Interview with Baxter Freight on their 10th Anniversary

“During these 10 years, we have faced huge challenges such as Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, but I’m incredibly proud of how our team navigated these difficulties, turning adversity into opportunity without making redundancies or placing anyone on leave—demonstrating resilience, unity, and extraordinary commitment when it mattered most.”

Baxter Freight, Conqueror member in Birmingham, UK, has reached a significant milestone: its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the company has grown from a small operation into a thriving logistics leader, renowned for its customer-centric approach, innovative solutions, and strong company culture. In this interview, Ian Baxter, the Chairman of Baxter Freight, and Peter Isler, Managing Director, reflect on their remarkable journey, offering an in-depth look at the core values that set their business apart, the challenges they’ve navigated over the years, and their ambitious vision for the future.

Baxter Freight
Ian Baxter, Chairman of Baxter Freight, and Peter Isler, Managing Director of Baxter Freight

Q. What was the vision behind Baxter Freight’s development?

A. Having worked in the logistics industry for most my life, I knew what I wanted to concentrate on when creating Baxter Freight, and that was to focus entirely on our customers needs, and proactively develop how we serve them. We understand that our customers’ needs are not just local, but global. So in order to provide them with the best possible solutions, we decided to be non-asset based, as this offers maximum flexibility.

Q. How important are relationships within logistics?

A. We’re a global business, and we have the capability to move any goods to any place, and that is largely contributed to all the long-standing relationships we’ve built along the way, and continue to do so every day. Being a part of Conqueror Freight Network has been a game-changer for us in this regard. Through Conqueror, we’ve been able to connect with reliable partners across the globe, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. These partnerships not only help us expand our reach but also enable us to navigate the complexities of international logistics with greater agility and confidence.

“We understand that our customers’ needs are not just local, but global. So in order to provide them with the best possible solutions, we decided to be non-asset based, as this offers maximum flexibility.”

Q. What are your standout moments since the creation of Baxter Freight?

A. For me, it has to be the way our team dealt with Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both of these things were such difficult times to navigate for so many, but we managed to turn a negative into a positive. I’m really proud that we were able to work through Covid without making any redundancies, or putting our employees on furlough. Then, during a global pandemic, Brexit was happening. It was announced we were leaving the EU on the 31st December, so not only did we have a short amount of time to prepare for huge legislative change, that change was happening during Christmas too! During these turbulent times, our resilience and values were tested a lot. I witnessed stand out performances from all of the team, who were able to turn chaos into order – in a word, they were extraordinary.

Q. What changes have you seen to the logistics industry in the last 10 years?

A. The world is always changing, and no industry notices that more than logistics. Supply chains are becoming more complex, but it’s our task to simplify them. I think it’s fair to say that there are too many trucks on the road right now, and it’s our aim to improve utilisation for sustainability and productivity. This is something I recognised whilst developing Baxter Freight 10 years ago, and is one of the biggest reasons we work through a non-asset model.

Q. How has Baxter Freight evolved over the last 10 years?

A. I’m so proud of the values that we’ve developed over the last 10 years, as they’re truly a testament of what we stand for and what we believe. Our values act as both a reflection of who we are and a reminder to always live by them. Since the creation of Baxter Freight, I’ve also witnessed our team grow and evolve. I’m really proud that so many people have been with us from the very beginning, and they’ve felt empowered to take the job and run with it and make it their own.

Q. Which were some of the most interesting shipments you have handled in the last 10 years?

A. Well there’s been so many it’s hard to remember! Although, moving a delivery for Air Force One for President Obama is definitely up there. As a freight forwarder you constantly need to be imaginative, and without assets we’re free to use our imagination all the time – so anything we put our hand to, there’s always an injection of creativity.

Q. Where do you see the future of Baxter Freight?

A. The pace of change is always accelerating, and I have full faith that we’ll be able to get ahead of any changes that come our way. Technology is one of our top priorities to improve efficiencies in everything we do, and to help us navigate new solutions to topics like climate change. Our values have been designed to encompass everything we do, so I know that even in the next 10 years, we’ll always be creative, authentic, own it and be better together.

Conqueror Ahmedabad Successfully Completes Engineering Goods Project

The shipment primarily consisted of engineering goods, including motors, boilers, and tanks

HTL Logistics India Pvt Ltd, Conqueror member in Ahmedabad, India, has successfully completed a significant project involving the transportation of engineering goods from Chennai. The cargo primarily consisted of motors, boilers, and tanks. To handle this diverse range of items, the shipment utilized major liners such as MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and HMM.

