As Efret marks its 20th anniversary in business, the company celebrates not only its growth and achievements but also the people who have helped shape its journey. Two of the longest-standing members of the team, Zita and Bart, reflect on their time with the company, sharing their stories and insights.
Bart’s journey from automotive logistics to European Transport
Bart joined Efret in January 2010, having spent five years working at Mahle Filter Systems in Salisbury, UK, where he gained experience as a forklift driver and later moved into logistics coordination. He was soon drawn to the world of transport and logistics. “At Mahle, Efret became our transport provider, handling time-critical deliveries to production lines across Europe. When the factory in Salisbury shut down due to the recession, Efret offered me a position, and I’ve been here ever since.”
At the time, Efret was a small operation, with just two people in the office, one of whom was Zita, who remains an integral part of the team. Bart was the third to join. “The company has grown significantly since then, and it’s been amazing to witness that transformation.”
When asked about the biggest operational and legislative changes over the years, Bart points to the increasing amount of bureaucracy and limitations, particularly the impact of Brexit, the Macron law in France, MiLoG in Germany, and the Mobility Package. While he acknowledges the EU’s intentions were genuine, he feels the execution has created more challenges for the industry.
On the technological front, Bart highlights the shift toward automation, including improved telematics and less paperwork, which has made operations more efficient. He also reflects on one of the most unusual projects he’s worked on—a special transport operation involving oversized machinery from the UK to Morocco. “I was also involved in transporting a hydrogen electrolyser system worth around £1.5 million for a green energy project,” he says.
Of all the countries he’s visited, Poland stands out as his favourite. “Poland is the powerhouse of transport in Europe. The country has a lot of great partners, and I always look forward to my visits. Plus, the food is unbeatable!”
For Bart, the most rewarding aspect of his job is the variety. “The lack of routine and the opportunity to constantly learn new things keep me engaged. It’s never boring,” he shares. However, he’s not fond of the bureaucratic red tape that comes with the industry. “Next question, please!” he laughs.
As for Efret’s success, Bart believes it comes down to the team. “We have intelligent, determined, and willing people. At Efret, we make sure our customers feel that their cargo is in safe hands. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all policy; instead, we tailor our services to the specific needs of each client.”
Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Bart is cautiously optimistic about the future. “AI and digitalisation will play a huge role, but I have mixed feelings about how AI will impact our industry. I hope Efret continues to grow stronger and remains a trusted partner in the European transport sector.”
Zita reflects on her 18 years’ service with Efret
Zita, who was the very first employee after Efret was founded in 2005, has seen the company evolve from a two-person operation to the robust business it is today. “I joined in July 2007, and at the time, I was the first employee, apart from the founders. I had previously worked as a freight organiser in Hungary,” Zita recalls. “It’s been an incredible journey to see the company grow, and I’m proud to have been part of it almost from the start.”
Before entering the transport world, Zita had her own business in catering, which she eventually had to close. “It’s a long story,” she laughs. “I lost my business and needed to make a change. That’s when I found my way into the transport industry, and it’s been a rewarding experience ever since.”
One of the most significant operational changes Zita recalls was the company’s partnership with Amazon. “When we started working with Amazon, we had to completely change our way of working and adapt our systems. It took more than a year to adjust, but it was a game-changer for the company.”
Brexit also had a significant impact on the European transport business. “Brexit has brought its own set of challenges, and as a company, we’ve had to constantly adapt to the changing regulations and requirements,” she says. “Before that, the rules for drivers changed, and countries started introducing their own special regulations to protect local workers. Legislation is always changing, and we’ve had to stay on top of it.”
Technology has played a major role in improving Zita’s job, especially with the increased use of automation and IT systems. “IT has been a big help in streamlining processes, and automation has made everything much more efficient. It’s exciting to see how much we’ve evolved with the help of technology.”
When asked about the most unusual cargo she’s moved, Zita admits she can’t think of anything too unusual, but she has handled some high-value shipments. “We’ve moved some big machines, which are always interesting and challenging.”
Among the countries she’s visited for work, Zita’s favourite is the UK. “I love the UK! It’s now my adopted home and a big part of Efret’s business, and I enjoy the visits around the country.”
Zita thrives on the challenges her job presents. “What I love most is solving problems and challenges. I also really enjoy working with people—whether it’s our team or our customers. There’s always something new to learn.”
However, she does mention one thing she doesn’t like about the job. “I don’t like the things I can’t influence. Sometimes, we have to deal with situations that are beyond our control, and that can be frustrating.”
As for Efret’s success, Zita believes it comes down to the people. “It’s the people who make Efret successful. We have a team that’s dedicated, hardworking, and always focused on delivering the best service to our clients.”
Looking ahead, Zita is excited about the future of the transport industry. “AI, unaccompanied services, and fuel changes for the environment are all trends that will shape the future of transport. In another 20 years, I’m sure Efret will still be thriving, with smart people ready to face the challenges ahead.”
Looking ahead: Efret’s bright future
As Bart and Zita’s stories illustrate, Efret’s success is rooted in its people, its commitment to customer satisfaction, and its ability to adapt to an ever-changing industry. Celebrating 20 years of growth, innovation, and dedication, Efret is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the European transport sector for years to come.
Here’s to the next 20 years!