DAF & CO. Logistics SRL - Interview with Marco Schimmenti

img


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.


Member Testimonials

testimonial
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.
testimonial
"We believe in limiting memberships to a minimum and have found our home for projects as well as general cargo within the X2 family."
testimonial
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.
testimonial
The professionalism and organisation shown from the X2 team totally blew us away.
testimonial
Richard is an innovator, what I find great working with him is that he can see the future.
testimonial
I was positively surprised from the amazing organization and specially the commitment of all X2 Team making this event incredible for everybody and in all complete fields.
testimonial
We have to skip the networks that are founded only for the benefits of the founders Quality and not quantity.
testimonial
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.
testimonial
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.
testimonial
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!
testimonial
X2 is like a family! We have met so many amazing partners. There has been so much success with the relationships we have developed throughout the years and most importantly friendships that will last a lifetime. And we love the networks' reach!
testimonial
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.
testimonial
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.
testimonial
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.
testimonial
"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''.

Our Partners

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.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

NEW YORK

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

sao paulo

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

london

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

dubai

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

bangkok

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

hong kong

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

tokyo

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
7:53

sydney

Book a Discovery Call with our Network Development Managers

Got questions or want to explore new opportunities within our networks? Schedule a one on one meeting with our Network Development Managers.