Beginning as a seaman, Billow Wu, General Manager of Ningbo Maxfill International Logistics Co., Ltd, is now the one with highest academic background in the freight forwarder industry in Ningbo. With regard to starting up a business, it is a long story. With seamen’s origin, Billow was expatriated to over 20 countries in the 1980s. Later in the 1990s, he went to Australia for further study until 2000 when he returned to China. In 2006, Billow established his own business. By reorganizing a small workshop-based freight forwarder, his company has already been developed into an international logistics corporation.

Starting up own business in Ningbo

     On a first impression, Billow has a swarthy complexion, and a loud voice, and is candid just like a seaman. ‘Excluding Human Resources and Administration, I have involved almost in any position related to ocean freight and shipping company.’ Billow says. Since his years of experience, Billow is familiar with well-known international shipping companies, as well as freight forwarder industry. After coming back to China, he served as Marketing Manager in a famous international logistics enterprise in Shanghai. In 2002, as Ningbo Subsidiary was not well operated, Billow was appointed there to be a manager. He is experienced and knowledgeable, and understands that Ningbo Port has a unique geographical advantage. Along with the huge potential of Zhejiang’s economy, his company could have a promising future. Owing to his persistence and hardworking, in just a few years, Ningbo Subsidiary, from which the Board of Directors once intended to withdraw, revived. Tremendous sales were made, and many shareholders had to regard the overseas returnee with special esteem.

    Unfortunately, a good time never lasts long. In 2006, the logistics enterprise, for which Billow was working, encountered a serious problem – poor cooperation between large shareholders, leading to disintegration of the enterprise. Already gained a good reputation through outstanding performance, Billow was in a maze. At this time, small shareholders from Zhejiang and Shanghai came to him, planning to form a new international logistics company. After careful consideration, Billow promised to engage in on condition that the new company be headquartered in Ningbo. ‘Compared with Shanghai, I believed Ningbo provides a better environment for small- and medium-sized enterprises because of strong support from local government. In addition, in terms of regulations, there is a time limit that original disintegrated companies are not allowed to continue operating for certain period. However, business cannot wait.’ Billow explained. Therefore, in the end, they set up Maxfill with headquarter in Ningbo.

Internal Reorganization for better service

     After years of relations, Billow accumulated plenty of precious resources. Maxfill is the nominated agent for Hong Kong Li & Fung Ltd in China, as well as for Chilean Interoceanic Shipping Company and Korean Chun Kyung Shipping Co., Ltd. in Ningbo. It also cooperates with dozens of shipping company, such as China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd. (CIMC), Mediterranean Shipping Company S. A., and Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd. Moreover, Maxfill established its own routes in Europe, Mediterranean, Central and South America, Japan and Korea, which combining to traditional route advantage in Middle East, the Red Sea, and Africa. Nevertheless, at the beginning of start-up, intermingled staffs impeded task handover, and corporate governance was very confusing. Billow places reputation as the top of priority list. He believed that it was worthwhile reducing transactions and retaining only core business than providing poor service then ruining the reputation of company. ‘International logistics is a service industry, and customers are always ranked first.’ Therefore, He intended to slow down the pace and try hard to improve service. ‘Service is never as simple as being polite, and a really good service is to be able to solve practical problem for customers.’ Billow adds.

      Regarding to management, Billow would like to set up a wholly closed “avenue”, which ensures all transactions free of risk. “Lacking systematical managerial expertise is like walking through a single-plank bridge. I’m always considering the ways to widen the bridge and place glass on the two sides in order to ensure safety.’ In Billow’s view, a good logistics company should have its unique corporate culture, excellent work team, systematical management, and above all, information-based operation. As early as 4 years ago, Billow developed a 3-step scheme of informationization. In spite that millions of RMB was invested, the result was never satisfying. The first contact with 800JIT SaaS platform left Billow a deep impression. He was overjoyed since it was something he had been dreaming of all the time. This SaaS based logistics and supply chain management platform makes possible his 3-step scheme. It turns service from a passive action to proactive. By utilizing Internet as a “pipe” to “delivery” added-value and personalized service to clients, it could be used anytime and anywhere without harassment from updating. Thanks to the platform, Maxfill defeated numerous rivals and won the bid in a large logistics bidding conference.