It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed so quickly. Ten years of growth, collaboration, and, most importantly, the incredible relationships that have transformed The Cooperative Logistics Network from a simple freight forwarders network into a true family. As this remarkable milestone is celebrated, immense gratitude fills the air for all those who have contributed along the way. Without its members’ trust, passion, and unwavering support, none of this would have been possible. Together, something far beyond logistics has been built—a community connected by shared values, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to success.
Looking back over the past decade, it’s not just the business achievements that stand out—it’s the stories, the personal connections, and the partnerships that have blossomed. From the very beginning, The Cooperative Logistics Network was founded on the principles of trust and collaboration. Through dedication and perseverance, this foundation has only grown stronger. Whether through challenges or triumphs, it has been the unwavering support, collaboration, and friendships that have made each milestone meaningful.
In our last blog, we took a deep dive into the milestones that have shaped us over the past 10 years. From growing our global network of top freight forwarders to hosting unforgettable Annual Meetings, we’ve accomplished so much as a collective. But the true heart of our story lies in the voices of our members—the people who have been at the center of every step of this journey. We recently released a special 10th Anniversary video, which captured the essence of what makes The Cooperative Logistics Network unique.
Yet, beyond the visuals, it is the voices of our members that truly tell the story. Through their experiences, we gain insight into the real power of this network—not just the milestones we’ve achieved, but the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve fostered. It is through these voices that The Coop continues to grow and evolve, shaping the story of a true family.
That’s why, in this special post, we want to turn the spotlight on YOU—our members. Your stories of collaboration, support, and mutual growth are what truly define us. Over the years, we’ve witnessed countless partnerships bloom, challenges turn into opportunities, and businesses flourish, all thanks to the trust and camaraderie that we’ve built together.
From Vision to Reality- The Foundation of Trust
The journey of The Cooperative Logistics Network began with a bold vision. The idea was creating a global network that was not just about transactions but about forming meaningful relationships. For members like Aaron Suen, General Manager of Soba Logistics, a Cooperative member in Taipei, Taiwan, The Cooperative isn’t just a network; it’s a trusted partner that bridges the local and global, providing opportunities to expand into new markets while maintaining a personal connection. He took this opportunity to wish all his fellow members a Happy Anniversary.
Linda Pitto, Sales Manager of BASE S.P.A. a founder member of The Cooperative Logistics Network in Livorno Italy, commented, ”Being part actively of a good network of agents, like The Cooperative, makes the world a smoother and easier place, knowing that you have nice colleagues, on the other part of the globe who are ready to assist, support, give consultancy when its needed, and look out for our customer interest. It allows also to promote a wider and joint logistics service. In some cases some bonds were so tight and strong that we were able to compete in terms of service range with much bigger forwarders than us.”
Simply put, the connections fostered by our network, empower businesses to thrive on a global scale while fostering long-lasting, meaningful relationships. “We have been with The Cooperative for over 10 years now. We are one of the founding members located in Rotterdam. Our experience has been very good. We have found strong partners within the group over these years whose excellent services greatly benefited our company,’ remarked Rini Verhoef from C-Log Worldwide BV, a Cooperative founder member in Rotterdam, Amsterdam.
Strengthening Global Bonds
Over the years, our network has built a reputation as a platform for reliability, collaboration, and growth. Ali Kaddour, Sales Manager of CTS (Customs and Trade Solutions), a founder member of The Cooperative from Sydney, Australia, highlights how the network has influenced their business: “Our experience with The Cooperative has been very positive. With over 15 years of experience, CTS has developed strong relationships with both clients and partners. The personal connections you build within the network significantly impact your business on a professional level. With the network’s support, CTS has expanded internationally, growing our business and strengthening our local operations.”
This sentiment is also echoed by Dennis Trieu Vu Duong, Managing Director of TA Logistics, a Cooperative member in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, one of the network’s founder members. His perspective emphasizes how The Cooperative’s structure fosters success: “We have had the pleasure to be with The Cooperative since Day 1. Over the past decade, The Cooperative has proved to be a powerful platform for enhancing collaboration and operational efficiency. By joining, you are entering a network of trusted and vetted logistics companies where you can increase business opportunities, streamline operations, and achieve cost savings.”
The reliability and trust within our network have been integral to its longevity and the success of its members, creating a network that is more than the sum of its parts.
”Collaboration with other members increase our cargo volumes and this generates buying power advantage from carriers in our market to other business. This creates an endless loop and once we have competitive rate advantage we reach more members in the group and cargo volumes increase year by year. Also once volumes increase our yearly profitability increases too,” says Saliha Kafadar, Outbound Traffic Manager of Easttrans Shipping Services, a Cooperative founder member in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Annual Meetings: A Gathering of Minds
The Cooperative Logistics Network’s Annual Meetings are at the heart of its success. These gatherings provide an invaluable opportunity for members to meet face-to-face, share insights, and solidify partnerships. Since its inception, The Cooperative has organized 7 Annual Meetings and 2 virtual ones. The Cooperative Logistics Network’s 8th Annual Meeting which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 28th to 30th May will be the next one.
