Meet Miklós Vancsik, a warm and driven professional at Seahorse Forwarding Ltd in Budapest, Hungary. In this edition of Inside ALFA, Miklós takes us through his journey from a curious logistics newcomer to a seasoned expert. Along the way, he opens up about his passion for teamwork, the value of learning on the job, and why the future of freight is both digital and human.
How did you get started in the logistics industry, and what has your journey been like up to this point?
I stumbled into the world of logistics quite by chance as a fresh graduate, but I quickly realized I had found my place. More than 20 years have passed since then, and I’m still learning with humility – this profession constantly presents new challenges that drive growth. At the beginning of my career, I worked exclusively with road transport. Later, at Seahorse Ltd., I was quite literally thrown into the deep water. I had to quickly understand various modes of transport, freight rate calculations, Incoterms and the basics of commerce. Once I became confident in the operational side, the transition to Sales was a natural step – after all, you can only represent something credibly if you understand it deeply. Since then, I’ve been doing my best to strengthen our small but highly capable team in this role.
How have you seen technology transform logistics in the past five years, and what are you most excited about for the future?
In the past five years, technology has completely transformed logistics. Digitalization, automation, and real-time data management are now the cornerstones of operations. Looking to the future, what excites me most is how these tools can make supply chains more sustainable and transparent. I’m also intrigued by the question of where we – as a small but dedicated team – will find our place in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics. How is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
Although we don’t operate our own transport vehicles as a traditional freight forwarder, sustainability remains a key priority. We focus on optimizing transportation routes, embracing paperless administration, and encouraging environmentally friendly packaging solutions. We believe that every small step counts.
What valuable life lesson has your experience in logistics taught you?
I’ve learned that flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential. Nothing is static in logistics – Those who can thrive here can probably succeed in any other field as well.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
Put your pants up! 😊 Be open-minded, ask plenty of questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—those are your best learning opportunities. Logistics is a complex and fast-paced world, but if you approach it with dedication, success will follow.
And perhaps most importantly: always remember that a good team is worth its weight in gold and can help you through any difficulty.
You’ve been with us for a few months now — how has the journey been so far? Any highlights or surprises?
From day one, I felt that I had joined a truly supportive, friendly community. I’ve experienced real teamwork and attentiveness within the network, which has been incredibly motivating. This human side of the job was one of the most pleasant surprises for me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending quality time with my family or friends. Sometimes it’s the silence of nature, other times or a good book that really helps me recharge.
What’s one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
Perhaps the fact that, although I seem confident on the outside, I often take a lot of time to weigh my decisions. I always strive to find the best possible solution – even if it means putting others’ interests ahead of my own.
Thank you, Miklós, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your story is a powerful reminder of the impact that passion, resilience, and teamwork have in shaping our industry.