Imap Delivers Customized Global Logistics Solutions

Imap delivers customized global logistics solutions
By Peter Fretty

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and spending roughly a decade in the logistics industry, Tamara Bennett decided it was time to strike out on her own. It was at this point in 2002 that Bennett founded the Grapevine, Texas-based Imap Global Logistics. In the past five plus years since, Bennett and her team have transformed Imap into a truly dynamic Lead Logistics Provider specializing in domestic and international air and surface transportation, warehousing and distribution, reverse logistics programs, exclusive use vehicles and air charters.

“We customize our services to meet our client’s needs and strive to deliver innovative solutions that add value and decrease costs,” Bennett said. It is because of the team’s dedication to fully servicing the customer that Imap has grown substantially in the past two years — including increasing its revenues by approximately 35 percent. “The key to our success is in building long-term partnerships with our customers,” she said. “Ultimately, we understand the sense of urgency and the need for timely and accurate communication during the life of every shipment. Imap’s emphasis on technology makes it easy to do business with us.”

conquering challenges

In the highly competitive and always changing world of global commerce, operating within the logistics realm is inherently full of challenges. However, with the changes in the aviation industry and increased security measures set forth by the Transportation Safety Administration over the past few years, numerous new challenges have entered the picture for logistics companies such as Imap. “The added requirements for cargo inspection and known shipper status affect the entire supply chain by limiting acceptable shippers and increasing the required drop times for tendering freight to commercial airlines,” Bennett explained. “This can, at times, increase costs and limit our options for achieving service via air. Additionally, a decrease in the availability of wide-body aircraft and the demise of the all-cargo carrier, Kitty Hawk, has added further obstacles.” Fortunately for Imap clients, Bennett and the team have creatively found ways to address these challenges by expanding the firm’s resources in the exclusive use or “hotshot” segment of its business. “With this service, goods are transported from origin to destination via dedicated vehicle thus circumventing limited aircraft availability and security measures,” she says.

formidable team

A key component in meeting the various challenges Imap faces has been the development and interaction of a solid team of professionals. Dana Cappelletti, Imap’s business development manager, is a prime example, Bennett explained. “Dana and I have worked together for a number of years, even before the inception of Imap. Over time I’ve grown to respect her insight and opinions,” she said. “She exhibits a steadfast determination to exceed customers’ expectations and takes ownership in not only her own personal success but in the success of Imap as a whole. She is truly an individual who devotes her efforts to the betterment of the company. She gladly accepts responsibility to do what is necessary, never approaching a task with the attitude that it is not her job.” Cappelletti has also been actively involved with the Women’s Business Council for the last four years, serving on various committees and utilizing the networking opportunities presented through council functions to further promote the Imap brand.

noticeable niche

According to Bennett, while Imap is fully committed to serving its clientele beyond expectations, the firm is not everything to everyone, and it remains attentive to its core competencies.

“We are committed to providing out of the box services to our clients.” This is quite evident in an example focused on an existing customer who called Imap late on a Friday afternoon looking for a solution when it discovered that its small package carrier did not provide delivery services to Puerto Rico on the weekends.

“Although small package deliveries are not our usual niche, we stepped in and handled the crisis for our customer,” Bennett said. “We packaged the product, prepared the international documentation and contacted each delivery location to secure applicable hacienda tax information in order to deliver the critical shipments to 45 retail locations by noon on Saturday.” Imap’s efforts were appreciated.

“They made the impossible, possible,” said John Humphrey of Cockrell Printing. “Imap eased my concerns, going as far as to call me at home with updates. The way Imap handles its business is the way I handle business for my customers — when the customer has a need you make it happen. When I have critical deadlines, I call Imap.”

Another example occurred when a manufacturer of sensitive technology equipment called Imap to coordinate the expedited transport and complex delivery coordination of multiple oversized pieces of equipment. The items were needed to meet the receiver’s production requirements and delivery could not interrupt current levels of productivity for the company. Considering the urgency of a smooth transition, Imap sent a representative from its Dallas/Ft Worth facility to the overseas delivery location to manage and direct all aspects of the customer’s intricate transport and delivery requirements.

Both instances are examples of how Bennett takes pride in the fact that her firm is dedicated to servicing the customer by paying attention to the crucial details that can make or break any transaction.

Down to Details

Imap Global Logistics
Certified: WBE WBENC, WBC-SW, WPO
Capabilities: • Global air and surface logistics • Warehousing and distribution • Reverse logistics programs • Exclusive use vehicles and air charters
Contact Info: 1063 Texan Trail Suite 200 Grapevine, Texas 76051 800-562-4781
www.imapgl.com