'A woman just adds a bit of pizzazz to the industry'

NDS Shipping is new to the import/export scene, but not untried.

A successful soft opening preceded the company’s recent official opening at LF Wade International Airport.

NDS grew from the importation of goods which owner Nicole Smith frequently arranged for herself.

The inspiration for the business fed on her developing a sound knowledge of the industry.

Ms Smith said: “While my career was not headed in this direction, I began bonding with the profession, which is client-driven.

Competitive

“It suits my personality and my commitment to quality customer service.”

The Customs clearance agent and chief operations officer currently works alone.

She will continue to do so until business builds sufficiently and she is satisfied that the mandatory service level is established.

Ms Smith works out of 286 sq ft, receiving, shipping and delivering the goods that arrive from major ports of origin in the US.

“The customer comes first, so they have the option of collecting the packages or having them delivered,” Ms Smith said.

Customer demand will determine what additions will be made to the list of origins, as well as to the major destination points to which goods are shipped overseas.

NDS does all types of shipping and shortly will be adding courier services as required.

Ms Smith admitted:  “I found shipping expensive, however I also understand the cost involved due to Bermuda being an island in the middle of the Atlantic.

“I believe that locally, outside of shipping costs, we can offer more competitive prices, and that is the objective of NDS Shipping.”

NDS’s airport location presents a challenge to its owner in terms of the commute, but for the customer it provides an immediate Customs clearance service.

“It allows me to introduce a new service to Bermuda, known as ‘Helpful Hand’…

“Too often, new residents to Bermuda arrive without having any idea as to how to clear their goods.

“I have witnessed these persons discouraged and confused due to the lack of service in this area.

“They are turned away or ignored.”

“NDS Shipping will form relationships with companies to ensure that their new residents’ goods are professionally handled from the time they are landed, until delivery to their respective destination.”

Being a female shipper offers no advantage or disadvantage, according to Ms Smith.

She said:  “A woman just adds a bit of pizzazz to the industry.”

Among her goals is to become number one in shipping by setting a ‘quality customer service’ pace that others will be unable to ignore.

She also wants to offer small businesses more competitive rates, thereby giving back to the community and helping them succeed during these tough economic times.

NDS Shipping, 3 Cahow Way, St George’s. Call 517-1312 for information, or e-mail [email protected].