeting, it was announced that JAS Chicago would be expanding its footprint with plans to acquire additional warehouse space in the Chicago area in the very near future. These two announcements illustrate what has made JAS Chicago a true success story: utilizing the success of the past to invest in the future.
In the face of all challenges, thanks to the continued dedication and innovation of team members, JAS Chicago is able meet the needs of their customers. Especially over the last year, it is more apparent than ever, at JAS, people make the difference!
Tariff regulations are evolving—are you prepared? Watch our exclusive webinar featuring JAS experts Laurie Arnold and Scott Cassell as they break down the latest updates on:
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 24, 2025 – JAS and Naqel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. The partnership will combine Naqel's robust regional network with JAS's global logistics expertise.
Naqel, a subsidiary of Saudi Post Logistics (SPL) provides comprehensive coverage across the GCC region. By partnering with JAS, one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, both organizations are well-positioned to support the Kingdom's ambitious plans and strengthen its role as a global logistics hub.
"This partnership marks an exciting milestone for JAS as we expand our presence in Saudi Arabia," said Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East. "By combining our global reach with Naqel's deep-rooted regional expertise, we can unlock the full potential of the highly promising Saudi Arabian market."
Dr. Sohail Choudhry, CEO of Naqel Express and Group Chief Commercial Officer of SPL said “This partnership is a bold step towards strengthening our joint position in the region, opening new trade lanes and supporting our SPL Group vision to be a National Logistics champion which reimagines logistics and enhances experiences for our customers”
The MoU was signed by Dr. Adnan Almazrooa, Deputy CEO of Naqel, and Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East, in the presence of Dr. Sohail Choudhry, CEO of Naqel, Justin Sloan, Chief of Freight Forwarding at Naqel, and senior leaders from both organizations.
This collaboration aims to develop strategic trade lanes, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and provide multi-modal logistics solutions that drive efficiency and resilience.
By working together, JAS and Naqel will contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of enhancing trade integration, accelerating economic diversification, and fostering sustainable logistics solutions.
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About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
About Naqel Express by SPL
NAQEL Express by SPL has been operating in the MENA region since 2005 and is now a proud member of the Saudi Post family. With a presence in 16 countries, it has established itself as a formidable force in logistics. With its unrivaled distribution network and robust fleet, NAQEL seamlessly connects you with even the most remote corners of Saudi Arabia.
NAQEL provides tailored solutions and services such as speedy e-commerce and courier delivery, efficient road transport, smart warehousing and order fulfillment, global air and sea freight forwarding, seamless supply chain solutions, project management, 3PL services, and easy customs clearance. Committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions with a focus on environmental responsibility, NAQEL strives to lead the logistics industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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JAS is excited to announce its participation in LogiPharma 2025, the leading global supply chain conference for the life sciences industry. Taking place from April 8-10 at the Centre de Congrès de Lyon, France, the event brings together key industry leaders to discuss innovations and best practices in logistics.
As a trusted logistics partner, JAS will be exhibiting at Booth 71, where attendees can connect with our experts to explore cutting-edge cold chain solutions, temperature-controlled logistics, and end-to-end supply chain strategies tailored for the industry.
Continuing our tradition, the team will also take part in the LogiPharma 5K Run on Wednesday, April 8, at 7 AM.
Join us at LogiPharma 2025 to discover how we are driving innovation in logistics and ensuring supply chain excellence for our partners around the world.
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