In this month’s Atlas member interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Carl Tan from VMS Supply in China. We explored his journey in the industry, his insights on market shifts, and how he balances work with his personal life. Enjoy the read!
How did you get started in the logistics industry, and what has your journey been like up to this point?
It feels like logistics chose me. After graduating 15 years ago, I was sending resumes to companies across various industries, hoping for an opportunity. Logistics was the sector that responded most positively, and that’s how I began my journey in this field. Over the years, I’ve come to realize how dynamic and challenging this industry is. The longer I work in logistics, the more I discover how much there is still to learn.
What is the most exciting or memorable project or shipment you have been involved with recently?
One of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved with recently was managing the shipment of an airplane simulator from Canada. We handled everything from the cargo’s customs clearance and inland trucking to coordinating on-site with the manufacturer’s engineers and the buyers. A highlight was when the airline company invited me to fly the simulator for about half an hour. Though I ended up getting sick afterward, it was an unforgettable experience—because for a brief moment, I got to be a pilot!
Could you describe a difficult moment in your career that shaped the way you work today?
The most challenging period was definitely the three-year COVID-19 pandemic. Export demand from China surged to nearly ten times the usual volume, and global freight rates skyrocketed to levels we may never see again in our lifetime. Every freight forwarder faced severe space constraints and equipment shortages worldwide. Securing space from carriers was tough as they had to allocate their resources carefully among forwarders. We had to get creative, combining different strategies to ensure our cargo was shipped out on time. In the end, we managed exceptionally well, gaining valuable experience. This has helped us respond more efficiently to other crises, like the Suez Canal blockage and the current wars, which have again led to tight space and high freight rates.
How do you view the Chinese market for the rest of this year leading into 2025?
I believe the industry will continue to be tough and highly competitive. Although cargo volumes fluctuate, carriers have experienced the high profits of recent years and are reluctant to return to lower freight rates. They’re finding ways to keep rates high by reducing the number of vessels and controlling available space. In this environment, we need to stand out by being more competitive and offering our customers a wider range of possibilities.
What motivated you to join Atlas network, and has it met your expectations so far?
My journey with Atlas actually began 9 years ago. It was my first time traveling abroad, attending an Atlas meeting in Bangkok, representing our subsidiary company, 4PL. Back then, Atlas was still young, and so was I. I have such fond memories of that time, and I was really impressed by how active, young, and passionate the organization was. Due to various reasons, 4PL eventually stepped away from Atlas, but this year, our parent company has taken over, and we are truly honored to rejoin this wonderful family.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
My advice, both to someone just starting out and to my younger self, is to calm down and don’t rush. In the beginning of this industry, you’ll mostly be handling simple tasks like preparing documents and communicating with customers, forwarders, carriers, and customs. It can sometimes feel boring or even hopeless. In China, we have an interesting saying: ‘If you want to burn out faster, become a forwarder.’ It shows how busy and challenging this work can be.
Hold on, you will harvest in Autumn!
How do you balance professional goals with personal growth?
They actually complement each other quite well. As you grow personally, you gain more experience, and that helps you develop a better perspective and approach to solving challenges. When things become more mature, it naturally becomes easier to achieve your professional goals. But professional goals are endless, right? The key is to understand yourself well and trust that, in the end, you can balance both your professional ambitions and personal growth.
When you’re not focused on logistics, how do you like to unwind and enjoy your free time?
When I’m not focused on logistics, I like to unwind by cooking Chinese food, which I really enjoy. I’m also a big fan of sports—volleyball and pickleball are my go-to activities, and I play about 4-5 times a week. I also try to hit the gym for a workout, although I’m not always the best at it! Overall, staying active helps me relax and recharge.
If you had to describe your logistics journey using a movie title, what would it be?
The Pursuit of Happiness.
Will Smith told his son, ‘Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something—not even me. You’ve got a dream, you’ve got to protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you that you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it.’
My logistics journey has been just like that—full of challenges, but I’ve always gone after what I wanted and worked hard to achieve my goals.
Thank you, Carl for sharing your story and insights with us!
