People in Focus

08/09/2026

One of the things I find interesting about freight recruitment is how much importance we place on industry experience.

And there are good reasons for it.

Freight is complicated. Mistakes can be expensive. Training takes time. When a team is already stretched, sometimes you genuinely need someone who can walk in and do the job.

But are we sometimes too quick to dismiss experience gained somewhere else?

My latest edition of Freight Unpacked was inspired by my conversation with Sean Hunter.

Sean didn't start his career in freight forwarding. He spent more than 20 years in marine wholesaling before an opportunity brought him into the industry.

He had plenty to learn about freight forwarding, but he wasn't starting from zero.

He understood importing, warehousing, distribution, customers and freight rates. More importantly, he'd spent years experiencing logistics from the customer's side.

It made me think about something I see regularly in recruitment.

We ask: "Do they have freight forwarding experience?"

Perhaps we should also be asking:

"What experience do they already have that could make them good at freight forwarding?"

As some of the traditional entry-level pathways into our industry disappear, I think that question is going to become increasingly important.

That's what I explore in the latest edition of Freight Unpacked: You don't have to start at the bottom.

What experience from outside freight do you think transfers particularly well into our industry?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

📖 Read the latest edition below.

One of the things I find interesting about freight is how protective we can be about industry experience. We often look for someone who has already done the exact job, used the same systems and understands the terminology.

12/08/2026

AI is transforming freight forwarding, creating opportunities for greater efficiency and less manual administration.

But there’s another side to the conversation.

Many of the entry-level tasks now being automated were once how people learnt the fundamentals of freight forwarding.

So, if those tasks disappear, how will we develop the next generation of experienced freight professionals?

In her latest blog, People in Focus Director Sharyn O'Halloran explores what AI could mean for entry-level freight roles, the skills employers will increasingly need, and why businesses may need to rethink how they train and develop future talent.

As Sharyn puts it:

“The experienced operator you want to recruit in five or ten years needs somewhere to start today.”

For freight and logistics employers, embracing technology and developing people need to go hand in hand.

Read Sharyn’s latest blog below and let us know what you think. How can our industry embrace AI while continuing to develop the next generation?

Link to blog in comments.

28/07/2026

One of the unexpected things about creating Freight Unpacked is that the conversations don't end when the recording stops.

I often find myself revisiting an episode months later and hearing something completely different.

That happened when I listened back to my very first conversation with Daniel Jovanovic.

At the time, I thought we were talking about customs brokerage.

Looking back, I realised we were talking about something much bigger.

What does experience really look like?

Daniel shared how he was initially unsuccessful in obtaining his Customs Broker licence. Not because he lacked technical knowledge, but because he needed broader industry exposure.

It challenged the way I think about professional growth.

Perhaps experience isn't measured by the number of years we've worked.

Perhaps it's measured by the perspectives we seek, the relationships we build and our willingness to step outside what feels familiar.

That reflection became the inspiration for the latest edition of Freight Unpacked.

I'd love to know whether it resonates with you.

What's one experience that changed the way you think—not just the way you work?

📖 Read the latest edition here:

A lesson from Daniel Jovanovic When I started Freight Unpacked, I thought I was creating a podcast about freight and logistics. What I've discovered is something quite different.

28/07/2026

EPISODE 7 OF FREIGHT UNPACKED IS LIVE

What does it take to build a successful career in freight?

In this episode of Freight Unpacked, I sit down with Sean Hunter, whose career has spanned marine wholesaling, freight forwarding and now a unique wholesale freight model.

What makes Sean's perspective so interesting is that he's experienced the industry from both sides. Before moving into freight forwarding, he was the customer, giving him a unique understanding of what clients really value.

In this conversation we discuss:
• Transitioning into freight from another industry
• Why customer service is still your greatest point of difference
• The impact AI is already having on freight operations
• Building careers through hard work, curiosity and continuous learning
• Leadership, burnout and supporting people in high-pressure environments
• Why regular communication and genuine support create stronger teams

One of my biggest takeaways was Sean's belief that success isn't just about working hard. It's about staying curious, taking ownership, continuing to learn and never losing sight of the people around you.

Thank you, Sean, for sharing your experience and insights so openly.
The full episode is available now.

Link to the episode is in the comments.

