My GIA NowCustomer-Centric Import Pricing Solutions Powered by People & AI
Manager in Focus Anurag Shukla – Import Manager, GSI Cargo
The Challenge
A long-term import client faced a constant challenge around pricing transparency. They were sourcing shipments from multiple regions—USA, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Bulgaria, Belarus, and China—but many of their imports came on CIF terms, leaving them with little control over freight costs.
Key issues included:
- Difficulty benchmarking competitive rates across geographies.
- Limited visibility into agent networks in Europe & Latin America.
- Rising container prices from China (jumping from $2,000 to $6,000 within weeks).
- Client hesitancy to shift from CIF to FOB due to lack of trust.
GSI’s Approach
1. Midnight Commitment
Import Manager Anurag Shukla personally engaged with the client round-the-clock——to provide real-time updates on pricing, market movements, and rate forecasts.
- “Our clients know that when rates change, they hear it first from us”
2. Transparent Pricing Strategy
- Used WCA global agent network to source rates from every possible location.
- Maintained live Excel trackers and WhatsApp updates with side-by-side comparisons.
- Shared official carrier documents, draft BLs, and approvals directly with clients—ensuring nothing was hidden.
3. Leveraging AI-Enabled GSI Cargo Systems
- AI-powered rate monitoring: Predicted upcoming China freight hikes, advising the client to book at $2,000 before rates surged to $6,000.
- End-to-end shipment visibility: Clients accessed updates via WhatsApp, email, and the AI-integrated GSI Cargo portal, consolidating all documents and status reports in one place.
- Auto-drafting of shipping line letters & BLs: Reduced client burden for routine paperwork—only requiring a stamp & signature.
4. Flexible Commercial Support
- Converted shipments from CIF to FOB, unlocking cost savings.
- Provided extended credit line and days to support the client’s growing business.
- Ensured rates were always benchmarked competitively so the client never overpaid.
Key Takeaways
- Customer First, Always: Midnight calls proved to the client that GSI Cargo stands beside them 24/7.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Every rate, document, and waiver was shared openly, strengthening long-term commitment.
- AI + Human Touch: GSI Cargo’s AI-enabled systems provided data, but it was Anurag’s relentless effort that converted insights into action.
- Growth Partner, Not Just a Forwarder: Beyond shipping, GSI Cargo became a strategic partner in the client’s business expansion.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how Anurag Shukla and the GSI Cargo Import Team embody true customer-centric service: blending AI-enabled visibility with relentless human commitment.
At GSI Cargo, we don’t just manage imports—we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, even if it means burning the midnight oil.
The Results
- Client scaled from 5–6 containers/month to 20–22 containers/month with GSI Cargo.
- Expanded sourcing network from 3 countries (Tunisia, Belarus, South Africa) to Europe, China, and Latin America.
- Reduced pricing shocks by forecasting market surges ahead of time.
- Built a trusted partnership, with the client now routing 100% of their imports exclusively through GSI Cargo.
Key Takeaways
- Customer First, Always: Midnight calls proved to the client that GSI Cargo stands beside them 24/7.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Every rate, document, and waiver was shared openly, strengthening long-term commitment.
- AI + Human Touch: GSI Cargo’s AI-enabled systems provided data, but it was Anurag’s relentless effort that converted insights into action.
- Growth Partner, Not Just a Forwarder: Beyond shipping, GSI Cargo became a strategic partner in the client’s business expansion.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how Anurag Shukla and the GSI Cargo Import Team embody true customer-centric service: blending AI-enabled visibility with relentless human commitment.
At GSI Cargo, we don’t just manage imports—we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, even if it means burning the midnight oil.
