Liangjiang company leads inland shipping industry

Chongqing PO Shipping owns over 130 container trucks, a warehouse, and barges. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn] 

Ran Jian, general manager of Chongqing PO Shipping Co, has emerged as a significant disruptor in the shipping industry. Over the past eight years, he has built a company with an impressive annual revenue of 880 million yuan ($123.48 million).

Ran's journey began with an education background in maritime and work experience in Shanghai, which shaped his professional and open-minded approach. In 2013, he returned to Chongqing and joined a shipping company, where he secured a major client through his persistent efforts.

This client, a French company with factories in Shanghai and Sichuan province, had one of the top 10 shipping volumes in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. Ran's dedication paid off after six months of regular communication and a pivotal trip to Paris, where he secured the deal through face-to-face meetings.

In 2016, due to conceptual disagreements, Ran resigned and founded Chongqing PO Shipping in Liangjiang New Area. His French client followed him, helping him quickly establish a foothold in the market. Unlike the conservative pricing strategies of the time, Ran prioritized customer satisfaction over profit maximization.

Ran likens the international freight market to the futures market, where success hinges on accurate market predictions and risk-taking. His approach involved offering competitive quotes based on market forecasts, ensuring profitability if his predictions were correct.

One of Ran's boldest decisions was to invest heavily in assets, contrary to the industry trend of asset-light models. Heavy asset availability allows for more independent operations and stable services, enhancing customer loyalty.

PO Shipping now owns over 130 container trucks, a warehouse, and barges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these assets proved invaluable as container demand and shipping fees soared. The company's container trucks, essential for securing accommodations, became a competitive edge.

With global shipping routes reaching Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa, Ran has ambitious expansion plans. He envisions an operational center in other cities and predicts that only a few industry giants will remain, with new investments crucial for survival.

Ran's innovative strategies and persistent efforts have positioned PO Shipping as a leader in the inland shipping industry, poised for continued growth and success.