Oscar Törnqvist, CEO at InterEast.
InterEast 20th of November 2024
Specialization and transparency – the path forward for the logistics industry
In the logistics industry of tomorrow, the best solutions won’t necessarily come from the biggest players. In a world where small and medium-sized businesses navigate an increasingly complex logistics landscape, flexibility and specialist expertise will be the keys to success. Our CEO, Oscar Törnqvist, shares his vision for a future driven by a more specialized and transparent logistics model that benefits these companies.
Specialists: The end of “one-stop-shops”?
In today’s business climate, many companies are looking to consolidate their suppliers. Managing a large network of partners has simply become too cumbersome and time-consuming. However, to get the best transport solutions, the highest quality, and the right price, you need to go directly to those who are true experts in their fields and markets. It’s a delicate balance.
“From our experience, bigger isn’t always better,” says Oscar. “We believe the future will see a greater reliance on specialists – those who know their areas inside out and deliver high quality without middlemen.”
This shift could mean that the “one-stop-shop” model in logistics risks losing its appeal. For businesses that want to cut costs while increasing quality, hiring experts is a far more efficient path.
We believe the future will see a greater reliance on specialists – those who know their areas inside out and deliver high quality without middlemen.
A competitive edge in an era of distrust
In a time of global uncertainty and declining trust, reliability is becoming an increasingly important competitive factor.
“The world is in an era of ‘righteous anger’ right now,” says Oscar. “We’re seeing a time when people are fed up with unclear answers and broken promises. It’s no longer enough to deliver a service; customers expect their partners to follow through on their promises, no excuses.”
He adds: “Delivering on promises means more than just ensuring a shipment arrives. It’s about answering calls on time, keeping customers updated throughout the journey, and fostering a sense of security and trust. Our customers need to know they can count on us, every single time, without exception.”
Transparency and integration: solving the administrative burden of logistics
For small and medium-sized businesses, the administrative weight of logistics is a constant challenge. Oscar highlights that many companies today employ staff whose sole job is to track orders and hunt for updates, a cost that could be eliminated with the right integrations.
“Customers don’t care where the truck is – they want to know where their specific order is. Providing clear visibility and reducing administrative costs will become a fundamental service in the industry,” he says.
By integrating customer business systems with their logistics partners, businesses can simplify information exchange and create seamless communication.
“As logistics partners, we act as an extension of the CEO or purchasing manager, a trusted assistant who handles the details and makes our customers’ lives easier,” explains Oscar.
Building a customer-centric logistics experience
Ultimately, the future of logistics, according to Oscar, is about getting as close to production and final delivery as possible. By fostering personal relationships, where InterEast often knows the drivers and has direct contact with producers, customers receive a service that delivers not just goods, but also peace of mind and transparency.
For small and medium-sized businesses aiming to lower costs while improving the quality of their logistics solutions, this model offers a clear path forward.
“It’s about taking pride in what you deliver and ensuring you keep your promises. We’re here to make our customers’ lives easier and provide a logistics experience that truly adds value,” Oscar concludes.
