Chairman’s Message

The start of a New Year always provides an opportune time to look back on the events of the previous twelve months and look forward with anticipation to the Year ahead. I appreciate the support and encouragement we have received from our partners, customers and colleagues. I am confident that our relations have today emboldened as friendships and this has in turn invigorated us to make greater strides. Recognising this friendship, it gives me great pleasure in wishing everyone a great year ahead.
2015 is going to be a significant milestone for CSS as we will be celebrating our 20 years of trust and dedicated service in the field of shipping and logistics. Words alone will not be enough for me to express my pleasure and exhilaration. Equally words alone will not be enough for me to express my gratitude to our staff. At CSS, we have always believed that the most important asset is the human asset. The first and foremost ingredient of a successful business is trust from your employees towards the company and similarly our trust in them because without this no organization will ever become triumphant. Within CSS we have been blessed with a true meaningful corporate family spirit.Without any hesitation I wholeheartedly applaud this.
At this significant time, where we enter a new era and a new year, I wish to remind you that every notable achievement in history is a result of careful planning, sometimes by thinking ‘out of the box’, and then applying ourselves with commitment and dedication. With these thoughts uppermost in my mind and as we enter our 20th year, I wish everyone good health and good fortune in New Year 2015. Together the future is ours to grasp.

Efxaristo Kypros

CSS SALES STRATEGY MEET 2015- CYPRUS

The sales strategy meet of CSS Group was held at the picturesque Coral Beach Resort in Paphos, Cyprus. The Three day meet was attended by all sales heads from the Middle East & the Indian Sub-continent. The senior management for the group company along with the Chairman T S Kaladharan attended the meeting. Invited guests & network partners from around the globe attended the final day meeting with their presentations.

The sales strategy meet is organized as a part of enhancing the sales programme, every year. The middle & top management of the group company assemble at any of the renowned destinations of the globe and discuss about the past sales and design new sales programme. Each office and department will have separate presentations and suggestions regarding the sales enhancement. All suggestions will be finally reviewed by the Top management who approves a consolidated sales programme which will be incorporated into the sale process.

This year’s strategy meet was seen as a prelude to the preparations of the forthcoming 20th anniversary of CSS Group. Members for all committees required for the arrangements were selected at the Cyprus meet.Needless to say, that the sales strategy meet programme is one of the most important driving forces that play as a fillip to most of the strategies that CSS adopted in the last two decades of their operation out of Middle East & Indian Sub-continent.

Cyprus proved to be a perfect business and leisure destination for the CSS Group. The entire team brain stormed during the meeting hours and celebrated the evenings with music and entertainments. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the Cypriot culture, the stay at Coral Beach was rejuvenating and refreshing for the entire team. The friendly staff cooperated to all the demands and attended to the minutest requirements of the team.

Birthday Boys

On the concluding day of the strategy meet, the entire team celebrated the birthday of Kala and Ahmed Fuad. The birthday celebrations were held amidst music band and Cypriote cultural programmes. The night was meant to enjoy and the group sang and dance with the performers. Gifts too were handed over to those who celebrated the birthday and to a few others who entertained the group. Richard’s birthday too was celebrated the previous day inside the restaurant in the resort. The entire group wished him good fortune as well by singing birthday songs.

The Meticulous Way of Handling Lashing & Crating at CSS

The lashing & crating division of CSS Group, has successfully completed the lashing job of 3 coated steel pipes on a 40 feet flat rack recently. The specialty of the job was that the coating was of high sensitive material and upon the request of the client it was ensured that the apt lashing options and materials were used to ensure safe passage of the cargo. The cargo being out of gauge, the team had to secure and lash the cargo at Hamriya Free Zone and issue lashing certificate for the same as well. The job was meticulously planned and executed in matter of hours.

