‘Tinny’ Kassis a true supporter of the industry’s future, after 25 years in it
AirCargo archive stories issue 235
Wednesday, 04 March 2015
There are not many people who admit they enjoy going to work. Genial Nick Kassis is one of them, writes John Newton.
After almost 15 years with the same company and nearly a quarter of a century in the freight industry, Kassis finds his role in the air export department of Freightnet International in Victoria both interesting and stimulating.
“My main role is to run and develop the department, providing support and guidance to my colleagues. We are a medium-sized organisation of 11 employees, with aligned offices in Sydney and Brisbane. Freightnet has been in operation for 34 years.
“Coming into my 15th year, it must be said that I do enjoy coming to work. Our organisation prides itself on maintaining a friendly work environment and servicing our customers to the highest standard,” said the father-of-three, who started his career as a document runner, compiling Customs entries, before moving to Rohlig where he started in the air import department before being employed by Freightnet.
“I also manage some customers on the import side of things as well. I think it is important to stay current with import and export processes, as these are constantly changing. Constant updated Customs, airline, shipping time, trucking and government requirement/procedures are never ending and I find the only way to keep your finger on the pulse is to be active in all, or as many areas as possible,” said Kassis, who grew up in Moonee Ponds (the same place as dame Edna Everage).
Asked if the industry in Australia was in good shape, he claimed it had suffered over recent years. “I worked through a golden age when the automotive industry was at its peak, business in general was booming and many freight forwarders, as well as local businesses, were benefitting. In today’s climate, I do hope that our industry (logistics and manufacturing) can continue to grow rather than business being taken offshore.
“Freightnet is quite diverse in its approach and I believe we can adapt and adopt new strategies quite quickly, giving us every opportunity to fit in with what the market requires.” However, Kassis said he felt the push for new technology would impact the industry this year – a great example is the roll out of the IATA Multilateral e-Air Waybill Agreement (Resolution 672) “to which we are a signatory.”
He contends the industry in Australia was keeping up with other major countries in the world. “We have kept up and continually grow in technological advances. New free trade agreements also are a good sign that the Australian government wants to compete and ‘be amongst it’ ”.
On whether he’d like to see any changes, Kassis said: “Sadly, I feel the days of close personal relationships with the airlines and shipping lines will change - again through the way we now communicate electronically, but changes like this are inevitable and the new breed of freight forwarders will embrace the new technology. Basically, the industry will change or evolve depending on what advances are made in communication - and aircraft and vessels servicing Australia.”
An enthusiastic Kassis added that he had no qualms about recommending the industry to young people. “It’s a fantastic industry to be in and I would encourage people who enjoy working hard, who want to learn and also like to travel. It would be a great career choice for them, backed up with excellent training facilities.”
Known as being ‘tinny’, Kassis said he’d been fortunate “to win an airline ticket or two” – and winning two business class tickets on the Etihad network was a highlight. “My wife and I went on a very short trip to Turkey – in fact, for just five days. Having three young children, we were limited to how long we could be away. But Istanbul – and in particular, Gallipoli – were truly amazing and spiritual places to visit.”
‘Tinny’ Kassis a true supporter of the industry’s future, after 25 years in it
AirCargo archive stories issue 235
Wednesday, 04 March 2015
There are not many people who admit they enjoy going to work. Genial Nick Kassis is one of them, writes John Newton.
After almost 15 years with the same company and nearly a quarter of a century in the freight industry, Kassis finds his role in the air export department of Freightnet International in Victoria both interesting and stimulating.
“My main role is to run and develop the department, providing support and guidance to my colleagues. We are a medium-sized organisation of 11 employees, with aligned offices in Sydney and Brisbane. Freightnet has been in operation for 34 years.
“Coming into my 15th year, it must be said that I do enjoy coming to work. Our organisation prides itself on maintaining a friendly work environment and servicing our customers to the highest standard,” said the father-of-three, who started his career as a document runner, compiling Customs entries, before moving to Rohlig where he started in the air import department before being employed by Freightnet.
“I also manage some customers on the import side of things as well. I think it is important to stay current with import and export processes, as these are constantly changing. Constant updated Customs, airline, shipping time, trucking and government requirement/procedures are never ending and I find the only way to keep your finger on the pulse is to be active in all, or as many areas as possible,” said Kassis, who grew up in Moonee Ponds (the same place as dame Edna Everage).
Asked if the industry in Australia was in good shape, he claimed it had suffered over recent years. “I worked through a golden age when the automotive industry was at its peak, business in general was booming and many freight forwarders, as well as local businesses, were benefitting. In today’s climate, I do hope that our industry (logistics and manufacturing) can continue to grow rather than business being taken offshore.
“Freightnet is quite diverse in its approach and I believe we can adapt and adopt new strategies quite quickly, giving us every opportunity to fit in with what the market requires.” However, Kassis said he felt the push for new technology would impact the industry this year – a great example is the roll out of the IATA Multilateral e-Air Waybill Agreement (Resolution 672) “to which we are a signatory.”
He contends the industry in Australia was keeping up with other major countries in the world. “We have kept up and continually grow in technological advances. New free trade agreements also are a good sign that the Australian government wants to compete and ‘be amongst it’ ”.
On whether he’d like to see any changes, Kassis said: “Sadly, I feel the days of close personal relationships with the airlines and shipping lines will change - again through the way we now communicate electronically, but changes like this are inevitable and the new breed of freight forwarders will embrace the new technology. Basically, the industry will change or evolve depending on what advances are made in communication - and aircraft and vessels servicing Australia.”
An enthusiastic Kassis added that he had no qualms about recommending the industry to young people. “It’s a fantastic industry to be in and I would encourage people who enjoy working hard, who want to learn and also like to travel. It would be a great career choice for them, backed up with excellent training facilities.”
Known as being ‘tinny’, Kassis said he’d been fortunate “to win an airline ticket or two” – and winning two business class tickets on the Etihad network was a highlight. “My wife and I went on a very short trip to Turkey – in fact, for just five days. Having three young children, we were limited to how long we could be away. But Istanbul – and in particular, Gallipoli – were truly amazing and spiritual places to visit.”
There are not many people who admit they enjoy going to work. Genial Nick Kassis is one of them, writes John Newton.
