I have spent more than 37 years in the global transport and trade ecosystem, working across clearing & forwarding, logistics, warehousing & distribution, ship operations, sales and marketing, and management in various countries..
In that time, I have worked with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, customs professionals, banks, insurers, technology providers, regulators, and industry bodies..
This mix of frontline and executive exposure shapes the way I analyse the industry and the way I communicate about it..
Story behind Shipping and Freight Resource
I created Shipping and Freight Resource (SFR) in 2008 to make it easier for newcomers, students, professionals, and organisations to understand the industry..
At the time, reliable guidance written in plain language was difficult to find.. What began as a simple educational blog now publishes to readers in over 230 countries and has grown into an established industry publication..
Over the years, one thing became clear to me.. Most trade problems are preventable.. They usually begin with unclear responsibilities, poor communication, weak processes, misunderstood documentation, or a lack of practical capability.. SFR exists to close that gap..
What I work on now
My current work through SFR centres on helping the industry interpret change and make better decisions..
This includes analysing industry developments, providing market insights, digital trade shifts, standards alignment, supply chain disruptions, payment and documentation risks, and the practical realities faced by exporters, importers, carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers..
I remain actively involved in discussions around digitalisation, interoperability, electronic trade documentation like Bills of Lading, MLETR adoption, and evolving global standards.. Through these engagements, I aim to support the industry with clear, practical insights that help individuals and organisations navigate an increasingly complex environment with greater confidence..
Qualifications and industry involvement
What I write is built on a combination of practical industry experience, continuous learning, and active involvement in the organisations shaping global trade today..
Qualifications
- MBA in Shipping and Logistics, Middlesex University, UK
- Fellow, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, UK
- Postgraduate Diploma, Digital Supply Chain Management, Purdue University
- Digital Trade Strategy, ICC Academy, Singapore
- Maritime Law & Shipping Contracts, Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, UK
- Diploma in Freelance and Feature Writing, London School of Journalism
- Certified SAFe® 6.0 Architect, Scaled Agile Inc.
Industry involvement
- Chairperson, ICC Banking Commission, South Africa
- ICC Academy Registered Trainer
- Member, ICC DSI/IAB Working Group on Key Trade Documents and Data Elements (KTDDE)
- Member, ICC network of individual experts providing guidance on the ICC Handbook on Transport and Incoterms® 2020 Rules
- Chapter Head, Johannesburg Chapter, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
The wider picture
SFR is one of three brands I run under the Making Global Trade FIT™ approach.. Through HM Business Solutions I fix trade challenges, through Shipping and Freight Resource I inform the industry, and through Shipping and Freight Academy I train the industry for capability development..
Connect
If you would like to connect and collaborate, email me or find me on LinkedIn.. You can also read my articles, see how SFR works with brands, or subscribe for regular insights..