Continental Cargo Carriers (CCC) is celebrating a successful year since its acquisition by the UK’s largest independent freight forwarder, Europa Worldwide Group in June 2018.
Over the past 12 months, the specialist full and part-load operator, CCC, has completed phase one of a fleet modernisation programme, relocated its sales and operations team to Europa’s state-of-the-art 1Hub in Dartford, and is in the process of implementing the Europa ‘Leonardo’ IT system.
Established in 1973, CCC is one of the biggest players on the roll-on roll-off market between Europe and the UK, delivering full and part-load consignments daily. CCC operates a fleet of 270 trailers and runs a 4000m2 warehouse in Oostende, Belgium.
Key developments during the last 12 months include:
In April this year, CCC invested in its trailer fleet, replacing 75 units within its existing fleet of 270. This is on top of the 40 which arrived mid 2018. Some of the equipment was ‘tired’, and the new units included advanced features such as extra securing eyes, disc brakes to ensure braking efficiency and safety and LED lights. A second investment in trailers is planned for the end of the year, with the replacement of the remainder of the older items.
A major enhancement has been to install the Masternaut tracking system to all of the CCC trailers. This allows each trailer to be tracked, providing customers with an immediate response to the location of their goods without having to call drivers for an update. This system is also a huge benefit in terms of security.
Since acquisition, CCC has completed the relocation of its Ramsgate sales and operations team to Europa’s state-of-the-art, £30m headquarters, 1Hub, in Dartford (March 2019).
As well as capitalising on access to Europa’s 30 strong in-house IT and development team on site, CCC has also benefited from investment by Europa into its own IT infrastructure. The upgraded system provides customers with a high-end service via improved IT driven processes, including improved connections with the CCC Belgian office.
Carlo Turner, General Manager at Continental Cargo Carriers commented:
“It has been an exciting year of development and investment for Continental Cargo Carriers. Since acquisition by Europa Worldwide Group, the business has developed nicely, benefiting from the modernisation of its fleet and new location of the sales and operations team. Our office at Europa’s Dartford 1Hub has allowed us to work closely with new colleagues, providing access to specialists and sharing of best practice. Despite being a separate operation to Europa, we have a natural synergy, with both sides clearly benefiting from collaboration and cross working.”
He continues: “We very much look forward to the next twelve months, further developing our part-loads service and continuing to enhance Continental Cargo Carriers offering to our customers.”
Europa Worldwide Group Operations Director, Dan Cook, adds:
“We have changed our strategy slightly since the acquisition. Initially we sought to integrate CCC into Europa, whereas we now see that the operating models are differentiated to the point that continuing to operate as separate entities makes more sense. The last year has been challenging, a company based in another country brings some complexities we had not experienced before. The operating model and environment is subtly different to that of Europa, and in all areas there has been a lot to get to grips with.
“We are fortunate to have a very capable and committed team both in Belgium and the UK. Carlo and the CCC team have done a great job in the last year in moving the business forward. So far we are satisfied with progress, and forsee a very exciting future for the business. Continental Cargo Carriers remains an ideal fit for our Road division and as such, will play a key role in Europa’s ambitious growth plans.”