The crating job which was completed at Dubai Investment Park (DIP) was for air freight shipment. The commodity was Structural Steel items; CSS Homeward Bound was involved in bundling the cargo and then pack them in air worthy crates which was prepared by the team in-house. The pieces of crates were prepared at CSS warehouse and assembled the job at site. “Lashing & Crating jobs usually demands lot of skill and patience. It takes long time to create a team like CSS Lashing & Crating, and give maximum satisfaction to the client,” said Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager in Charge of Lashing & Crating division.

CSS Group is one among the leading companies providing industrial crating & lashing logistics solutions. Industrial Packing Department at CSS has been providing complete packing services within the United Arab Emirates. Along with industrial packaging solutions for general cargo, they specialize in crating fragile items (glass, mechanical items etc.), sensitive cargo (laboratory equipment, calibration equipments etc.) and heavy cargo (generators, turbines etc.).- to serve your complex shipping requirements they design and build crates specifically for your item, any type of crates of any size and shapes to meet your discriminating need, because each project is unique. With CSS, you can be assured that your crating, packing & lashing needs are being handled in the most efficient and professional manner.

CSS OFFER SERVICES IN:

  • Wooden crating / packing of Industrial project cargo
  • All types of lashing & securing
  • Shrink wrapping
  • Heat wrapping
  • Vacuum packing
  • Provide lifting solutions
  • Land transportation of packed cargo.
  • Loading securing / cargo lashing (On special equipment like flat rack and open top containers as well as onboard vessels)
  • Heat treatment / fumigation with ISPM 15 stamp and certification
  • Arrangement of third party surveyors for supervision of operations and certifications as well.
  • Project reports upon completion of jobs.
  • Cargo stuffing and de-stuffing into containers / vessels at any location using our mobile unit
  • HSE policy in place.
  • Use of only the best quality materials available in the market, with certificates (germanischer lloyds) to prove the quality

CSS AT FPS Meet

PORTO HOSTS 16TH FPS ANNUAL MEETING

CSS Delegation attended the 16th Annual Meeting of FPS Group – the global forwarding and NVOCC network –which hosted 87 delegates from 40 countries. The intensive 4-day programme – under the theme “New Era – New Spirit” – took place in Porto, Portugal, and was hosted by local FPS member, G-Freight. In addition to the formal AGM and shareholder business, followed by updates on IT, network development and marketing, this year’s event also included 828 one-to-one meetings between members, spread over two days.

Three new members – Link Logistics of Turkey, FP Shipping of Singapore and Facilities Shipping of Pakistan – were introduced to delegates.

Speaking after the event, FPS Group Advisory Board Chairman Benny Ling said: “Despite the unfortunate clash with India’s Diwali celebrations, we had a strong turn-out, and many new business opportunities arose from the meetings between members.”

“FPS remains committed to strengthening its network for the benefit of all its members, rather than for the owners’ financial gain. The Annual Meeting has re-charged everyone’s enthusiasm, and we go forward with a number of plans for the coming year that will see our system grow larger and stronger.”

The 17th FPS Annual Meeting will take place in October 2015, in the major port city of Xiamen, Eastern China, hosted by FPS Xiamen.

CSS Group was represented by Siby C Kurian- Sr. General Manager Sales & Marketing CSS Group, Rajesh Arora- VP CSS India, Narayan R T- General Manager CSS Bahrain, Dean Landers- General Manager CSS Kuwait, & Midhun George, Sales Manager CSS Abu Dhabi.

Shake Hands for a Better Tomorrow

CSS INDIA ASSOCIATES WITH CHINA SEA MARINE, FRANCE

CSS India joins hands with China Sea Marine, France for their North India operations, specifically for the Delhi & Mumbai markets. While visiting CSS Mumbai, Elizabeth Chiron, Business Development Manager of China Sea Marine (France) S A, mentioned the association as a land mark tie up which will benefit both parties on a long term basis. She also mentioned that working alongside professional teams like CSS ensure better service standards to their clients worldwide.

The cooperation between the two companies will be for the CSS Stations in Mumbai & Delhi; however Cargo from New Delhi will be routed via Nhava Sheva service. The agreement will help CSS India to establish a direct service to and from between Nhava Sheva and Le Havre. “The association of CSS India with China Sea Marine, France will ensure top quality reliable service in this sector. We are delighted to have China Sea Marine, France as our partners as CSS always believe in nurturing trustworthy relationships” commented Jairam K R, Director of CSS India.

