AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS


THE MOVE TOWARDS MULTIMODAL LOGISTICS


From trucking to global forwarding For many road operators, diversification comes with an identity challenge: how to retain credibility in their core business while breaking into global logistics. Discordia argues that its trucking background gives it a competitive edge. “Our heritage in trucking is an advantage, not a limitation,” Urzica says. “It gives us deep expertise in the most


complex part of logistics—the first and last mile.” That capability, she adds, underpins the company’s air and sea operations, which are built on “the same precision, speed, and service quality” road customers already expect. Discordia has invested in experienced forwarding teams, global carrier partnerships, and “custom-made digital


systems” linking its overland network with air and sea operations. “The result is credibility built on both legacy and innovation—a combination that sets us apart in the marketplace,” Urzica says. Its ownership of one of Europe’s largest truck fleets, she adds, remains the company’s biggest differentiator. “That gives us direct control over capacity, timing, and service quality—something few forwarders can claim.”


BY Edward HARDY


FACED with increasingly complex global supply chains and shifting customer expectations, traditional road feeder firms are expanding into air and sea freight—transforming from regional hauliers into full-scale logistics integrators. Discordia, one of Europe’s largest road transport companies, is among those to make that leap. The Bulgarian-


based operator, with a fleet of 1,500 trucks, has built a reputation for reliability and reach across the continent. But as markets evolve, so too has its ambition. “It was our air and sea group director’s decision to expand into air and sea freight in Romania, as the Bulgarian


market was already covered,” says Anda Urzica, Branch Director Bucharest at Discordia Romania Bucharest. “It’s a natural evolution of Discordia’s commitment to providing complete, end-to-end logistics solutions.” For a company long rooted in overland transport, the step into international forwarding marks a notable shift.


“As global trade became more interconnected, our clients increasingly sought a single partner capable of managing their entire supply chain,” Urzica explains. By adding air and sea freight to its portfolio, she says, Discordia aims to “connect every mode of transport under one roof, ensuring efficiency, visibility, and reliability from origin to destination.”


Digital integration and the push for sustainability Discordia’s diversification mirrors a broader transformation across the forwarding sector, where digitalisation and sustainability are no longer optional. Visibility—long a weak point for many multimodal providers—has become central to customer expectations. “Visibility is at the core of our multimodal strategy,” Urzica says. “We’re implementing unified digital systems


that connect all modes of transport into a single platform, giving customers real-time updates from pick-up to final delivery.” She adds that the system consolidates data from trucks, carriers, and partners worldwide, offering “one source of truth for shipment status, documentation, and performance.” Sustainability is also shaping decision-making. “By combining modes intelligently, we can significantly reduce total emissions,” Urzica says.


Integrators in motion Discordia’s ambitions over the next few years focus on scale and integration. “We’re expanding our presence in key trade gateways and enhancing our strategic partnerships with leading airlines and shipping lines,” Urzica says. The company is also developing integrated service centres linking road, air, and sea under one roof to streamline coordination. While Discordia’s story is one of corporate transformation, it also signals a broader industry pattern. Traditional road feeder operators—once confined to regional haulage—are becoming multimodal


logistics providers,


leveraging their control of ground capacity to move upstream in the supply chain. For Urzica, the strategy is clear: “Discordia offers something unique—true control and connectivity across every mode of transport.”


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www.aircargoweek.com


19 JANUARY 2026 ACW


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