Considering the logistics challenges the past decade in terms of regulations, customs changes, COVID-19 effects, technological updates, tariffs and geopolitical turmoil, we have invited Mr. Sarper Ilter founder and President of a cutting-edge logistics alliance 4NEXT Global, to offer us his insights and perspectives regarding the current market condition and future trends.
What has lead you in founding a Logistics Network?
Over the past 20 years of my career, I have founded several companies in different fields, such as marine engineering, eco-friendly construction technologies, organic agricultural production and freight forwarding. Furthermore, I have actively participated in a management level for NGOs and Global business networks across all industries such as BNI.
Having participated for several years in Logistics alliances, I have identified a service gap that I aim to address with the creation of 4NEXT from the perspective of a freight forwarder.
Would you kindly elaborate further on this market gap?
There are so many freight forwarding networks popping up these days that focus mainly on conference services, membership growth and having a large pool of companies. These Networks offer business opportunities through membership and passive participation.
4NEXT focuses on collaborating selectively with companies that are pioneers in their markets and creating an environment that provides business opportunities with continuing engagement, lead generation, tender opportunities and active cooperation.
The model of income generation through passive membership is no longer a viable strategy.
What are the challenges in the Freight Forwarding market and how does one overcome them?
The key factor, although not surprising, is access to information. Furthermore, value is generated by identifying the correct information that would offer a solution to overcoming a challenge. This is why in 4NEXT our members are actively collaborating by sharing their local market knowledge with each other providing an advantage in the global market.
Trade and logistics may fluctuate but never stops. With the tools 4NEXT provides our members are in a position to identify opportunities, obtain knowhow, generate business and navigate the waters or continuous and rapid change.
What are your plans for the upcoming founding members conference?
Our founding members are very important for us. They are the ones who shape the strategy of 4NEXT.
By using my contacts and expertise I have invited a great number of factories importers/exporters who have declared interest for cooperation with our organization and our members. Therefore, actively providing our members immediate and direct ROI.
Furthermore, we plan to provide a luxurious and highly entertaining environment, never seen before, to facilitate bonding and business generation between our members.
The rest are a secret… one has to experience.
Can you reveal your strategy for the next 5 years regarding 4NEXT?
At the moment we are in the process of evaluating our partnerships and carefully selecting to build a robust ecosystem of active collaboration.
As more business will be generated through our unique tools between our members and partners, 4NEXT will set new industry standards as the leading business network in the global supply chain, by linking shippers, consignees, traders, software providers, freight forwards and other components with each other.
4NEXT has tools and resources never seen before in any other network that benefit its members by creating value and we shall continue to expand on this and innovate.
At this point we would like to thank Mr. Ilter for his insights and trust that you find this information useful as the global supply chain is changing with new challenges such as the latest US Tariff implementation and the closure of trade-lanes (i.e. red sea), sanctions and conflicts that are redefining the future of the global supply chain.