When Tammy Banks isn’t implementing unique solutions to customers’ international shipping challenges, she’s staying up to speed with Incoterms, customs, and country regulations affecting logistics service
IL2000's General Manager of International Operations, Banks is always thinking one step ahead. She's the kind of person you can count on: knowledgeable, trustworthy, reliable – and she's quick to give credit to her team, including her International Logistics Supervisor and Planners who are core to creating the customer loyalty we’ve seen over the years.
"The international team has over 60 years of experience between them. Each employee has their niche. Each one brings their unique talents," Banks said. "That is what makes us so valuable to our customers. If I don't have the answer, someone else on my team will."
"As the market fluctuates, as we've seen over the last two years, IL2000 is consistently challenging our carriers for competitive rates," Banks said. "Our customers are getting the best rate possible, and they're not stuck in a contract for a year. If the market drops, then they get those cost savings."
Customer service is IL2000's most notable market advantage. "We consistently tailor services to the needs of the customer and current market conditions, creating a cost-effective solution that inherently leads to happy customers," said Banks, adding that IL2000 is focused on continuous improvement, so "customers receive exactly the service they need.”
If you don’t yet know Banks or her team, that could sound like lip service – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Banks lights up when she talks about visiting her international customers, regularly interfacing via phone and email, and getting to the root of customers’ needs.
“Understanding their struggles and working with their teams to identify their challenges has allowed me to educate and bring value-add solutions to the forefront. This is the part of the job I love! Finding solutions and building those relationships keeps me going,” Banks said.
Banks recently onboarded a customer whose team can attest to this customized service experience and cost-saving benefits. IL2000 also beat the transit time, improved customer service and reporting of the company's former logistics provider, so it's definitely a win-win situation, Banks celebrated.
Growth & Grit
The International Operations department has been quickly expanding at IL2000 since Banks joined IL2000 in June 2021. Banks' commitment to advancing team knowledge and training is a huge part of this success. "It's not just stellar customer service contributing to IL2000's growth, it's determination and grit. We're talking about staying 100% compliant, holding endless carrier rate discussions, and processing shipments on time."
Banks elaborates: “We are held to very strict standards. If we do not get documents to carriers on time, they will not move the shipment. So all of my international planners have to keep track of when documents are due. If we are even an hour late, we cannot move the shipment.”
Suffice it to say: International shipping leaves little room for error. Due diligence is crucial. And it all boils down to understanding and adhering to Incoterms. As Banks phrased it in her very thorough article, “Incoterms: Clunky word, important concept,” (a must-read to wrap your head around Incoterms from their 1812 origins to today): “Got 99 problems but Incoterms ain’t one.”
"Incoterms drive everything.”
~Banks
This industry know-how is essential in fast-tracking international shipping and taking the stress and risk of international shipping off the table. This is the hallmark of great customer service.
It all comes down to choosing the right logistics management provider – and IL2000’s International Operations team has what it takes to build out a logistics solution that comes with all the bells and whistles – the products and services that today’s shippers truly need to succeed.
"A lot of people think that international shipping is scary, and they want to avoid it at all costs. It’s not. If you have a team behind you that has the knowledge and the value to help you, then you don’t have to worry about anything.”
~Banks
Get on board with improved logistics service at IL2000
There’s good customer service, and there is great customer service. Which would you want? Here at IL2000, we take customer service seriously, as Tammy herself will attest, and we do what it takes to keep our customers in the know and their freight moving. Want to realize the benefits of such a solution in your business?
Connect with a freight shipping expert at IL2000 to get started.