Key takeaways from the interview with Anna Maslo, Director at Drive Force
From managing freight transportation to leading operations at Drive Force, Anna has played a key role in supporting international institutions and building a team that works with enthusiasm and a service-first mindset. Her success lies in a personalized approach and in elevating client collaboration to a new level.
In Anna’s view, the logistics sector faces geopolitical instability, a shortage of personnel, and rising client expectations. Yet Drive Force thrives by focusing on flexibility, safety, and client-centric solutions, even under atypical conditions.
Although electric vehicles are still an emerging trend in Ukraine, Anna sees them as a key factor in the future of sustainable logistics. She also discusses the growing popularity of autonomous driving and how people will always be needed for critical thinking and customer service, despite automation.
Anna emphasizes synergy — the partnership between Drive Force and Task Force enables both companies to offer a seamless, turnkey service. From airport transfers with interpreters to event logistics — their combined services enhance the client experience.
Interested? Learn how Drive Force overcomes challenges and implements innovations in the logistics industry, delivering seamless services thanks to its synergy with Task Force.
Questions for Anna Maslo, COO of Drive Force
1. Experience and achievements
Anna, tell us about your experience in the logistics market...
I have worked in logistics for more than a few years. At Drive Force, I started as a freight transportation manager, and over the past year I have held the position of Chief Operating Officer. At my previous job I was also connected to logistics, but in a different area. It was an interesting and important stage that gave me a solid foundation, but I truly felt scale and drive in my current company.
Among the main achievements, I would highlight:
- Providing logistics support for international institutions during major events and visits — a strong vote of confidence from our clients;
- Building a strong, service-oriented team that responds quickly to requests and works with heart;
- Reaching a new level of client cooperation through a personalized approach;
- Being recommended by our clients — arguably the best indicator of results.
What brings me the greatest satisfaction?
Without a doubt, interesting, unconventional projects. Tasks that require flexible thinking, new solutions, and a non-typical approach are exactly what motivates me and my team. But the greatest reward is satisfied clients who come back again.
In my personal life, I’m inspired by travel. Every new location is like a breath of fresh air, a new perspective, and a source of inner reset. In my free time, I practice yoga and Pilates.
2. Current challenges in logistics: What are the biggest challenges Drive Force faces now, especially considering changes in global transport networks and post-pandemic recovery?
Today, the main challenges are the instability of international routes due to geopolitical shifts, difficulties with border crossings, and post-pandemic changes in client behavior — demand has shifted toward individualized, safe, and flexible transportation with an emphasis on high-quality service and vehicle availability in the most remote regions.
There is also a noticeable shortage of qualified drivers and higher requirements for fleet condition.
We address these challenges by expanding our partner network, optimizing routes, and focusing on clients’ individual needs. It is adaptability and client-centricity that allow us to remain reliable in changing conditions.
3. Threats to the logistics industry. In your opinion, what are the biggest threats the logistics industry faces today?
The passenger transportation sector faces ongoing challenges, including:
- Geopolitical instability — changes at borders and on routes.
- Economic pressure — rising fuel costs and inflation.
- Talent shortages — a lack of qualified drivers and logisticians.
- Infrastructure issues — worn-out roads and limited access to regions.
- Rising client expectations — speed, convenience, and transparency.
These factors require us to be flexible and client-oriented every day.
4. Client experience: Logistics is critical to customer satisfaction. How does Drive Force ensure that client experience remains the top priority, especially during disruptions or unexpected challenges?
In logistics, not everything always goes according to plan. But even in challenging moments we stay in touch, act quickly, and look for solutions, including:
- Personal account manager – each client has a dedicated manager who provides all necessary information;
- 24/7 support – always available;
- Experience with large-scale projects – clients can rely on our expertise and track record;
- Post-service — we analyze each experience and improve processes;
- Proactivity — we anticipate risks and minimize delays.
Because for us, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about how the client feels along the way.
5. Sustainability in logistics: The industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. How is Drive Force addressing environmental challenges and reducing the carbon footprint of its transportation services?
