World in crisis, Transport in motion: challenges of modern forwarding

How do you assess the specifics of the forwarding industry in the context of growing globalization and dynamic market changes?

The forwarding industry is dynamically evolving under the influence of growing globalization and market changes. Even 20 years ago, the scale of international trade was completely different than today – both imports and exports of goods are achieved by unprecedented volumes. Sectors of maritime, air and rail transport are particularly intensively developing, which play a key role in global supply chains. Poland is constantly strengthening its position in international logistics. A great example is the Port of Gdańsk, which thanks to consistent investments increases its bandwidth and importance on the European forwarding map. We have recently witnessed the impressive transport of giant cranes to the new T3 terminal in Baltic Hub. This is another step towards increasing transhipment possibilities and a further increase in the importance of Polish ports in global trade.

Forwarding is an industry extremely sensitive to market changes. Our daily activities are influenced by both political and natural factors – from geopolitical tensions to disruption in supply chains caused by natural disasters or pandemic. Recent years have been extremely dynamic – new regulations, war in Ukraine and changing transport directions force flexibility and search for alternative solutions.

That is why finding the best solutions for customers, both in terms of costs and the time of transport, plays a key role in our work. In the era of changing market conditions, it is the ability to quickly adapt and optimize logistics processes that determine success. Our task is to provide stable and effective supply chains that allow companies to function efficiently regardless of the challenges that the global economy sets before us.

How does Cargo WWS adapt its offer to economic changes and customers’ needs to remain competitive on the dynamic logistics market?

Cargo WWS adapts its offer to dynamic economic changes and customer expectations, focusing on an individual approach and flexible logistics solutions. Each customer has different needs and priorities, which is why our strategy is based on personalization of services. With each client, we individually establish key aspects of cooperation to propose the most optimal solutions, both in terms of costs and time of implementation.

Our advantage is a perfectly organized team – the experienced staff of the sales department maintains constant contact with clients, and professional forwarders watch over the implementation of transports and adapting services to current market realities. Thanks to this, we are up to date with global trends and changes in logistics, which allows us to act proactively, and not just react to changing conditions. An example would be rail transport from Asia through Russia. We monitor the situation, analyze applicable sanctions and use information from our international partners to provide customers with reliable advice. It happens that some goods may not reach Poland with this route, which is why we always recommend the safest and most effective alternatives. Our goal is to ensure stability and predictability in an unpredictable market environment. Flexibility, knowledge and a proactive approach are key elements, thanks to which we remain competitive and guarantee our clients the highest standard of service.

What factors determine the optimal selection of shipping forms of shipment?

The choice of the optimal form of shipment transport depends on many factors, but in most cases the price and delivery time play a key role. If the customer plans to import or export in advance and his goods are not sensitive to long transport, the best option is sea ​​transport – This solution allows you to significantly reduce costs. However, if time counts, it is most often chosen air transportwhich – though more expensive – allows you to deliver the parcel within a few days. An intermediate alternative is rail transport, which has been enjoying the growing interest for years, especially the Silk Road connecting China with Europe.

However, choosing the right means of transport does not depend only on the price and time. The industry, type of goods and weather conditions also play a key role. Some products, e.g. temperature sensitive goods, can be transported by rail in winter, but in the summer they require refrigerated containers in maritime transport. It is also worth paying attention to the availability of infrastructure and supply chain stability. Some regions of the world may have limited transport capabilities, and geopolitical situations and regulatory changes, e.g. sanctions, can affect the choice of route.

Finally, there is no one universal solution – it all depends on the individual needs of the client, the characteristics of the load and the current market situation. Our task as experts is to advise the optimal transport strategy, combining cost, temporary and operational efficiency.

What are the biggest challenges related to international transport and how does the company deal with them?

Everyone transport This is a new challenge in a sense. Although organization and coordination are our everyday life, logistics are always associated with a certain level of risk. Recent years have clearly shown how dynamic and unpredictable this sector can be. Pandemia, war in Ukraine, and recently also restrictions related to the Suez Canal – all these events in the blink of an eye change the current supply chains and require rapid response. The situation with the Suez Canal is a perfect example of the real effects of global interference – the time of transit from China to Europe has extended from about 30-35 to even 60 days. The missing capacity caused a deficiency of containers that did not physically return to China. The shipowners were forced to increase the number of ships on the routes, which affected the lack of synchronization of transport – the parcels have not overloaded as before. Ships that were about to flow from the port of Gdańsk were still halfway, which was also paralyzed by exports.

In such situations, we also observe the actions of shipowners who, seeing the busy situation on the market, often significantly increase freight rates. This is an additional factor that we have to face at the stage of planning transport and consulting. Other political and economic factors are also significant. Many of our clients are addicted to customs regulations – customs’ increases or new restrictions can affect the profitability of trade with a specific country and force companies to look for alternative markets. Our task is to be prepared for these changes, predict possible scenarios and support customers in making the best logistics decisions.

What features are the most desirable for a sales worker in the forwarding industry? How do you find the perfect candidates for this position?

In the forwarding industry, an employee of the sales department is not only a seller – he is primarily an advisor, partner and ambassador of the company in customer relations. The client is the most important for us, which is why we are looking for people who are involved, communicative and open to building long -term relationships. We support both companies that send one container with us per month, as well as those that operate in dozens of containers a week. Regardless of the scale of cooperation, every customer must feel looked after and understood.

The trader’s work in forwarding is a big challenge. These are not only phone calls and offers, but also trips to customers, quick response to changing needs and sometimes a lot of time pressure. That is why determination, resistance to stress, flexibility and positive attitude are so important.

We have our salesmen in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Jasło, but in practice we are where our clients need us. For us there is no “impossible” location – the relationship and the real need of the client counts. We also believe that success in sales begins with a good atmosphere in the team. We are lucky that we have built a team that really likes and supports. And we want to keep it. Therefore, when looking for new people, we pay attention not only to experience, but also to adaptation to organizational culture, readiness for teamwork and willingness to study.

What aspects of cooperation with clients Cargo WWS places the greatest emphasis?

Good relationships with clients are the most important for us. We believe that logistics are not only numbers and terms, but above all people. We treat each client individually – we try to understand his needs, priorities and challenges that he is measured. Only then can we propose really matched and effective solutions. Cooperation begins with us with a conversation – we ask, listen, advise. We want to build trust and long -term cooperation, not one -off orders. We also know that our clients operate in dynamic conditions, which is why we are flexible, react quickly and always look for the best possible path, both in terms of costs and time of implementation.

We value open communication very much – our clients know that they can count on us at every stage of transport, from valuation to delivery. Our team is experienced forwarders and traders who are fully involved in their work. Thanks to this, many individual orders have turned into many years of partnerships.

What specific solutions in the CARGO WWS offer are best in the expectations of entrepreneurs using forwarding services?

Definitely the greatest value for our clients is the complexity and flexibility of the offer. We support sea, air and rail transport, which allows us to match the best delivery model to a specific type of goods, budget and expected implementation time. Entrepreneurs very much appreciate the possibility of choosing – we do not impose one solution, but we advise on the current market situation and the needs of a given business. In practice, this means that we are able to organize a cost -effective sea transport for loads planned in advance, fast air transport in urgent situations and rail as an alternative – especially on the China -Polska route, when both time and cost count.

In addition, customers value us for support in completing documentation, customs and consulting. We do not leave them with the process alone. We also help in analyzing risks, e.g. when choosing routes in a more difficult geopolitical environment. More and more companies are also looking for a partner who will help them adapt to changing regulations, sanctions, price lists or technical conditions. We not only organize transport, but also actively support our clients in making the best business decisions.