In this edition of Apollo in the Spotlight, we feature James Cross of DC Global Freight Management, based in Manchester, United Kingdom. What began as an unexpected entry into the logistics world has grown into a career shaped by hands-on experience, resilience, and a strong focus on practical solutions.
From starting in the post room to building his own company, James brings a grounded and insightful perspective on the industry. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on navigating uncertainty, the importance of relationships, and why true value in logistics often lies in solving the challenges others can’t.
We’d love to hear your story – how did you get started in the logistics world, and what motivated you to stay?
I actually fell into logistics by default. At the time I was working in a bar serving drinks and I knew pretty quickly that it was not going to be a long-term career for me. I applied for an apprenticeship with a freight forwarding company, got the opportunity, and that was how it all started.
I began in the post room and worked my way up through the business over the years, eventually leaving as a director to start my own company. So for me, it has been a proper journey from the ground up, and I think that has given me a very rounded view of the industry.
What kept me in logistics is that no two days are ever the same. There is always something new to deal with, a problem to solve, or a situation that needs thinking through properly. I also like that, even with all the technology and systems in the industry now, it is still very much a people business. Relationships, trust and reputation still matter, and that is one of the things I have always enjoyed most about it.
What does innovation mean to you in the context of logistics, and how do you foster it in your organization?
For me, innovation in logistics is not always about doing something flashy or reinventing the wheel. A lot of the time, it is about finding better, quicker and more practical ways to solve problems for customers.
That could mean improving communication, making the quoting process faster, finding a more efficient routing, or using technology in a way that gives customers more clarity and confidence. In a smaller business like ours, innovation is often about being adaptable and thinking commercially rather than just following the same process every time.
At DC Global Freight, I try to encourage that by keeping things open and practical. If there is a better way to handle something, I want us to look at it. I think being flexible and willing to challenge the usual way of doing things is a big advantage in this industry.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in logistics today, and how do you think the industry is handling it?
One of the biggest challenges today is unpredictability. There are so many moving parts in global logistics now, whether that is port congestion, rate volatility, geopolitical issues, customs changes, world conflicts, or disruptions in capacity. Even when you plan well, the market can shift very quickly.
I think the industry has become more resilient, but it still has to stay very agile. The companies doing best are the ones that communicate properly, react quickly and stay close to the customer rather than hiding behind excuses when things change.
For me, customers understand that not everything is in your control. What matters is how you deal with it, how quickly you react, and whether you keep people informed. That is where good freight forwarders still really stand out.
What do you enjoy most about the logistics industry, and what makes your role particularly fulfilling?
What I enjoy most is the variety and the problem-solving side of it. No two shipments are exactly the same, and there is always something that needs thinking through. I like the pace of the industry and the fact that you have to stay sharp.
What makes my role fulfilling is helping customers and partners find a solution, especially when something is not straightforward. Anybody can look good when a shipment is simple. The real value comes when there is pressure, a deadline, a complication, or a cargo movement that needs proper attention.
I also enjoy building relationships. A lot of this business still comes down to trust, and I take pride in being someone people can rely on when they need a straight answer and a practical solution.
Is there a specific project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of? Tell us about it.
One project I am particularly proud of was handling a Yankee Dryer shipment from Sweden into the UK.
The unit measured 8.96 x 5.62 x 5.72 meters and weighed 142,000 kilos, so it was a serious movement that needed proper planning from start to finish. We shipped it into Ellesmere Port as a charter on FIOS terms, arranged the shore crane for discharge, and then coordinated onward transport through to final delivery at Shotton Paper Mill.
What I liked about that job was that it brought together a lot of the parts of logistics I enjoy most — planning, coordination, problem-solving and making sure every stage was properly controlled. On paper, people only see a large unit moving from one place to another, but behind the scenes there is a huge amount that has to come together to make it work smoothly.
That is the kind of project I enjoy most, because it shows the value of experience, attention to detail and staying close to the job all the way through.
What do you value most about being a member of our logistics network?
What I value most is the opportunity to build trusted relationships with partners in different markets. In this industry, having dependable people on the ground in other countries makes a big difference, especially when customers expect quick answers and reliable service.
For me, Apollo gives members a platform to become more visible to each other, not just through the directory, but through interviews, introductions, meetings and regular contact. That helps make the network feel more personal, which is important in freight forwarding because people still do business with people they know and trust.
Ultimately, the real value is in building genuine long-term relationships that can lead to mutual support and business in both directions.
What’s one thing you think makes this network different from other professional associations or logistics groups?
I think one thing that makes Apollo different is the effort it makes to give members real visibility and create actual engagement between companies, rather than just being a name on a list.
Things like the interviews, member promotion and network events help people become more familiar with each other, and that makes a big difference. It creates a more personal feel, which is important in our industry because trust and relationships still sit at the center of good cooperation.
For me, the strongest networks are the ones that help members become approachable, visible and commercially connected, and I think Apollo clearly understands the importance of that.
What’s the funniest or strangest item you’ve ever had to transport?
One of the strangest and most memorable shipments I have handled was a replica of the Hadron Collider for the UK Science and Industry Exhibition.
It moved from the UK to Singapore, then on to Hong Kong, and finally returned back to the UK using 22 x 40′ open top containers. The shipment itself was actually quite straightforward from a transport point of view, but the fact that it was a replica of the Hadron Collider definitely made it stand out from the usual day-to-day cargo.
To be honest, the real headache on that one was the carnet, which was far more painful than the physical movement itself. It was one of those jobs where the cargo was unusual enough to be memorable, but it also reminded you that sometimes the paperwork can be more difficult than the shipping.
It is definitely one of those shipments that sticks in my mind when people ask if I have ever moved anything unusual.
Thank you, James, for sharing your story and valuable insights with the Apollo community.