How to Check Your Logistics Partner and Steer Clear of the "Dolina Effect"

The story involving Russian singer Larisa Dolina made it clear: even a respectable facade does not guarantee reliability. An unchecked deal can lead to serious financial and reputational losses.

In logistics, the stakes are even higher: cargo, money, deadlines, and the shipper's business reputation are all on the line. One wrong choice of carrier, and you get your own "Dolina Effect."

To minimize risks, it is not enough to trust grand promises. You need systematic verification and due diligence.

Where to Find Data?

All necessary primary information can be obtained from specialized open-source websites before starting cooperation. This is the foundation for making an informed decision.

We have prepared a detailed checklist for you, based on the internal compliance procedures of logistics companies. Here is what to verify first:

Basic Legal and Financial Company Checklist:

• Active Status: Is the company operational?
• Registration Date: The older the company, the higher the likelihood of its stability. A minimum trust threshold is 5+ years on the market.
• Charter Capital: Significant and transparent capital is an indicator of serious intent and the ability to meet obligations.
• Average Number of Employees: Shows the real scale of operations.
• Financial Statements for the Last Year: Provides an understanding of the company's financial health.
• Taxes and Fees for the Last Year: Fulfillment of tax obligations is a sign of good faith.
• Blocked Bank Accounts and Sanctions: Check for restrictions that could paralyze operations.
• Reliability Rating and Risks: Use data from scoring systems. A high reliability rating, absence of shell company indicators, and low risks of liquidation or bankruptcy are key criteria.

Five Markers for Choosing a Logistics Partner:

1. Time in the Market and Stability
A company that has weathered several crises and cycles is a more reliable partner than a newcomer riding a wave. 5+ years is a good benchmark.

2. Team Qualifications and IATA Practices
Logistics is a complex symbiosis of transport, law, and finance. Having specialists with IATA diplomas (e.g., IATA Introductory Course) on the team indicates an understanding of international standards, tariffs, and air cargo rules, which is critical for transaction safety and correctness.

3. Compliance and Counterparty Verification (KYC)
A reputable company itself checks its clients and partners. Ask about their due diligence procedures. This protects both them and you from entering a chain with unreliable links. Their checklist often includes the same points listed above.

4. Due Diligence on the Client's Side (Your Mandatory Input)
Use the checklist above for your own verification. Clarify: How does the partner track and monitor the cargo? How is reporting structured? Be wary if: the contract is too simplistic and lacks detail, cost calculation is not transparent, or you are urged to "simplify procedures" in exchange for a "better deal."

5. Process Transparency and Reporting
A reliable partner is willing to detail the stages of transportation, areas of responsibility, and reporting forms in the contract. Control at every stage—from booking to delivery—is the best insurance against unpleasant surprises.

How This Works at ACEX

At ACEX, we operate on the principle of "trust, but verify." Our processes are fundamentally built to minimize risks.

Screening for Every Request: A new client or complex project always goes through internal compliance procedures.

Rigorous Partner Selection: Our network of agents and counterparties is regularly re-evaluated against all key parameters: registration date, shell company indicators, financial stability, OKVED codes, and litigation risks.

IATA Standards as the Foundation: In airfreight, we strictly adhere to IATA rules and practices, ensuring legal and operational purity of transactions.

Full Control and Reporting: We provide end-to-end cargo visibility and document every step of its journey.

Choosing a logistics partner is not just about finding the cheapest executor. It is about selecting a responsible link in your supply chain, whose reliability directly impacts your risks. Exercise due diligence, and your cargo will never become the subject of a similar story.