CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series highlights every aspect of the air cargo industry to illustrate the wide expanse of responsibilities required to ensure safe and swift carriage of cargo from one end of the world to the other. Without Unit Loading Devices (ULDs) such as approved pallets and containers, air cargo transport would be a much slower and riskier affair. This week, therefore, CargoForwarder Global (CFG) hears from Dennis Demtröder (DD), CEO of PalNet GmbH Air Cargo Products, as to what his job entails, and how he sees the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
DD: I am CEO of PalNet GmbH Air Cargo Products, and my main responsibility is managing the company together with my father. I am also the Accountable Manager for our Quality System, and my other management tasks cover Sales, Facility Management, and Company Development.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
DD: In general, I start at 8 a.m. in our facility, speaking with all our departments individually. After that, I check my project list and mails. But every day is different because I am responsible for the entire organization, so all daily problems come to me, and I provide advice or solve them. It often happens that my plan in the morning will be totally different come 8.05 a.m. But that is what makes it fun and interesting.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
DD: I have been with PalNet for 13 years now, and that was also my starting point really in the air cargo industry. Prior to that, I was working in a different industry (Gardening) and had totally different plans until my father, as PalNet Founder, asked me to join the company. I made up my mind, though I really loved my gardening job and was successful.
But also, with the outlook of maybe one day running a company in an interesting industry and all that comes with it, like traveling around the world, working with big companies and developing products, made the decision quite easy. We planned what would be the best way to get me ready for this new challenge. So, I went to the UK to work at Airbase GSE, a repair station, for one year, and there I learned a lot about repairing ULDs. After leaving the UK, I came back to Germany and experienced a second apprenticeship for three years and after my examination, I joined PalNet. That’s the whole story.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
DD: Working with our team of 30 people, making sure they have a good work-life balance, enjoy their work and transfer this into high quality products which are reliable, long-lasting and safe. And of course, you have some nice benefits with supplying products worldwide; traveling to clients and exhibitions or conferences and meeting all different kinds of people.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
DD: Besides satisfying the needs of our clients, i.e. discussing and solving their problems, delivering on time, to always being technically up-to-date, I currently see the greatest challenge is to get our industry greener. The environmental impact of air cargo transportation becomes an increasing concern. Reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices is a significant challenge for the entire industry.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
DD: The air cargo industry offers a wide range of exciting opportunities, from logistics and operations to sales and marketing. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills to deal with diverse clients. Understand the intricacies of transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance.
Get familiar with all technical and commercial aspects of the ULD business and attend training courses offered by IATA or specialized aviation training courses offered by various coaching companies.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
DD: “Living in the world of ULDs”
Thank you, Dennis, for sharing your views.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
