In November last year, WeFreight named Axel Herzhauser its new Global Managing Director. Axel will be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The skills required to advance WeFreight’s growth further as a provider of logistics and freight forwarding services are provided by Axel’s broad industry expertise and leadership talents. He will closely collaborate to fortify the WeFreight worldwide network and keep advancing the company’s dedication to excellence in all facets of operations.
Can you walk us through your experience in the industry so far?
I have had extensive experience in the logistics and supply chain industry across diverse roles and regions. Before joining WeFreight, I was the Regional Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at CEVA Logistics. I have also had stints at Ingram Micro and Teleplan. I deepened my expertise in logistics and transportation at DB Schenker, Exel/DHL and Logwin. My international experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East has broadened my horizons and given me a global perspective on logistics operations and market dynamics.
How does it feel to take this new position at WeFreight? And what are your plans for the company?
It’s a new challenge for me. I am happy to be part of a dynamic and innovative freight forwarding and logistics team. WeFreight has already established a strong presence, and I am honoured to lead its expansion and reinforce its market presence. My focus at WeFreight is to drive the business to a new level, focus on business development and enhance operations and market strategy.
We aim to enhance our global network, innovate in customer service and operational efficiency, and accelerate our international freight and logistics market growth. At the same time, we’ll remain dedicated to meeting our customers’ requirements and providing quality service.
What are some of the services that WeFreight offer?
WeFreight offers diverse logistics services, including ocean, air, and road freight, with options like full container, less-than-container, and full truckload. We specialise in customs clearance, cargo insurance, and handling special cargo such as reefer, hazardous, and oversized goods. WeFreight provides comprehensive warehousing, project freight services, and tailored solutions for automotive, food, and industrial products. Our sea-air cargo services and exclusive shipping and airline agreements ensure efficient and flexible logistics solutions.
Our integrated single-solution approach sets us apart, capable of addressing all our customers’ logistics needs. Our global shared services infrastructure is a game-changer in this aspect. It’s like having an extensive, well-oiled machine that manages back-end operations, finance, documentation, and more – ready for you to ‘plug and play’.
What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in the Middle East logistics market?
In the Middle East logistics market, significant challenges include:
- meeting the growing demand for timely and secure deliveries,
- rising transportation and labour costs,
- management of complex supply chains and
- addressing a shortage of skilled labour.
However, companies have promising opportunities to excel by embracing automation and digitalization to streamline operations, enhancing customer service to meet rising expectations, optimizing supply chains for efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices. In addition, the market for logistics services remains strong across much of the Middle East, driven by growth and investment in Saudi Arabia.
How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors in the region?
We focus exclusively on serving emerging markets. Our services are personalised to meet our customers’ unique needs and demands. We have set ourselves apart by strongly emphasising digital innovation as our strategy. Our approach centres on integrating state-of-the-art technology into every aspect of our operations, streamlining processes and keeping us at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.
Our use of CargoWise One, a leading-edge transportation management technology, is a significant differentiator. This platform grants our global network unparalleled visibility and seamless access to crucial shipment data, ensuring efficiency and transparency in our operations.
What role do you see technology playing in the future of logistics?
Technology is the cornerstone of the future of logistics. Integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain revolutionise supply chain management. AI and machine learning enable more accurate forecasting and better resource allocation, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs. IoT provides real-time tracking of shipments, enhancing transparency and enabling proactive management of potential delays or issues. Moreover, automation and robotics are streamlining warehouse operations, making them faster and reducing human error.