Marija Terzić, a specialist in traffic engineering and team leader at Samer&Co. Shipping d.o.o., shares her experience in building a career in logistics, the challenges she has overcome, and the role of women in a sector traditionally considered “male.” She speaks about how stereotypes are dismantled through expertise and results, and how companies such as Samer&Co. actively promote gender equality and inclusion, as confirmed by their Gender Equality Certification.
In an interview for the portal OIE Serbia, she reveals how innovations, from electric and hybrid vehicles, through process digitalization and route optimization, to the development of intermodal transport are transforming logistics and reducing CO₂ emissions. She particularly emphasizes the crucial role of transport in Serbia’s energy transition, through support for renewable energy projects and the construction of infrastructure for sustainable development.
Through her personal example and advice to young women, she demonstrates that a combination of knowledge, confidence, and initiative opens doors in one of today’s fastest-growing sectors, the renewable energy industry.
Marija Terzić, Road freight team leader at Samer & Co. Shipping
You completed specialist studies in traffic engineering. What motivated you to choose this field?
– Traffic engineering was a logical continuation of my undergraduate studies in postal and banking technologies, which already involved shipments, warehousing, distribution, and the entire dynamic of logistics definitely something I identify with.
Women often face discrimination in transport as drivers. What is the situation in traffic engineering—are there obstacles and inequalities?
– Although women as drivers sometimes encounter stereotypes and diminished trust in their abilities, the situation in traffic engineering is improving.
Traditionally, technical and engineering professions were predominantly male domains, which led to stereotypes that traffic engineering is a “difficult” or “male” profession. This resulted in fewer women in the field and consequently fewer visible role models and mentors.
However, today more and more women are choosing this profession and achieving outstanding results, actively breaking down prejudices and reshaping the image of the profession. Many institutions and companies recognize the importance of diversity and create environments where expertise is valued regardless of gender.
At Samer&Co. Shipping d.o.o., you hold the position of team leader. What does your daily work look like, and what challenges have you faced along the way? How did you overcome them?
– As a team leader at Samer&Co. Shipping, my daily work includes monitoring operational activities and my team’s performance, participating in tenders and project development, expanding the carrier base, and establishing and maintaining relationships with existing and new clients. Each day requires balancing strategic planning with quick responses to operational situations.
The greatest challenges arise with express shipments, especially when urgent delivery is critical for a client’s production process. In such cases, if a vehicle breaks down or there is any delay, I must quickly find an alternative vehicle, organize cargo transfer, coordinate with the nearest customs office, and ensure the shipment arrives on time. These are highly stressful situations where time is crucial, and every step must be carefully monitored.
I successfully overcome these challenges through clear team organization, strong communication with carriers and clients, and careful planning and monitoring of all operational processes. I believe that the combination of quick decision-making, responsibility, and teamwork enables even the most demanding situations to be resolved efficiently and without error.
Samer&Co. Shipping d.o.o. has been connecting the world through logistics for over a century. What is the role of women in such a global company, and how represented are they in leadership positions?
– At Samer&Co. Shipping d.o.o., women play a significant role in leadership and management. The group is co-owned and led by Lidia Samer and her brother Enrico Samer, who, together with their father Dario Samer, have been actively involved in the company’s operations from its early days.
Lilli Samer also holds prominent positions in international organizations: she was appointed Vice President of AIDDA (Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders). She has long been active in AIDDA, serving as President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Delegation and National Director of International Relations. In her role as Vice President of AIDDA, Lidia Samer contributes to promoting women’s leadership and empowerment in the business sector.
Women account for more than 60% of employees at Samer, both in leadership positions and in operational and administrative roles, a remarkable figure for the logistics and transport industry, traditionally male-dominated.
The company has also obtained the Certification of Gender Equality, an official recognition confirming its commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace. This certification is based on specific indicators assessing corporate policies regarding equal pay, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, inclusion, and prevention of gender discrimination. Receiving the certificate highlights Samer&Co. Shipping’s dedication to a fair and inclusive work environment.
Transport is one of the sectors with the highest CO₂ emissions. Which innovations in logistics do you consider key to reducing environmental impact? How do you see the role of logistics and transport in the development of renewable energy in Serbia?
– Transport is indeed one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions, which is why I believe innovations in logistics are crucial for advancing sustainability.
First and foremost, I think the broader adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in commercial transport will have a major impact.
In addition, the digitalization of logistics processes, such as advanced route optimization systems, real-time fleet tracking, and automated delivery planning, reduces unnecessary trips and fuel consumption. Likewise, the development of intermodal transport, combining rail, road, and water transport, can significantly contribute to sustainability.
Logistics also plays an important role in the development of renewable energy in Serbia, by ensuring the transport and installation of equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines. With the development of infrastructure for charging electric vehicles, transport and logistics become a direct part of the energy transition toward a more sustainable system. In other words, I believe that the modernization of transport and logistics goes hand in hand with the growth of renewable energy in Serbia, and that these two sectors together will play a key role in reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable energy system.
What advice would you give to young women from logistics or transport who want to enter the renewable energy sector?
– My advice to young women from logistics or transport who wish to enter the renewable energy sector is to be proactive, confident, and ready for continuous learning. This field requires a combination of technical knowledge, organizational skills, and quick decision-making, especially in time-critical situations such as urgent shipments or express deliveries.
It is important to build experience in logistics and transport, as these skills, planning, coordination, teamwork, working with carriers, and resolving unforeseen situations, translate directly into renewable energy projects. I also recommend actively developing a network of contacts and staying open to new technologies, including electric vehicles and process digitalization, since innovations play a crucial role in sustainable transport and logistics within the renewable energy sector.
Most importantly, they should believe in their abilities, remain determined, and seize every opportunity to demonstrate initiative and responsibility. These qualities build a career and open doors in this rapidly growing sector.