St John Freight Systems
St. John Freight Systems Ltd is a leading logistics service provider (LSP) and 3PL provider in India, founded in 1979. With a diverse portfolio that includes customs broking, freight forwarding, container management, and supply chain solutions, the company operates directly in 6 countries and partners with over 50 agency partners globally, extending its presence across multiple regions. In 2023, the company was acquired by Muscat-based Global Corp Logistics through its India arm, GC Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd., marking the start of a transformation phase.
Under the leadership of Managing Director Saravanakumar Periyasamy and Global Corp Logistics CEO Harish Shakti, St. John has focused on modernizing its operations and expanding its global footprint through technological innovations. Recognized for its service excellence, the company remains committed to delivering high-quality logistics solutions to multinational corporations and major industrial clients.
In September 2024, G. Vipin Shankar was appointed as CEO – India Subcontinent for St. John Freight Systems.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Logistics and Freight Forwarding |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Tuticorin, India |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
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Number of employees | 500+ (2012) |
| Website | www |
Company Background
[edit]Founded in 1979, St. John Freight Systems Ltd operates across multiple sectors of the logistics industry, offering a comprehensive range of services including customs broking, freight forwarding, container yard management, container freight stations, stevedoring and terminal operations, liner and feeder vessel agency, non-vessel owning common carrier (NVOCC) services, chartering agency, and fumigation services. The company's corporate office is located in Tuticorin, India, with its logistics headquarters in Chennai. St. John's international operations are anchored in key global hub locations such as Oman, Dubai, and Singapore.
Acquisition and Transformation
[edit]The company was acquired by new promoters, Muscat-based Global Corp Logistics, in 2023 through its India arm, GC Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd., and has been on a transformative path since then. Saravanakumar Periyasamy was appointed as Managing Director, while Global Corp Logistics CEO, Harish Sakthi, assumed the role of CEO with oversight of India operations. Together, they have been steering the company through a challenging transformation process, focusing on modernizing operations, expanding the global footprint, and adopting cutting-edge logistics technologies.
The company’s transformation strategy is centered on modernizing infrastructure, enhancing customer experiences, and exploring new business opportunities in the international market. This acquisition and transformation have strengthened St. John’s position in the global logistics industry, enabling the company to forge stronger partnerships and expand its service portfolio across key regions.
History and Achievements
[edit]Since its inception, St. John Freight Systems has been at the forefront of innovation in the logistics industry. The company was the first private container freight station (CFS) in India to receive ISO 9002 certification, later upgrading to ISO 9001:2000 standards. St. John has set several volume records in port discharge operations and continues to uphold its reputation through various accolades, including the Service Excellence Award from the Confederation of Indian Apparel Exporters (CIAE) and the "Niryat Shree" Award from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), a unit under the Ministry of Commerce.
Corporate Philosophy
[edit]St. John Freight Systems adheres to a management philosophy focused on delivering comprehensive logistics solutions through a "one-stop" service model with a single point of contact. The company is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction by prioritizing quality, efficiency, and innovation in its logistics offerings. Its operations are driven by a blend of skill-based knowledge, technical expertise, and strong leadership.
Key Services
[edit]- Supply Chain Management & Third-Party Logistics (3PL): St. John Freight Systems is a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, managing supply chains from the initial planning and procurement stages through to the final delivery of products. The company's Supply Chain Development teams focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency and creating sustainable value for clients.
- Freight Forwarding – Sea Freight Division: Sea freight has long been a core component of St. John’s operations. The company offers tailored logistics solutions for all volumes of cargo, from less-than-container-load (LCL) to full-container-load (FCL) services. St. John operates a state-of-the-art CFS in Tuticorin to manage consolidations and shipment handling efficiently.
- Custom Broking: As one of the company's core services, St. John provides custom broking for both imports and exports across India. The firm holds licenses issued by the Customs Authorities and has a highly experienced team capable of handling all types of commodities.
- Warehousing: St. John operates over 200,000 sq. ft. of general warehouse space in Tuticorin. The company also offers tailored warehousing services across India through partnerships with carefully chosen providers.
- LCL Consolidation Services: LCL (less-than-container-load) is a primary service offering for St. John. The company operates weekly fixed-day consolidation services to major European ports, including Antwerp, Hamburg, and Rotterdam, from Tuticorin.
- NVOCC: As an NVOCC, St. John offers comprehensive door-to-door logistics services with a focus on fast transit times and efficient supply chain management. The company has annual contracts with leading carriers to ensure space allocation and competitive rates for clients.
- Stevedoring and Terminal Operations: St. John handles over 250 ships annually at various Indian ports, including Chennai, Kandla, Kochi, Mangalore, and Visakhapatnam. The company specializes in handling break-bulk and bulk commodities, as well as project cargo, with a focus on maximizing productivity and efficiency.
- Container Yard Operations: The company's container yard, located on the Harbour Express Road near the St. John CFS Park in Tuticorin, has a capacity of over 6,000 TEUs. The facility operates 24/7 and is equipped with cranes, top lifters, and a fleet of trailers. St. John’s container yard is a key asset in supporting the company’s logistics services, offering safe and secure storage for various liner companies' empty containers.
- Chartering & Agency Division: The Chartering & Agency Division of St. John handles the management of vessels at multiple Indian ports and international locations, overseeing operations for an average of over 150 vessels annually. The division collaborates with shippers, charterers, and brokers across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
- Fumigation Services: As part of its diversification strategy, St. John offers fumigation services, ensuring comprehensive logistics solutions under a single window for customers. The division is compliant with industry standards and regulations, providing both import and export fumigation services.
Technological Innovation
[edit]St. John Freight Systems has consistently embraced technological advancements to enhance its service offerings. Its container freight station (CFS) in Tuticorin is equipped with fully automated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) facilities, enabling seamless communication and cargo tracking. Additionally, the company’s custom-built CFS information system allows clients to track shipments in real time, ensuring transparency and operational efficiency.
Accreditations
[edit]St. John Freight Systems is recogonised for its service excellence and holds numerous certifications and awards, including ISO 9001:2000, the "Niryat Shree" Award, and multiple service excellence awards from various industry bodies. Its container freight station (CFS) in Tuticorin was the first in India to receive ISO certification for portside inland container depot (ICD) services, and the company continues to uphold its high standards through ongoing innovation and continuous improvements.
Conclusion
[edit]Over the past four decades, St. John Freight Systems Ltd has established itself as a market leader in the logistics industry. Through a combination of innovation, expertise, and commitment to customer service, the company has carved out a niche in the global supply chain sector.
The ownership change in 2023 marks the beginning of a new chapter as the company focuses on turnaround and transformation across business lines, innovation, operational excellence, and enhancing customer experience. The focus will continue to be on growing all lines of business in India, including Tuticorin ICD operations, ocean and air freight forwarding, NVOCC, customs brokerage, multimodal road-rail transportation, and upcoming strategic plans to potentially enter contract logistics, domestic warehousing, and distribution.