Member Interview: Shanghai U-EXPRESS International Logistics, China

WFN 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 Joanna Xu, Assistant General Managerat Shanghai U-Express International Logistics, China.

How did you start out in Freight Forwarding?

"I started to work at a freight forwarding company in 1998, and I established at my current position in U-EXPRESS in 2005."
 
Your thoughts on the logistics industry today and how things have changed due to the Pandemic?

"Under the Pandemic, the global epidemic situation is grim, consumer demand is greatly reduced, and purchasing power is greatly reduced. Many freight forwarders are forced to lay off or close their doors. This is an objective fact. Global trade is reduced, and the logistics industry is also facing severe tests. Many freight forwarders have turned to an alternative business. For example, transportation masks, hand sanitizers and other anti-epidemic materials currently have a market in a certain period of time around the world. However, our company has been focusing on chemical products, especially pesticides for a long time, so during the Pandemic, our business has not been affected."

What are the main challenges facing independent forwarders?

"The service mode is relatively simple. Small business scale does not form core competitiveness."

How relevant is networking in today’s forwarding industry?

"Networks can offer each member unrivalled opportunities to find new partners, attract new business and, most importantly, drive increased profits."
    
How do you see the future for independent forwarders?

"Without international agency cooperation, it is difficult to achieve sustainable development  Even if there are resources and technology advantages, the result will be not optimistic."

Visit www.u-express.com.cn to learn more.

 
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