“I do solve problems,” declares Antonella Straulino, Foreign Affairs Manager for the big Italian cargo organization FEDESPI, adding “[I] must also confess I enjoy thoroughly working in this important and most interesting role.”
     Antonella is ‘five-foot-two with eyes of blue, but oh what those five feet can do’ as it is sung.
     “Taking care of complex issues, finding the best solution, and helping my associate members is what I like best in my job.
     “I’m in charge of international relations for the Italian Federation of Freight Forwarders (FEDESPEDI) and I do see many issues we will have to tackle over the forthcoming months.
     “From the implementation of the amendments to the SOLAS Convention to the newly signed and enacted IATA/FIATA cooperation, the challenges are always there and I love to step up to them,” Antonella assures.

Battle For Survival

     “But first,” Antonella said, “we need to survive the SOLAS amendments.
     “The Federation of Freight Forwarders and our members rely upon us to interact with reliable parties abroad and get acquainted with operating in other countries while being properly informed on international trade practices and restrictions.
     “They get from us reliable international support in their everyday transactions.
     “We are there to serve them and, as I said, to solve problems.
     “Shippers should use our members’ services because we know how to take care of their goods and needs and are perfectly able to overcome the different hurdles of international trade.
     “Freight forwarding companies are the software that makes the hardware work.”

What Surprises in 2016?

     “For me the biggest surprise of this year is the admirable ability to adapt to the world’s ever changing shape and culture.
     “During my 50 years of life I have seen so many things happening, so many situations that looked dramatic and unsolvable, and we always end up discovering we are capable of handling all kinds of situations and not only fixing but finding the smart solutions.
     “After all, isn’t international logistics there to help the world?
     “Isn’t advancing trade the life blood of economics?” Antonella asks.
     “With trade goes culture and at the end, our freedom.
     “So I am proud of our role and also, allow me to say, of my little contribution in this sector.”

Better Cargo Efficiencies?

     “I do believe that the new air cargo accord between FIATA and IATA goes [toward achieving better cargo efficiencies]. The principle behind it is exactly rendering air cargo more efficient while taking into account the reality of today’s world, where freight forwarders, in the vast majority of cases, are customers and not agents of the airlines.
     “Of course there will be the need, from both parties, to understand that compromises are key and that adjustments might be needed, but basically we’re trying to let air cargo grow, possibly together.”

On Being A Woman In Cargo

     “I have never had a problem.
     “While it’s true there are not so many women around in our profession, the few who are there have earned their wings.
     “I’m short and blond with blue eyes, but I’m far from being a nice Barbie.
     “My male colleagues have experienced that since the very first time we met so many years ago.
     “I guess I am now the gal that belongs to the ‘old boys’ club.’
     “But that said, I’m doing whatever I can to bring women into cargo.
     “I’m sure they will enjoy it.
     “Perhaps somewhere outside of Europe my blond hair and blue eyes are not always associated with tough professionalism.
     “I am working on this, too.
     “But I am very proud to have been given a Ghanaian name—Nana Yaa—and to deeply interact with the African delegates of both sexes that do not seem to have problems with me.”

Balancing Life

     “I do not have kids (not a choice but a mere fact of life), so maybe it’s easier for me.
     “I also managed to stay single for a long while, but I recently got married and now I have a husband to love and take care of.
     “I am getting used to this new multi-tasking role, but he is helping me as he is a hardworking professional as well and tries to understand when I’m travelling the world or spending long hours at office.
     “Let’s keep the fingers crossed and see what happens,” Antonella laughs.

Why Not More Women In Air Cargo?

     “As I said, I’m doing whatever I can to drag other young female professionals into this wonderful industry.
     “I need some rest and some time to spend with my beloved ones!”
     Antonella Straulino began her professional life in the oil trade in her hometown of Genoa, Italy, recalling:
     “I was called to Milan at the Federation of Freight Forwarders almost by chance, with a six months contract as consultant, but this happened twenty-one years ago.
     “Since then, [I’ve had] no regrets; in fact, it has been a wonderful ride.”

Taking Time Off

     “I love crosswords (my husband pretends I’m one of the best solvers he ever came across) and reading.
     “Domestic relaxation is [provided by] my cat (my favorite animal), although my sport is skiing.
     “My favorite city is Milano. It welcomed me and it’s the place where I’m living, but the world is my home, actually.
     “I love pasta with pesto (for non-Italians, it’s a cold sauce basically made with basil). After all I come from Genoa, homeland of pesto!
     “My hero is Leonardo da Vinci: a genius, in whatever he did.”

Why FIATA?

     “FIATA is a must!
     “I work in Italy for the national association of freight forwarding companies.
     “But getting involved with FIATA brings great appreciation for the manner in which the organization advances the forwarders’ program on a global basis.
     “You can really appreciate FIATA by being part of it and understanding the deep value of what the organization accomplishes for everyone.
     “To me FIATA also means networking, vocational training, friendship, interalia.
     “And, all of a sudden, you find yourself as the only female Vice President of FIATA.
     “I like that, too,” Antonella smiles.

Anama & The Italian Forwarder

     “Being a freight forwarding company means dealing with a number of activities: Fedespedi has to follow each and every one of them in order to inform its members about any change, development, or new rule. Thus, we have several specialized institutes—the one for air cargo is named National Association of Air Cargo Agents, or ANAMA.
     “My role, being the one in charge of international affairs, is to follow any of the related topics.
     “We are the Italian Federation of Freight Forwarders.
     “We help our members handle all types of hurdles they find in their professional business.
     “We help them avoid mistakes, enhancing their business and making their lives easier.
     “I look forward to every day,” Antonella said.
Geoffrey