Forward Thinking - The Freight Forwarding & Logistics Podcast

Hannah Hurckes is the Founder & CEO of Boss Lady Logistics and author of The Leadership Reset.In this episode, we get into what it actually takes to build a logistics brand that stands out. Not just moving freight, but building something people recognise and trust.Hannah breaks down her move from operator to founder, how she’s approached growth, and what most people in logistics miss when it comes to brand and positioning.We also talk about building in a traditionally male-dominated industry, hiring, and the realities of scaling without losing your edge.

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

In this episode of Forward Thinking, I sit down with Jose Coronel from Miami to talk about what’s really happening inside freight forwarding right now.We cover:– Growing up in a family freight business– Why most forwarders are still selling the wrong way– The biggest mistakes sales teams make– How LinkedIn and cold outreach can actually drive real conversations– Consolidation, tariffs and where the market is heading– Why specialising beats trying to be everything to everyoneJose also shares how consistently posting content changed his business and opened doors globally.If you’re in freight, logistics or B2B sales, this is a practical conversation with real takeaways you can apply immediately.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Pete Lynagh, founder of Haul Agency, a marketing firm that specialises in logistics and freight. Pete shares how he went from being an electrician to running a full-service digital agency focused exclusively on the logistics sector, and why most companies are still stuck posting “truck pics” instead of building real online brands.If you work in freight forwarding, transport, or logistics and want to understand how marketing can actually grow your business and attract better talent, this episode is 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, Sam speaks with Johann Psaila, sales leader and founder of Blueprint Coaching, about how freight professionals can future-proof their careers. With over 20 years’ experience across shipping lines and freight forwarders, Johann shares what sets top performers apart – from hunger and discipline to building a strong personal brand.They dive into:Why most sales teams rush to hire and fire, and how to fix it.The power of personal branding on LinkedIn (and why only 10% of people post).How smaller forwarders can compete against the multinationals. The role of AI in sales and why communication will always be your edge.Actionable tips salespeople can implement today to lift results.A must-listen for anyone in freight forwarding, shipping, or sales who wants to stay relevant and thrive

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.

Ep 1 - "They think all freight forwarders are dumb", with Arman Muhović from Northline Logistics. In this first episode of Forward Thinking, Sam Smeaton from LogiHire sits down with Arman Muhović, International Trade Lane & Pricing Manager at Northline. Arman shares how he carved out a unique role managing global agent relationships and why pricing, trust, and hustle still drive results in freight. We also cover some common misconceptions about the logistics and freight forwarding industry.We talk about:How the freight industry has changed in just a few yearsWhy customers are getting sharper and savvierThe real impact of geopolitical shifts and blank sailingsWhat makes someone successful in forwarding (spoiler: it’s not your resume)How to get more young people into the industryWhether AI is a threat or just another toolArman doesn’t hold back - from pricing strategies to therapy sessions with clients, this one’s packed with honest insights, smart advice, and a few laughs.For anyone in logistics, or thinking about getting into it, this is a must-listen.