Exports and Process Management: A Systematic Approach to the Auto Business

“Export of cars today remains a promising direction, since there will always be demand for transportation,” says the Ukrainian entrepreneur and businessman, founder of the company GR8 Auto LLC, Illia Korotkyi. “When someone is going through a tough financial period, they'll pass on a new car and look for alternatives, for example, ordering a used vehicle from the U.S. Due to the war in Ukraine, changes in logistics chains and other international factors, we temporarily reduced export activity and focused on the domestic US market. Before the start of full-scale, we exported 50-60 cars per month, now only 3-5. In the long term, we plan to restore and develop this direction.”

Since 2024, Korotkyi has been working in America, where he is developing his own company for the sale and export of used cars, GR8 Auto LLC, in North Carolina. In running the business, he applies his own systematic approach, a developed methodology, thanks to which GR8 Auto LLC is successfully developing and operating reliably. “Any business needs order, control and stability. My methodology allows us to structure all processes and ensure the controlled growth of the company. In our work, we combine a systematic approach with modern technologies, CRM, AI tools and automation, which gives us a serious advantage over competitors who work according to outdated methods,” says the owner of GR8 Auto LLC.

Export process

Although GR8 Auto LLC’s activities are currently concentrated mainly on the domestic US market, Illia plans to expand the full-fledged export of used cars to countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa in the near future. He walks through every stage a vehicle goes through, from purchase to overseas shipment. “For both export and domestic sales, most of the processes are the same: vehicle selection, inspection, purchase and logistics. For the domestic market, repairs and preparation for sale are added, and for export, international transportation and customer support until the car is received. First of all, we control quality. Even before the purchase, we check the history through Carfax, analyze the seller and the technical condition of the car. For export, we carry out photo fixation of the vehicle at the auction, at the port of departure and upon arrival in the destination country. This way, we monitor the car's condition at every stage of transport.”

At the logistics stage, the company sends about 90% of vehicles in containers. It cooperates with international carriers such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and ZIM. Air delivery is used only for individual premium orders when the client is ready to pay for maximum speed.

To minimize risks in international car operations, GR8 Auto LLC uses the principle of transparency, and Illia Korotkyi personally checks all processes. “We explain to customers in advance all possible risks, spell out the relevant terms in the contracts, and set out the appropriate terms in every contract. This way we minimize misunderstandings and can work stably. Although there are stages in the international export of cars over which we have no influence. The biggest uncertainties are related to international logistics and changes in customs regulations. Transportation costs, routes, delivery times, and customs payments may change regardless of our company”.

Prospects for international export development

Korotkyi says that in the near future he plans to fully resume exports to countries where GR8 Auto LLC already has clients and many years of experience. "The priority for us remains Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. We also see potential for development in certain African markets, where we already have some experience."

Such activities will have a positive impact on the US economy. The export of used cars will contribute to an increase in trade volume, support the work of American auctions, transport and logistics companies, and port infrastructure. Transportation of cars abroad will create new jobs in the field of transportation and foreign trade. In addition, this will allow expanding the geography of exports, attracting new international customers and strengthening trade ties between the United States and partner countries.

In parallel, new directions will be developed, and processes will be simplified for customers using digital tools and automation. The entrepreneur plans to improve logistics to ensure the fastest possible delivery of the vehicle to the destination. He says that international customers want to receive their car as soon as possible. Due to complicated logistics, they are increasingly asking about the possibility of accelerating delivery. This is especially true for premium segment buyers who are ready to use air transportation. Korotkyi plans to focus on developing this area.

The entrepreneur is optimistic about the company's continued growth. Korotkyi expects continued growth for the business. "I see GR8 Auto LLC as an international company with several representative offices in major US states and a strong export sector. We plan to sell over 100 cars per month in America and export over 200 per month to different countries of the world. Our goal is to create a strong international brand that will be associated with reliability, service, and a professional approach to the automotive business."