Founded in 1997, China Sea Group’s France Branch is located in Le Havre, the most important modern major port in France, which is another successful layout of China Sea Group on the way to expand overseas service. As the first Chinese-invested international logistics enterprise with entire European management mode applied, the purpose of setting up France Branch is to offer complete and professional logistics service covering all links from the place of shipping cargos to the one of receiving cargos. As of now, it has gained great reputation and public praise in the local market, to become a leader in the export and import service of professional LCL in France.

As a crucial overseas base of China Sea Group, France Branch not only plays a leading role in expanding its service of dual-direction LCL between the Far East, Indian Sub continent, Pacific, Middle East and France.

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd, a leading NVOCC in the region where it operates, was established in the year 2004 from Tirupur, Tuticorin and Coimbatore, further expanded its horizons in the year 2007. In an ever increasing Industry stuffed with new demands, Console Shipping Services India has proved to attain an unmatched prowess, in delivering the needful to the clients around the globe.

In 2007, Console shipping services, expanded its presence by its strategic positioning in Mumbai, Delhi & Chennai, thereby covering the major cities and ports of India. The highly skilled and motivated workforce of Console shipping services India is keen in keeping up the brand value. With its proven expertise in NVOCC, 3PL, Air freight & Project cargo management, CSS India in a very short span became the most preferred partner for professional cargo handling. This new association with China Sea Marine, France can be seen as a new window of opportunities for CSS in affirming its already established brand value.

CSS Projects, Oil & Energy Undertakes Transport of Hatch Cover

The team at CSS Projects, Oil & Energy, recently undertook a hatch cover movement from Jebel Ali port to the dry docks Dubai. The weight of the cargo was 24 tons with dimensions 13.25 x 8.20 x 1.10 m. The width of the cargo in this case was the main criterion to be looked into. The entire operation had to be scheduled meticulously as it had to connect a vessel coming in for repairs at the Dubai dry docks. The team received the unit from vessel directly and had to move the unit on wide body low bed trailer with special permissions  and during specific timings provided by RTA (1 AM – 3 AM) with police escorts. The efficiency of the Dubai police system was once again displayed when they tactically handled the traffic critical control points for the safe passage of this unit throughout the movement ensuring least difficulty to the other road users. “High professionalism has to be displayed in handling critical jobs in Projects. The proven expertise and commitment could be the major factors why people rely on CSS Projects team when it comes to complicated assignments”, commented Raj George Sr. VP, Projects Oil & Energy, when he was asked about this particular move by Lighthouse.

CSS Group to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Consolidated Shipping Group will be celebrating 20th anniversary of operations in the field of Shipping and logistics during the month of March 2015. The entire team at CSS is excited at this land mark occasion, as they see this as a great success in their company’s career. The senior management announced the function last month and preparations are underway to make the event memorable.

A company started 20 years back as a small firm to cater to the logistics requirements in the Middle East has grown to become one of the most sought after names in the field of freight forwarding and logistics today. With diversified operations within the shipping and logistics industry, CSS caters to a cross section of business community around the globe. From NVOCC to Projects and from Relocations to Heavy Equipment logistics, the company with the professional and skilled team designated for each department, touches every segment of Shipping and logistics.

CSS group offices in the Middle East and the Sub-continent join hands to make the 20th anniversary celebrations memorable. The senior management and the Chairman T S Kaladharan extends all their gratitude to the Government of UAE, their loyal customers, valued partners and most importantly their trusted employees for the unconditional support showered on them for the last two decades.