Engineering Goods Project Shipment
Engineering Goods Project Shipment by HTL Logistics

 

HTL Logistics provided an end-to-end solution that encompassed pick-up, clearance, stuffing, lashing, chocking, and transportation to the port. This ensured a seamless transition from the initial stages to the final delivery. However, one of the major challenges faced during this project was ensuring the protection and security of the goods throughout the transportation process. To overcome this HTL Logistics secured the vehicles and containers used for transport and ensured that all drivers were thoroughly trained in security procedures. Moreover, the transporter service selected for this project adhered to strict compliance measures, including obtaining all necessary road permissions, to ensure the utmost safety of the cargo. Additionally, they used a variety of special equipment, to accommodate the specific requirements of the cargo. The transportation process adopted a hybrid approach, using semi low bed trailers tailored to the cargo needs at various stages.

OOG Shipment - HTL - Conqueror
OOG Shipment – HTL Logistics

 

Amit Chawla from HTL Logistics commented, “Our team is committed to providing insightful logistics solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This project presented some challenges, but our careful planning and execution ensured its successful completion.” He added, “Lastly, we are proud of our ability to handle complex logistics operations and deliver results that exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Congratulations to Conqueror Ahmedabad and all the best for their upcoming projects!

Conqueror Xingang Promotes New Railway Route from China to Europe

The new route that bypasses Russia, offers a more suitable and efficient solution for European customers

Great Master Logistics Co., Ltd., Conqueror member in Xingang, China, has introduced a new railway route that bypasses Russia, providing a more efficient and tailored solution for clients in Europe. This development is a strategic response to the growing demand for alternative rail transportation options in light of restrictions on routes passing through Russia.

New Railway Route of Conqueror Xingang

 

Cindy Luo, the Overseas Development Assistant Manager at Great Master, emphasizes the company’s extensive experience in rail transportation and their strong presence in China.

With extensive experience in rail transportation, they specialize in organizing rail consolidations from China to Europe. Additionally, their offices in central China primarily focusses on rail services, with one office alone managing consolidations of around 6,000 cbm and over 200 TEUs per month.

“Our new railway route is an excellent option for European clients seeking alternative shipping solutions,” she said. “We encourage Conqueror members to get in touch with us for more information about this route and how it can benefit their operations.”

Congratulations to Conqueror Xingang and all the best for their upcoming projects!

Conqueror’s September Newsletter: A Source for Industry Insights and Networking Opportunities

Conqueror’s September newsletter is packed with key industry updates, exciting conference announcements, and the latest news from our network members

logistics newsletter
Click on the above image to read Conqueror’s September Newsletter

 

Conqueror Freight Network rolls out its September newsletter, which comes with vital updates, industry insights, and news tailored for the members. The spotlight for this edition is on Conqueror’s highly anticipated 11th Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place in the city of Abu Dhabi, UAE, from May 7th to 9th, 2025. Following the success of Conqueror’s 10th in-person conference in Bali, this upcoming gathering is set to be an unparalleled opportunity for members to fortify existing business relationships and unlock new avenues for collaboration within the logistics sector.

In this newsletter, readers will find comprehensive information about the 11th Annual Meeting, emphasizing why participation is essential for maximizing the networking potential that such an important event offers. Therefore, members are strongly encouraged to participate and ensure that they capitalize on the invaluable interactions that will unfold in course of the 3-day event.

Additionally, the newsletter delves into the key developments that have shaped the logistics landscape over the past three months. A highlight of this edition is the feature on the green shipping initiative, highlighting the strategic partnership between Cosco Shipping and Fortescue. This collaboration underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, paving the way for a greener future in logistics.

Lastly, to round off this edition, there is a featured blog offering practical tips for independent freight forwarders on effectively managing customer complaints. This resource aims to empower members with strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships.

Click here to continue reading the newsletter and gear up to propel your logistics journey forward!

Conqueror Bogota Surpasses 3000 Operations in 2023, Achieving Remarkable Growth

Transtainer SAS has exceeded its operational targets and achieved a 50% budget increase, driven by commodity management

Transtainer SAS, Conqueror member in Bogota, Colombia, has announced a remarkable achievement for the year 2023. The company surpassed its operational objectives, recording over 3,000 operations and experiencing a significant growth of more than 50% over its budget.

Conrado Zuluaga, Sales Manager & Pricing at Transtainer S.A.S., attributes this growth to their specialization in items such as sugar, coffee, and scrap metal. “The focus on these products has allowed our company to solidify its presence in the commodities market and deliver unparalleled expertise and service to the clients.”

freight forwarder in Bogota
The Transtainer Team

Their objectives for 2023 included reaching both operational and financial targets, a goal they have not only met but exceeded. Moreover, the company’s deep understanding and experience in handling a high volume of commodity-related operations have significantly led to its growth. “The experience and know-how we have in handling so many products and the sheer volume of our operations are tremendous advantages for our customers,” Zuluaga emphasized.

