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After graduating from METU Mechanical Engineering Department, Emre Eldener completed his MBA in International Marketing at Baldwin Wallace University. After working in the field of production technologies and sales in the USA for 7 years, he joined Kıta in 1998 and established the Istanbul branch of the company. Eldener, who has been the CEO and the shareholder of the company for a long time, is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kıta. Mr. Eldener took the President's position at the Heavy lift Group between 2011-2015. He served as president of Utikad, the umbrella association of the Turkish logistics industry, for 6 years. He is currently the vice president of FIATA and also serves on the Service Exporters board of directors and the disciplinary board of the Chamber of Shipping.
Kıta Logistics is a logistics company operating with 12 branches in 4 countries. It has a staff of approximately 250 people with a structure that can provide all services in the field of land, air, sea, project, storage and integrated logistics.
What do we expect from a good project forwarder
A project cargo forwarder must be a person who has a good idea about all modes of transportation, possibly and preferably an engineering background. If I were to make an analogy, I'd say it is similar to the Elite forces of an army, good and fit fighters with considerable knowledge of the military technology they use.
Particularly when dealing with complex and oversized shipments that require specialized handling and coordination, the project management is crucial. Examples of project cargo include machinery, industrial equipment, and components for large-scale construction projects such as power plants or offshore oil rigs. Managing the transportation of such cargo requires meticulous planning, expertise, and attention to detail.
One of the key considerations in project cargo forwarding management is insurance. Given the high value and unique nature of project cargo, it is essential to ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect against potential risks during transit. Insurance for project cargo typically covers various perils such as damage, loss, theft, and natural disasters. Depending on the specific requirements of the cargo and the transportation route, different types of insurance policies may be necessary, including marine cargo insurance, inland transit insurance, and project-specific insurance policies tailored to the needs of the project.
Cargo tracking is another critical aspect of project cargo forwarding management. With project cargo often traveling long distances and passing through multiple modes of transportation, real-time tracking systems are essential for monitoring the location and status of the cargo throughout its journey. Advanced tracking technologies such as GPS tracking devices, RFID tags, and satellite communication systems enable logistics providers to monitor the movement of project cargo and proactively address any potential issues or delays that may arise. By providing visibility and transparency into the transportation process, cargo tracking systems help ensure timely delivery and minimize the risk of disruptions.
In addition to insurance and cargo tracking, effective sales strategies are essential for successful project cargo forwarding management. The sales process for project cargo involves identifying potential clients, understanding their unique transportation requirements, and presenting tailored solutions that meet their needs. Building strong relationships with clients and establishing trust is crucial in the project cargo industry, where the stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. Sales professionals in the project cargo forwarding sector must possess in-depth knowledge of logistics operations, industry regulations, and market trends to effectively navigate complex projects and deliver value to clients. Let's not forget that we as project forwarders will be dealing with clients who are technically capable and highly skilled people. We must be ready to answer all questions, technical and commercial.
Furthermore, sales teams must collaborate closely with other departments within the logistics organization, including operations, finance, and risk management, to ensure seamless execution of projects and alignment with business objectives. By fostering a culture of collaboration and communication, logistics companies can streamline the sales process, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive business growth.
In conclusion, project cargo forwarding management encompasses a wide range of activities. By leveraging advanced technologies, strategic partnerships, and industry expertise, logistics providers can effectively manage the transportation of complex and oversized cargo and deliver value to clients. With careful planning, proactive risk management, and a customer-centric approach, project cargo forwarders can create valuıe and drive success in the global logistics industry.