New Corporate Video in The Making

CSS CORPORATE VIDEO-SHOOT IN DUBAI

CSS Group offices witnessed the new corporate video in the making for CSS Group. The programme was in relation to their forthcoming 20th anniversary celebrations going to be held in Dubai during the month of March. Lemon studios, Kochi, Kerala were engaged with the assignment of the corporate video production. Renowned technicians from the corporate world were engaged with the video shoot and production programme. The first schedule of the shooting was completed at the CSS Group offices in Jebel Ali, Cargo Village, DAFZA, Creek customs office and the Head office in Oud Metha buildings during the month of December. The video is planned to be released during the 20th anniversary functions. The forthcoming movie will unveil CSS Group activities and their facilities to a large extend to their clients. The Corporate video will be circulated then for the marketing & sales purposes.

Delhi Needs A Major Facelift to Handle More Cargo

FREIGHT FORWARDING FRATERNITY EXPECTS THE GOVERNMENT TO RIGHTLY INTERVENE

Delhi, India’s political Capital is also one of the largest business hubs of India after Mumbai, Business Capital of India. Delhi handles almost 27-32% of EXIM trade but as this is dry port the operational constrain is one of the biggest setbacks for Delhi EXIM trade. In recent days EXIM trade is facing tremendous problems due to majorly two reasons. One of them is rail connectivity with ocean ports. The seaports in India which caters most of the cargo for Delhi EXIM is either Pipava, Mundra or Mumbai ( NSICT/JNPT & GTIL), but the movement of containerized cargo to & from these ports are severely damaged due to mainly two reasons. One being 15-17% increase of import volume to India and drop in export cargo and the second being the lack of proper infrastructure and trains of CONCOR ( Container Corporation of India) and CWC ( Central Warehousing Corporation).

Now the situation has become so worse that any containerized cargo has a minimum stoppage time of 25-30 days in all of the above sea ports. Also due to new regulation imposed by Delhi Police effective 1st August no road movement of container cargo can be done within Delhi adds up the problem. Apart from the movement circulation another biggest setback is the lack of infrastructure for handling containers at ICD TKD & ICD PPG ( Two major ports of Delhi NCR region).

There is no major infrastructure development from last almost 10 years in these two major ports of Delhi Region. The present infrastructure of these two ports can only handle 2000 & 1000 teus respectively but now due to expansion in Delhi EXIM trade these two ports are forced to handle more than five times of their stipulated capacity. As a result of the same the stuffing and de-stuffing of containerized cargo takes unlimited days to complete which further worsen the situation day by day. Now the situation goes to the extreme standstill level that warehouses and yards are overloaded & no space for cargo handling.

All are forced to commence work in abnormal ways just to keep the movement flowing.

In these adverse conditions the only hope for the Freight forwarding fraternity is that concerned authorities should intervene to solve the problems and create hassle free channels to make containerized cargo move more smoothly.

Move and Prove

CSS MOVED MACHINERY FROM MYANMAR TO DUBAI FOR RITCHIE BROTHERS
CSS Plant and Machinery division making further inroads in the global shipping and logistics arena and is now recognized as a major player in this market segment.
To substantiate this CSS Dubai was brought, by Ritchie Brothers Corporate, into a major purchase contract between Ritchie Brothers and a major seller which entailed CSS being an integral part of a complicated pre-purchase contract as well as the actual equipment movement from the site at Myanmar to Ritchie’s auction yard Dubai.
“It is pleasing to see our specialist business unit, Plant and Equipment Logistics, being brought into very complex purchases and contracts as well us being given full authority by a very important customer to meet and negotiate with all major stake holders in order to get deals done and machines shipped to RBA Dubai”, commented Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development, CSS Group.
He also added that “Obviously we were able to achieve this, given the support of our specialist team here in Dubai as we are well used to complex vessel fixtures as well as facilitating major elements of pre purchase contracts. This involved CSS being flown to Myanmar as the Logistics and adviser/partners for Ritchie Brothers and as an integral part of the whole negotiation and vessel fixture process”. The first phase was completed which included all stake holders were on board and the vessel fixed.
THE MAIN WORK THEN STARTED INCLUDES:

  • Pre planning all load operations
  • Fixing the vessel
  • Preparing the equipment to be shipped
  • Vessel coming in on time
  • Cargo loading
  • Clearance and delivery to RBA’s yard Jebel Ali.

