Inside Alfa sits down with Ashish Patel, a seasoned logistics professional and the driving force behind Sunya Global Logistics in Hong Kong, China. With a career spanning ocean carriers, NVOCC operations, freight forwarding, and now express parcel logistics, Ashish brings a wealth of insight into the evolving challenges and innovations shaping global supply chains. In this conversation, he reflects on industry highs and lows, shares advice for newcomers, and reveals what continues to energize him in a world where change is the only constant.
How did you get started in the logistics industry, and what has your journey been like up to this point?
I began my career working directly with mainline ocean carriers, learning the sales/ marketing / operations / documentation and global schedules. From there, I transitioned into the NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)space, handling SOC (Shipper-Owned Container) shipments—which taught me the art of flexibility and cost optimization.
As the industry evolved, I moved into freight forwarding, where I navigated the complexities of multimodal transport—ocean, air, road—and the delicate dance of customs compliance. Now, I’m diving into the fast-paced world of express parcels, where speed, tech, and last-mile precision are everything.
The Journey So Far:
- Highs: Closing a high-stakes project under tight deadlines, building a trusted global agent network.
- Lows: Pandemic-era port shutdowns, stranded cargo, and sleepless nights.
- Joyful: Every time a creative solution saves the day (like rerouting via rail to bypass a strike).
- Frustrating: Bureaucratic delays, but even those teach patience and prep.
The Only Constant? Change.
Logistics is never static—new regulations, tech (hello, AI tracking!), and disruptions keep us on our toes. That’s the thrill: Every day is a school day.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in logistics today, and how do you think the industry is handling it?
The main issue is supply chain disruption caused by global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, political instability, labor shortages, and shifting consumer demand. These are further complicated by the pressure to operate more sustainably and the ongoing rise in costs.
The industry is addressing these challenges in several ways:
- Using Technology: Implementing AI, IoT, and blockchain to enable real-time tracking and smarter route planning.
- Automation: Deploying robotics and autonomous vehicles in warehouses and ports to offset workforce shortages.
- Going Green: Transitioning to electric vehicles and optimizing last-mile delivery to reduce emissions.
- Building Resilience: Diversifying suppliers and reshoring operations to reduce dependency on vulnerable global links.
These efforts are making progress, but high implementation costs and complex system integration continue to be significant obstacles.
How does your team approach risk management, and what’s one piece of advice you’d give to others about mitigating risks?
Teams use data analytics and scenario planning to identify these risks early. From there, they take steps like diversifying suppliers, using real-time tracking tools (think IoT and AI), maintaining buffer stock, and having insurance in place to cover unexpected losses. Regular audits and solid contingency plans help ensure the team can act fast when things go off track.
Advice: Build some redundancy into your supply chain—whether that’s through multiple suppliers, alternative routes, or flexible warehousing options. It spreads out the risk and helps keep things moving, even when the unexpected hits—like a strike, a natural disaster, or a sudden geopolitical issue.
If you could change one thing about the logistics industry, what would it be and what impact do you think it would have?
If I could change one thing, it would be to make proactive risk management a non-negotiable standard across the logistics industry. Today’s global supply chains face constant threats—delays, disruptions, cost spikes—and yet many organizations still approach these reactively.
Logistics teams that stay ahead of risk use data analytics and scenario planning to identify vulnerabilities. They diversify suppliers, leverage real-time tracking technologies like IoT and AI, maintain buffer inventory, and secure insurance to cover potential losses. Regular audits and well-prepared contingency plans ensure quick, effective responses when disruptions hit.
My advice? Build redundancy into your supply chain—use multiple suppliers or alternate routes. It spreads the risk and helps avoid bottlenecks, ensuring business continuity even in the face of natural disasters or geopolitical uncertainty.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
“Master the basics but think digitally.”
Understand Fundamentals: Learn supply chain workflows (procurement, transport, warehousing) to spot inefficiencies.
Embrace Tech Early: Get comfortable with tools like TMS (Transport Management Systems), IoT tracking, and data analytics—they’re the future.
Build Relationships: Strong vendor/carrier networks often matter more than perfect plans when disruptions hit.
Stay Agile: Logistics is about problem-solving; adapt fast and document lessons.
What’s one thing you enjoy most about being a member of this community?
What excites me most is that logistics is never predictable. No two days are the same, and no one can claim to “know it all.” Whether it’s a sudden port closure, a breakthrough in automation, or a creative workaround from a peer, there’s always something new to learn or adapt to.
- Dynamic Challenges: Geopolitical shifts, tech disruptions, or even weather events keep the field fresh—and humbling.
- Endless Learning: From AI-driven routing to sustainable packaging, innovation never stops.
- Shared Growth: The community’s willingness to collaborate—sharing both failures and wins—makes real progress possible.
Yesterday’s “impossible” delivery bottleneck becomes today’s case study—proof that adaptability is the real expertise.
The thrill of never standing still—every day is a new puzzle.
What’s one resource or feature within the network you think more members should take advantage of?
An underutilized resource within most networks is the online cargo insurance system and the supply chain automation tools that come with it—including digital claim submission and processing features.
Many members underuse these tools, even though they offer quick, customized supply chain and insurance solutions right from their desks. They can save time, reduce costs by up to 15–20% through streamlined processes, and build customer trust with immediate, tailored coverage options—ultimately boosting competitiveness in a fast-paced market.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family.
What’s one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I think my colleagues would be surprised to learn that I’m a practitioner of meditation breath control.
Thank you, Ashish, we truly appreciate you sharing your journey, insights, and passion with us.