Shining a spotlight.
The 28th June is National Logistics Day – not heard of it?
It’s a day to highlight all the important work that goes into keeping logistics running smoothly and shine a spotlight on all the people that make it possible.
For us, every day is logistics day, after all it’s what we do best!
This National Logistics Day we chatted with Joanne who’s worked in logistics nearly 20 years and is one of the longest serving members of Team Baxter.
We also spoke with Dan, who started as an Account Manager and is now one of our Associate Directors, about their career in logistics. We asked what it’s like working at Baxter Freight, and their advice to those starting their career journey in logistics…
Chatting with Joanne
When did you start your career in logistics?
I started my journey in logistics in 2005 at RH Freight as an operator for the Toyota French export account. Entering logistics was really by default – after being made redundant from my previous role, I was recruited into freight because of my language skills. Being able to speak both French and German has really helped me within my role as I’ve been able to build strong relationships with customers and consignees across the globe.
Have you seen a change to the industry since you started?
I would say that the logistics workforce is a much more diverse group. Working at Baxter Freight, it’s really refreshing to see lots of women in management roles and the new future generations of logistics starting their career – at Baxter Freight everyone is represented and given the opportunities to progress.
Somebody once told me “if you don’t know something in I.T. then always ask someone younger” – so I’ve got the perfect excuse because that’s everybody else in the company!
What part of working in logistics do you like the most?
I enjoy the day-to-day challenges, the constant problem solving and the fact that no two days are ever the same. Within logistics you’re always learning, whether it be new legislation, rules around Brexit, or finding solutions to complex problems. Even now I’m still developing within my role after recently joining our Customs Support Team.
What has been your weirdest experience in logistics?
I’ve had many weird experiences! There was a trailer which had become stuck under a bridge in Paris on a Friday afternoon on a bank holiday weekend and I had to spend the whole weekend speaking to the driver and the French police, trying to sort out how to get the vehicle unstuck.
Also, every December at Baxter Freight I help move Christmas trees, and I often joke with my husband that in December I speak to the chap in France who supplies the Christmas trees more than I do him!
Chatting with Dan
How has your career progressed whilst working at Baxter Freight?
I have worked at Baxter Freight coming up to 10 years in January. I have worked my way up from Account Manager to managing the department with some experience in business development where I was tasked to bring on some of our larger strategic accounts.
The various opportunities have allowed me to develop my commercial skills to be more strategic and consultative as well as how to develop others.
What is something not many people know about logistics?
Logistics is immensely complex, involves problem solving, adding value and ultimately incredibly fulfilling as you can make a real difference to not just companies moving goods but also the world.
Most people who start in logistics never appreciate that logistics surrounds everything that we do until they work in the sector. Globalisation is the direct result of logistics and as humanity evolves, logistics will remain at the center of every significant change.
The logistics sector has a major part to play with real world problems and those that join the sector can make significant contributions to make it a better place.
What would you say to someone looking to start out their career in logistics?
If you want to have a career that provides challenges that require problem solving and creativity and one where you can make a difference to businesses, logistics is a fantastic career to pursue.
Logistics is an industry that encompasses continuous learning and is forever evolving with new practices, technology and ways to make businesses supply chains more efficient.
For more information about how you can make your mark with us – get in touch today!
