Sebastian Abril is a seasoned logistics professional, leading advancements in air cargo logistics at DHL Global Forwarding.

His journey in logistics began in 2013 at a startup, Interlink Forwarding, where he was the second hire and quickly rose to become the company’s Compliance Manager.

At Interlink, Sebastian played a crucial role in implementing CargoWise as the company’s primary Transportation Management System (TMS), developing a training program for employees, and spearheading the opening of a sister company, Synergy Warehouse & Distribution, in Doral, FL. His efforts were key to making Synergy operational within two months, implementing Descartes as the warehouse management system, and successfully servicing multiple clients. Sebastian left Interlink in 2016, and both Interlink and Synergy were successfully sold and acquired in 2018.

In 2017, Sebastian returned to Utah and found his next challenge at DHL Global Forwarding. He joined DHL as an Air Export Agent just as the company was re-opening its Salt Lake City facility. Within 11 months, he was promoted to Air Freight Manager, where he developed local procedures, built relationships with air carriers, and trained teams for both Air Imports and Exports.

In 2019, Sebastian took over as Station Manager, leading his team through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. His proactive approach ensured that the Salt Lake City station was the most prepared in the western region, with all team members equipped for remote work from the start. Under his leadership, the station’s resilience became a model for others, enabling them to hit the ground running during the global shutdown.

In 2021, Sebastian oversaw the transition in Salt Lake to CargoWise One as DHL’s primary TMS and played a pivotal role in training the region’s teams on the new system. His expertise in global logistics procurement, transportation management, and contract negotiations has established him as a self-motivated, results-driven leader in the industry.

In addition to his logistics expertise, Sebastian’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his successful work with Presotea, an international Taiwanese bubble tea franchise. He played a key role in expanding the franchise within the United States, further demonstrating his strategic mindset and ability to execute business plans effectively.

Sebastian’s approach is grounded in practical insights gained from years of on-the-ground feedback, particularly in the Salt Lake market. This foundation allows him to anticipate industry trends and implement strategies that are both relevant and forward-thinking. His leadership continues to have a substantial impact on the logistics industry, driving innovation and excellence.

Favorite quotes: “nothing worth building was ever without friction” | “Only that which can be measured, can be improved”