We recently asked some of our members to share their views on the industry today, the benefits of networking, and their vision for the future. Here are some comments from Mert Salki at Global Ship Port Lojistik Hizmetleri in Turkiye:
How did you start your career in freight forwarding?
I graduated from Izmir University of Economics, Logistics management department. After my graduation, I started to work at Maersk at first and then Msc. After a couple of years, I decided to change my job and started to work for a Freight Forwarding company. I've now been working in the forwarding industry for more than 10 years.
What are your company's main strengths?
Our team is made up of experienced people and everyone knows what she/he has to do. So our customers can get the right service with the right price and in the right time. We also have very good communication with carriers, which makes us competitive in the market. Our are also able able to provide excellent customer service and excellent communication with our customers. This is the main point of our customers' loyalty.
What are the main challenges facing independent freight forwarders in 2023?
Recession is the main challenge that we are facing in 2023. Due to inflation rates in countries, markets went down and slow. In addition, in Turkiye we are also facing problems with currency and fuel prices. These are also affecting the import/export market in a bad way.
What are the main benefits of network membership, for your company?
We are a newly established company and we needed a network of agencies in countries where we do not have our own offices globally. Thanks to SFN, we have more than met this need.
What are your predictions for the future of the industry?
No matter how advanced the technology is, bilateral relations, close contact and networking are very important in our industry. I think this situation will not change much in the near future. It is a fact that people who know and trust each other will do more business. But, of course, we must follow technological advances and integrate them into our work as much as possible.
www.globalshipport.com
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