The sprawling commercial district of Doral just west of Miami International Airport is fast becoming known as a hotspot for trans-global companies. Add to the list Prime Air & Ocean Cargo, a rising division of its Doral-based parent company, Prime Group.
Prime Air & Ocean Cargo (PAOC) has extensive experience and knowledge in getting cargo from point A to B, by matching the transportation needs of major industries all over the globe with creative and smart logistics solutions.
And for this long-standing company, Doral serves as a prime location for growth, opportunity, and successes.
To get a better perspective on the operation, we caught up with Omar Zambrano, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Prime Group, who oversees the day-to-day management PAOC.
Q. With the continued success of your MIA operation, tell us about your recent move to an all-new facility in Doral.
Zambrano: After outgrowing our previous home, we moved the company’s operation this summer into an all-new facility of 20,000 sqft, just three miles from the MIA cargo zone. It’s still within the city limits of Doral, because this area serves our needs so well – and the needs of our customers. Here we have 500 positions on rack, which is the right way to keep the cargo in good condition. Also, we now have parking space that accommodates 53-foot trailers.
The much-needed move, actually included relocation of the entire Prime Group portfolio of companies: PAOC, PrimeAir, Prime Fresh Handling, and Prime Fresh Products.
Q. For those who don’t know about air cargo logistics, explain what PAOC is all about.
Zambrano: Prime Air & Ocean Cargo is part of an international import-export logistics conglomerate founded in Ecuador in 2001 As part of a family of companies constituted in the U.S., Ecuador, Colombia, and the Netherlands, PAOC has a unique ability to streamline, optimize, and expedite freight and logistics solutions.
By teaming with us, you avoid the need to juggle multiple service providers all over the world. Big or small – whether it’s one box, one pallet, or a companywide logistics management operation – Prime Air & Ocean Cargo does everything you need.
Q. What is your strategy with the MIA operation?
Zambrano: Our strategy for success lies within our team of people. PAOC has been in the enviable position of attracting and retaining extremely qualified professionals with skills and expertise spanning the entire logistics spectrum. PAOC employees are trained to handle general cargo, hazardous material, perishable cargo, and over-size cargo – via air and ocean shipment. In addition, our entire staff is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Q. How is the market performing for the company?
Zambrano: PAOC is very well known in the international market. On a weekly basis, for instance, we move more than 50 tons from China in transit to South America. We we keep just keep growing, year after year – and 2018 was certainly no exception.
Q: Where are your biggest customers based?
Zambrano: The majority of PAOC’s customers are out of Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Holland, and Italy.
Q: What are the primary products PAOC focuses on with its marketing and shipment efforts?
Zambrano: The main products we transport include electronics, hospital equipment, ATM-machine parts, fresh-cut flowers, and vaccines. As you can see, that’s a wide-ranging mix of products and material, but honestly, that’s what makes our business so interesting.
Q. We’ve heard PAOC will see a “commercial push” in 2019. Tell us about that.
Zambrano: What this means is we are focusing on increased diversification. With the ability to move all kinds of cargo, including perishables, we are extremely well positioned to manage the ups-downs of the market. We are anticipating a very good year in 2019. Brazil in particular will be growing this coming year, as well other principal countries in South America.
Our very good relationships with air carriers and ocean carriers allow PAOC to offer great rates and ample space to all destinations, inclusive of space on passenger flights.
Q. What is the composition of your team?
Zambrano: The Miami PAOC operation consists of the following team members: Igor Vilas Boas – Cargo Manager, Export & Import: Brian Rivas – Ocean Operation; Roy Paredes – Brazil Operation; Kahrenn Leiva – South America Operation; Roberth Valdes – South America Operation; Francisco Zumarraga – Sales Executive; Tatiana Hernandez – Quotes; and Pamela Espinoza – Pricing.
In the warehouse, staff members include Minerva Pedraza, Alain Ciscal, Joshuan Hernandez, and Javier Soza.
Prime Group and the Miami offices of its four divisions – PAOC, Prime Fresh Handling, Prime Fresh Products, and PrimeAir – are located at 1301 NW 84 Ave., Suite 127, Doral, FL 33126. For information, call 305-592-2044 or contact Omar Zambrano at ozambrano@primegroup.aero. Also visit www.primeaircargo.com.
