WBJ: The rapid growth of e-commerce puts extra pressure on quick deliveries. How do you reconcile that with the growing awareness of environmental impact and sustainability?

Blanka Borkowska: We are perfectly in tune with these areas at FM Logistic. The innovations we introduce are created with the future in mind and in line with the principles of sustainable development. Technology can support us in this and we can use it.

A good example is the CityLogin system we introduced in 2017 which we use to service clients operating in the largest cities, including in Warsaw. We use cars with hybrid and electric engines for CityLogin. This modern and environmentally friendly fleet is operated with the help of specialized software that enables management of the entire supply chain, from loading the car to optimizing the delivery route, thus enabling real-time vehicle control. We own and create numerous pro-ecological and ultra-modern innovative tools, including software, that make our business closer to the “green ideal.” We believe that such investments in today’s world are necessary, primarily for the benefit of future generations. The challenges of sustainable development also create an opportunity to improve the quality of our services. We also see that our responsible attitude is becoming an increasingly important argument for potential clients and employees. Using solutions of this type is expensive, but we know that there will be a return on this investment.

At FM Logistic, we look to the future and that is why we understand that sustainable development is a global commitment, but also a very tangible one. In our case, this translates into real declarations. By 2022, we intend to reduce energy consumption by 12 percent and reduce the carbon footprint associated with storage by 20 percent. By 2030, we want to completely neutralize the carbon footprint associated with our activities.

The first tests of autonomous delivery vehicles are currently underway. Some say autonomous vehicles will revolutionize freight faster than passenger transport. Do you think this will be the future of logistics? In what time perspective can this be expected?

Autonomous vehicles used in the right way can facilitate human work. They can be intended, for example, for storage spaces. When it comes to autonomous transport, security and legislation will be the biggest challenge in our industry and other areas. In the case of FM Logistic, we are open and ready to apply all innovations that will become useful to people. We are testing some solutions today, and we keep up to date with the latest developments. We have knowledge and human capital that allow us to search for our own solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Of course, we know how to do it in a cost-effective and lawful manner.

The logistics industry has been struggling with labor shortage for quite some time. How are you handling it?

FM Logistic is a global corporation that has its roots in a family business. These values are still key to us. In the current market situation in Europe, where many of our competitors face staff shortages, we are able to meet our needs. This is because we have an active policy to support our team at every level of the organization. We take into account the diverse requirements of people working in different positions and look forward, anticipating new needs. It is the employees who can best show us where innovative solutions can be used. To engage them, FM Logistic has once again announced an innovation competition. Last year’s results were an announced in December in Roissy, France, where teams from seven countries met. Poles took second place with a proposal that halves the time needed to change the copacking line.

In building a stable team, care for security and strengthening competences are key. We are very active in this field. For example, FM Logistic has created its own ergo-skeleton design, protecting against overloading, which improves safety and comfort at work. Our platforms meet the highest security standards. We design special vehicles and other tools, such as drones, to facilitate the hardest and most tedious work. At the same time, each innovation is properly implemented. We train our employees in an effective and convenient way. Innovations are implemented at every level of the business and we all remain in constant development. This system works. This is best demonstrated by the fact that some employees have been with us since the beginning of the company’s presence on the Polish market, i.e. for 24 years.

Is the coming Christmas season going to be a challenge?

Logistic success also depends on whether the operator is able to meet the challenges of specific sales periods. FM Logistic offers its clients effective solutions while ensuring optimal working conditions for its staff. Here again, we reach for some innovations, such as cobots (collaborative robots). They are extremely useful, for example when unloading pallets. Machines take over the most difficult and repetitive tasks, especially during periods of increased production activity. Crews also use them in copacking processes and for special tasks related to product packaging. Cobots ensure consistent, high-quality work and they significantly accelerate certain processes.

How will Brexit, particulraly a hard Brixit as it is shaping up to be, affect logistics? Can you prepare for it?

This question shows how much our industry is on one hand “invisible” to the average recipient, and on the other hand it is crucial. We are a global company and as members of the international community we take all important events into account. Continental Europe is the traditional market for FM Logistic. Our connections with the UK are limited. We offer transport services to and from the UK for some customers, but the associated revenues are relatively small compared to other markets. For example, we have no employees in the UK, nor any of British descent, we have no business operations there.

In our case, the UK’s decision to leave the EU has no direct impact on day-to-day activities. We monitor the development of events related to Brexit on an ongoing basis and we will do everything to make sure it has the least impact on us and our clients. When Brexit becomes a reality, we will continue to focus on meeting our clients’ needs in both transport and logistics. In the TSL industry, anticipation is key.