30/06/2026

Will AI replace Customs Brokers?

It's a question we're hearing more often as AI and automation continue to gain traction across freight forwarding and customs brokerage.

The reality is that AI is already transforming the industry. Tasks such as document processing, data extraction, and routine compliance checks are becoming increasingly automated.

What AI can't replace is judgement.

When regulations change, classifications are challenged, shipments are held, or clients need strategic advice, businesses still rely on experienced customs professionals to navigate complexity and manage risk.

As technology continues to evolve, the most valuable brokers will be those who combine deep compliance expertise with commercial awareness, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to embrace new tools.

In our latest blog, we explore:

✔ How AI is changing customs brokerage
✔ The skills becoming less critical
✔ The skills growing in importance
✔ What employers should be looking for when hiring
✔ How brokers can future-proof their careers

The future of customs brokerage may not require fewer brokers. It may simply require different skills.

Read the full article here: https://www.peopleinfocus.com.au/blog/2026/06/the-new-skills-customs-brokers-will-need-in-an-ai-powered-industry

29/05/2026

This feels exciting… and honestly, a little uncomfortable.

I have just launched my podcast: Freight Unpacked.

Putting myself out there like this hasn’t come naturally to me.

I have never been someone who enjoys the spotlight.
Recording, sharing my voice, being seen… it has always pushed me well outside my comfort zone.

Even posting on LinkedIn felt like a stretch at first.

But growth rarely happens in comfort.

So here I am.

Why a podcast?

After starting my career in freight and moving into recruitment, I have seen just how much this industry has changed.

But one thing hasn’t.

The people.

There is a strong, often untold community behind freight, and I wanted to create a space where those stories can be shared.

That is what Freight Unpacked is about.

Real conversations. Real experiences. Real people in the industry.

Episode 1 is now live on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Thank you to Daniel Jovanovic (J.P NSW) for being my first guest.

If you give it a listen, I would genuinely love your feedback.

Link to episode in comments.

27/05/2026

There’s one line in almost every job description that sparks more debate than most employers realise:

“Other duties as directed by management.”

For some businesses, it’s about flexibility and teamwork.

For employees, it can sometimes feel like a gateway to unclear expectations, role creep, burnout, and blurred boundaries.

As workplace culture continues to evolve, more professionals are questioning where the line sits between reasonable flexibility and undefined obligation.

I’ve explored the growing debate around this common job description clause, why it’s becoming a recruitment red flag for some candidates, and what employers can do differently.

Read the full blog here: https://www.peopleinfocus.com.au/blog/2026/05/%2Fother-duties-as-directed-job-description

26/05/2026

Are you an experienced Air Import & Export Operator looking for your next opportunity in freight forwarding?

We’re currently partnering with a growing and well-established logistics company seeking a motivated freight forwarding professional to join their supportive and collaborative operations team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work across both import and export air freight operations, with genuine career progression opportunities and exposure to end-to-end international logistics.

If you have experience within the Australian freight forwarding industry and are looking for your next career move, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://www.peopleinfocus.com.au/job/import-slash-export-air-operator-670757

People in Focus work with a wide range of employers/recruiters and is a leading provider of jobs in Australia with Job Reference 4041046.

26/05/2026

Are you an experienced Air Import Operator looking for your next opportunity in freight forwarding?

We’re currently partnering with a well-established and growing logistics company seeking a motivated Air Import Operator to join their supportive and collaborative team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a professional environment where your experience in air imports, customer service, and operational coordination will be highly valued. Strong career growth opportunities on offer for the right person.

If you have experience within Australian freight forwarding and are looking for your next move, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://www.peopleinfocus.com.au/job/import-air-operations-661440

People in Focus work with a wide range of employers/recruiters and is a leading provider of jobs in Australia with Job Reference 4015563.

26/05/2026

We’re currently recruiting for an experienced Customer Service Coordinator to join a well-established global freight forwarding and customs brokerage business.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong freight forwarding experience who enjoys client relationship management, shipment coordination, and working in a fast-paced logistics environment.

If you’re looking for your next opportunity within a supportive and professional team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://www.peopleinfocus.com.au/job/customer-service-coordinator-662137

People in Focus work with a wide range of employers/recruiters and is a leading provider of jobs in Australia with Job Reference 4018456.