Forward Thinking - The Freight Forwarding & Logistics Podcast

In this episode of Forward Thinking, Sam Smeaton sits down with Chris Roe, Principal Advisor at FR8 Advice, to unpack the hidden cost of “good enough” in supply chain and logistics.With more than 25 years across freight forwarding, operations, sales, leadership, and advisory, Chris shares practical insights on where businesses are losing money without realising it and why comfortable inefficiency is one of the biggest risks in logistics today.The conversation covers:• Why so many importers and exporters operate with outdated processes• The common gaps between people, process, and providers• How medium-sized businesses can outperform larger competitors• The role AI is actually playing in freight and logistics right now• Why volatility is now the “new normal” in global supply chains• What great freight forwarders do differently• Advice for younger people entering the logistics industry• Why niche expertise matters more than everChris also shares the story behind FR8 Advice and why he launched the business after decades inside freight forwarding and supply chain leadership.A practical conversation for anyone working in freight forwarding, logistics, transport, supply chain, importing, exporting, or operations leadership.

Sam sits down with Michael Altamore, National Sales Manager at Civic Transport Services — a same-day carrier doing over 150,000 deliveries per month. They get into what actually makes a great salesperson in transport, why moving into management isn't always the right call, how the industry shifted post-COVID, and the one piece of advice Michael would give anyone starting out today.In this episode:Why the best sales reps often make the worst managersHow to sell on value when everyone's competing on priceThe post-COVID shift in customer expectationsBuilding a career in transport and logistics from the ground upOn wealth, mindset and playing the long game

This episode, I’m joined by Amanda Bradfield, Head of International Freight & Logistics at FTA.Amanda has spent nearly three decades in freight forwarding and global trade, and brings a sharp, no-nonsense view of what’s really happening across shipping, ports, and supply chains right now.We cover:• How Amanda fell into logistics at 17 and never looked back• What actually changed in shipping post-COVID• Port congestion, blank sailings, and who really wears the cost• Shipping lines vs freight forwarders and why relationships matter• Suez Canal disruption, vessel oversupply, and what’s ahead• Why logistics is an underrated career path for the next generationIf you work in freight, logistics, supply chain, or global trade, this one’s for you.

Price and service still matter in freight forwarding, but they no longer win on their own.Sam talks with Sean Crook, Co-Founder and Director of Neolink, about why logistics decisions now hinge on visibility, technology, and data-driven insight. Sean shares how a beer marketing mishap led him into freight, the early grind of building Neolink, and why the old “price and service” pitch falls short.They cover:How COVID flipped customer priorities toward transparency and techUsing AI and automation to scale without adding headcountLessons from Neolink’s first acquisition and culture-first growthHow roles in forwarding will change as AI takes over routine tasksFor anyone moving freight or selling logistics services, this conversation shows what creates real value beyond a sharp rate and a smile.

In this episode of Forward Thinking, Sam Smeaton speaks with Paul Zalai, co-founder and director of the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA). They discuss the evolution of FTA, the challenges facing the freight forwarding and logistics industry, and the impact of AI and automation on talent. Paul shares insights on policy advocacy, customs broker shortages, and the importance of building a pipeline of skilled professionals. This conversation covers industry trends, recruitment challenges, and what the future could look like for freight in Australia.