Additionally, Conqueror Bogota has maintained its BASC (Business Alliance for Secure Commerce) certification, similar to C-TPAT in the U.S., for another year (2024-2025), further reinforcing their dedication to secure and efficient trade practices.

Congratulations to Transtainer SAS and all the best with their upcoming endeavours!

New Recruitment Campaign Launched by Conqueror Birmingham to Increase the Number of Account Managers

The expansion of their sales team is a part of their strategy aimed at fostering enduring customer relationships

Baxter Freight, Conqueror member in Birmingham, UK, has launched a new recruitment campaign to increase account manager numbers by 40% in 2024. With a focus on building and nurturing long-term customer relationships, Baxter Freight has adopted a new approach to recruiting sales professionals, centered around meeting the growing needs of their customers.

Now in its 10th year, Baxter Freight has seen the logistics industry evolve significantly over the past decade. Particularly after Brexit, the complexities around logistics and supply chains have grown substantially. For many UK businesses, trading with Europe has become more difficult, and even domestically, growing environmental, political, and economic pressures are also disrupting the flow of goods around the UK. In response, Baxter Freight has strengthened its customer-facing account manager role to provide the hands-on support businesses need to successfully navigate these challenges. They call this new era of sales professionals, Solutions Architects.

HR director of Baxter Freight, Lorraine Sutcliffe said, “As a Solutions Architect, we encourage account managers to know their customers’ supply chains inside out so they can provide businesses with solutions that relieve the challenges they are facing and offer improved efficiencies. Additionally, in terms of attracting the right people, our recruitment campaign invites individuals to go on a career journey with us. It’s about growing their skills and investing in their career progression with a clear structure, training, and excellent earning potential.”

In line with Baxter Freight’s growth plans, the business aims to add 16 new account managers to the team in 2024, taking their total staff numbers to 155 by the end of the year, with a projected turnover of £40 million.

“Our core values of resilience, authenticity, creativity and collaboration mean that our team can take ownership and make their mark in a busy and evolving industry, where no two days are ever the same,” adds Ms Sutcliffe.

Congratulations to Conqueror Birmingham and wishing them the best for their upcoming endeavours!

Conqueror Vancouver Celebrates Seven Decades in the Industry

PCB Freight Management marks a milestone anniversary with a legacy of innovation and trust

PCB Freight Management, Conqueror member in Vancouver, Canada, celebrates its 70th anniversary. Established in 1954, PCB began its journey in a modest office. Over the decades, the company has grown into one of the most trusted and capable trade management firms, employing over 300 trade professionals who facilitate approximately 2,000 shipments daily.

PCB Global – freight forwarder in Vancouver

Reflecting on PCB’s remarkable journey, Alexandra Haukaas, General Manager Freight Operations, highlighted the company’s evolution and global reach. “Since our humble beginnings, we have matured and evolved into a global trading partner, helping businesses in over 100 different countries with all modes of transportation,” Haukaas stated. PCB’s growth and success are attributed to its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and innovation.

The key to PCB’s enduring success lies in its proactive approach to client service and technological advancement. “Over the years, the foundational key to our success has been pushing the envelope of what we can do for our clients,” Haukaas explained.

“Whether it’s imports, exports, high-value, or perishable shipments, we work to bring new technology and new ideas to those clients who have put their trust in us for over 70 years.”

This dedication to continuous improvement and customer-centric solutions has been the foundation of PCB’s operations.”It is our dedication to the clients that will keep us going for another 70 years or more,” Haukaas emphasized. PCB’s long-standing history and forward-thinking approach ensure that it will continue to be a leader in the freight forwarding industry for many years to come.

Congratulations to Conqueror Vancouver on their 70th Anniversary!

Conqueror’s 11th Annual Meeting Will Be Held at Abu Dhabi, UAE, in May 2025

Conqueror’s Annual Meeting

This in-person conference will provide an unparalleled opportunity for over 255 agents to come together and make way for countless business opportunities

Conqueror Freight Network is set to host its 11th Annual Meeting in the bustling city of Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 7th to 9th May 2025. This eagerly awaited conference of international freight forwarders will take place at the iconic Intercontinental Abu Dhabi. The freight forwarders meeting represents a unique and invaluable opportunity for Conqueror members to meet in person and establish lasting connections with reputed international logistics partners.

Organized with the intention of augmenting the delegates’ businesses, this freight forwarders conference will maximize the benefits of membership for all participants. The event will kick off with a corporate group tour followed by a Welcome Cocktail Reception, fostering a relaxed setting for networking before the start of the one-to-one business meetings. Delegates will be able to schedule up to 32 personalized meetings with their network partners, which form the core of the conference, facilitating strong and profitable partnerships.