Aaron Suen couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as he reminisced about the first meeting in Bangkok.: “I remember when we gathered in Bangkok 10 years ago, Mr. Antonio explained his goal and his ideas. At that time, it seemed like a big dream, but today, he has achieved success and completed that goal. As a member in Taipei, The Cooperative has helped us grow a lot over the past 10 years by connecting us with trusted partners around the world. It is more than a way to grow your business; it’s like becoming a part of a family.”
Arun Gulrajani, Agent Relationship Manager of BGI Worldwide Logistics, a founder member of The Cooperative Logistics Network in Los Angeles, USA, describes the significance of every Meeting: “The Cooperative Logistics Network feels like a big family. The Annual reunions are very productive and helpful for understanding every country’s rules, regulations, and procedures. These meetings guide us to help our clients and strengthen partnerships.”
For Johan Padding, Managing Director of Kopf + Lübben, a founding member in Bremen, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Germany, these meetings go beyond business and reflect the essence of logistics: “It makes a difference to meet partners you work with—or would like to work with—in person. Although the world is rapidly digitalizing, I still believe logistics is a people’s business.” Such sentiments highlight that while technology may streamline operations, personal connections remain vital to success in the logistics industry.
In a similar note Lorna Montana, Business Development Director of NFI Nominated Freight Intl Services, a Cooperative founder member in Manila, Philippines, points out, “By working hand in hand with like-minded partners, we have bolstered our capabilities, enhanced our competitiveness, and solidified our position as a leading player in the global freight forwarding industry.”
Personal Connections, Professional Growth
The unique spirit of our network relies in the friendships it fosters. Members don’t just find reliable partners; they find like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of the logistics world. Saliha Kafadar from Easttrans Shipping further shares a touching story of re-connection: ”I had an agent in 2004, and we had very good business with them for a year. Then the customer’s order was completed, and the business stopped. We couldn’t get in contact with the agent for more than 10 years because we didn’t have business between our countries. One day, we received a new member announcement from your network, and then we saw each other at the Annual Meeting after many years. It felt like seeing someone from our family. Even though we don’t have much business now, we are in close contact with each other. Thank you for bringing us together after 15 years!”
Echoing this sentiment, H.L. Santharam, CEO of Connect Cargo, a founder member of the Cooperative in Mumbai, India, highlights how the network has been instrumental in tackling new and challenging markets, “The Cooperative members from different countries over the years have supported us in representing our interests beyond India and in many challenging markets. Whenever our customers have business in regions like West Africa, Central Africa and in some of niche far east market segments, we rely on our Cooperative partners to take care of our interests and to give reliable & prompt service for our customers on our behalf. As a result, this has helped us in growing our business in challenging & new markets.”
These stories demonstrate the unparalleled value of The Cooperative Logistics Network—not just as a network but as a thriving community built on trust, collaboration, and enduring relationships.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Members
As we look ahead, the wisdom and experiences of its long-standing members serve as a guiding light for newcomers. Ajay Shukla Executive Director of Translog Express, a founder member of the Cooperative, based in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, India, underscores the immense value of being part of such a dependable network, “Almost all members of this network are very reliable. The prompt responses we receive allow us to close deals faster. It’s a nice network that helps build relationships with a personal touch. I would surely recommend other companies to join this network if they are looking for midsize local forwarders in countries with local presence in their respective cities with personalized services.”
For Linda from BASE SPA, the relationships she’s built within the network have been instrumental to her success: “To our new members, I suggest attending the face-to-face meetings regularly. That is the only way to truly feel a part of this group. Knowing you have colleagues across the globe ready to assist makes the world a smoother and easier place.”
The Cooperative’s focus on fostering active participation and engagement ensures that its legacy of trust and collaboration remains strong. Addressing the next generation of members, Johan Padding from Kopf + Lübben highlights the importance of leveraging the network’s opportunities, “The network has a lot of opportunities and it definitely makes a difference if you have good partners all over the world. And please do make use of the Annual Meeting… it simply makes a difference to meet partners you work with or would like to work with in person.”
Lorna Montana from NFI Nominated Freight Intl Services, offers an inspiring message to new members, “To the new members of The Cooperative, embrace the spirit of cooperation, engage wholeheartedly with fellow members, and seize the opportunities of development and growth that the network offers. Remember, together we are stronger, and your contributions are invaluable to our shared success. Here’s to building lasting relationships, driving positive change, and shaping a better and brighter future for all!”
With such enthusiastic endorsements, The Cooperative not only strengthens its foundation but also inspires members old and new to collaborate, innovate, and thrive together.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As The Cooperative Logistics Network celebrates its 10th Anniversary, the road ahead is filled with promise. The stories and experiences of its members are a testament to its impact on the industry. Here’s to another decade of success, partnerships, and growth together.
To all our members, past and present, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your trust and dedication are the foundation of The Cooperative Logistics Network’s success, and we look forward to many more years of shared achievements and memorable moments.