María Carmen Aragón in Diario del Puerto
Diario del Puerto publishes today an extensive interview with María Carmen Aragón, General Director of Erhardt Ertransit. We share an excerpt from the interview conducted by journalist Loli Dolz with Carmen and attach the full interview in PDF format.
Carmen Aragón, General Director of Erhardt Ertransit, has no doubts: the challenge the company faces is “the continuous search for ways to add value to the stakeholders we interact with.” She confirms this in an exclusive interview with Diario del Puerto, where she also highlights how the company has evolved “into a multiproduct company, complementing transportation with customs and logistics consulting services.”
Diario del Puerto.- In May 2020, we learned that you joined Erhardt Ertransit as General Director. How did you experience this new professional stage in the midst of the pandemic?
I was very excited to start a new project and full of anticipation, as it was the first time I joined a company without being physically present, using technology as a communication channel: Teams. I was also aware of the great challenge ahead.
The first challenge was to build a strong team to face the situation we were experiencing during and after the pandemic. My first decision was to call a Management Committee meeting via Teams with a team I had not yet met and involve them in a new project.
And I succeeded. Today, Erhardt Ertransit is a group of professionals with diverse skills who share the company’s mission and values and are ready to face the challenges ahead.
Diario del Puerto.- How do you assess your performance since joining the Erhardt Ertransit project?
The assessment could be summarized as “continuous adaptation to change.” In recent years, we have operated in a highly volatile environment where, while rapidly adapting to digitalization, new regulations, and different ways of working, we also had to ensure the quality of service demanded by our clients. During this period, I have strived to implement a system that allows the company to adapt quickly to changes while ensuring business continuity.
Diario del Puerto.- Which project are you most satisfied with?
At Erhardt Ertransit, “Cultural Transformation” is an ongoing project that drives the development of our workforce and the optimization of tools to meet the needs of our stakeholders.
As part of this transformation, we have developed an Equality Plan, implementing measures that have contributed to creating an optimal work environment and retaining talent.
We have also driven digital transformation, improving our communication and management tools to maintain constant connectivity with employees, clients, suppliers, public entities, and shareholders, ensuring a swift response to any need.
A key milestone was the change in our operational management platform in January 2025, which will enhance our responsiveness by 120%.
Additionally, we have evolved into a multiproduct company, complementing transportation with customs and logistics consulting services. Within transportation, we have diversified our offerings by expanding beyond maritime transport to include air freight, where this year we have moved one million kilos.
Diario del Puerto.- What are the main challenges your company faces at the moment?
The continuous search for ways to add value to the stakeholders we interact with.
Diario del Puerto.- And the logistics chain?
The same challenge: adapting to the market’s continuous changes, implementing policies that help reduce the carbon footprint while complying with environmental regulations.
One of the biggest challenges is likely the shortage of workers, especially drivers and warehouse operators, which leads to the automation of tasks and the development of major training programs to retain talent.
Diario del Puerto.- How do you evaluate the company’s performance in 2024?
For Erhardt Ertransit, 2024 was a year of significant sales growth, exceeding 25%, which resulted in a net profit almost 50% higher than in 2023. We encountered major opportunities, particularly in the International and Logistics sectors, which allowed us to meet our expectations.
We view the year positively. Being a multiproduct company has helped us successfully navigate the ongoing volatility in maritime freight rates.
In this regard, in 2024, we integrated a logistics company specializing in the textile sector, GV Sea Freight, which will strengthen the global service we offer our clients.
This was also the first year we worked within our group’s major project, Erhardt Logistics, with the goal of providing end-to-end integrated logistics services.