CSS successfully accomplished the job because they follow the system of working in tandem with their customers and partners so that they come up with the right solution no matter how complex an operation is.
Steve Barritt the GM of Ritchie Brothers commented “We have worked closely with the CSS Group for the past few years and we rely on them assisting us where ever possible so that we can focus on our core business and values which is to provide our growing customer base first class auctions”
“We express our thanks to CSS on this deal, as it was extremely complicated hence we heavily relied on CSS’s expertise and support. Ritchie brothers with a long proven track record in global auctions where freight and Logistics are important, rely on companies like CSS who specialize in this segment.
We offer seamless same full-service, professional services at auctions you’ll find at any Ritchie Bros. auction site out on the road.” He added.
CSS focuses on the below points for ensuring customer satisfaction:
Save money – Transportation companies compete for your business and deliver the most competitive shipping quotes.
Save time – No more phoning around for quotes! Even if you’re shipping many items, you submit just one request and receive multiple quotes.
Know who you’re dealing with – Read honest feedback from other customers about the transportation companies that bid for your business.
Get more accurate quotes – Equipment information, including specs and photos, is usually pulled directly fromwww.rbauction.com and Ritchie Specs, so you get more accurate quotes.
No unwanted phone calls – Your contact information is kept private, so you’ll only have contact with the service provider you choose to use.
Free to try – Anyone can list a shipment online. It’s free, and you’re under no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive.
Only pay when the job is complete – You pay the transportation company directly when the job has been completed and the equipment has arrived safely.

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

CSS HOMEWARD BOUND POINTS OUT 5 MOST COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM.
Successful relocation is like running a small company and it requires careful planning, budgeting, and strategy. Overlook those factors as you may be looking at a recipe to avoid disaster.
“Winging It” Instead of Planning Ahead
Relocation is a huge job and procrastination is your worst enemy. Even seemingly small moves, like moving a studio apartment across town, can be nerve-racking and costly if they’re not well planned. If you have the luxury of time, you should start planning your move months in advance.
Start making travel arrangements, look into moving companies, pack, and get your financial and logistical affairs in order as early as possible. Start keeping a specific notebook or binder for moving-related information. Keep all your records in it, from copies of the moving estimate to restaurant suggestions in your new neighborhood.
Bad Timing and Poor Scheduling
Timing is important: The summer months are typically the most hectic time of the year for moving companies. However, spring and autumn can get very busy, too. And remember that moving companies may not be available if you’re moving close to a holiday.
If you’re planning to drive your own moving truck, make sure you schedule the rental well ahead of the day you actually need it. Find out the exact dimensions of the truck’s cargo space, and maybe even swing by the rental company to get an idea of the space you’ll require and whether a 13-foot truck is really up to the job.
Choosing a Less-than-Reputable Moving Company
Research is critical here. Choosing the wrong moving company can mean stolen or damaged property, a move that is far more expensive and longer than originally quoted, and being overcharged for things like packing tape. And once all your stuff is in their truck, you’re in a terrible position to argue.
Find out if the mover has a DOT (Department of Transportation) number and enter it in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Here are some questions to ask before you hire a moving company:

  • Do they have references?
  • Will they do an in-home estimate?
  • Is their company going to be handling the move or are they going to hire a subcontractor?
  • If they use a subcontractor, what are the name, location, and phone number of the company they’re hiring?
  • Will this move require any special arrangements, like a transfer from the semi-truck to a smaller local truck to help navigate big-city streets? This may affect the cost of the move and increase the risk of damage to your belongings.

