Member Interview: VDM Rental, Romania
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. We spoke to Manuela Eftimie, General Manager at VDM rental, Romania.
How did you start out in Freight Forwarding?
"I started my activity in Freight Forwarding 25 years ago. After working for several companies, I have decided to build my own company. I had a passion for this industry since the beginning of my career. It is a dynamic industry that is constantly changing and adapting with a continuous learning process and many challenges."
Your thoughts on the logistics industry today and how things have changed due to the Pandemic?
"During these difficult times everything changed. From our way of working to our daily activities. Probably the life that we had before the pandemic will never be back in the same way. The logistic industry will accelerate the automation of the industry. Trying to reduce the human interaction and the number of employees that are working under the same roof."
What are the main challenges facing independent forwarders?
"There are many challenges that independent forwarders are facing. One of them being the high competition of the market. A lot of shipper’s view transportation as a commodity. They do not give importance to the service but are just concerned about the prices. This makes it hard for forwarders to differentiate between themselves and other providers.
Also, there is new technology being introduced every day, but the cost of implementing it is something that a lot of freight forwarders cannot cope with. The adoption of the latest technology is often so overwhelming that forwarders do not even think about it. For all these reasons and many more, freight forwarders are facing a hard time coping while keeping their businesses afloat."
How relevant is networking in today’s forwarding industry?
"In order to work efficiently as a Forwarder you need agents in every country. Not being part of a Multinational Company that has offices all around the world can make it difficult to find suitable agents that can help you successfully finish your projects. With the help of a good networking you can easily solve this problem."
How do you see the future for independent forwarders?
"As a independent forwarder you have several advantages. You can easily adapt to the busines changes having not a cumbersome organization behind you. You can be very flexible and adapt immediately your working with the client needs."
Visit www.vdmrental.com to learn more.
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