Luke Barker
Export Operator, Oceanbridge, Takapuna, Auckland
Job Basics: An Export Operator works in the freight forwarding industry arranging cargo movements to and from international destinations via sea or air.
A career in the fast paced world of international freight forwarding has come by chance for Export Operator Luke Barker but it's one he's turned into a success.
Luke had planned to be a pilot and wanted to learn to fly after he left school.
However, following an eye test he found he was partially colour-blind and due to these sight issues his dreams of getting airborne were dashed.
"I was a bit lost at that stage," he says.
After leaving school in the sixth form he got a job by chance through a recruitment agency at a freight forwarding company.
The job entailed completing very basic document handling but it was a start in the industry that he didn't know a great deal about.
"I really just chanced upon it. I've enjoyed it and never looked back," he says.
Many people don't understand the role of a freight forwarder, says Luke.
Freight forwarders complete all the relevant documentation and work between authorities to make sure all exports or imports that travel into countries via sea or air meet Government requirements and client deadlines.
A freight forwarder never touches or sees any freight in person which might be a surprise to some.
"We are basically the middle man and make things easier for businesses shipping goods into or out of the country," he says.
"We try to make everything go smoothly for the importer or exporter. We deal with the trucks or transport, the fumigation and other special requirements cargo might have to meet and ensure all documentation is correct. We make sure everything runs as it should."
Luke works exclusively with the Asian market, chiefly Singapore, but also the cities of Pusan (Korea), Tokyo and Hong Kong. The freight involved can be anything from meat and other foodstuffs, to wool and all other commercial goods produced in New Zealand.
Singapore is a big stopover point for exports to Asia, Europe, Africa and South America so Luke is often communicating with his counterparts and business clients there to make things happen.
"We are on the phone and email a lot, working on documentation and computer systems," he says.
"Our closest trade partner is Australia. It's a three day transit so everything has to be completed yesterday."
The freight industry is a time urgent business and the main goal is ensuring goods are delivered on time to the right place.
Luke currently works for Oceanbridge a New Zealand owned freight company where he works in a team of eight plus a manager.
Oceanbridge trades as an NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier) plus a Shipping Line Agency specialising in shipping and freight.
Oceanbridge also has a strong airfreight team. Among many other services, Oceanbridge are master loaders of containers to and from New Zealand.
The company has offices in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore, Tauraunga and Christchurch where a large proportion of employees are under 30 and a work/life balance is encouraged. It means going to work is enjoyable and networking with others in the industry is easy, he says.
The international aspect of the job is one of the real positives of being involved in the freight forwarding industry, says Luke.
"You are working with people quite intensively so you do make contacts in other countries and you can see how others work."
Although different countries have different regulations a freight forwarder's skills are very transferable on a global scale.
He says there are also possibilities of work trips and job opportunities overseas through contacts made on the job.
All companies operating out of New Zealand have agents in each country they service, meaning there is an easy stepping stone when moving overseas. Often jobs and skills are directly applicable to a new job in another country.
Luke says young people thinking about a freight forwarding career should make some calls to freight companies and speak to others in the industry.
"There are plenty of jobs and opportunities so get out there and see what happens," he says.
For further information about working in freightforwarding at Oceanbridge email HR Supervisor Morwenna Henderson: morwennah@oceanbridge.co.nz