Antonio Torres, President and Founder of Conqueror Freight Network, emphasized the team’s commitment to delivering a seamless and worthwhile networking experience for the delegates. He stated, “We have dedicated considerable effort to ensuring that our yearly conferences provide the utmost value to our members. Furthermore, our team is working tirelessly to provide an unparalleled networking experience for the delegates.”

Attendees will also benefit from FreightViewer workshops during the conference, keeping them updated on the latest features of Conqueror’s freight rate management platform. In addition to the extensive meeting agenda, the event will strike a perfect balance between business and leisure, with social activities such as the group tour, Welcome Cocktail Reception, and a dinner party.

Lastly, Conqueror has once again developed a web app to consolidate all essential event information at our members’ fingertips, aiming to make the conference a seamless experience for everyone. Members can access comprehensive meeting agenda and other meeting related information by visiting the web app and logging in with their email and password.

For further information stay tuned to Conqueror’s Annual Meeting page.

Conqueror Bogota unveils a brand new website

In a bid to elevate their corporate image and enhance customer experience they have revamped their brand logo and online presence

TRANSTAINER S.A.S., Conqueror member in Bogota, Colombia, has announced the launch of their newly revamped website. The updated site reflects the company’s commitment to modernizing its brand and improving customer interaction.

“We decided to redesign our website because when we changed the brand logo we wanted a new look and a website with a greater fidelity to the corporate image,” explained Conrado Zuluaga, Sales Manager & Pricing at TRANSTAINER S.A.S.

The new website not only features updated graphics but also incorporates automations that enable the company to regularly update news and manage the site more efficiently. The enhancements to the website are designed with customer convenience in mind. “We included different documents and certificates that our clients need for registration, which can help reduce time in the registration process,” Zuluaga noted. This improvement aims to streamline administrative tasks for clients, providing them with easy access to necessary documentation.

freight forwarder in Bogota
New Website of Conqueror Bogota

 

Additionally, the website’s user experience has been significantly upgraded. “This website will help our customers because we changed navigation mistakes that could appear in our last site, reducing the wasted time of the people that navigate our site,” Zuluaga said. By addressing previous navigation issues, they have ensured a smoother and more intuitive browsing experience for visitors.

To further improve customer interaction, the new website includes a contact form that automatically forwards inquiries to the company’s email. This makes it more convenient for customers to seek assistance or submit inquiries.

All the best to Conqueror Bogota for their future projects!

IFS Peru Exceeds Sales Projections in 2024 by over 30% Particularly Excelling in the Agricultural Sector

Their growth has been driven by the marketing of ginger, avocado, blueberries, and citrus fruits

International Freight Shipping SAC (IFS),  Conqueror member and freight forwarder in Lima and Callao, Peru, has surpassed its 2024 sales projections by over 30% compared to 2023. They achieved this remarkable success, particularly in the agricultural sector, by successfully marketing ginger, avocado, blueberries, and citrus fruits.

In 2023, IFS set ambitious goals to expand its presence in international markets, improve process efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction through advanced product tracking and traceability technologies. Mrs. Mónica Chang, Overseas Network Manager, states, “Exceeding our sales projections by over 30% demonstrates that we have aligned our focus and strategy with market needs. This success reflects the hard work of our entire team and the trust of our customers.”

IFS Peru- independent freight forwarder
IFS Peru Exceeds Sales Projections

 

The growth and achievements of IFS in 2024 will directly benefit customers by providing more efficient and reliable logistics solutions. “Seeing how our efforts translate into tangible successes motivates us to continue working with the same dedication and commitment,” Mrs. Chang added. Additionally, one of the most significant contributions to this growth was the export of a large batch of avocados to Asia in 2023. This shipment stood out due to its volume and the speed of delivery, achieved through improvements in logistics and the cold chain.

However, the agricultural sector presents unique challenges, including product perishability, climate fluctuations, and international regulations. IFS addresses these challenges by implementing advanced temperature monitoring and control technologies, establishing specialized strategic partnerships. Moreover, they make sure to maintain constant communication with partners and customers to quickly adapt to any changes.

Looking ahead to 2024, IFS anticipates solid growth in handling larger cargo volumes, especially in the agricultural sector. The company plans to expand its international distribution network, focusing on emerging markets and strengthening strategic partnerships. Additionally, continuous monitoring will ensure customers have complete control over their shipments, improving efficiency and reducing delivery times.

Congratulations to Conqueror member in Lima and Callao, Peru, and all the best for their upcoming projects!