Our advantage is above all the exceptional flexibility and willingness of companies to respond to customer inquiries. Thanks to our latest equipment and a structured, quality team, we can respond to the toughest demands, regardless of which part of our business we are talking about.
We spoke with Branka Perić Šljivić, Director of International Road Transport Department at the Perić Trans Company, about the company’s 30th anniversary, a jubilee that they will celebrate in 2022, the company’s investments and plans, the impact that the coronavirus has had on their industry and where she sees the company in five years.
“Despite all the challenges, we have been operating and surviving on the market for three decades. And not only do we survive but we are constantly working to improve the company. In each segment of our business, and we operate on three different fronts – international transport, rental and sale of construction machinery and civil engineering – we have made it to the top, while constantly investing in the company’s development, “says Branka Perić Šljivić.
Next year, you will celebrate a significant jubilee – 30 years of a successful business. Could you tell us what marked this period in the company’s operations?
This jubilee is of great importance for our company, because despite all the challenges we had to face in the last three decades, we have survived in the market, and not only survived but have constantly worked on improving and developing our company which currently has over 160 employees in Serbia and 11 employees in Slovenia.
I can confidently say that we belong to the group of the companies that have constantly been making big steps forward, so that today, after almost thirty years since our inception, we have become a modern company with state-of-the-art EURO6 trucks and a wide range of construction machines and equipment on offer. International transport with European routes is our base. Currently, we have 100 vehicles, of which 50 are refrigerator trucks and the rest are food tanks and trucks with tarpaulins.
A large part of our business consists of selling and renting construction machinery and equipment, as well as civil engineering. We currently have over 250 different units in stock, which are available for sale and rent. We also offer excavators of all sizes, up to 55t, with a large selection of accessories. We are at the very top in every segment of our business, constantly investing in the company’s development.
I can confidently say that we belong to the group of companies that have constantly been making big steps forward.
You have built a recognizable market brand. What are your advantages over similar companies?
Our advantage is above all the exceptional flexibility and the company’s readiness to reply to inquiries. Thanks to our latest equipment and a structured, quality team, we can respond to the toughest demands, regardless of which part of our business we are talking about. When it comes to renting equipment, we are covering the entire Serbia. One of our biggest tasks at the moment, in terms of renting the equipment, is the construction of the Moravian Corridor, i.e. Pojate-Kruševac-Čačak stretch. Also, the wide range of construction machinery and equipment that we have on offer, our mobile services and professional staff enable us to act quickly and do quality work. We are currently working on improving the management process in the company. This is a serious professionalization project where we are transiting from a family-run business to a big company. We believe that by investing in human resources, we are going to increase the company’s quality.
Persisting in business is the biggest challenge, and the business you are engaged in requires that you be “online” 24 hours a day and be informed about worldwide developments. How important is it to have a team you can always rely on?
It is of crucial importance to have a team of people who are professional and dedicated to the work we do. Client trust is built through the quality of provided service and a good, dedicated team who are the key to the success of any company. We have employees who have been with us for 15-20 years and have significantly contributed to the success and development of our company.
The construction of a new business and service facility in Krnješevci is underway. Could you tell us a bit more about it and what can clients expect?
The construction of a new business facility is underway, and once it is finished, we are going to relocate the company’s management there. Our focus is on improving the quality of work by providing technical inspection services and a state-of-the-art truck wash because trucks have to be washed both before and after each loading. We have bought a large land plot, spanning 5 hectares, nearby, and we are going to continue investing in this location in the coming period.
We have bought a large land plot, spanning 5 hectares, nearby, and we are going to continue investing in this location in the coming period.
What should be improved in the country and the business environment in order for the transport and logistics sector to further develop? Can you make a comparison with the countries in the region? How do we fare in comparison to them?
It is very important to continue with the construction and overhaul of traffic infrastructure, as well as to continue the ongoing activities on reducing the wait time at border crossings, both on the Serbian and the neighboring countries’ side, whether they are the EU Member States or not. This would increase vehicle turnover and reduce costs, which would ultimately result in a reduction in logistics costs and make them more like in developed EU countries.
The pandemic has affected and slowed down the transport and logistics sector, and thus the entire economy. What are your impressions? What hinders normal functioning and uninterrupted work the most?
In terms of international road transport, vehicles being late due to daily jams at the borders, as well as all-day stay at customs offices are a complete waste of money, both for businesses and the state. Expanding border crossing capacity and allowing in-house customs clearance options would further expedite the process.
Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?
Given that we operate on three different fronts – international transport, rental and sale of construction machinery and civil engineering – we strive to increase the capacity in the coming years to provide services in each of these segments, in addition to our services being recognized more in the market and remaining a stable partner to our clients.
The years of challenges are behind us, but the obvious unpredictability of what is happening in the world due to the pandemic creates a slight dose of uncertainty. Consequently, all the plans we have are in line with the company’s realistic capabilities.