DAF & CO. Logistics SRL is a Company established in Italy from a solid group with more than 30 years' experience in forwarding industry with the experience done in primary international forwarding companies. Let’s get to know more of it and their Managing Director - Marco Schimmenti

How long have you been in the freight forwarding business?

MS - I’ve started my job in April 1980 in my family company. I remember what my father said: “You can study at the university as long as you want, but better you start to understand what you have to do for your life…” So after a short period in Genoa’s office, I have had a first experience in Somalia at Mogadishu. Interesting, but a bit risky for a young man in a real “jungle” of forwarders.

How did you get into the freight and logistics industry?

MS - My father introduced me to this job. Practically, I didn’t have any further choice. 

What are the current difficulties or challenges you are facing in your country when it comes to shipping?

MS - Every day it’s a new challenge, every inquiry it’s different from the previous one. We always need to be ready at 360 degrees, know the world and try not to lose any opportunity.

For customs clearance in your country, any advice or guidelines you can provide to your future partners?

MS - The customs operation is a very delicate phase of the operational process. Many clients do not provide the right weight, but it is important as a professional to give the right advice. We have a structure with over 35 years of experience in the customs field and we always put a "shelter" on a customer from possible unwelcome surprises.

If you can change anything about the freight forwarding industry, what would it be?

MS - We’ve been talking about it for years - the customs simplifications, that speed up the operational process and increase the operator's responsibility. Perhaps a greater synergy between a train and a road transport could greatly improve the planning stages, but there are still some aspects that should be improved.

What advice would you give to a person who is considering a career in the freight forwarding industry?

MS - Do you want to ruin your nervous system? Well, then become an international freight forwarder! Jokes aside... It is a profession, not suitable for everyone. You must be tenacious, stubborn and with a bit of pure and brilliant madness, that will lead you to look for challenges even when they seem impossible.

What is something you would like to us to know about your company?

MS - We are the company founded in Italy by a solid group, with more than 30 years of experience in the shipping industry from other experience made ​​in leading international shipments. More than 35 employees between headquarters and the branch office in Genoa to Milan Airport. Our strengths are the first-class services, both imports and exports in the world's largest market, followed by years of flexible delivery solutions for small or large projects. Our services cover international freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution, where we are able to offer any kind of service in the "chain" logistics distribution in Italy. We are able to operate fully in any Italian port. Due to our good networks in affiliate offices in the major Italian ports with any kind of procedure can be personalized in our facilities.

Please tell us about your company. Where are your headquarters and when did you first establish the company?

MS - DAF & CO is a company founded in 2013 by an idea of myself and Roberto Dafarra, whose family company is already in its third generation, founded in 1953 by Roberto's grandfather. We have our headquarters in Genoa and our offices in Milan, specialized in air traffic.

What questions should be asked of a company to determine they're qualified to handle cold chain or temperature-sensitive shipments?

MS - He must know what we are talking about, and the peculiarities of the cold chain. The logistics chain is a fundamental basis for guaranteeing a quality service and it requires a necessary experience in the sector. Otherwise we will waste time on unnecessary questions.

How is the IoT improving the temperature-sensitive logistics sector? Are there any new technologies in particular that your company has embraced?

MS -There are no new technologies, but the refinement of the service quality , makes each step of the cold chain visible.

What's the most unique cold chain shipment you've ever handled?

MS - Everything you do is important, from the smallest to the biggest complex. When the customer asks for it, it makes no difference how much you are doing, but how good you are doing it.

How important is cold chain logistics to an individual person/consumer?

MS - It is important to the point that if a customer needs the cold chain, it means it is vital for the maintenance of the goods he is dealing with. The level of professionalism, that whats required for the right result.

What's required of a cold chain specialist to stay relevant and current in the industry?

MS - Always be updated on installments, warehouse activities, lines and feasibility on certain areas of the operation. Having an up-to-date knowledge of current customs situations is also important. 

What exactly is cold chain logistics? How would you define it?

MS - An essential activity for the maintenance of perishable products, that without the cold chain would lose their integrity and, in some cases, a considerable reduction of the shelf-line.