INTERVIEW WITH YORDAN STOYANOV, CCO OF NTZ
- barboraarendasova
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
About Yordan
Yordan Stoyanov is a seasoned logistics professional with over a decade of experience in sales and operations within the freight forwarding and supply chain industry. Currently working as Chief Commercial Officer at NTZ Transport , where Yordan brings a strategic approach to business development, client relations, and operational efficiency. With a strong track record across leading logistics companies such as DSV, DB Schenker, and bERS Logistics, he has honed his expertise in negotiation, customer service, multimodal transport, and supply chain management.
David, can you share your personal story of working in the freight forwarding industry and how you see the future of the traditional freight forwarding business in the future?
Logistics has always appealed to me as an industry where precision, strategic planning, and adaptability converge. I started my journey over a decade ago, initially drawn to the operational complexity and global connectivity it offers. Over the years, my focus evolved from daily operations to commercial and strategic leadership roles. The freight forwarding sector is dynamic and ever-evolving, and I chose it because it offers a tangible impact, helping goods move, businesses grow, and economies connect. It’s a field that demands continuous learning, relationship-building, and innovation, all of which align with my personal and professional values.
What strategies have helped your company survive and maintain a competitive edge in the industry over the recent turbulent years?
NTZ’s strength lies in its agility and deep-rooted commitment to service excellence. During the recent volatile years marked by global disruptions, we focused on three core pillars: expanding our global network, investing in operational infrastructure, and prioritizing customer-centric flexibility. We strengthened our relationships with key carriers, expanded our warehousing and domestic networks across Bulgaria, and enhanced our digital tools. These steps allowed us to offer more tailored solutions, mitigate risk, and maintain reliable service levels when others could not.
Tell us about a recent example of the best-case situation that you are really proud of.
One of our recent success stories involves a complex international warehousing and distribution project for specialized cargo— specifically, oversized cases measuring 6.5 meters in length. Unlike standard palletized shipments, where KPIs such as on-time delivery and cargo integrity are the main focus, special cargo introduces an entirely different set of operational challenges. These items often don’t fit any predefined logistics “matrix,” requiring tailored solutions at every step.
In this project, we managed weekly flows of 4 to 6 full truckloads from Romania to Sofia and another 3 to 4 full trucks to Varna. Upon arrival, we executed detailed pick-and-pack operations per client order—typically 5 to 10 individual deliveries per truck—and organized last-mile distribution across Bulgaria. We also managed the reverse logistics of returning the empty 6.5-meter-long cases, a critical and often overlooked part of such operations.
What makes this project particularly rewarding is the transformation of our client relationship. Initially using our services on a partial, transactional basis, this leading European manufacturer for building solutions has now transitioned to a fully integrated, 100% outsourced logistics model with NTZ. The evolution of this partnership, grounded in performance, flexibility, and trust, is something we take great pride in—and we are confident that our collaboration will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Digitalization and technological advancements are changing the industry. Can you share your attitude towards this trend and planned investments in technology to enhance your logistics operations?
We view digitalization not as a trend, but as an essential transformation. NTZ is currently integrating more advanced TMS (Transport Management Systems), AI-driven route optimization, and customer visibility platforms. From our warehousing management systems to customs clearance automation we’re committed to digital efficiency and we strongly research in these areas. We believe technology should empower—not replace—human insight, and we aim to strike the right balance between automation and personalized service.
Your company offers a wide selection of services. What type of service have you recently included in your offering, and why? Do you plan to introduce any new services in the near future?
Recently, we’ve expanded our rail freight offering, particularly along the China –Aktau – Poti - Burgas corridor, providing a cost-effective and timely alternative between Asia and Europe. Given current supply chain shifts, rail has become increasingly important for customers looking for a middle ground between air and sea transport. Nevertheless the challenges for the Middle Corridor we strongly believe that alternative to the standard ocean routes should exist and we believe one of them will be the same Middle Corridor. Additionally, we’ve enhanced our 3PL and warehousing capabilities with new facilities and customized VAS (Value-Added Services).
How does NTZ ensure its services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client?
Customization is at the heart of our approach. We begin by thoroughly understanding our clients’ operations, pain points, and industry-specific challenges. From there, we tailor multimodal transport options, warehousing models, and even invoicing cycles. Our dedicated key account managers and operational teams work hand-in-hand with clients, offering proactive communication and adaptable solutions. Whether it’s specific routing requirements, special cargo handling, or integrated customs support, we ensure every service is purpose-built.
How do you ensure that shipments are delivered on time and in good condition? Can you mention some of the company's quality control measures?
NTZ’s reliability is built on a foundation of quality assurance. We employ a combination of real-time shipment tracking, routine service audits, and strict partner vetting to ensure consistency. Our own fleet and warehousing operations are maintained to the highest standards, with regular inspections and compliance checks. Additionally, our operational SOPs include pre-dispatch checklists, exception handling protocols, and temperature/humidity monitoring where required. All these elements ensure safe, timely, and traceable delivery.
How do you choose your partners outside of Bulgaria, and which markets have the most potential for you to look for new collaborators?
When selecting partners abroad, we prioritize shared values: reliability, transparency, responsiveness, and a customer-first mindset. We evaluate partners not just by size, but by their ability to act with agility and integrity. Currently, we see strong potential in developing deeper partnerships across Southeast Asia, North America, and select African markets. We are particularly focused on countries with growing manufacturing output and strategic port access—complementary to our core sea and rail logistics strengths.
What was the main reason for you to join WOF Alliance, and what are your expectations of the overall WOF platform in 2025?
We joined WOF Alliance because we believe in the power of community and collaborative growth. The platform brings together like-minded logistics professionals who aim to build real partnerships, not just transactional relationships. In 2025, we expect WOF to serve as a catalyst for regional integration, innovation exchange, and the discovery of new trade corridors. For NTZ, it's not just about expanding business—it's about building sustainable and mutually beneficial connections across the continent and beyond.
Established in 1995, NTZ is a leading forwarding company headquartered in Varna, Bulgaria, offering logistics-driven solutions to its customers and partners. Our commitment to modern standards and independence has made us a preferred choice in the Bulgarian market. Through our membership in global transport networks and innovative IT solutions, we ensure the best combined knowledge and experience in international logistics.