Tracey van der Linden

Freight forwarding has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. With both of my parents in the industry, I grew up around logistics, spending weekends and school holidays helping with filing or shipment paperwork. What started as “helping Mum and Dad” soon turned into a summer temp job, and then a full-time role. Twenty-four years later, I’m still here, and I’ve never looked back.

 

Today, I’m the Auckland Branch Manager at Röhlig New Zealand. My role is about leading our teams, making sure we deliver the service we’re known for, and driving growth in an industry that never stands still. No two days are ever the same - one day it’s solving an urgent freight issue, the next it’s developing a long-term strategy.

 

What’s kept me in this career is the mix of people and challenges. Freight forwarding is full of problem-solvers, and there’s a camaraderie that comes from working under pressure together. Some projects have been especially memorable, like coordinating freight for an international sporting event. The challenge was not just moving large volumes of equipment on tight deadlines, but ensuring that everything arrived in perfect condition and in the correct sequence for setup. Seeing the event come to life and knowing our behind-the-scenes work made it possible was incredibly rewarding.

 

The industry itself has transformed since I started. Gone are the days of cheques and paper files; now it’s digital documentation, real-time tracking, and automation. Customer expectations have evolved too - speed, transparency, and communication are non-negotiable. At the same time, global events have made adaptability more important than ever.

 

If I had advice for anyone starting out, it would be this: be curious, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Build strong relationships - this industry is about people as much as cargo - and learn to thrive under pressure. It’s all part of the fun.

 

Looking ahead, I think our future depends on two things: technology and people. We need to keep investing in innovation and sustainability, but also in attracting and developing the next generation. If we can combine those strengths with the adaptability we’ve always had, the industry will continue to thrive.