Moving with Unnecessary Items
Indiscriminately jamming everything you own into boxes might seem like the simplest way of packing, but it also guarantees needless stress and expense. Extra stuff equals extra weight, so you may end up overpaying your movers or overstressing your own back.
Moving gives you a perfect opportunity to cull your possessions.
Our Household Inventory worksheet and our Digital Locker tool can help here—make a detailed list of all of your belongings and you’ll be more able to see what’s truly essential. Also check out Allstate’s Ten Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Move for smart ideas about optimizing your move.
Insufficient or Nonexistent Insurance for Valuables
Moving is tough on your stuff. Even if every item you own is carefully packed and handled by experienced movers, accidents happen. Get familiar with your insurance options before your move. Call your moving company to find out the details of its liability coverage policies. This coverage will either be based on the total weight of your items, the assessed value of your items, or the full value of replacement of your items. The good news is that if you have an Allstate Homeowners or Renters Insurance policy, your belongings are likely covered in the event of a moving mishap that occurs in transit.

CSS Group KPL Dubai Season 3 Concludes in Style

KOLLAM KERNELS WALKS BACK WITH KPL DUBAI SEASON 3 TROPHY



One Stop Tourism L.L.C Kollam Kernels clinched the CSS Group KPL Dubai Season 3 title after defeating Seven Seas Trivandrum Royals by three wickets in a thrilling final at the ICC Academy Ground on Friday night, 21st November 2014.

Umar Ali Khan turned out to be Kollam’s star by smashing a spectacular half century which helped his team achieve the target of 189 in 19.1 overs. Trivandrum, which batted first after winning the toss, reached a good total of 188 for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs, thanks to a 19-ball 50 from Waheed Ahmed, who smashed one four and five sixes to entertain the weekend crowd.

Openers Waseem Rana and Sangeeth Joseph gave a 68-run opening stand to Trivandrum. Rana played an aggressive knock and smashed five boundaries and two sixes in his 18-ball 38, while Joseph gave good support by chipping in with 22 from 19 balls with the help of two hits to the fence.

Though Ibrahim (nine) fell cheaply, HasnainRaza (23) and Jeevan (22) contributed some useful runs before Ahmed blasted his half century and helped Trivandrum reach a good total in the final. Ahmed remained not out while Touqier was unbeaten on three.

Asif Mumtaz picked up two wickets for 35 runs from his four overs, while Rohan Mustafa, Vishnu and Atta bagged one wicket each.

The final day saw a glamorous line up of KPL Dubai ambassadors and other celebrities including CSS Group Chairman T S Kaladharan on the stage giving away the prestigious awards. KPL Dubai Directors were also present at the function.

Renowned musical band “Avial” performed after the match was over till midnight scintillating the joyous crowd at the ICC academy. Gifts for the spectators included bumper  raffle draw for Nissan car and gold. The event was hosted by Hit 98.7 and supported by Josh FM.

The Decision of The European Court of Human Rights – Review Needed??

The decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) comes as an insult to all Seafarers who survived Piracy attacks.  Recently the French government was ordered to pay a good amount as compensation to the pirates from Somalia who attacked French ships on the ground that their human rights were disregarded at the time of their arrest.

Further, to add on to this the ECHR ruled out that Denmark had to compensate nine suspects from Somalia who tried to hijack a Danish tanker vessel in the Indian Ocean, and the reason being that they were detained too long before bringing them before a judge.  As a result, each of them received $ 3,247 for the days they were detained.

The Judgement states that as per Danish law, a citizen cannot be held in custody for more than a day without being presented before a judge.  However, there arose a question why does this rule apply to them since they are neither citizens of Denmark or the European Union.  While deciding on such cases, seldom do the judges notice the threat the pirates or rather these armed criminals cause to the seafarers and their families.  Here in fact, Judges use law to protect these criminals instead of punishing them.  The naked truth is that the pirates actually take away the human rights of the seafarers when they captivate them and never have been the seafarers compensated.

There have been instances where the seafarers were held for 1000 days and more, but there was no ECHR to hear them and grant them a compensation for their suffering.  There are 30 seafarers and fishermen who are held for four years without receiving any compensation, not even their wages.  Nevertheless, the pirates were supported by giving them $ 250 per day for being held.  There have been voices in the Shipping Industry against these kinds of judgements and support for the seafarers and their families.

