Steve Tomlinson

 

After 33 years in the freight and customs industry, one thing is clear - this is a career that shapes you as much as you shape it.

 

I started back in 1993 as a customs runner under Norm Wickes at Beacon Customs Brokers’ Airport Division. It was a hands-on introduction in every sense of the word. My days were spent travelling between NZ Customs and MPI, calling on shipping lines, doing deliveries, invoicing, and learning the mechanics of the industry from the ground up. It was fast-paced, practical, and, looking back, the best possible foundation. You quickly learned how every piece of the supply chain connects - and how important it is to get it right.

 

That grounding has stayed with me throughout my career. Even today, my role is varied. I’m still involved in customs entries and airway bills, handling bookings, working on sales, solving problems, and, importantly, staying connected - with clients, staff, and industry partners. That’s one of the things I value most about this industry: it’s built on relationships. Communication isn’t just part of the job - it is the job.

 

If I had to point to one thing that’s helped me get to where I am today, it would be persistence. This industry will test you. There are constant pressures, unexpected challenges, and moments where things don’t go to plan. But consistency, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning make all the difference over time.

 

The changes over the past three decades have been significant - particularly when it comes to technology. I’ve seen the shift from telex messages, fax machines, and typewriters to fully electronic systems, automation, and now AI-driven tools. The visibility and speed we have today across the supply chain is remarkable compared to when I started.

 

But those advances haven’t come without challenges. As technology has accelerated the pace of our industry, customer expectations have risen just as quickly. Everything is expected immediately, and that creates constant pressure on the people working within it. While efficiency has improved, workloads have increased, downtime has reduced, and the day-to-day demands have intensified. Looking ahead, I believe one of the biggest challenges we face as an industry will be maintaining the wellbeing and mental health of our people.

 

Despite that, what’s kept me here for 33 years is simple - no two days are ever the same. Every day brings different challenges, different conversations, and something new to learn. That variety is what keeps the job interesting.

 

One of the most rewarding chapters of my career has been starting Koru Customs & International Freight with my wife, Maria. Building a business from the ground up takes courage, persistence, and a lot of hard work. It also shifts your perspective. You move beyond the operational side of the job and start thinking about leadership, people, and the bigger picture.

 

What makes it even more meaningful now is seeing the next generation coming through. Supporting and developing future customs brokers and freight forwarders within our own family is something I’m incredibly proud of. It reflects not just a belief in them, but a belief in the future of this industry.

 

For anyone considering a career in freight, my advice is simple: stick with it. The early days can be tough. For the first few months, it can feel like nothing quite makes sense - and then suddenly, it does. That “light bulb” moment comes, and everything starts to connect. Stay patient, keep asking questions, and back yourself.

 

Looking to the future, technology and AI will continue to play an important role in improving how we work. But at its core, this will always be a people-driven industry. Relationships, communication, and real-time problem solving remain critical.

 

At the same time, we need to be mindful of maintaining capability within New Zealand. Outsourcing has its place, but if we lose too much knowledge locally, it becomes difficult to rebuild. Protecting industry expertise and investing in the next generation is essential.

 

That belief in people is also what motivated me to serve on Council. It was an opportunity to give something back to an industry that has given me a career, opportunities, and lifelong relationships. It’s been a rewarding experience and one I’m proud to have been part of.