We recognize our responsibility to the environment and are gradually implementing practices that reduce our impact on the ecosystem, namely:
- Using modern vehicles with lower emissions,
- Optimizing routes to reduce empty mileage and fuel consumption,
- Supporting sustainability initiatives in partnership with eco-oriented clients.
6. Electric vehicles: With the growing popularity of EVs, how do you see the future of transportation? Do you believe EVs will become the norm, and what role will they play in the logistics sector, particularly in Ukraine?
Although demand for electric vehicles in passenger logistics in Ukraine is still relatively low, we are confident this trend will grow. Demand among our clients is modest for now, but we are monitoring infrastructure development and preparing for the gradual integration of electric transport into our fleet. This is part of our long-term sustainability strategy.
EVs are environmentally friendly, economical, and promising. Over time, the market will mature toward broader adoption of electric transport in passenger services, including among corporate clients.
7. Autonomous driving: The technology of autonomous driving is becoming increasingly sophisticated. What do you think about this technology? How do you believe it will affect the driver profession and approaches to logistics in the future?
Autonomous driving is a promising technology that is already changing how we think about transport and logistics. In the future, it will enable more efficient, faster, and safer transportation. However, under current Ukrainian traffic regulations, the presence of a driver is mandatory, so fully autonomous vehicles are not yet compliant with the law.
Despite this, logistics is rapidly digitizing. Even today, companies are implementing:
- FMS (Fleet Management Systems) — to monitor vehicle condition and routes in real time;
- TMS (Transportation Management Systems) — for automated planning, record-keeping, and analytics of logistics processes.
The future lies in hybrid solutions: technology that augments human professionalism rather than replacing it.
8. The value of people in the age of automation: With automation growing across all industries, including logistics, how do you assess the role of people? How, in your view, can professionals continue to create added value in an increasingly automated world? (Anna, please also mention Task Force and AI-assisted translations as an example in your answer)
Automation is indeed transforming the logistics industry, yet the human role remains pivotal. In Ukraine today, automated solutions still lack the maturity and regulatory support for broad implementation — especially in passenger logistics, where flexibility, quick response to change, and client-centricity are crucial.
Take translations as an example: AI now enables rapid text translation, but only a human can proofread, correct contextual errors, and adapt tone to the target audience. The same is true in logistics — an algorithm can plot a route, but only an experienced specialist will account for client specifics, unforeseen circumstances, and the human side of service.
People continue to create added value wherever empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and responsibility matter — qualities no machine can replace.
9. Translating with AI. Could you share your own experience of AI-assisted translation?
I have experience using AI tools for translating business correspondence and drafting content. This significantly speeds up preparation, especially for lengthy texts or repeated, template-based communications.
However, no machine translation should be treated as final. After the machine step, I always perform thorough proofreading and adjust style, terminology, and context for the target audience. In presentations, client emails, or marketing copy, it’s essential to preserve not only meaning but also tone, precise wording, and logical flow.
In other words, AI is an excellent optimization tool, but not a replacement for a professional translator — especially in professional settings where accuracy and reputation matter.
10. Technology and innovation: How does Drive Force use new technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics in logistics to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better client service?
We are gradually integrating modern technologies into our internal processes to make our logistics even more efficient and client-oriented. Key solutions include:
- Data analytics — helps forecast demand, plan routes, and optimize vehicle loading;
- Artificial intelligence — used for rapid request processing, automation of routine tasks, and drafting preliminary commercial proposals;
- CRM systems — ensure transparent communication with clients and quality control at every stage.
These solutions allow us to reduce costs, respond faster to requests, and guarantee a reliable level of service even in non-standard conditions.
11. Synergy between companies: How do you assess the synergy between Drive Force and Task Force, and how can both companies collaborate to improve client service quality?
We see great value in combining the services of Drive Force and Task Force, especially in serving international clients. This synergy enables comprehensive solutions that significantly improve service quality and save clients time.
For example, if a client in the pharmaceutical sector orders a transfer for a foreign speaker from an airport in a neighboring country, we can immediately offer interpreter support for the conference. Or conversely — when an event agency approaches a translation company, we can complement the service with comfortable, on-time transportation for guests.
