JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Maria Paula Eslava's family owned a freight forwarding company in Colombia, but she felt her true passion lay elsewhere. While her parents moved to the United States, Maria chose to stay behind, determined to carve her own path. She pursued a degree in Marketing and Advertising, dreaming of one day working at a prestigious advertising agency in New York City.
While working through university, she joined the family business, taking a position in the Sales Department. Though it wasn't her chosen field, Maria approached the role with dedication and a positive attitude, viewing it as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal.
That's when fate stepped in.
From sales, then to procurement and finance, she started learning more about the intricacies of the industry and quickly found that she loved operations—she knew very early on, that was her sweet spot. "I'm a natural problem-solver and I love customer service. I believe sales brings the customer, but its operations that maintains the customer."
For the next few years, she grew her knowledge and worked her way up to Operations Manager. The family business was growing just as fast at Maria's skills and love for the industry. So, when JAS officially purchased her parent's organization—making it JAS Colombia, shortly after, Adrian Emmenegger, Executive Vice President, Americas, presented her with the opportunity to lead JAS Colombia as its Managing Director.
"I was very young. I was probably one of the youngest, and I was the only woman. I was very excited, but I also knew it would be a big undertaking and I would be doing some things I had never done before." To no one's surprise, Maria flourished in this role, and she looked inward to see where she really wanted to take her career. "For a long time, I kept telling myself I would start over and pursue my dream in advertising. But when I finally acknowledged my love for the industry I was working in, and decided to put both feet in the water—I saw the results right away." Maria doubled down and earned her Executive MBA, and even focused her graduation case writing on the industry experience. She reaped the benefits of fully stepping into the moment she was in.
Shortly after this decision, fate stepped in again, and she was given the opportunity to move to the United States to manage the Miami Branch—leading her to another opportunity, where she would meet new challenges, she had never met before. Maria wasn't a stranger to unknown circumstances and knew exactly what she needed to do to succeed, "When approaching the unknown, I know when to ask for help and combine it with my adaptability. I learn from others and build teams by surrounding myself with those who are passionate and know more than I do."
Now in her new role, in a new country, Maria reflects on her leadership journey and how far she's grown. "When I started out, I was very controlling, but I soon realized that it was not beneficial for me or my team. Years of building trust helped me to change my approach."
In Miami, Maria focuses on fostering inclusion and ensuring her team stays the course. "Now instead of micromanaging, I give clear directions and build the roadmap, together, with my team." In a branch where there are over 15 different nationalities represented in just 45 employees, empathy and understanding play a key role in Maria's success as branch manager.
"What truly motivates me every morning is the constant opportunity to learn. I strive to approach things differently and think outside the box. I owe everything to the opportunities that JAS has given me, consistently supporting my professional career while understanding my role as a mother of two young men, who are my driving force and daily strength. In an industry typically led by men, JAS has always made me feel valued, safe, and secure."
Maria's unplanned career in logistics is a testament to the growth opportunities that JAS creates and the accomplishments that can come with them—if you just lean in. Her journey from reluctance to embrace the family business to becoming a respected leader in the industry illustrates the power of adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Maria's story is a reminder that the paths we initially resist can lead to the most rewarding destinations. By seizing the opportunities presented to her and fully committing to her roles, she has achieved remarkable success and continues to inspire those around her.
In the vibrant heart of Chicago, our freighter operation orchestrated a remarkable display of efficiency and precision. Our plane touched down on the tarmac at 12:19 PM, and by 12:29 PM, our aircraft was parked and ready, with our 53-foot trailer positioned alongside. This moment, captured against the backdrop of a radiant Chicago sky, symbolized our meticulous coordination and unwavering readiness.
Just 18 minutes later, our first truck began its journey to JAS ORD, marking the swift commencement of the cargo’s journey. In collaboration with our dedicated partners, our team worked with remarkable precision to ensure every kilogram was meticulously handled. By 1:59 PM, the flight was empty, and we had successfully offloaded an impressive 95,549 kilograms in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
In the realm of freight forwarding, where both speed and safety are crucial, this feat exemplifies our commitment to excellence. Our efficient turnaround not only highlights our core values but also underscores our promise of rapid and secure cargo handling.
As we enjoyed the beautiful Chicago day, with our trailer and plane framed in a perfect snapshot of efficiency, it became clear: we don’t just move cargo; we redefine the standards of reliability and efficiency. Our streamlined operations significantly reduce tarmac time, especially for temperature-controlled shipments, ensuring optimal conditions every step of the way.
Here’s to achieving flawless results with every shipment—where success transcends promise and becomes a stunning reality.
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October 2024 – Santiago, Chile – JAS Chile is proud to announce that it has been named a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row. This prestigious recognition highlights the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and empowering work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and growth.
The Great Place to Work award is based on employee feedback, recognizing organizations that promote a strong company culture, trust, and engagement. JAS Chile’s continuous efforts to enhance its workplace culture have been instrumental in achieving this honor. The company places a high value on creating an environment where employees feel respected, heard, and motivated to contribute to the company’s success.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized again as a Great Place to Work,” said Rodrigo Bustos, Managing Director of JAS Chile. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s dedication and our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where every employee can thrive. We believe that when our people succeed, our business succeeds.”
JAS Chile continues to invest in initiatives that promote employee development, diversity, and inclusion, as well as programs focused on mental and physical health. The company strives to maintain a culture that supports work-life balance, innovation, and open communication, making it a rewarding place to work for all team members.
By receiving this award for the second consecutive year, JAS Chile reaffirms its status as a leading logistics company not only in terms of operational excellence but also as an employer of choice. The company remains committed to nurturing its talented workforce as it continues to grow and expand its global footprint.
With job actions suspended and ports resuming operations, efforts are now focused on clearing the significant backlog caused by the three-day strike. Full recovery is expected to take most of October, as dockworkers manage the accumulated vessels and cargo.
Carrier Actions: Force Majeure and Surcharges
In response to the disruption in the past days, major carriers like COSCO, ONE, CMA CGM, and Evergreen declared force majeure, which could lead to additional fees for shippers in the coming weeks. As the strike forced many carriers to divert containers to alternative ports, delays and added complications may persist.
With port operations now resuming, shippers should remain alert to detention and demurrage fees, as the previous suspension of these charges during the strike has ended, with trucks waiting outside the gates also those charges are to be expected. The ongoing congestion is expected to exacerbate these costs. Many carriers have also announced disruption surcharges, set to take effect by mid-October. However, shippers should not be surprised if these charges do not always materialize, as carriers often announce such fees without clarifying when they will be withdrawn. Shippers are encouraged to review their contracts and force majeure clauses to better understand potential additional costs.
Global Market Disruptions Ripple On
Although the strike is over, its effects are expected to ripple across global markets. In about two weeks, there may be a temporary reduction in export capacity from Europe, further driving up freight rates. This disruption could spread to other regions with a delayed impact. Global logistics networks will take time to fully stabilize, and rate volatility is likely to continue.
Air Freight Surge as Ocean Capacity Tightens
With ocean freight constrained, shippers are turning to air freight, causing rates to rise sharply. Time-sensitive shipments, in particular, are facing higher costs as air freight capacity is stretched. Businesses relying on fast deliveries should brace for continued increases in air freight costs.
JAS Worldwide: Supporting Your Supply Chain Needs
JAS Worldwide remains committed to helping businesses navigate these challenges. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and are ready to provide customized solutions to minimize disruptions. Whether you need alternative air freight services, rerouting assistance, or expert advice, JAS Worldwide is here to support your supply chain. Contact your JAS representative today to create a strategic plan that ensures your operations remain resilient and efficient.
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