Nearly ten years ago, Boy started his adventure with VSL. Today, he is responsible for the operational department of the company. Over the past decade, VSL has undergone significant growth, with many changes in terms of professionalization and automation. Ten years at VSL signify continuous growth and development. This article discusses the past, present, and future.

Past

The future looked promising, and the company was growing steadily. “It was a unique opportunity to be involved with such an enterprise from the beginning,” says Boy. At that time, the team consisted of only three people, but it has since expanded significantly to sixteen dedicated individuals who tirelessly work for VSL’s success.

Present

With growth comes the need for professionalization. In the initial stages of an organization, roles and tasks are usually more flexible. As the company grows, the focus shifts towards creating stability and improving customer contact, service, and policy development. At this point, VSL has various departments, including sales, finance, and operations, where different team members work daily to provide the best possible service. Thanks to his years of experience, Boy has become a valuable pillar in the company. As Boy puts it, “I was as green as grass,” but after years of experience, he knows all aspects of the business.

In the logistics market, it is crucial to establish a leading position by constantly innovating and optimizing processes. What truly sets VSL apart, according to Boy, is the emphasis placed on personal customer contact, which is highly valued. Customers can always rely on a dedicated contact person, even when there is less favorable news to report. Furthermore, VSL provides customers with complete visibility into the entire process, which is now even easier thanks to the new portal where customers can log in 24/7 to track the status of their shipments. Additionally, VSL recognizes the importance of sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. This portal also provides insight into the CO2 emissions of a shipment.

Future

Looking to the future, VSL aims for continuous growth and sustainable solutions. The company wants to continue meeting customer demands and putting their needs first. Boy’s ambition is to double the customer base within a period of five to ten years, without losing sight of personal customer contact and high-quality standards. Technological advancements in the coming years will only accelerate, so it’s important to remain focused on that.

VSL has also noticed a shift in the logistics market, with the focus moving from China to India and Eastern Europe. Rates are changing, and the volume in China is decreasing. VSL is responding effectively by ensuring there are sufficient representative, high-quality agencies in the respective countries.

In addition to striving for customer satisfaction, VSL places great importance on creating a healthy and stimulating work environment for the team. Unity, comfort, and room for personal growth and development are crucial. “We must all be on the same page,” Boy says. Logistics is a fast-paced world where resilience and flexibility are not luxuries. However, this should not impact work pressure. The well-coordinated team ensures that everyone comes to work with pleasure, with opportunities for further education, a healthy work-life balance, and interesting extras contributing to a positive work environment.