The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) was set up in 2010 to support and assist the seafarers and also for their welfare. It is an alliance of ship owners, managers, manning agents, insurers, maritime unions, and professional and welfare associations together with governmental and intergovernmental organizations.

The situation of piracy cases and attacks are no different in Asia.  During November 2014, a total of 20 piracy attacks were reported of which, maximum number occurred during June 2014 and the minimum in January 2014. Among these 20 incidents, 11 occurred onboard ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and in the South China Sea and the rest occurred onboard ships while anchored/berthed in the South China Sea, Cochin and Sandheads anchorages in India, Chinagong port, Bangladesh, Samarinda anchorage, East Kalimantan, Indonesia and Vung Tau, Vietnam.

Euphemistically Speaking Have A Good One !

Well here we are having no doubt enjoyed unwrapping our seasonal presents. Whilst it is often said, when it comes to giving gifts, it is the thought that counts equally it is the conversation that the gift triggers that matters just as much. I recall a hospital patient, upon receiving several large boxes of chocolates, saying to her visitor: – “Oh you shouldn’t have spent your money on all of these for me”. But this was not the real meaning of her words. What she actually meant was: – “It makes me happy that you have done this”.  This difference in what we sayand what we really mean is euphemism in action!

The word euphemism originated from the Greek word “euphemia” meaning “the use of words of good omen.”Their use occurs in all languages but English is reputed to take the prize, as world champions, for using them the most. Whilst all languages have a plethora of abrupt short terms that emphasise big points, so as to make their meaning clear, it is sometimes preferable to soften the impact with a euphemism. Replacing possibly upsetting terms with a euphemism is generally considered to be polite.  For example the western world’s yearning for bodily perfection and longevity gives rise to, ‘cuddly’ really meaning ‘fat’ and ‘follically challenged’ meaning ‘bald’. You no doubt will agree that these terms sound more polite.

English is particularly difficult to understand,when it comes to the use of euphemisms, as the real meaning can change according to the pitch, speed and inflection of the spoken words. The late English novelist, George Orwell is quoted as saying that euphemisms can be sneaky and coercive.  A ‘major problem’ seems less alarming when it is called a ‘challenging issue’.

In politics, politically correct euphemisms now rule the roost and have become pervasive.  Instead of using, ‘good or bad’, politicians have replaced them with ‘appropriate or inappropriate’. They sound better don’t they?

Euphemisms are so firmly established in British speech that foreigners, even those who speak fluent English, may miss the true meaning.  Here are two of my favourite examples:-

When the British say: -“With the greatest respect”.
What is understood: – “Apologising for having a different opinion”.
What is meant: – “You are mistaken and being somewhat stupid”.
When the British say: – “I will keep it in mind”.
What is understood: – “They will probably do this”.
What is meant: – “I will almost certainly ignore this”.

There are so many examples in all areas of life and in all languages, but a particular saying at this time of year is: “It’s just what I always wanted”. In euphemistic circles this phrase is as hollow as any that was ever uttered by Charles Dickens’ Scrooge.  Funnily enough London has been namedas the capital of unwanted Christmas presents. New Year sees the pages of UK eBay full of unused and unwanted presents, being sold-on as second-hand bargains.

Realistically languages without euphemisms would be much more honest but at the same time they would be more brutal and upsetting.  Perhaps this New Year you might try getting through a whole day without using any euphemisms in your conversation. The results will undoubtedly surprise you. It simply isn’t that easy.

Fortunately there is an English phrase that, no matter how hard you try to say it differently, still keeps its real meaning.“Have a good one”, means exactly what it says. So to all our Lighthouse Kaleidoscope readers may we say to you, with totally no euphemisms implied or meant … “New Year 2015 – have a good one!”

Lucky Winner

As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 6 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the Delivery Order Counter will be rewarded with a gift.
The winner picked selected and rewarded for the months of November- December 2014 was Jaber Suhaib from Fadex Cargo services, Sharjah who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Carrefour, presented by Shelly V John, Manager- Admin. CSS Dubai.