Manel Aragones - GLOBAL MOVINGS MANAGER

Let's dive right in.

1. Manel, could you start by telling us about your role as Global Movings Manager at iContainers? What does a typical day in your role look like?

My role as Global Movings Manager primarily involves trying to streamline work, firstly for my department colleagues and then for the other departments involved in all our management processes. I also can't forget my current role as a salesperson since I currently handle sales functions for both the B2C and Movings Companies departments, just like my department colleagues, which I'm passionate about.

Subsequently, I need to oversee and analyze the proper functioning of the department to prevent future issues that may impact other departments, and ultimately, the company, as well as, of course, our clients.

My day typically begins by checking emails, prioritizing messages received since the previous day, and addressing any pending tasks from the previous day.

Following that, I focus on sales-related tasks, managing leads, making calls to each of the registered leads who have shown interest in our services, and handling phone inquiries – essentially, all the sales-related responsibilities.

From 3:00 PM Spain time onward, the USA team begins its work, so I always like to touch base with my team to see if they have any questions or if I can assist them in any way, maintaining brief conversations with each of them.

2. What motivated you to pursue a career in the moving industry, and how did you get started in this field?

I have been working in the moving department at iContainers since April of 2013. Prior to that date, I had absolutely no knowledge of the moving industry.

In my previous job, which was at a telecommunication assistance company and essentially a call center, iContainers contracted us to manage the calls they were receiving at that time. This was done to filter the calls coming into the sales department.

My initial reaction to iContainers was quite literal: "What is this? A house in a shipping container?" I found it very strange that people would send their household belongings in a maritime container to the other side of the world.

My greatest motivation, both personally and professionally, comes when, at the end of a move, the customer expresses gratitude for our work and for helping them with a process that can be so complicated for them, especially in the case of international moves.

Over the years, since I started more than 10 years ago with no prior knowledge of logistics or international moves, I've gained a deep understanding of both logistics and the moving industry. I've managed day-to-day operations and interacted with thousands of entirely different customers. Each customer shares their unique needs, concerns, and priorities. This is what truly motivates me to continue learning every day, in order to achieve customer satisfaction.

3. What specific benefits or advantages does iContainers bring to moving companies looking to expand their international shipping capabilities?

One of the key benefits we offer to our customers is comprehensive and professional guidance right from the beginning with our sales team. I always emphasize to clients that they don't need to worry about a thing because we take care of addressing all their doubts and concerns regarding the management process.

Another significant advantage of iContainers is the ability to provide a real and completely transparent price through our website in just 1 second. This allows moving companies to provide their customers with a container price during the same commercial visit they make to their clients.

Once the reservation is made and the shipment is underway, having complete and absolute tracking of the shipment is of great help to moving companies. They can inform their customers directly, without having to wait for a response from iContainers, which enhances the overall customer experience.

4. How does iContainers stand out as a solution for moving companies seeking global shipping services?

Highlighting the advantages mentioned earlier, we are the only Freight Forwarding that can provide all this information quickly, effectively, and reliably to our customers.

This includes pricing information as well as tracking of their shipments.

5. In a highly competitive market, how does iContainers differentiate itself to provide a unique and valuable proposition to its partners in the moving industry?

I always prioritize providing the best service to our clients, both during the initial consultation when preparing a quote and in the follow-up after the reservation is made.

Clearly, price is also a top priority for our clients, and in this regard, we owe a debt of gratitude to our procurement team. They are responsible for securing the best possible prices and maintaining strong relationships with various shipping companies. Thanks to their efforts, I can confidently state that we offer the best prices in the market, always in terms of the quality-to-price ratio of our services.

We have the significant advantage that if a client receives a better price elsewhere than what we initially offer, our procurement department can improve upon it by negotiating with the corresponding shipping company. This is made possible due to the substantial volume of shipments we handle and their efforts in building relationships with these shipping companies.

6. How do you envision the future of the moving industry, and what role do you think technology will play in shaping it?

Moving is an industry that will never fade away because when a person relocates, they never hesitate to take their most cherished belongings with them.

Technology must play an incredibly important role as, day by day, people are accustomed to managing various aspects of their daily lives through apps or their smartphones. Therefore, having access to rapid information is becoming increasingly essential.

It's also worth highlighting the technology being adopted by shipping companies, starting with the improvement of ship emissions, as well as enhancing and streamlining port processes both at the origin and destination. The goal is to increase container movement efficiency and, in turn, avoid delays or disruptions that can impact customers.

7. How do you plan to achieve your goal of strengthening alliances and creating new ones with moving companies worldwide?

Having direct and human contact with each of them, understanding their needs and their ways of working, because, from my point of view, what strengthens an alliance is mutual trust as well as a comprehensive understanding of the different needs of each of them, in short, having knowledge of our strategic partners.

