We’d love to hear your story – how did you get started in the logistics world, and what motivated you to stay?
I studied International Economics at university, and right after graduating I started working in the import/export sector at a company exporting food products. That was my first chance to see logistics in action, shipping goods in containers.
I quickly became passionate about the logistics world. I handled customs issues and worked closely with freight forwarders.
That’s when I decided to apply to one of the best local shipping companies, Con-tra Spa, known for its excellent customer service. I joined the operations department right away. After a few years, while still studying, I also obtained my customs broker agent certification.
I always keep myself updated, as every day brings a new challenge.
What trends or technologies are you most excited (or concerned) about in logistics right now?
Booking management and reservations are now fully automated, which is great because everything moves much faster.
However, a computer will never be able to solve problems the way a real person can.
What does innovation mean to you in the context of logistics, and how do you foster it in your organization?
We have a department in the company, led by our CEO, that is always focused on innovation. We use management software developed entirely in-house, which is truly cutting-edge. We also have an app that manages and tracks all our clients’ containers — a really impressive innovation.
What part of supply chain do you think gets underestimated – and why?
Customs operations in export and import are often underestimated.
An incorrect customs declaration can cause serious problems for both the exporter and the importer, who are fully responsible with both the exit and entry customs authorities.
A poorly completed declaration can result in fines for the parties involved, and sometimes even heavy penalties that can be very challenging for companies.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
A piece of advice I’d give to anyone starting out in logistics is to develop a flexible, problem-solving mindset. Logistics is always changing, and unexpected things can happen every day — such as delays, material shortages, or customs issues. It’s really important to react quickly, stay calm, and find practical solutions.
Also, taking the time to understand the entire supply chain, not just your own part, helps you make better decisions and grow professionally faster.
