23 hours Ago By Angela Scott-Briggs
Share Share Share Share Email Today, we’re talking with Elzoda Mardonova, an outstanding expert in trucking logistics and project management, Project Manager at Truckstaff Solutions Inc., a member of IEEE, a recipient of prestigious international awards like the Successful Ladies Awards and Best Business Awards, and a member of the jury for the Successful Ladies Awards 2024. Elzoda will share her unique professional journey from lawyer to leader in trucking logistics.
We’ll learn about her key achievements, including the creation of the innovative “Trucking Company on a turn-key basis” project, her approach to managing complex projects, and her strategic vision for the future of the industry. Elzoda will also discuss the role of technology in trucking logistics and share advice for those just starting out in this field. This interview promises to be inspiring and informative for anyone interested in logistics, innovation, and leadership in business.
Elzoda, your journey into trucking logistics is an impressive example of dynamic growth. You began your career after studying at the International Westminster University in Tashkent. What was your initial plan, and what made you shift your focus to trucking logistics? Initially, at university, I chose a major in commercial law.
But, as it turned out, this knowledge has been very useful in the field of trucking logistics. After all, starting a trucking company requires contract drafting, opening accounts, and knowledge of legal aspects. I was always drawn to something related to international business, especially in America, and trucking logistics turned out to be one of the top popular directions.
Seeing how many of my classmates were successfully working in this niche, I decided to try my hand at it. I was drawn to the opportunity not only to work in this field but also to see the results of my efforts, and the constant development was also appealing. In the process of working, I realized that it’s not just logistics, but also building a business, creating something of your own, and that motivated me a lot.
In addition, I really enjoy communicating with different people, and in logistics, especially international logistics, that happens constantly. And, of course, the English language, which I use constantly at work, gave me the opportunity to practice it every day. You’ve been actively working in the industry since 2018.
What key takeaways did you get from your early experience, and how have they influenced your strategies? Over the years in this industry, I’ve realized that the most important thing is to value time and never stop achieving. You constantly need to learn and develop. Even if you’re an expert in one area, it’s important to understand all aspects of trucking, especially when it comes to the large projects we carry out.
I realized the importance of understanding all departments and everything related to this area, rather than specializing in just one thing. I started my first steps in the company as a cold-caller, then I moved to recruiting, update, and safety, and so I was able to work in all the trucking departments, and I realized that it was necessary so that in the future I could implement it all from the practical side. This early experience helped me form a business management strategy based on a deep understanding of all internal processes.
My experience working in various departments helped me understand that each step is important, and without the effective work of each of them, there will be no result. So, instead of being a specialist in one area, I decided to develop as a leader who understands all the processes and can effectively manage the team to achieve success. And this experience formed the basis for the creation of the training platform.
Working with companies like Ryder Truck Rental and RTS Factoring Company, you’ve gained significant experience. How have these partnerships shaped your approach to project management and business as a whole? Working with big players like Ryder and RTS has taught me to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. For example, we partner with Ryder to rent trucks for our clients under special conditions.
We are regular customers and always pay on time, which allows us and our clients to get favorable truck rental terms. As for RTS, it is a large factoring company that helps us ensure fast payment to drivers, which is very important for our work, as we guarantee that our clients also pay always on time. Through these partnerships, I realized that successful business requires not only financial resources, but also reliable connections with other companies.
I believe that business should be built on trust and transparency, and that’s exactly the principles we use in our work with our clients and partners. Your company works with international and Russian projects. What strategic differences do you consider when working in different markets? When working with international and Russian projects, we take into account the specifics of each market.
The main difference lies in the legal requirements, cultural characteristics, and business traditions. For example, for the American market, clarity in compliance with all rules and regulations is important, as well as speed in decision-making. As for the markets of post-Soviet countries, individual work with each client is important here.
Therefore, we use different approaches for each region, adapting our services to the specific needs of clients. In the American trucking market, the automation of processes is important, so we develop platforms for Fleet and Safety departments to optimize work. And in other markets, more attention is paid to a personal approach and trusting relationships with clients.
Therefore, we consider it important to maintain constant contact with clients, provide them with a personal manager who will help them solve any issues. And, of course, we constantly monitor new trends in each region in order to provide our clients with the most relevant and effective solutions. The “Trucking Company on a turn-key basis” project sounds like an innovative solution.
