Between customs and the future
At the general meeting of Spedlogswiss Romandie in Lausanne, president Lara Muehlethaler called for decisive action – in response to global uncertainty, in favour of cybersecurity, and above all to train the next generation. The ITJ was there to report.
Recent developments in global trade have also created major challenges for freight forwarders and road hauliers in Switzerland. “The new 31% US tariffs directly affect many of our customers – and thus have a direct impact on our daily work,” as president Laura Muehlethaler said.
Geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, and international sanctions there and in other regions of the world, also have an impact on global supply chains as well as on planning certainty. Enterprises now have to diversify more strongly to cushion risks.
Planned customs reform under scrutiny
Muehlethaler also criticised the fact that Switzerland’s Passar customs reform hasn’t met the overall expectations. The proposed revision of the customs law has also raised concerns. While it does promise some relief, poor data reliability and simplified reporting obligations could undermine market protection.
“The Swiss government’s recent criti-cism of some parts of the proposal gives me a modicum of cautious hope,” Muehlethaler added. Open dialogue with the authorities remains vital, she stressed.
She also highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity. In an increasingly digital world, comprehensive protection shouldn’t be considered just an expense, but rather an essential investment in trust and in business stability.
“Without committed trainers our profession will come under greater pressure.”
Modern technologies such as AI and machine learning can improve operational efficiency, but they won’t ever be in a position to replace human interaction. Thus freight forwarders have a real opportunity today, Muehlethaler believes, to become the highly sought-after “advisers of tomorrow’s world.”
A time to show strength
She also made a strong appeal for the essential training of young professionals. More has to be done in the face of digital transformation and a shortage of skilled workers.
“We’re not training enough apprentices in western Switzerland. Without committed training providers our profession will come under great pressure in the Romandie,” she warned.
The figures tell rather a drastic story. Only six youngsters from western Switzerland chose freight forwarding as a career recently. At 20, the number of first-year apprentices wasn’t much higher in the German-speaking parts of the country either.
“Our sector is key for economic stability.”
The association’s youth campaign, presented by its board member Patrick Brechtbühl, is a first step. But more direct commitment from every enterprise is now called for.
“Our sector offers exciting prospects and plays a crucial role in securing economic stability,” Muehlethaler told the members. “Now’s the time to show that strength – to young people, to customers, to society.”