For our newest Alfa member interview, we sat down with Rajaul Karim from Dhaka, Bangladesh. We discussed being an entrepreneur, taking the risk of starting a new business and the importance of a good logistics network.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
When I started my logistics journey, I worked with another logistics company at the docs and operations department. After more than 10 years, I got the feeling that I needed to do something different to build myself up. I wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I went for it and took the risk.
My company was founded in 2011 with the vision of an international freight forwarding company with complete logistics solutions. The first year, we did only 7 container shipments. The second year, we had 36 containers and 3 year 265 containers and now our volume each month is more than 150 TEUs. We are even still expanding our department.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
I believe that in every industry, sales and marketing are the best jobs. They are the key to growing a successful business. I love overseas sales and marketing in particular.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
I always like to challenge my competitors in terms of costing, quick responses, smooth communication and good understanding.
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
We think one of the leading industry is Logistics, its fully international trade so think no so far batter them us, if we could change this logistics then we might probably switch IT or ecommerce, sector. Couse now the era is technology & virtual dependent, so the global market & new generation would be better IT, ecommerce.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
Selecting a good network is important for expanding your business. We already knew about Alfa through some of our fellow Bangladeshi forwarders and overseas agents. Given that Alfa is the best network in Europe with strong agents and its own negotiable BL, we did not hesitate to join.
How do you relax in your free time?
I like to visit new places in my free time, this has been a hobby since I was a child so I try to keep doing it.
— Thanks, Rajaul!