1. What have you learned, and what opportunities have you found from the Covid-19 crisis?

Since the Covid-19 first appeared last February (2020), everyone has been in a panic. The logistics industry in Thailand and globally was almost frozen, especially in Q2. To cope with it, JWD, for the very first time, launched the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to keep our operation going on track. We could not stop, because it would affect our customers. Since then, we have been executing BCP 4 times already. The most important lesson we have learned is that a business must adjust itself in order to survive. For example, we set up online meetings and interviews. But yes, there are always opportunities within every crisis. And chance belonged to those who adjusted themselves quickly. Covid-19 has uncovered rapid growth in B2C, Last-mile delivery, Online, and E-commerce business. They emerged even before Covid-19 hit the world. But because of the pandemic, the potential of this sector has never been better. Online trading has shown its high potential, just like traditional channels. JWD could see this trend clearly and started adjusting business even before the pandemic. For example, we signed a JV partner with our potential partners from many companies. We faced difficulties from travel restrictions within the region. However, JWD and our partners could find the solutions to get through them.

2. How do you adjust your business in response to the increasing oil price?

Years ago, when we were facing the swinging oil price, we kept the customers informed about this factor and the necessity that we might need to increase our service fee regarding the oil price. For the recent crisis, we admit that it significantly impacts our income and revenue. However, we have EV technology that JWD has already signed a contract with our Japanese supply partner. Thus, this February, we will launch the first trial of EV lorry in our freight. Moreover, we have cooperated with the Chinese partner to bring more EV trucks. Therefore, to achieve our 'Green logistics' mission and maintain the ESG policy, we must implement more EV transports.

3. Confronting the container imbalance.

This issue directly impacted our customers. I received an email from customers in Los Angeles explaining their difficulties in acquiring the containers from Thai suppliers, which led to their lack of confidence in trading with Thai companies. I clarified the situation and pointed out the problem's actual cause, which was the consequence of imbalanced freight between large nations. Therefore, when it lacked supply, the freight price increased. But I don't believe that the sea freight companies would take advantage of raising the freight price. So, it's about balancing the freight account. Although these issues didn't impact us directly, we took the opportunity to support our customers by providing temporary storage while the cargo was on the waiting list.

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