For our next Atlas member interview, we talked to Martijn Tenniglo from Jakarta, Indonesia. Among other things, we discussed the importance of long-term professional relationships, the benefits of working in logistics and their company’s unique business set-up.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
I started working in logistics back in 1994. I had been working as a bartender in a night club for a few years, ton of fun but at 25 it was time to get serious. I started my career working in Los Angeles for a small-sized freight forwarder, where I learned all the ins and outs of air freight. Taking bookings from shippers over the phone, calling truckers to get these picked up, booking space with airlines, planning what cargo was moving on what ULD in the evening with the night crew. A great start that had me hooked for life.
After that, I moved back to the Netherlands and continued my carrier in the logistics field with a few companies. In 2008, I moved to Hong Kong and apart from a 2009-2015 stop in Shanghai, I have been there ever since. I joined my current company as Commercial Director in 2021.
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
One of the most annoying things I find is when people I work with focus on short term gains instead of long term relationships with our customers and agents. This mainly happens with new colleagues, fortunately we have been able to train our staff to think a specific way and after a few months the new ones also follow suit.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
I couldn’t wish for a more exciting industry to be operating in. The fast moving dynamics, working in a multi-cultural environment, making deals with people from all over the world are all things that I love being involved in.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
After several years, we have confirmed that operations are the main key to success, and our team is, for sure, one of the best in the country. I would say the operations team is our best advantage.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
We have a pretty unique set up, with mixed Western and Asian management and offices throughout Asia. We are great at working with agents where we have very strong operations and procurement teams, but we also have local sales teams knocking on clients doors to generate our own controlled business as we are always looking for win-win relationships with our partners. In our HKG office, we have the Global Sales team who handles our agent network, our centralized accounting, and our group management that all our stations report to.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
There is a lot of logistics knowledge in the network. Most partners know their stuff and can give you proper feedback.
I also enjoy sparring with Geert van Doorslaer (Atlas’s Sea & Air expert living in Vietnam), who has been very important in our development with the network.
How do you relax in your free time?
My family is my main focus in life. I have a super wife, and we have three super boys together and I always look forward to spending the weekend with them!
Thank you, Martijn!
