Newsletter May 2009
Interview with new Sales Manager Benelux: Udo Neufeglise
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Udo Neufeglise joined Samskip at the start of 2009. Udo holds the position of General Sales Manager Benelux for Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics. With his 42 years, great enthusiasm and experience in sales and logistics, we are happy to have Udo on board. Read on to learn more about this new Samskipper.
You were born in Rotterdam. So, working at Samskip brings you back to your hometown?
Yes, I am indeed born in Rotterdam. However I only lived there shortly as we moved when I was four years old. Together with my parents and three brothers we lived in several places in the Netherlands. Currently I am living in Apeldoorn with my wife, 7 year old daughter and 4 year old son.
Always been in transport and logistics?
After high school, I studied Business economics. My first job was at a wholesaler in quality knives and scissors where I worked in customer service. From there I moved to an inside sales position for a company dealing with computer soft- and hardware.
Transport and logistics came into my life when I started working at TNT Express in Duiven. During my time at TNT I took up a study in Logistics Management to gain further expertise in logistics. I have been working at TNT Express for 18 years and in several positions such as sales, customer service management, global contract management and in my latest job as Key Account Manager.
What do you like about logistics?
I like the saying: “Zonder Transport staat alles stil” (Transport moves the world). I experience Transport and Logistics as a dynamic business: speed, cost, cargo and destinations all play a part in this game. Every business segment or production process requires a different transport solution, which creates a need for creative and flexible transport service providers.
Why did you choose for a career in sales?
To be very honest I didn't make a conscious choice for sales, although I did of course choose a commercial study to begin with. In my professional career it just came on my path and I happened to enjoy it. It fits my personality. I enjoy listening to other people and really want to understand their position. In sales you get to know many different kinds of people and businesses. I really like the diversity and am always curious to learn more about a clients business and the challenges they face.
Furthermore I experienced that the sales department has a key role within the organization. I like to be in the middle of the business process. I would not like to be watching from the sidelines. The central role also makes that you work in multidisciplinary teams, which creates good dynamics as well as creative output.
What is your internal drive? What makes you smile at the end of your working day?
People and results. I really enjoy working together with other people; with colleagues as well as clients. It doesn't matter as long as we accomplish our goals in such a way that we all feel we have gained value. So constructive teamwork with clear progress and a good laugh from time to time, makes me smile in the end of the day.
Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics? What really attracted you in the first place?
The extensive geographical scope of the network and the multimodal character really appealed to me. By smartly combining short sea, rail, road and barge connections Samskip reaches every corner of Europe. I really believe in the Samskip product: It is a reliable, cost-efficient as well as green transport solution. I am convinced this is a very strong combination.
The Benelux is a tough market crowded with competition? Why and when should cargo owners consider Samskip?
The European landscape is changing. Some changes have a negative effect on the competitive position of trailers while they do not have any effect on our services. For example the regulations on driving hours, the maut charges, traffic congestion and enforced environmental regulations. The recent plan of the eight Alp countries to ban or limit road traffic is only one example of the potential measures Samskip will not be effected by. Due to our multimodal character we can offer more reliable, cost efficient as well as greener transport solutions.
Furthermore Samskip has wide geographical coverage, with multiple services. We can ship cargo between Russia and Iberia, as well as Norway and Ireland etc. We are able and qualified to handle all sorts of cargo; temperature controlled cargo, out of gauge cargo and cargo that needs to be loaded from the top or sides with our flatrack and curtainsided equipment.
Facing the financial crisis: trouble or challenge?
Challenge of course! Many companies are currently reconsidering their transport solutions. They analyze their supply chains, costs and their current transport solutions in order to save costs. The price and reliability become more dominant decision factors and transit time becomes a less important one. As Samskip is able to deliver very cost efficient solutions, it is not necessarily a bad development. Furthermore Samskip is here for the long run. Together with clients we want to work for sustainable transport solutions in terms of financials as well as the environment. We offer many possibilities and advantages in these financially challenging times.
How do you see the future of Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics in the Benelux. Some Benelux based customers still regard Samskip as a pure short sea operator, while we have so much more too offer. Samskip offers a Pan-European network of short sea, rail, barge and road connections. We deliver a cost efficient door-to door transport solution on a wide diversity of corridors.
We will also keep extending our service network according to the needs of our clients. If there are emerging production areas or markets we will always look into the possibility to start a new service. A close cooperation with our clients is key to the success of these developments.
Furthermore Samskip will keep developing our value added services such as groupage and warehousing activities. On the Irish route we offer part-load and groupage services, but the market doesn't even know. I consider it my responsibility to show the Samskip possibilities and benefits to the Benelux markets.
Udo in the Quickscan
- Udo in few words: enthusiastic, open and social, a team player who makes it happen
- What did you want to become when you were a kid: Goalie at Feyenoord or a Formula 1 driver
- If you would have to choose a totally different job, what would it be? Coach of a sports club, professional referee, Warehouse manager of an European distribution centre
- Favourite spare time occupation: family and sports: fitness, mountain biking and soccer if time allows
- Favourite book or movie: Saving Private Ryan and all books by Chris Ryan.
- Favourite food: all that my wife Marijke prepares especially, the Indonesian and Italian dishes.
- Favourite holiday destination: Italy and Terschelling
