Jan In Command At United Cargo
Jan
Krems is on fire and is easily the most enthusiastic cargo ambassador
and top executive we have met in awhile!
He’s clearly enjoying his work and welcomes with open arms
any challenge thrown his way, such as having put together and aligned
the processes of the airlines after the consolidation, before he took
on the responsibilities of his current post as top cargo executive in
the Americas.
Jan talks about combining airline cargo operations and animatedly
illustrates how the cross-trained 
sales
force can expertly identify the best customer solution and aircraft
availability on a case-by-case basis.
Picks
Up His Sword For United Cargo
By now, almost
everyone knows that Jan Krems has assumed command as President of United
Airlines Cargo.
But what you just read was written about
Jan in FlyingTypers in May 2011, after Mr. Krems had completed
combining the global businesses of Air France, KLM, and Martinair Cargo!
That job accomplished, Jan moved from
Chicago to Atlanta to take responsibility of the Americas portion, which
accounted for about half ($400 million) of AF/KL/MP combined annual
cargo throughout.
Now sitting in a top cargo chair back
in Chicago, it can be said that what goes around comes around.
But in the case of Jan Krems, the big
question here is whether lightening will strike twice.
Needless to say, United Airlines is eager
to jump start its cargo business and has placed faith and hope in Jan,
loading him with a huge responsibility for a turnaround result.
Born in the Netherlands, Jan Krems joined
United after a 27-year career at KLM Cargo.
While with KLM, Mr. Krems served in a
number of leadership positions, including Vice President Asia and Vice
President Europe, Africa, and the Middle East prior to the integration
assignment.
In his first interview as President of
United Cargo, Jan Krems makes it clear that the business of air cargo
at the Chicago-based airline giant (which reported blockbuster 2Q profits
just last week) is about to change dramatically.
First
Impressions
We want to know what Jan’s first
impressions are after a couple of weeks at United Cargo and what he
would like the air cargo industry and shippers to know about United
Cargo.
Jan’s response is very plainspoken
and to the point:
“Everyone at United Cargo acknowledges
the difficulties that began about a year ago – with the introduction
of a new technology system, a number of warehouse transitions, and the
lingering complexities of bringing two carriers together.
“We don’t claim that every
issue is 100% solved, but we can say that we have made tremendous progress
and we’re getting better every day. Our performance metrics, volume
increases and positive customer feedback back up that statement very
strongly."
Quality
Is Job One
“Our initial focus is to continue
to upgrade the quality of our base product.
"I spoke to many customers after
I accepted my new role at United Cargo, and their message was clear:
the key to maintaining positive momentum is executing the basics and
ensuring we keep our commitments to the customer.
“There are no shortcuts or tricks.
"In today’s challenging market
there’s only one way to succeed – you have to be better
than your competitors.
"To make that happen, each member
of the team must commit to excellence in whatever part they play in
the process.
"This includes our Sales and Airport
Operations teams, our GSAs and vendor service partners, and everyone
who supports the business at headquarters and around the world.
"Each person has an equally important
role to play in delivering superior service to our customers.”
United
Cargo Will Listen
“There is no escaping the reality
that business conditions in air cargo are very challenging.
“Excess capacity in many markets
has produced a difficult yield environment, and I don’t foresee
these conditions changing soon.
“This just highlights the importance
of ensuring the excellence of our base product as the foundation of
creating customer preference.
“Our most important task is to listen
closely to our customers to ensure we understand how United Cargo can
deliver the maximum value to them and their customers.
With confidence in our base product as
a cornerstone, we have solid growth potential in our suite of added-value
products: TempControl, EXP, QuickPak, etc.
A stable base, our added-value products
and durable customer preference are the best way to lessen the impact
of economic downturns and negative cycles on our business.”
Promises
Kept
Talking the future to someone who just
arrived, brings an easy smile to Jan Krems who says:
“I always say every airline has
two kinds of resources: there are planes, and there are people.
“Planes you can buy, but finding
and keeping the right kind of people is more difficult.
“I believe we have the right people
at United Cargo, so it’s our job as leaders to provide vision
and motivation.
“The strongest motivation is a clear
and attainable goal that involves everyone and benefits everyone.
“We’re focused on keeping
our promises, not only to our customers but to each other. This means
committing to what our team believes it can deliver, then providing
the team the tools and training that will enable their success."
Targeting
Being Best
“We want to be the best in the industry,
and the only way to get there is one step at a time.
“Every time we listen to a customer
and meet their needs, every time we deliver a shipment flawlessly as
committed, every time we implement a co-worker’s idea for a better
process – we take another step towards our goal.
“One month, six months and one year
from now I expect United Cargo to be getting closer and closer to the
goal.”
Ready
To Ride
“I was very pleasantly surprised
by the attitude of all the United Cargo team members.
“They are focused, they are driven,
and their attitude is very enthusiastic.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to shares
my belief that United Cargo is a “volcano” ready to erupt
in a very positive way.
“Of course, we need to align our
priorities, place our focus where it belongs, take the initiative to
improve quality and “go the extra mile” whenever necessary.
“But everyone at United Cargo believes
we can make it happen.”
Geoffrey/Flossie
