TRS - Interview With Michael Auf der Maur

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TRS started operating in Africa & South America and through the years they have made themselves stronger in these continents. They've been a member for over a year now and one of our sponsors for the X2 World Cup. 

Please enjoy the interview with the Business Development Manager of TRS-Michael Auf der Maur. Let's get to know him more before you meet him at the upcoming 6th Annual X2 Conference 2019.


How long have you been in the freight forwarding business?

MA - I started in the freight forwarding business back in 2004. So I am working already more than 14 years in this industry.

 

How did you get into the freight and logistics industry?

MA - My father is working in the industry since more than 40 years already. I grew up with him telling me stories about the freight forwarding business and international business relationships. When the time came for me to decide what I am going to do in my future business life there was no question for me but to start an apprenticeship in International Freight Forwarding and Logistics.


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

MA - We are currently facing a very long period of dry weather with almost no rain since Spring time. Since Switzerland is a land-locked country we have to use tri-modal services to and from all major European seaports. Without rain we see a dramatic shortage of space on barge and rail services creating high extra charges (storage, detention, low water surcharge) for all involved parties. 

Another aspect are problems of all smaller or mid-sized forwarding and logistics companies: The global players are creating an environment in which it is becoming more and more difficult to grow or even to keep the business and clients you have on hand. It's more than ever a time where you have to make sure that your company is keeping up with the speed of technical development and global trends.


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

MA - Switzerland is not part of the European Union (E.U.). We therefore have our own customs regulations and it's mandatory to check with us what is needed before sending a shipment to Switzerland.


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

MA - I think a lot of small or mid-sized forwarding and logistics companies are spending or have to spend a lot of time into personal relationship development with customers, carriers and international business partners. It would be nice to see more credit for the personal approach when it comes to choosing a freight forwarding and logistics provider. The money aspect is more than ever a problem for us, as it's almost impossible for the smaller companies to compete with the global players when it comes down to the money factor. What we can do and what we always have to improve is our personal approach to the customer and our personalized solutions which we are offering.


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

MA - It is probably one of the best industries to start building your own working experience. You learn day by day even if you are working in the industry for more than 10 years. You meet a lot of very interesting people from various cultures and from all over the world. Keep on being open minded for changes and new ideas. Always pay attention while you are at work as you even learn only from listening to what is happening around you every day.


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

MA - No challenge is too big for TRS. Try us!

We are a small but very service oriented freight forwarder in Switzerland. Located in the heart of Europe, we are handling sea and air freight shipments to and from all over the world. Be it a food production line that needs to be loaded into several containers, or with special equipment, or just a small aircraft part that needs to be at its destination even before it has been produced. Our dedicated team is there to help and assist with the best knowledge of the industry.


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

MA - TRS was founded back in 1996 and has it's headquarters in Therwil just outside of the city Basel in Switzerland. Both founders (Toni and Rudi) are still working in the company and are sharing their valuable knowledge daily with the TRS team.


In your career, have you seen some very poorly executed shipments? What would you have done differently?

MA - I can't pick any shipments out of my mind. What I can say about the project logistics business is that a lot of people do use the word "project" for larger shipments. 40 containers on the same BL are a project for them as well. But when it's really coming down to project business, break bulk shipments, RoRo shipments with heavy machinery, they have no clue what to do. X2 Projects is therefore a good platform to unite project shipping experts from all over the world and to really help out and support with their expertise.

Click here to view the TRS Member Profile

TRS Handled Shipments Include...

Lamborghini Countach transport handled by X2 Projects member TRS

Lamborghini Countach shipped by airfreight from Switzerland to Bahrain.

Flat rack stuffing in Switzerland by TRS for X2 Elite partner PT. Senator

Flat Rack container stuffing in Switzerland for Senator Jakarta, X2 Elite Partner.

Crate shipped by TRS from Switzerland to Chile

Crate shipped by TRS from Switzerland to Chile

2 large crates (1x 711x260x329 cm / 59'000 kg and 1x 571x265x294 cm / 15'300 kg) shipped as break bulk from Switzerland to Chile.

Member Testimonials

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X2 always thrives on raising the bar when it comes to connecting people. X2 conferences are one of a kind! As the founding member, we are happy to be in X2 Elite and the X2 Projects Network.
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I've been in the business for over 30 years, I have never had or experienced such and effort by the management team of the network to get members to participate and make their membership work for them.
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We have to skip the networks that are founded only for the benefits of the founders Quality and not quantity.
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We found the best way to build trust is to go to the conference and meet with people, talk to them and get to know them.
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As a new member of the X2 Network, we are very impressed by the organization and its professionalism and focus on mutual business development. X2 has already given us some great opportunities to work with likeminded partners across the globe on both project and general cargo.
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Great energy and drive throughout the X2 Team and high profile Network agents to complement each other’s business across the globe and help achieve positive results. Keep up the good work!
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We have been a member of X2 since 2014 and have attended six conferences. Richard and his passion for the network with his enthusiastic team have arranged all the conferences perfectly considering every single detail. We made many friends and found new global partners to work with at the conferences. X2 is one of the good solutions for our needs and we hereby thank them for their efforts.
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I have attended a lot of networks and annual meetings in the freight industry, but I have never come across a network like X2. This is another level. It is a pleasure to be a part of the X2 network - the professionalism, the attention to detail, the broad and knowledgeable staff - everything at the highest level.
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X2 is really an excellent logistics network, with a well-organized team that is always thoughtful and helpful. We are happy with X2 and expect a long journey together.
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"At X2 Network we found a group of partners that really want to build a long-term relationship. Companies are run by people that really care about your business and success. X2 Team has been really supportive and very active to develop new opportunities for your business''.

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X2 Conference

Our special networking event is about smart freight forwarders coming together to grow and develop business within the group by providing an opportunity for all members to gather in one place to form and extend personal relationships.

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NEW YORK

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sao paulo

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london

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dubai

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bangkok

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hong kong

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tokyo

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sydney

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