In a world that is increasingly globalized, it is essential to have a shipping department that is always on alert, aware of what is happening in the world, and unafraid of unforeseen events. Today, we are interviewing Javier Rodriguez, the head of the shipping department, who will tell us more about this crucial part of any company with as much international presence as Basor Electric.
Hello Javier, tell us more about yourself. What has been your career path at Basor?
Hello,
First of all, I would like to congratulate the marketing team for this phenomenal initiative and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.
It all started about six and a half years ago. After various experiences in different companies and sectors, one day the company management offered me the chance to join one of their work teams (which later turned out to be fantastic). Considering that we were talking about a major company like Basor Electric, the decision was easy.
From the beginning, my welcome and reception were very positive experiences. It even meant reconnecting with old childhood friends and former classmates.
Initially, my role in the company was to strengthen the orders department, taking a back-office position due to the continuous growth of the company.
After that period, I was given the opportunity to serve as the logistics and stock management manager. Those were challenging yet necessary times, during which we had to handle major projects simultaneously, such as ERP changes, the launch of new logistics centers (the so-called Almansa II), and the relocation of the main logistics center in Almansa.
I am very grateful and proud to be part of this great family and have always tried to give my best. This is how I have acquired most of the knowledge that is essential today for the proper functioning and development of my current role as head of the shipping department.
What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the shipping department at Basor Electric?
The primary goal of any company is to meet the needs of its customers. To achieve this, it is crucial that the last link in the chain does not fail and waste all the previous work done by colleagues from different departments. Therefore, it is vital to have proper planning and load forecasting, as well as a significant range of top-tier transportation providers committed to Basor Electric and its customers, always working hand-in-hand to achieve the common goal in the most efficient way possible.
Equally important is the preparation of adequate documentation that meets the requirements and standards established in each of the modalities.
On a personal level, my effort is also focused on the continuous improvement of the department and its members, maintaining a good climate of harmony and autonomy, providing us with an optimal level of motivation that helps us fulfill our mission, adapting and rebalancing efforts according to the need of each moment.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your position?
Aside from the fact that we live in a society where “everything is for yesterday” and where pressure and demands are continuous, without a doubt, the biggest challenge is not knowing what you will encounter the next day. In the world of transportation, we can face almost anything, and it is essential to be prepared to minimize the impact this may cause, ensuring that the quality of service is not affected.
A quality delivery, on time and in shape, is imperative.
Are we currently experiencing a difficult time regarding shipments?
As you mentioned at the beginning, we live in a globalized world, and as a result, any product undergoes, directly or indirectly, some transportation throughout the process.
Unfortunately, in recent years we have been living through tumultuous times, and the world of transportation is no stranger to this, quite the opposite. It is being significantly impacted continuously.
We can highlight the following:
- The arrival of COVID, which caused a significant increase in freight costs due to a lack of supply and major disruptions in the global supply chain. Suddenly, we all realized how fragile the system really is, and that any event, however remote it may seem, ends up affecting us directly. It also made us value things more.
- The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which caused an increase in the price of oil and the cost of living in general, leading to several days of strikes in national road transportation.
- Low water levels in the Panama Canal due to lack of rainfall, causing higher transportation costs and longer transit times due to the need for traffic restrictions.
- The Israel-Gaza conflict, which led to a blockade in the Red Sea, forcing ships to navigate around the Cape of Good Hope, a longer and more expensive route that not all vessels are equipped to handle.
We know that sustainability is an important issue today. What sustainable initiatives or practices does the shipping department follow to reduce the environmental impact of Basor Electric’s logistics operations?
In the shipping department, we take this issue very seriously, and therefore, whenever possible, we use more ecological alternatives such as rail transport. Practically 100% of our shipments to the United Kingdom are carried out by this means.
Thank you very much, Javi, for your time and your words! Now we all better understand the challenges and achievements of the shipping department.
