At Stockwells, we’re excited to strengthen our presence in Western Australia (WA), leveraging our deep local market knowledge to provide exceptional client support. Our recent expansion into WA marks a new wave of potential, enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive supply chain solutions across Australia and New Zealand and effectively bridging the gap between Australia’s east and west coasts.
Austyn Gambell, our linehaul expert who has just moved to Perth, is instrumental in connecting these regions. His expertise provides valuable insights into the WA market, and we recently sat down with him to explore the key trends currently shaping freight forwarding across the region.
Q. What key trends are currently shaping the future of freight forwarding in Western Australia?
Austyn: Sustainability’s a huge focus right now. More companies want eco-friendly options, so things like fuel-efficient routes and cutting emissions are top of mind. And there’s a strong push for better tracking – clients really want to know where their shipments are at every step.
Q. What are the biggest challenges facing businesses in the region?
Austyn: Distance is a big one. WA is far from the east coast, which means higher transport costs and sometimes delays. Fremantle Port is also a key player here, so if there’s a delay there, it affects everything. And then there’s the challenge of finding skilled logistics professionals locally, especially when demand is high.
Q. What strategies have proven effective in improving logistics efficiency between Australia’s east and west coasts, and what best practices would you recommend for optimising supply chain operations in WA?
Austyn: Cross-docking and just-in-time inventory are game-changers – they help cut down costs and speed things up. Working with logistics partners who know WA’s unique needs also goes a long way, along with staying flexible to handle any surprises.
Q. Can you share any innovative practices that highlight effective logistics solutions in WA?
Austyn: Real-time tracking has been a win for our WA clients, allowing them to plan much better for their deliveries. It’s made things much smoother and more reliable. Plus, our new Perth office has really helped us support clients locally and make last-mile deliveries a breeze.
Q. What emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on logistics operations, and how can businesses leverage these advancements?
Austyn: Automation and data analytics are big players in logistics now. Automated warehousing and smart route planning help reduce errors and make operations more efficient. We’ve also put strategies in place for our customers’ peace of mind – if there’s ever a data breach or system downtime, we keep secure physical copies of shipment information to make sure things keep moving smoothly, even if something unexpected happens.
What this means for our clients
Our in-depth knowledge of the local freight forwarding landscape, combined with on-the-ground support and innovative strategies backed by our expertise, allows us to effectively serve our clients in WA and beyond. Here are some key insights that inform our approach:
- Sustainability is key: We recognise that many clients are seeking sustainable logistics solutions. Our commitment to reducing emissions and optimising routes helps businesses align with their sustainability goals.
- Real-time tracking enhancements: With increasing demand for transparency, our advanced tracking solutions empower clients to monitor their shipments at every stage, improving planning and reliability.
- Efficiency strategies: We leverage strategies like cross-docking and just-in-time inventory management, which are particularly effective in WA’s unique environment, helping businesses reduce costs and respond swiftly to market changes.
- Embracing technology: By harnessing automation and data analytics, we enable our clients to enhance their logistics operations, minimise errors, and maintain seamless operations even during disruptions.
As we continue to expand our presence in WA, we are committed to delivering innovative and effective logistics solutions that address the region’s unique challenges. By leveraging Austyn and the team’s expertise, we help our clients navigate the changing landscape of freight forwarding, ensuring they stay competitive and responsive to market demands. Together, we look forward to strengthening the seamless supply chain connection between Australia’s east and west coasts.
If you’d like to learn more about our support in WA or speak with an expert at Stockwells, please get in touch today!