Negotiating mutually beneficial agreements. The key to establishing successful alliances is ensuring that both parties gain significant benefits. iContainers can develop collaboration proposals that are attractive to our potential partners, which could include favorable financial terms, access to their network and services, or the possibility of participating in joint projects.

Sharing resources and knowledge. Effective collaboration involves the exchange of resources and knowledge. We can share our expertise in logistics and international transportation with our partners and, in turn, learn from them in areas where they have experience or presence.

8. Can you highlight some recent successful initiatives or partnerships that have had a significant impact on iContainers' global moving services?

iContainers' primary initiative has been digitization and our web platform, investing in technology to enhance efficiency and the customer experience. The creation of our more robust and user-friendly web platform, which allows customers to easily get quotes, make reservations, and track their shipments, is a significant trend where we can proudly say we were among the first.

Our two most important associations are being part of IAM (International Association of Movers) and FEDEM (Federación Española de Empresas de Mudanzas), which allows us to collaborate with the best and most specialized moving companies worldwide.

This collaboration helps us provide better service to our customers.

9. As you work to strengthen alliances with moving companies worldwide, what collaborative opportunities do you see that can benefit both iContainers and its partners in the industry?

Collaboration with moving companies worldwide can open up many opportunities for iContainers and its partners in terms of expansion, efficiency, and improving the quality of services. These partnerships can be mutually beneficial by leveraging the resources and knowledge of each party to address the challenges of global logistics.

For example:
Expanding the service network: Collaborating with moving companies worldwide can allow iContainers to expand our service offerings and available routes. This means that iContainers could offer its customers a wider variety of options for their cargo shipments, increasing its appeal as a logistics partner.

Access to new markets: By establishing alliances with moving companies in different regions, iContainers could gain access to new international markets. This could be especially valuable for our customers looking to expand their operations globally.

Exchange of knowledge and best practices: Collaborating with moving companies worldwide provides the opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices in the industry. This can lead to improvements in operational efficiency and the quality of services offered.

Joint development of services: iContainers and our partners can work together to develop new services that address specific market needs or logistical challenges.

Enhanced responsiveness to market changes: Working together can provide greater flexibility and responsiveness to changes in market demand or disruptions in the supply chain, which is essential in global logistics.

Overall, these collaborations can lead to a stronger and more competitive position in the global logistics industry, benefiting both iContainers and its partners while providing enhanced services to customers.

10. What steps is iContainers taking to ensure that its solutions remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs and challenges of the moving industry?

Investing in technology: The adoption of advanced technologies, such as supply chain management systems, our real-time tracking service, and data analytics, can help companies optimize their reservations with iContainers and respond quickly to changing market demands, providing them with all the information they need in real-time.

We work with leading shipping lines and NVOCCs: We establish strong relationships with all major shipping lines and NVOCCs, as well as transportation companies, which allows us to access greater capacity and resources. This makes it easier to adapt to fluctuations in demand.

11. Could you share any recent strategies iContainers has implemented to enhance its services for moving companies?

We have managed to align the rates for moving companies with the rates for commercial shipments, eliminating several fees that are typically applied to personal effects shipments.

For those aspiring to a career in the moving and logistics sector, what advice would you give them based on your experience?

The world of logistics is truly fascinating.
Enjoy and learn from every move, both from the customers and the providers. Everyone can teach you something new, and the satisfaction of a happy customer with their move and the service you've provided is priceless.

12. What qualities and characteristics do you believe are essential for a professional in the moving and logistics industry, especially in a global role like yours?

Certainly, you are highlighting a series of essential qualities and characteristics for excelling in the moving and logistics industry.

These are qualities that can make a difference in such a challenging and competitive field:
Organization: Effective planning is the backbone of logistics and moving. Without proper organization, processes can quickly derail.

Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential to ensure that all involved parties are aware of the details and progress, helping to prevent misunderstandings and issues.

Patience and Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is crucial in an environment where small details can have a significant impact on the outcome of a move or logistics operation.

Technical Knowledge: A deep understanding of the industry, its regulations, and practices is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Leadership Skills: In management roles, leading and motivating teams is essential for maintaining productivity and effective performance.

Adaptability: The ability to face and overcome unexpected obstacles is fundamental to keeping operations running smoothly and keeping customers satisfied.

Professional Ethics: Reliability and integrity are crucial since the industry involves the responsibility of caring for customers' possessions.

Problem Solving: The ability to identify and efficiently solve problems is vital for maintaining a smooth workflow and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In summary, a professional in the moving and logistics industry must be an organized, communicative, patient, detail-oriented, ethical expert who can lead teams and adapt to changing situations. These qualities are essential for providing high-quality service in this industry.