How were you able to simplify the process of starting a trucking business? The “Trucking Company on a turn-key basis” project is the result of many years of experience and understanding of market needs. Initially, we provided consulting services and helped open licenses, but then we realized that we could do even better – create a comprehensive solution. We combined consulting, legal assistance, and the actual creation of a trucking company in one package, so that people can start working right away without any problems.
We take care of everything: from obtaining licenses and opening accounts to finding drivers, and thereby our clients can launch their business quickly and efficiently. Thanks to this, our clients can enter the trucking business with minimal time and effort. And what key metrics do you use to evaluate the success of the project? For us, the main indicators of success are the number of companies opened, their stability and revenue growth.
We monitor how our clients’ businesses are developing and constantly provide them with support. This allows us not only to create new companies, but also to make them successful, which is the most important goal of our project. We are constantly analyzing the results of our work and improving our processes in order to provide our clients with the best services.
And most importantly, we create not just a business, but a community where everyone helps each other. Your financial results and growth in your customer base are impressive. What specific strategies and management methods led to a 30% increase in your customer base and $920,000 in net income in 2023? The growth of the customer base and income is the result of our work to continuously improve the quality of services provided, an individual approach to each client, and competent marketing.
We use various marketing strategies, including online advertising, participation in industry exhibitions and conferences, and the creation of content that helps us attract new customers. But the most important thing that distinguishes us from competitors is the quality of our services, which helps us maintain trust and expand the community. Also, an important role is played by our own developed processes, for example, Due Diligence — this is a department that checks our clients for solvency in order to ensure the stability of our financial transactions.
We are also constantly working to optimize internal processes in order to provide our services more efficiently and qualitatively. And of course, I cannot fail to mention our team, because it is these people who helped achieve all our indicators. You’ve been honored with prestigious awards like the Successful Ladies Awards and Best Business Awards.
Which of these achievements is most meaningful to you, and why? Both awards are very significant to me, but the Best Business Awards 2024 is of particular importance, as this award reflects my role in the “Trucking Company on a turn-key basis” project and the creation of the Trucking MBA educational platform. This is an award not only for personal achievements, but also for a significant contribution to the development of the industry. The award confirms that we are moving in the right direction and gives us the incentive to move forward, creating more and more opportunities for people who want to enter this business.
Also, this award for me became a recognition of the contribution of our entire team, without which we would not have been able to achieve such results. And I am very grateful for such a high assessment of our work. It inspires me to new achievements and motivates me to further development.
You not only receive awards, but you yourself act as a jury member, for example, at the Successful Ladies Awards 2024. What do you consider important when evaluating candidates for leadership positions in logistics and project management? As a member of the jury for the Successful Ladies Awards 2024, I evaluated not only professional skills, but also the candidate’s ability to innovate, creativity, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience. For me, it was important to see not just performers, but leaders who can inspire their team, create new ideas and solve complex problems.
I believe that a true leader should not only lead, but also be an example for their team, and help them grow and develop — strive for continuous improvement and development of the industry. And of course, you must always remember that we work for people and help them, and therefore you need to have empathy and be able to listen. Looking back, what project, in your opinion, has had the greatest impact on your professional development as a leader? I think it’s the “Trucking Company on a turn-key basis” project.
It became a real challenge for me, as it required not only knowledge of all processes, but also the ability to organize the work of the team, make decisions in conditions of uncertainty and manage risks. It was in this project that I realized the importance of delegating tasks, the ability to motivate people and maintain team spirit. Elzoda, thank you for an insightful interview! Finally, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs starting their journey in trucking logistics, given your extensive experience? To entrepreneurs starting their journey in trucking logistics, I would advise not to be afraid of difficulties and to constantly strive for knowledge.
This area is constantly evolving, so it is important to follow new technologies and trends. Start small, but always strive for more. Create reliable partnerships, look for mentors and advisors who can share their experience.
Don’t forget the importance of education and continuous development — this is the key to success in any field. And, of course, be prepared for mistakes, because without them there is no development. Learn from your mistakes, draw conclusions and do not stop there.
Remember that success is the result of hard work, perseverance and faith in yourself. And remember that there is always the opportunity to develop, even when it seems that you have already achieved a lot. And most importantly — love your work and enjoy the process.
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