For our next Apollo member interview, we talked with Sanjeev Mainaly from Kathmandu, Nepal. He explains how he got started by delivering hydropower turbines and why he loves his position as MD in an international field.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
When I returned to Nepal after completing my education in the UK, one of my friends from the UK requested me to support him on delivering hydropower turbines for Rairang Hydropower at Dhading, Nepal. He could not find a reliable company to help him out with freight and related charges from Kolkata to KTM.
I checked on different sources and realized there were no real forwarder. Rather, most of them were mediators depending upon forwarding companies based in Kolkata, India. I realized there is no expertise in this sector, no proper documentation processing, no desire of enhancing services and expertise among local companies. Yet the scope of business growth and profit is immense.
With first-hand experience of Kolkata to KTM Turbine deliver, I recognized the process and way. Then, having habit of enthusiasm and needs of exploring new sector. I dive into Research process for freight forwarding along with Google training.
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
I would change the competition amongst individual freight forwarders. I believe in a collaborative approach where requirement can be consolidated and accumulative negotiation can be held with carriers.
With this vision and research of 7 years, we have developed system named IMPEXO, Streamline, Automate and Execute. IMPEXO is our inhouse system open for everyone. IMPEXO analyses our database, multiple queries, the trend of queries, customer trend, POL, POD and updates wholesome information. This enables us to have concrete data to negotiate/deal with carrier and clients based on trend of regular, seasonal consignment associated with certain POL, POD, client.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
We have only been a member for a year but our fellow members with whom we have been in communication are cooperative. I was unable to attend the Apollo conference yet, looking forward to meet everyone. Nepal being a niche market, we are yet to be known by everyone.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
Being MD in this industry is the best thing. I can communicate with different countries, friends are made throughout the globe, I can understand and learn different scenarios, thought processes, cultures and customs, which diversify knowledge. Oh! and the most entertaining part are the network conferences.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
- Timely responses.
- Continuous research & study.
- Maintaining service quality as desired by our partners and clients.
How do you relax in your free time?
Health club, travelling, relaxing alone & thinking on different perspectives, research.
— Thank you, Sanjeev !