For our newest Alfa member interview, we sat down with Durmuş Ünal from Mersin, Turkey. We talked about the much needed digitization of the logistics industry, the daily challenges and excitement his job brings him and their expertise in transit shipments.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
I started working in the logistics industry when I started university because my department was Maritime Business Administration and Management.
I became familiar with the logistics industry with the sector knowledge and practical training we received while studying in this department. Later, I learned the working dynamics of this sector in the compulsory and voluntary internships I did. I first experienced the container industry.
After my graduation, I started to experience project logistics with my current company and gradually gain experience in my field. Although it seems like a simple start, I am currently involved in challenging project operations.
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
I would like to change the traditional practices in the logistics industry. I would ensure that integrated information systems, which are sure to be used in the logistics sector with developing technology, become widespread and sustainability is ensured.
What is the most exciting project or shipment you have been working on recently?
We are doing too much projects shipments like Rig Shipments, Relocation Projects, Oil and Gas Projects and now we are doing Cement Plant Projects to Iraq recently. The project, which started in November 2023, is still ongoing and we have shipped 700 truck loading so far in this project. The installation of the cement factory started from scratch and taking a share in the establishment of this factory may be my most exciting project operation.
Which life lesson has working in logistics taught you?
Project logistics is a difficult field to work and struggle in, and working in this field has taught me not to give up in challenging situations and to fight until the end.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
I like my job to be challenging. Because each step of the project logistics brings a different challenge and excitement. Thinking about operations and making plans for every challenge adds excitement to what we do.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
Knowing every detail of all transactions in the regions we serve provides comfort to our customers and strength to us. Our company mainly carries out transit shipments. We are in a strong position with our knowledge in transit cargo in our location, Mersin. I can say knowledge for this question.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
We are new to this network and have just started to get to know and communicate with the members, but as a first impression, this network is well-equipped, has a useful website. It also has a wide network in terms of number of members and regions. I think our business will increase as long as we are in this network.
How do you relax in your free time?
Definitely spending time with my friends. Friendship has great importance in my life, and it is relaxing and enjoyable for me to share things with them, chat and do activities in my free time.
