The Voice of Atlas sits down with Oliver Foessleitner of Seabridge Transport GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, to explore his journey in the logistics industry. From childhood memories that sparked his fascination for global freight forwarding to his insights on sustainability, industry challenges, and the rewards of working in a global network, Oliver offers a candid look into what drives his passion and keeps him motivated every day.
How did you first get interested in logistics, and what keeps you motivated in this field?
Both of my parents worked in the international freight forwarding business when I was a child. As I grew up, I was always especially fascinated by the stories my father shared from his overseas trips while working for the company.
Logistics keeps the world moving and connects distant places and people. It offers a unique perspective — you truly get to see the planet as a global community, especially within a freight forwarding network like Atlas. It’s perhaps one of the few careers in the world that can offer such an experience.
What do you enjoy most about the logistics industry, and what make your role particularly fulfilling?
Working in the service industry, as we do, is especially rewarding because we help our clients achieve their goals — and we get compensated for doing so. That combination makes the work particularly fulfilling.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics. How is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
Our office operations have a relatively small ecological footprint compared to the environmental impact of the transport services we provide. That’s why, whenever possible, we choose sea freight over air, or recommend rail or combined rail/road solutions within Germany instead of relying solely on trucks.
The reality is that eco-friendly options will only become the norm if the less sustainable alternatives are more expensive. In that regard, it’s encouraging to see the cost of CO₂ emissions gradually being built into the overall price of national and international transport.
If you could change one thing about the logistics industry, what would it be and what impact do you think it would have?
If the entire logistics industry could deliver all its services CO₂-free from tomorrow onward, that would be the one change I’d make — and the positive impact for us and our world would be huge.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
Logistics is a job you have to be passionate about, as it can be equally frustrating as it is rewarding each and every day.
What’s one resource or feature within the network you think more members should take advantage of?
The ability to work globally, easily, and instantly with people from different companies and cultural backgrounds is perhaps the greatest benefit a freight forwarding network like Atlas offers.
How do you relax on your free time?
By keeping it strictly free time – with no company interference 😊
If you had to describe your logistics journey using a movie title, what would it be?
“Cliffhanger” – every day brings a new surprise 😊
Thank you, Oliver, for sharing your insights and passion with us.