SPOTLIGHT ON: Freight forwarder of the year award

RECOGNITION of “incredible work by our team” was how Whale Logistics reflected upon their achievement of winning Freight Forwarder of the Year at last year’s DCN Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards.

2026 Sponsor

“The award reflects our commitment to customer service, continuous improvement and raising standards across the sector,” Whale Logistics said.

The company said the recognition had lifted team morale and reinforced its focus on operational performance in freight forwarding.

Whale Logistics Australia’s submission was built around three areas: its response to the Lion Global collapse, its partnership with the University of Wollongong (UOW) and its acquisition of SOS Logistics.

Following Lion Global’s insolvency, Whale moved to support affected clients, working through regulatory requirements to clear stranded shipments and limit disruption to service.

After acquiring SOS Logistics, Whale retained much of the existing team, cross-trained staff and aligned the business with its systems and operating approach.

The company also moved to address longer-term capability challenges through a capstone and internship partnership with UOW, and by working with the university as an industry partner for postgraduate business research.

This year’s award is sponsored by 3DL Customs.

“3DL is proud to support the Freight Forwarder of the Year Award, recognising the teams and organisations advancing technical capability, compliance and operational performance across Australia’s international trade community,” the company said in a statement.

This year’s DCN 2026 Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards will be held at The Star Brisbane on Thursday 26 November.

Click here for more information or to nominate or sponsor an award.