Ms. Nhung

In life, there are moments we cherish forever. Not because they are glamorous or brilliant, but because they represent a challenging journey that teaches us valuable life lessons. For me, my first $7,000 shipment at Interlink was such a milestone. It wasn’t simply a logistics deal, but a vivid testament to the value of “Partnership to Success”—where I truly understood that teamwork can transform pressure into motivation and difficulties into opportunities.

I started working at Interlink in November 2024, still a rookie with many uncertainties. My only experience was in sea freight sales, but luckily, I soon had the opportunity to try my hand at a door-to-door shipment to the US: sacred Buddha statues. This was a big challenge, but I knew I wasn’t alone. From the very first steps, my boss was always there to support and guide me. He patiently guided me through every small detail, from how to quote prices and listen to customers to revising each clause in the contract to ensure everything was perfect and accurate. His dedication made me feel more secure and confident to move forward.

The process of closing the deal and handling the order was not smooth at all. The contract had to be revised many times before an agreement was reached. The shipment, with its enormous quantity of statues, had to be converted from less-than-container load (LCL) to container, right when US freight rates skyrocketed. I was panicked and anxious for several days, fearing that the shipment would be delayed, costs would exceed initial estimates, and it would affect the company’s reputation. My boss seemed to notice the worry on my face, and immediately sat down with me to discuss and calmly analyze each option: which shipping line to use, how to change the destination port to optimize costs at both ends and ensure the most feasible profit for me. At that moment, I realized that at Interlink, no one faces difficulties alone.

When the container arrived at the US port, just when it seemed the storm had passed, bad news arrived: customs held the goods for inspection for 23 days. I was on pins and needles, meticulously documenting every development to respond to the client promptly. Then the real shock hit: additional costs exceeding $7,000, surpassing even the initial shipping cost. Holding the debit note in my hand, I trembled, my heart pounding, unsure how to face the client. But once again, my boss’s concern and encouragement gave me strength.

He patiently sat with me, reviewing the shipment’s progress, checking each invoice, and preparing explanations for the client. The documentation department provided dedicated support, compiling detailed emails so I wouldn’t miss any information and would always be up-to-date on the situation. Each person had their own role, but all were working towards a common goal: protecting the company’s reputation and supporting me through the challenges. I vividly remember the meeting with the client, which lasted over three hours and was incredibly tense. My boss calmly explained each expense and invoice according to the client’s requirements. I still remember the beads of sweat rolling down his forehead amidst the tense atmosphere, yet a warm smile remained on his lips, his eyes filled with trust, giving me strength. That smile helped me calm down and overcome the most stressful and frustrating moments.

In the days that followed, we worked tirelessly: from negotiations and phone calls to drafting explanatory emails. There were nights when I was so exhausted I felt like I couldn’t continue, but he gave me renewed faith, reminding me that incidents are unavoidable in this profession, but they help us grow, and with patience, we will definitely find a way to solve the problem. Indeed, thanks to teamwork and solidarity, along with the dedicated support from my superiors, I found a way to work with the client, and ultimately, the client agreed to pay the outstanding fees. The moment I received the news that the client had paid the full amount, and the costs matched the initial estimate, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was deeply grateful for my superiors’ support and also grateful to myself for not giving up. My eyes welled up, not only because a shipment had been completed, but also because I had come to deeply understand the meaning of the word “togetherness.”

That shipment didn’t bring in much profit, but it left me with a treasure trove of wisdom: learning to stay calm under pressure, learning transparency in handling situations, and most importantly – learning to appreciate the power of teamwork. I understand that: one person can go fast, but only with teammates can one go far and stand firm against the storms.

“Overcoming challenges – Achieving success” – for me, that success is not just about the shipment reaching the customer, but also about my journey of growth under the guidance and support of my boss. Interlink has taught me that: in any storm, teammates are the guiding light.