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International Operations: our customer service philosophy

By Katharine Mohn

Unlike other freight forwarders, GTI Group's International Operations team provides cost-effective, creative and custom logistics plans by air, ground and ocean. For clients looking for a boutique experience for their FCL, LCL, palletized, crated, breakbulk and oversize, high-value and/or time-sensitive shipments, our team's unique customer service philosophy ensures clients feel valued, heard and taken care of.

Our team enjoys open discussions with clients about their needs and the actual logistics of worldwide transportation, as well as brainstorming with clients and serving as a resource for them. Here's how we get it done:

Meet the team:

Beginning her career in 2005 as an operation clerk assistant, Audrey Gauvain has worked her way up to become our International Operations Director. Throughout her two decades in the industry, she's committed to increasing her skillset, staying up-to-date on industry and international news and developments, training her team to keep them focused on client satisfaction, and building partnerships with worldwide agents, clients and other industry professionals. Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn

Nina Calso understands that this industry constantly evolves, which is why she is always looking for new ways to learn and expand her knowledge. Her commitment to education means she has a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and AEC in logistics, transportation and supply chain management, and is a certified logistics professional (CITT-CCLP). Best of all, Nina is passionate about sharing all that she's learned with clients, enabling her to provide top-of-the-line service that you can count on every time. Connect with Nina on LinkedIn

Donna Kitane has spent most of her 22+ year career in account management, sales and pricing capacity, allowing her to develop extensive industry knowledge, optimized pricing strategies and streamlined sales processes, as well as to excel in customer relationship building. Donna is a people person and most enjoys being a part of an efficient, collaborative team.

"I enjoy building my network, working with people from different cultural backgrounds and time zones," said Donna. "I thrive best in a fast-paced environment and engaging with customers and agents alike to find the best solution for their freight needs." On the flip side, Donna finds working with overseas agents, carriers and partners across multiple time zones to be the most challenging aspect of the job, as it sometimes leads to communication and pricing delays. Managing customer expectations while dealing with unstable market conditions, rate fluctuations and supply chain disruptions can also be challenging.

Donna's customer service philosophy, however, ensures clients always feel valued and heard: "I believe that focusing on understanding the customer's needs, pain points and expectations creates trust and accountability. I always strive to provide the best solutions and make pricing decisions with the customer's best interest in mind." In conjunction with her philosophy, Donna understands the importance of transparency and collaboration with clients, and she's always finding "ways to enhance the customer experience by asking for feedback and refining pricing and operational processes." Connect with Donna on LinkedIn

With more than 20 years in the industry, Bernard Matthews has been with GTI since 2014. He enjoys building relationships with people all over the world, even if only digitally and never in-person. His goal is always to ensure his clients feel like more than just a number, and he does so by adding personal touches where he can. Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

Nidalle Ouchicha has worked in the industry for a decade, after having a high-level sports career. Her professional career in hammer throwing instilled a competitive spirit, a willingness to work hard and a strong understanding of the importance of high-level performance. Those attributes translate to loving the challenges of logistics: finding the best way to move cargo from point A to point B, and another carryover from playing a high-level sport, brainstorming and working in a team environment to execute.

While the industry and projects can challenge her with external and uncontrollable elements, Nidalle recognizes that we are just a part of the supply chain and we must work within it to coordinate upstream and downstream. At the end of the day, it's most important to answer her clients' needs and explain the ins and outs of shipping freight across the world. Connect with Nidalle on LinkedIn

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