13. In your vision, how can iContainers contribute to the growth and success of its partner moving companies on a global scale, and what role do you play in making this vision a reality?

Having a global network of partners worldwide: We have an extensive global network of partners, agents, and resources that undoubtedly help moving companies expand their international reach. This allows us to offer moving services worldwide and reach a broader customer base.

This enables us to have regulatory and customs compliance in all countries. Customs and shipping regulations vary from one country to another. At iContainers, we have in-depth knowledge of these regulations in each country, as we have agents worldwide who can assist moving companies in complying with all legal and customs requirements, thereby avoiding potential problems and delays.

Offering 100% online tracking and visibility technology, in a very simple way, through our Track&Trace service.

Currently, I am responsible for expanding our network of agents worldwide, reaching agreements with more and more moving companies around the world.

14. In your role as Global Movings Manager, what do you find most fulfilling or rewarding about your work at iContainers?

Undoubtedly, customer satisfaction and their gratitude at the end of the service are paramount. Equally important to me is the satisfaction of seeing your team grow and achieve their goals.

15. If you could describe your role at iContainers in three emojis, which ones would you choose?

🦁 🤝 💪

16. What's your favorite office tradition or inside joke at iContainers?

My tradition is to make a coffee with milk in the mornings as soon as I arrive at the office. If I don't have it, it feels like something is missing to start the day...

There's a joke among my colleagues, well...., I wouldn't really call it a joke... they say that I speak loudly on the phone, and the whole office usually hears my calls even if they are on the other side of the office...

Tell us about a memorable, funny, or quirky moment you've had while working at iContainers.
In 10 years, there are many stories...

One very funny, a marriage where the husband didn't want to send anything, and the wife wanted to send everything. I asked them to have a meeting with the three of us, and when they were discussing the price, I said to the husband:

"Jim, we both know that our wives are the ones in charge at home, so we should make the reservation now to keep them happy and so you don't have to sleep on the couch. You know the saying: HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE!"
At that moment, he responded verbatim: "Fuck! You have the point... Let's do the move."

Another moment, one to forget, a lady left us a bad review and wanted to report us because we wouldn't allow her to put her dog inside the container for a move from Spain to Australia. During the loading, the driver called me to try to talk to the client and explain that she couldn't put the dog in the container. I will never forget how nervous and unpleasant she became because we wouldn't allow her to put the dog in, even though she kept saying there was water and food in the container...

17. If you could switch roles with someone else in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

Honestly, I would do it with one person from each department, and more than for just one day, I would do it for at least a week. I believe there is no better way to understand your company than to get to know each department in the best possible way, and to have been involved in every process from within each department, as well as their processes and their way of working.

18. What's the most interesting item you've seen shipped through iContainers?

We shipped a competition motorcycle to the United States to attempt to break a world speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats.

It was a shipping process that we managed for over 6 months, primarily due to the lack of documentation for the custom-made motorcycle and delays in obtaining the necessary customs permits for export.
Eventually, we were able to send the motorcycle, but unfortunately, they were unable to break the speed record.

Share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I'm a music geek; my mother always says I'm a musical encyclopedia. Just by hearing the first chords of a song, I know what it is and the band. Since I was a child, I've had a knack for remembering songs (except for reggaeton and similar genres...).
My hobby is being a DJ; I dedicated several years to it when I was younger, and I have a collection of over 1,000 vinyl records of all kinds at home.

19. If your job had a mascot, what would it be, and why?

A lion, without a doubt.
The lion is known as "the king of the jungle" and is often associated with leadership and authority. In my work, to be effective, I must lead and guide my team to success.

They are determined and persistent animals when hunting and defending their territory. Similarly, I believe one must be persistent in pursuing goals and overcoming obstacles.

They protect their pride and are strong defenders of their territory. A manager must protect the interests of their company and clients, as well as ensure sales goals are met and their team works under the best possible conditions.
Lions communicate with their pride members to coordinate hunting and survival strategies, so effective communication is essential in commercial management, especially for coordinating teams and maintaining clear communication with clients and colleagues.

Lions have great strength, but they use it in a controlled and strategic manner. A manager must be strong in terms of sales skills and strategy, but also must know when and how to apply that strength effectively.

20. What's your go-to playlist or song that helps you stay motivated at work?
As a playlist, I would choose trance music. Armin van Buuren is my favorite, so any State of Trance playlist would be great.

I also enjoy The Police, but currently, I'm quite into Milky Chance.

If I had to pick a couple of songs, it would definitely be "Spicy" by Boris Brejcha (I'm actually listening to it as I write this) or "Walls" by Yotto (Joris Voorn Remix).

21. In the spirit of team bonding, what's your favorite team-building activity you've participated in at iContainers?

A simple barbecue, I believe, is the best activity for team building.