Ten years ago, in a small office in Valladolid, Antonio Torres, Founder & President of The Cooperative Logistics Network, saw a market opportunity that would change his life and the business of hundreds of freight forwarders. After working for a French forwarding company, he left everything behind to create Conqueror – an exclusive freight forwarder network.
“During this time, I saw how difficult it was for small and medium-sized forwarders to compete in this market. That’s when I created Conqueror Freight Network, an exclusive network to help agents connect in key cities. It was a success, but I noticed that non-exclusive networks were getting too big, with too many agents in the same areas,” says Antonio.
In a world dominated by major multinationals and thousands of logistics freight forwarders starting every day, trust was more important – and challenging – than ever. Googling a list of forwarders in a country wouldn’t be enough to know if they were reliable. So, who could you trust? Some logistics companies had managed shipments but disappeared before making payments. There was too much at stake.
A New Vision: The Birth of The Cooperative
As networks became a necessity rather than a choice, more and more of them started to emerge. However, many expanded without limits or a proper selection process. As a result, anyone who could pay the membership fee was admitted, which diluted the quality and trust that should define such partnerships.
With Conqueror, the trust issue was addressed. The problem, however, was that Conqueror was an exclusive network that only accepted one agent per territory. This meant that many reliable companies were being rejected due to a lack of space in the network. That’s when Antonio had an idea: What if he created a network that wasn’t exclusive, but had limited territories and a strict selection process to avoid the trust problem?
And so, The Cooperative was born. “In 2014 – with this idea in mind, I saw an opportunity to create something new: The Cooperative. This non-exclusive network would allow more agents per city, but with a strict selection process and a limit on members per territory,” says Antonio.
The Cooperative was built on shared values, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to success. For Antonio, it wasn’t just about creating a new business. He thought about the dedicated, professional people behind these small logistics companies who could be left behind if they didn’t join forces with other international partners. The only way to compete and be present in the market was by establishing partnerships with freight forwarders from around the world.
The Growth of The Cooperative
When creating The Cooperative, Antonio never imagined how far this vision would go. “We started small, but our vision resonated with so many that we’ve grown into one of the most trusted freight forwarder networks in the world, with 363 members in 135 countries. Over the years, we’ve navigated the complexities of our industry and achieved extraordinary results. We’ve weathered a global pandemic and endured 10 years of fierce competition—yet many of our members have chosen to stay with us instead of seeking out other networks. We believe this loyalty isn’t just a result of our growth, but because of the trust, reliability, and community we’ve built together,” continues Antonio.
As The Cooperative moves into the future, its mission remains steadfast: to empower small logistics companies, foster meaningful connections, and uphold the values that set it apart.”Our vision keeps resonating deeply. Over the years, we’ve not only grown in size but in trust and opportunity. Today, we are more than just a network. We are a family. And together, we will continue to thrive,” Antonio says.
The Cooperative isn’t just a network; it’s a family. A family where each person’s success is intertwined with the success of the whole. It is a place where you feel welcome, supported, and safe—a space to do business with real, trustworthy friends you can rely on, no matter the circumstances.
Looking Ahead: Together, We Thrive
Today, The Cooperative continues to grow—not just in numbers, but in trust, opportunity, and the bonds we share. The Cooperative is more than a business; it’s a place where, together, we thrive. And for that, we can only say: To every member who has been part of this journey, thank you. You are not just a partner—you are family. And in this family, your success is our success.
Celebrating 10 Years: Watch The Coop’s Special Anniversary Video
As we reflect on that early vision, it feels almost surreal to realize that The Cooperative Logistics Network is turning 10 this year. Every step of this journey has been woven with unforgettable memories—each partnership a new story, each challenge a lesson learned, and every success a shared victory. The road has been filled with moments that have shaped who we are today and reminded us that the strength of this network lies not just in what we do, but in how we do it—together.
To mark its 10th anniversary, The Cooperative Logistics Network has created a special video that takes you on a journey through the milestones and achievements that have shaped the network into what it is today. This video celebrates the growth, success, and strong relationships that we fostered over the past decade, with a focus on the core values of trust and collaboration that have been the foundation of The Coop’s mission.
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the network, this video offers a heartwarming look at the impact of these ten years. We invite you to watch it and join us in reflecting on our shared success.
But this anniversary is not just about looking back; it’s about looking ahead. The future holds limitless possibilities, and we want you to be a part of it. Our network continues to grow, and with it, the opportunities for every member to thrive. If you’re a freight forwarder who values the power of collaboration and trust, then The Cooperative Logistics Network is the place for you.
Click on the above image to watch the Coop’s 10th Anniversary Video
Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where we will dive into the achievements of The Cooperative Logistics Network over the last 10 years. From expanding its global network to empowering members with valuable partnerships, we’ll highlight how The Coop has grown while staying true to its core values of collaboration and trust. See you next week for the full story!