In the coastal city of Alexandria, Egypt, a place where the Mediterranean whispers stories of trade, heritage, and ambition-young Tamer Abu ElSaa’dat stood watching the ships come and go. With every vessel that left port, carrying cargo to distant lands, a dream was ignited in the heart of a boy who saw more than just containers and cranes. He saw possibilities. Possibilities that would eventually shape a global logistics empire.
“From a young age, I was captivated by Business and Maritime field, which sparked a relentless drive to explore, innovate, and create,” he recalls with a smile that speaks of both nostalgia and determination.
Tamer’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future success. He pursued his studies in business at the Faculty of Business, followed by a Master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain and International Transport. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; today, aside from being the CEO of Cargo Land International, he’s a PhD researcher in the same field, continuing to deepen his understanding of logistics and supply chain dynamics.
But while his academic credentials are impressive, Tamer is quick to emphasize that entrepreneurship is not merely about degrees and formal education. “It wasn’t just the academic knowledge that shaped my success, it was the lessons I learned outside the classroom. Real-world experience, internships, and side projects taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about persistence, adaptability, and understanding the market.”
For Tamer, entrepreneurship is more than a career, it’s a calling. “I believe that entrepreneurship is about creating value, building relationships, and evolving constantly to meet the needs of the world around you,” he says, reflecting on a journey that spans over 20 years.
The Birth of Cargo Land International
The foundation of Tamer’s entrepreneurial venture was built on a clear understanding of a pressing need in the logistics industry. He saw firsthand the struggle businesses faced in finding reliable, specialized freight solutions. “I recognized a significant gap in the market, many businesses were struggling to find a partner that could handle the complexities of Sea Freight, Air Freight, Dangerous Goods, and Project Cargo,” Tamer explains.
This insight led him to found Cargo Land International, a company dedicated to providing specialized, reliable, and end-to-end freight solutions. Headquartered in Brazil, with offices in Costa Rica, Turkey, and Egypt, Cargo Land International has grown into a trusted name in the industry. The company employs nearly 50 well-trained professionals, each bringing long-standing experience in freight forwarding and shipping procedures.
“What we do at Cargo Land International is more than just transport; we provide peace of mind to our clients. We focus on tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each shipment, ensuring that whether it’s by sea, air, or land, it’s handled with care, compliance, and efficiency,” Tamer elaborates.
Navigating the Evolving Logistics Landscape
The logistics and freight industry, like any sector, has evolved dramatically since Tamer first entered the field over two decades ago. “When I started, technology was just beginning to influence the way we did business. Shipping solutions were more traditional, and there was far less emphasis on specialized services,” he recalls.
Today, the industry is driven by automation, data analytics, and a demand for faster, more efficient services. “Regulatory standards have become more stringent, especially when it comes to Dangerous Goods and Project Cargo. Sustainability is now a major concern, and clients expect greater transparency in tracking and managing shipments,” Tamer notes.
To stay ahead, Cargo Land International embraced these technological shifts early on, ensuring that they could provide innovative solutions while maintaining the personalized touch that has become a hallmark of their brand.
Navigating Storms: Lessons from the Frontlines
Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and Tamer is no stranger to adversity. The logistics industry, particularly in specialized sectors like Sea Freight, Air Freight, Dangerous Goods, and Project Cargo, is rife with hurdles. “One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was navigating the complex world of international regulations, especially when handling Dangerous Goods and Project Cargo,” he shares.
Tamer’s strategy for overcoming these obstacles was simple: stay informed, stay proactive, and build strong relationships with regulatory bodies. “In our industry, regulations are constantly changing. We invested in continuous training for our team and developed strong relationships with regulatory bodies, which allowed us to stay ahead of the curve,” he says.
Other significant challenges included managing the volatility of the global supply chain, particularly during economic downturns and unexpected events like the global pandemic. “The pandemic posed a massive challenge for us-rising costs, delays, and capacity shortages tested our resilience,” he admits.
But through it all, Tamer remained resolute. “We had to be creative and flexible, working closely with partners and leveraging technology to find alternative solutions. Resilience and adaptability were the keys to overcoming those challenges,” he reflects, underscoring the importance of staying agile in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
Tales of Triumph
One of the most defining moments in Cargo Land International’s journey came with the handling of an enormous production line weighing nearly 3,000 tons. “This was a massive challenge. One individual unit in the production line exceeded 300 tons. We had to navigate intricate international regulations, plan routes carefully, and secure specialized equipment,” Tamer explains.
Thanks to their meticulous planning and ability to collaborate with top-tier carriers and transport providers, Cargo Land successfully completed the project, cementing their reputation for handling high-stakes, complex shipments with precision and expertise.
Another notable success was the company’s work in transporting high-risk Dangerous Goods, particularly explosives and gases. “These shipments require intricate safety protocols and compliance with stringent international regulations. Handling these types of goods has become one of our areas of expertise, and it reflects the level of trust we’ve built with our clients,” Tamer shares proudly.
These success stories are not just about moving goods, they’re about building long-lasting partnerships and expanding Cargo Land’s footprint across Africa, Europe, and beyond. “We’ve built a reputation for being a reliable and innovative partner, and these projects showcase the strength of our entrepreneurial strategies,” Tamer says.
Shaping the Future
Beyond his work with Cargo Land International, Tamer is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of logistics professionals and entrepreneurs. “Mentoring is incredibly rewarding. I believe in fostering talent and helping young professionals navigate the challenges of the industry,” he shares.
Tamer is also a strong advocate for sustainability in logistics, particularly in the growing solar energy sector in Egypt. “We’re working with solar system factories to ensure the efficient and safe transportation of large-scale solar panels. This aligns with Egypt’s shift towards renewable energy, and we’re proud to play a role in that transition,” he explains.
One of the mega projects he is currently overseeing involves transporting 50 tractors, totaling 1,050 CBM and 550 tons, from Egypt to China. This ambitious undertaking is the kind of work that defines Cargo Land’s global footprint.
He’s also keeping a keen eye on emerging technologies like AI, automation, and blockchain. “These innovations are transforming logistics. We’re excited to integrate these technologies into our operations to improve efficiency and transparency,” he says, looking ahead to a future where Cargo Land International continues to lead the charge in specialized logistics solutions.
Advice to the Next Generation
Tamer emphasizes that entering the freight and logistics industry with limited resources can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach. He shares, “Specialize: Focus on a niche, like Sea Freight or Dangerous Goods, where you can build expertise and stand out.”
He highlights the importance of embracing technology, advising that, “Technology can level the playing field.” He also suggests starting small: “Begin with manageable projects, prove your reliability, and gradually scale up as you gain experience.” Building strong relationships is another key piece of advice: “Networking with clients, suppliers, and industry partners is key. Strong relationships open doors to growth.” Above all, he stresses the importance of exceptional customer service: “Be reliable and transparent. Happy customers are the best form of marketing.”
A Legacy Built on Trust and Relationships
Reflecting on his journey, Tamer distills the most significant lesson he’s learned: “Business isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. Trust and relationships are the foundation of everything we do,” he affirms. For Tamer, the true key to success lies in the connections forged along the way. He reflects, “From the very beginning, I realized that success isn’t just about having the right infrastructure or technical expertise, it’s about the people you work with and the relationships you build.”
This perspective has shaped not only his entrepreneurial path but also the way Cargo Land International operates, a company where trust, dedication, and people come before everything else. In an industry driven by logistics and precision, it is the human element that Tamer Abu ElSaa’dat holds most dear. It is a lesson that continues to resonate through his work, one that promises to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs as they embark on their own journeys.
