Member Interview: TCI International Logistics, Mexico

SFN members are highly competent and professional, with a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to share.

With that in mind, we interviewed some of our members to ask for their views on the industry today, plans for the future, and the benefits of networking. This month, we spoke to Claudia Villeda, Sales Executive at TCI International Logistics, Mexico.

How did you start out in Freight Forwarding?

"I started in the logistics industry back in 2015 as an operative agent, where I was able to learn how the operations are managed mainly after the vessel sailing. In seeking more knowledge, I was able to get a promotion to other departments and reached the NVOCC area where I learned way more than I thought.

After that I was hired by TCI International Logistics, which turned out to be a school to me, giving me the opportunity to not only continue learning my forte, which was sea freight service, but also to expand my knowledge in multimodal service."

Your thoughts on how things have changed due to the Pandemic?

"The Logistics Industry nowadays is a little different than what it was back then. The reasons vary, but I can say that the international trade agreements around the world are now allowing the reopening of several forgotten industries, which are now getting a second chance. As well as the closing of others, which had a negative impact in the supply chain and, as a result, the export/import service was also affected.

Even though The Covid-19 pandemic situation surprised us all, Mexico was tremendously affected in many ways. It is well known that Mexico imports more than it exports, and during the
pandemic period Mexican exports collapsed to at least 43% below the average. Adding to it, the fact that many countries limited the capacity of their frontiers, which lead to a decrease in our import services."

What are the main challenges facing independent forwarders?

"The main challenge that independent forwarders are facing during this period is basically the changes in the supply chain, and the decrease in the import/export services."

How relevant is networking in today’s forwarding industry?

"Being part of a network opens up the opportunity to reach out to many forwarders around the world with whom we can work, to give our clients not only the best offer but also the best service."

How do you see the future for independent forwarders?

"Independent forwarders keep the world moving, so, even with the uncertain future they will overcome the rough patch."

TCI International Logistics de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. was founded in May 2002 and is part of TCI International Logistics GmbH, which was founded in April 1989. The head office is located in Hamburg, Germany and beside this 8 further German offices.

TCI offers the complete portfolio of international freight forwarding activities, such as worldwide Sea and Airfreight, NVOCC, Industrial Project Cargo, Supply Chain Management, National and International Inland Transportation services, Customs Brokerage at all major ports and airports within Mexico, Distribution and Warehousing (bonded and non-bonded), Transport Insurance, to name the most important ones.