Case Study · Managed Transitional Facility
How Dynamic Logistics Delivers
Helicopters Direct to Site with IVS
“ Stop wasting time and lock IVS in. You need these guys on your team. They will ease the complexities and stress.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
Importing a helicopter is nothing like importing a container of stock. The cargo is high value, highly specialised, and every stage of the journey carries risk if it isn't handled by people who know exactly what they're doing. For Auckland-based Dynamic Logistics, that meant finding a partner who could take on the compliance and inspection side of the process without getting in the way of the customer relationship Shilleena Harris, Managing Director of Dynamic Logistics, had built her business on.
Our Managed Transitional Facility (MTF) service provides an alternative to the traditional depot model, allowing helicopter imports into New Zealand to be taken straight to the client’s site.
The Client
Dynamic Logistics Ltd is an Auckland-based freight and logistics operation run by Managing Director, Shilleena Harris. The business manages a wide range of freight and logistics requirements, including high-value and time-sensitive imports such as helicopters delivered directly to client sites around the country
The Challenge
A depot that was never where the aircraft needed to be
Before working with IVS, importing specialised freight like helicopters meant working through an Approved Transitional Facility (ATF), and that came with problems. Containers had to be delivered and devanned at an ATF site, which was often nowhere near where the aircraft actually needed to end up.
“ The importer would generally be disadvantaged by having to have their containers delivered and devanned at an ATF site which often wasn't where they typically wanted the aircraft located. This creates all sorts of inconveniences, additional costs and handling. And with additional handling comes additional risks.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
On top of the logistics, traditional depots often weren't certified or equipped to handle this type of cargo, which brought health and safety and insurance questions into a process that was already complicated enough.
The Solution
A Direct MTF Pathway
Our MTF service allows Dynamic Logistics to move away from the traditional depot model, taking helicopters straight to the client's site. Because we visit the site ahead of delivery day, there are few surprises when the aircraft arrives.
“ When it comes time for the delivery, IVS have already been to the site so they have seen the location first hand and have already reported back on what and how to prepare for delivery day. Surprises are left to a minimum.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
Delivered direct to the client's site
Unloaded at the client's own hangar
The Partnership
A Genuine Partnership, Not Outsourcing
For a logistics provider, one of the biggest risks of bringing in a specialist partner is losing control of the customer relationship. That hasn't been Shilleena's experience.
“ Losing control was never a concern for me, and I wasn't going to let go of the reins. We worked together as a team. I would start the IVS application process and provide as much info and photos to them as I could, and then they would go to the site and carry out their inspection and take care of the communication and formalities with MPI. We are in regular contact as we both want the same goal. From the customer's point of view, Dynamic and IVS were a united front.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
The Business Impact
Growth, referrals and nationwide reach
The partnership hasn't just made individual jobs easier, it has helped Dynamic Logistics grow. Shilleena points to both the knowledge gained through working closely with our team and the trust it has built with her own customers.
“ Knowledge is vital, so the more we can absorb, the better off everyone becomes. And the easiest business to obtain is word of mouth. This partnership has further demonstrated to my customers that they are in the best hands, and my customers are not shy in referring my services.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
That word of mouth has already paid off. Dynamic Logistics recently quoted an Australian aviation company for a larger helicopter import from India into Australia.
North Island and South Island imports
Sidelifter delivery, no depot required
It has also extended the geographic reach of a small operation.
“ I have worked with IVS for North Island and South Island imports. I was just about to compliment them on all of their office locations and coverage, then I thought I'd better look this up. They have just the two offices, which I was unaware of. Because of their efficiencies I have just assumed that they must have a few South Island offices, as it has never been an issue for them to just get the job done promptly with no fuss.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd
Dynamic Logistics was a solo operation until earlier this year, so having IVS support site visits in locations such as Oamaru and Alexandra significantly extended the reach Shilleena could offer her customers.
Why Trust Mattered
When the cargo is a helicopter, trust in your partner isn't optional. Shilleena says our team earned that trust through consistency, not just capability.
“ Every interaction I had with IVS, they came across as being very easy to deal with whilst being very professional, and their team comes across as being passionate about their work. If someone is away, there is a team behind that person, and no one is afraid to step up. So this made it easy to trust them.”
Shilleena Harris, Managing Director, Dynamic Logistics Ltd