From a chance introduction to becoming a strategic pillar in freight forwarding, N.R. Saravanan’s journey with Flyjac Logistics spans 23 years of resilience, innovation, and client-centric leadership. His story reflects a steady force shaping the industry.
N.R. Saravanan, Senior General Manager – Sales & Marketing, Flyjac Logistics, began his journey in the logistics industry 23 years ago—not by design, but by chance. In fact, it was a familiar door that opened through his brother-in-law, introducing him to the field over two decades ago. What began as a job of opportunity soon became a purposeful mission. Once he stepped into operations and witnessed the sheer scale of global cargo movements, he was captivated. Logistics, he realised, is not just about transporting goods—it’s about moving economies. The dynamism of the supply chain world, its fast pace, and the potential to create visible impact became his fuel. Over the years, this initial spark evolved into deep-rooted passion, guiding his career with Flyjac Logistics and shaping him into a true stalwart of the trade.
From handling documentation and ground-level challenges to understanding the nuances of air and ocean freight, he steadily gained hands-on experience. His curiosity turned into competence, and eventually, leadership.
Qualities that matter
For Saravanan, success in the logistics industry is not just about experience or technical skills—it’s a well-rounded synergy of professional traits. Drawing from years of front-line and leadership exposure, he highlights a comprehensive list of qualities crucial for growth in freight forwarding. These include in-depth industry knowledge, a strong customer-centric mindset, and a sharp problem-solving approach. Communication, attention to detail, commercial insight, and adaptability play vital roles. He adds that technology awareness, ethical practices, leadership, and collaboration are just as important. For Saravanan, these are not buzzwords but daily disciplines that differentiate average professionals from truly impactful ones.
He believes that consistency in execution and a solution-orientated mindset create lasting impressions—often more than grand gestures or big wins.
Work-Life balance
Balancing a demanding logistics career with personal life is not an easy feat, but Saravanan believes it can be done—with discipline. He emphasises the importance of smart work over long hours, meticulous daily planning, and delegation. High-impact tasks take priority, and distractions are minimised. A family man at heart, Saravanan ensures that he disconnects regularly to spend quality time at home. According to him, this balance is sustained through clear prioritisation, mental discipline, the use of enabling technology, building a strong support system, and, most importantly, having a family that understands and supports the journey.
He also advocates setting personal boundaries and encourages young professionals to avoid burnout by nurturing hobbies, health, and family time. For him, productivity is not just about doing more—but doing what truly matters.
Words to the young
When speaking to young professionals or newcomers in the cargo and logistics industry, Saravanan offers heartfelt advice rooted in practical wisdom. He encourages them to master the fundamentals, always be curious, and embrace both hard and smart work. For him, the path to excellence lies in building strong relationships, developing clear and confident communication, and staying abreast of the latest technologies. He urges young talents to understand the “why” behind every task, remain patient, and never lose sight of ambition. His message is simple yet powerful—logistics is not just a job; it’s a learning curve and a journey of growth.
He also stresses the importance of staying humble, seeking mentorship, and learning from every failure as much as every success.
Driving change
In his role as Senior General Manager – Sales & Marketing at Flyjac Logistics, Saravanan has implemented numerous initiatives that have had a measurable impact on his organisation and the wider logistics sector. From customer segmentation and strategic account management to tech adoption and strengthening overseas networks, he has driven Flyjac’s value proposition to new heights. His sales strategies emphasise solution-orientated thinking over pricing wars, and his internal collaboration efforts foster a culture of shared success.
Innovation is central to his approach. Under his leadership, Flyjac introduced digital freight quotation portals, automated rate sheets, and virtual supply chain reviews. Chat-based client updates, customised onboarding kits, and sustainability advisory have further enhanced client experience. His ability to integrate technology with human touch has been a game-changer.
Saravanan also successfully tackled industry-wide challenges like volatile rates, client loyalty, coordination inefficiencies, and payment risks. Rather than avoiding these hurdles, he confronted them head-on—building processes that adapt, scale, and deliver. His philosophy is clear: freight forwarding is not just about closing deals but creating solutions that last.
He believes that trust and transparency are the true currencies in logistics—especially in an era driven by uncertainty and global disruptions.
Turning point
A standout chapter in Saravanan’s career unfolded when a top-tier telecom company approached Flyjac with a massive requirement—1,500 tons of air freight for antennas and cables. While the initial quote placed Flyjac behind market leaders in pricing, Saravanan saw an opportunity not to win with lower rates but with smarter planning and solutions.
Recognising the client’s priority—reliability and transparency—he orchestrated a comprehensive process to optimise cost without compromising service. This process included detailed route and carrier analysis, operational risk assessments, and real-time stakeholder coordination. Instead of slashing prices, he co-created value with airline partners by committing to 50% of the volume, unlocking preferred rates without discounting. This secured the first half of the deal.
Saravanan didn’t stop at contract signing. He flew to the origin location with the client and partners to oversee loading and ensure smooth execution. His team deployed cloud-based tracking, real-time updates, and daily review calls, eliminating potential disruptions. The first 750 tons moved without delay or damage.
The result was transformative: the client awarded the remaining 750 tons. Beyond freight cost savings, the client praised Flyjac’s operational transparency and reliability. Internally, this success elevated the company’s reputation and validated Saravanan’s solution-driven philosophy.
Legacy in motion
For N.R. Saravanan, this milestone was more than a commercial win. It was a reflection of what true leadership in logistics looks like—prioritising partnerships, thinking long-term, and adding value beyond price. His ability to connect strategy with execution, to turn obstacles into opportunities, and to inspire teams to rise to the occasion cements his status as an unsung hero in the logistics sector.
He continues to mentor future leaders within Flyjac, believing that nurturing the next generation is one of the most important responsibilities of any senior leader.
Impact beyond metrics
The story of N.R. Saravanan is not about flashy headlines or overnight success. It’s about years of consistent value delivery, silent leadership, and deep understanding of what truly drives logistics forward. As a mentor, strategist, and practitioner, he embodies the spirit of continuous improvement. From enabling smart sales practices to shaping client success stories, he proves that real heroes don’t seek the spotlight—they build legacies behind the scenes.
His journey is a reminder that in an industry powered by speed, precision, and resilience, the quiet warriors like Saravanan keep the wheels moving—and the world connected.
