Sebastian Norton

6.00 AM 
Every day eases into existence with a simulated Google sunrise and the not-so-simulated roosters outside my window. The first thing on my weekday agenda is to head outside onto the deck and start spinning the jump rope. This exercise is strictly followed by a shower before I set my sights on the day! My early morning admin is then followed by a 10-minute meditation to get into the right mindset, then is meal prep and off to the depot to become one with the freight.

7.00 AM
I arrive briskly at work at 7.00 am and greet the team. Shortly, not before long, I brew myself a hot Aeropress (coffee), check in over any pressing emails, and survey the week’s container list. I’m then off to catch up with the dispatch team to see what the day has in store. Mainfreight’s transport systems are comprehensive and we’re able to see all the places freight has moved -capturing any key information about each consignment (item of freight) as it ventures through our supply chain.

10.00 AM
Every day is different, but today at 10.00 am, I catch up with the dispatch team to reflect on how the freight has been flowing through the network, ensuring we’ve done what we can to deliver that freight on time and in full to our customers. PAT (positive action team) meetings are integral to the function and maintenance of Mainfreight’s processes and culture. They’re a great chance to get feedback from the team as well as highlight goals and solutions. We’re currently working on implementing some significant changes in our dispatching approach so that our communication and accuracy are the best they can be.

12.00 PM 
As lunchtime approaches, I start considering the necessity of food and meander to the fridge to enjoy a little peace and quiet. There’s always a weekend story and exchange of opinions that reminds me that it’s the diversity of life stories that make the team so strong and interesting! Lunch is interrupted a little early as I remember that I’m meant to be helping out with a BBQ on one of our main customers’ premises. Hopefully, there’s something vegetarian on offer! After driving out to the site with the Ops and Sales managers, Richie and Karyn, we unhook the classic Mainfreight BBQ trailer and unleash a flurry of food upon the hungry team! It’s a real asset to have for our team and our customer’s teams alike. Building relationships over food is one of humanity's oldest traditions. We forgot to get a photo on the day but here’s an idea of the rig from a previous cook-up!

1.00 PM
After lunch, my focus shifts to making sure the containers are in order. Transport can be a real exercise of Murphy's Law as there are so many variables at play and with so many pinch points, something is likely to need serious attention and fast decisions will need to be made. As someone once told me, “There’s no sport like transport.”

2.00 PM
I check on the local pickups and make sure our drivers are aware of any last-minute freight our customers need heading on our line hauls (intercity truck and trailer units). Our drivers are the face of our operation and it’s important to ensure that they are well-resourced and that our processes complement our customers’ expectations. From here on in it's back to crushing emails and helping the team where I can. Be it a complicated quote, or a request to write a ‘day in the life’, there’s always something to keep the mind occupied!

4.00 PM
 Around 4.00 pm I pick up a phone call from a customer, a fridge delivery needing to be done urgently! I open the GPS and check where our drivers are and how we can best accommodate the customer. Unfortunately, no drivers in the area who can fit it in with their other deliveries! So I jump in the ute, load up the fridge and shoot over to the address. Another satisfied customer!

5.00 PM
I begin tying things up and making sure everything’s in order for the next day. The massive amount of responsibility and freedom to make decisions can be a little daunting in the beginning, but as you realise that Mainfreight is vouching for your long-term growth by letting you make mistakes as well as trusting you to make those calls – confidence only builds from there. It's a busy, fulfilling role and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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