BIFA Awards
Enjoying a fully committed approach to logistics
to be a music teacher,” he said, revealing that he plays the pipes. “I am still passionate about music, and I play in the pipe band that Peterson sponsors.” In fact, Chris is finding ways to incorporate teaching into his career in logistics. “It is important that we impart the knowledge we have to new members of staff,” he said. “Skills are not meant to be kept to yourself – they are meant to be shared. All the tasks my team have to do are things I have done myself during my career, including driving forklifts or unloading trucks. Sharing my experience and being relatable makes their job easier and more enjoyable.” One of Peterson’s seven apprentices reports directly to Chris. He explained: “The apprentice on my team is working with me full time while completing his apprenticeship. I am mentoring him – so I am getting to teach after all!” Balance Chris puts in extensive out-of- hours and weekend work, as Peterson’s quay operates 24/7. Between that and the other demands of his role, he finds it essential to make time for himself. “The key to a healthy work-life balance is setting aside that time to switch off and throw myself into music or being with my partner and children; family time is a big thing for me,” he said. What other advice would Chris offer to young people about to embark on their career? “I would say you should throw yourself in, feet first, and go for it. Even if something terrifies you or you have never considered it before, it could end up being the best thing in the world. “When I joined the business, I would never have thought I could learn as much and progress as I have in such a relatively short space of time, and at the same time enjoy my job to the extent that I do. “My plan is to continue to work up the management structure, expand my skillset, and possibly also expand my remit beyond warehouse management,” Chris concluded.
Young Freight Forwarder of the Year Chris Carter talks to BIFAlink about being proactive, fi nding a work-life balance, and what he loves best about working in logistics
C hris Carter joined the industry at the age of 17 through a commercial trainee programme. At that time, in 2015, apprenticeships and traineeships in Aberdeen were primarily aimed at graduates – so Chris took a proactive tack to get his career off the ground. “I emailed local oil companies when I left school and I was invited to meet the head of HR at Peterson. Things developed from there and I was offered the position of trainee freight coordinator,” he said. In 2021 he was promoted to Customs and warehouse supervisor. Then, in 2022, he also became responsible for Peterson’s domestic transport division. Travel opportunities Furthermore, Chris acts as project manager for vessel charter operations. This aspect of his role has included travel to Israel to oversee the discharge of a sizable charter in 2019. “What I enjoy most about this industry is the variety,” he said. “No two days are the same, and I work with people from different cultures, backgrounds and religions. “Also, I have a brilliant team under me. Without them I could not do my job, and it is great to have colleagues who are also friends.” Chris has the sort of enthusiasm for his work that is impossible to fake. But joining the freight forwarding industry was by no means his childhood dream. “When I was at school I wanted
Virgin Atlantic Cargo is proud to sponsor BIFA’s Young Freight Forwarder Award to recognise and encourage the next generation of industry leaders. As well as rewarding the progress of the best young people, this award helps to highlight the vital role freight forwarders play in the growth and development of the industry. VAC recognises the importance of developing and retaining talented young people and is confident this award will help to attract more recruits that want to build a future career in a sector that is so important to the economy and international trade. Young Freight Forwarder Award
18 | March 2024
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