Jean Salas - iContainers VP of AIR FREIGHT

Let's dive right in.

1. Can you share a bit about your background and journey that led you to your current role as VP of Air Freight at iContainers?

I’ve started working with perishables by air back in 2001 and did it by practically half of my career, that gave me knowledge and structure to know the requirements for time sensitive movements; I’ve also had the opportunity to work with different kind of commodities to and from all over the 6 continents while having the fortune to develop different markets through collaboration with all the departments involved in a freight forwarding company.

2. What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

First thing in the morning is to check on a high level mode the movements we had through our different active branches to be sure that everything is up and running and the remaining of the day is spent working with the teams and external parties enhancing or getting the tools needed to accomplish a smooth experience regarding air shipments.

3. What are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face as VP of Air Freight?

Create the setup and structure for the success of the teams and generate the tools for that purpose; I see myself as a facilitator for internal and external customers. About the challenges, we’re focused on coverage and competitiveness and of course, getting the best rates!

4. iContainers is a leading digital freight forwarder. How does technology play a role in your day-to-day operations and overall strategy?

Air freight forwarding has been done in the same way for decades so to have the opportunity to be part of merging those two worlds is an amazing experience; at the end, the idea is to provide a better and smooth experience to the customers while going along with how things work nowadays.

5. What do you find most rewarding about working in the air freight industry?

Repetition would be one word to describe it; when a customer comes back with their needs to be solved that means we’re doing something good.

6. Could you highlight some recent initiatives or projects within your department that you're particularly proud of?

One would be the integration with some global providers that has allowed us to expand our reach and offer; another one would be the establishment of the way of working from the air freight team where all the different departments involved flow as a single organism (mainly sales and ops)

7. Collaboration is often crucial in such a dynamic industry. How do you foster teamwork and cooperation within your team?

As mentioned before we’re building a single organism where all parts are involved and focussed in solutions and a freight movement as an collaboration experience, no silos here.

8. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a leadership position in the air freight or logistics sector?

Take care of your people and help them to succeed while showing them what’s really required out there.

9. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the air freight industry?

I’m a member of a few associations from our segment. Interactions through these organizations help us to be on top of what's happening.

10. Can you provide an overview of the air freight services offered by iContainers and how they cater to the needs of different types of businesses?

We’re offering air transportation between around 180 countries through a network that has been built for more than 10 years. We also launched recently our Express service that has enabled us to provide a more cohesive and complete offering; all this means that we can move cargo of any characteristic with a very good coverage.

11. What advantages does iContainers' digital platform offer to clients utilizing your air freight services?

Main one is smoothness and the opportunity to arrange shipments in a few minutes in a very intuitive way.

12. How does iContainers ensure efficient and timely delivery of air freight shipments, especially in today's rapidly changing global landscape?

Through working with the best available options while accompanying our customers through the different possible scenarios.

13. Could you share any success stories that highlight the effectiveness of iContainers' air freight solutions for businesses?

iContainers success on ocean freight is no secret to anybody so one indicator would be that 82% of our top accounts that were working with us only in ocean are now moving also their air shipments with us.

14. Flexibility is often crucial in air freight logistics. How does iContainers adapt to changing customer needs and market demands in its air freight services?
Air freight is fast, so we stay on top since the preparation through all the process in every shipment with a dedicated team to avoid interruptions and inconsistencies.

15. What sets iContainers apart from other competitors in the air freight industry, particularly in terms of service quality and reliability?

iContainers success and reputation speaks by itself; we on air freight are replicating and enhancing the same MO that took us to the position where we are right now… Customers are our priority not profit, the latter comes by itself when you do your job right.

16. How does iContainers ensure transparency and visibility throughout the air freight shipping process, from booking to delivery?

Our digital experience provides real time updates on the shipping process; our idea is to provide as much information as possible to our customers; at the same time our teams are available during the whole process in case the customer prefers a more person to person experience.

17. What trends do you see shaping the future of air freight logistics?

Going more” technological” like other segments is definitely the next step; I also see big integrations and customers looking for more personalized solutions.

18. iContainers is known for its innovative approach to freight forwarding. How do you differentiate iContainers' air freight services from traditional methods?

I would explain it as “an Experience”; we have taken all those differentiators to our new products; our idea has been to deliver the best of both worlds to our customers.

19. Can you provide an overview of the air freight services offered by iContainers and how they cater to the needs of different types of businesses?

We have different Business Units that are equipped to provide services on different levels as Door to Door, Airport to Door, Door to Airport, Airport to Airport and Parcels Services with coverage to more than 150 countries.