Freight forwarding specialist Kenter International Logistics solves the challenges associated with heavy equipment transport
Procuring earthmoving equipment from overseas can often be complex and presents a host of challenges, including customs, quarantine and cargo being oversized.
This is why it’s important to have a trusted logistics partner that can not only deal with potential problems but solve them safely and efficiently – no matter what the destination is.
Kenter International Logistics aims to make the transportation of heavy equipment as smooth as possible – earning the trust of businesses from many differing industries along the way.
In safe hands
Founded in 2010 by Emily Jackman, Kenter specialises in freight forwarding and transportation services for heavy equipment, with the aim of streamlining its clients’ supply chain operations.
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Kenter currently works with a host of earthmoving clients, including machinery importers, exporters and auctioneers.
Its services include everything from warehousing and distribution, customs and quarantine clearance, heavy haulage, international documentation and wash pad cleaning, to roll-on/roll-off ocean shipping, government approval and final delivery to the importer.
Kenter’s freight forwarding services are offered domestically and internationally, including air, ocean and road transportation. Its team of logistics experts ensure that customer’s shipments reach their destinations safely, efficiently and on time.
All parts of the logistics process are handled by Kenter, providing peace-of-mind for its customers.
“Freight forwarding in the heavy equipment industry is quite specialised, so we’ve got some amazing people working at Kenter,” Jackman says.
“No shipment is ever the same – we recently transported a used machine from the USA to Australia that had massive quarantine implications.
“The team is constantly solving these challenges and dealing with others like recreating different shipping methods on the same route.”
Problem solvers
Over the past 14 years, Jackman says Kenter has grown into a global logistics provider thanks in large part to referrals from satisfied customers.
People often struggle to get their machine from Point A to Point B, so Kenter’s expertise is invaluable in helping support customers through the whole process.
This is achieved by a team that has years of experience and expertise in the logistics industry. Jackman says Kenter is constantly ensuring it is up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations to provide the best solutions for its customers.
Customs manager Lee Holmes says Kenter is trusted with handling machinery and other oversized cargo without opportunity for error.
“We’re required to have an understanding and anticipation of regulations and barriers across multiple countries that the client has likely not considered,” he says.
“We provide solutions in the most cost-effective and time restrictive manner.”
Over many years, Kenter has also established strong partnerships with carriers, suppliers and customs authorities worldwide. Having this extensive network allows the business to provide efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions, regardless of the shipment’s destination.
Customers have the added advantage of access to advanced tracking systems that allow shipment monitoring in real-time – providing further peace-of-mind through the whole process.
“The live track and trace systems allows our clients to get their own data in detail,” Jackman says.
“This includes seeing what shipments are moving from where, the ETAs, possible delays and the proof of delivery – all from one login.”
Kenter also prides itself on building strong relationships with its clients to understand the unique logistical needs of every business. By working closely, Jackman says Kenter can better develop customised solutions that align with the client’s objectives and requirements.
“We don’t silo the roles at Kenter, so our clients deal with one member of our team for the entirety of their shipment,” Jackman says.
Further emphasising Kenter’s customer-centric approach, Jackman manages new customers’ accounts for the first two months, to help build a successful relationship. Within these first two months, Jackman also trains up one of Kenter’s skilled operations assistants with a complete background on the customer and its account – making the handover process seamless.
“It’s all about finding out the nuances – where the holes are, what do we need to do better for them, and what roadblocks we can expect,” Jackman says.
“Then we work out what systems and processes we can put in place around that roadblock to avoid it from happening.”
Serving the industry
Kenter can help earthmoving businesses secure the right equipment for their job from anywhere around the globe; pre-assessing any likely roadblocks and meeting desired vessel sailing dates, Holmes adds.
“We escort the units from time of collection, through the entire supply chain, attending the local quarantine inspections and delivery to site, whether that be a metropolitan yard or rural job site,” he says.
A perfect example of Kenter solving the challenges that come with heavy machinery’s transport came in the form of an Australian earthmoving company that had purchased a dozer from southeast Asia.
“The earthmoving company required the dozer to be ready for a project and we had to organise the machine’s clearance across three borders,” Holmes says.
“This meant meeting the customs and quarantine requirements to ensure it would be gated in at terminal without delay,” Holmes says.
“This was challenging due to the distance, the language barrier, time and regulatory conditions being different for each country.”
Women in industry
As a female-led logistics company, Kenter also holds a strong commitment to empowering women and encouraging diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Kenter New Zealand general manager Terry Riches says this commitment is a big reason why he’s proud to be a part of the business.
“I experienced a positive relationship with both Emily [Jackman] and her female team over several years, so it was an easy decision to join the business,” he says.
“Emily is experienced in all facets of the freight forwarding industry and I am proud of her and to be associated with Kenter.”
Celebrating achievements is integral in Kenter’s mission of creating a diverse industry, and it’s why it is a proud sponsor of Prime Creative Media’s Women in Industry Awards.
Sponsoring the Excellence in Transport award in 2024, Kenter has announced it will be back on board in 2025.
“The Women in Industry Awards are very powerful and I love that it encourages women to be stoked about their own achievement, without them thinking it’s arrogant,” Jackman says.
“My utopian result would be if we could create a safe space and support network of women in the heavy machinery industry.”
For more information on Kenter International Logistics, visit kenter.com.au or call (+61) 7 3733-1600.