Have you heard about the TV show Adolescence?

It’s been a pretty big thing here in the UK. Not only because it’s filmed in one take… yep, one single take from the start of an episode to the end… but mostly because it’s a cracking drama with a captivating and slightly shocking storyline. 

Now, it’s not my usual viewing – give me The Sopranos any day – but I got sucked in. If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s a 3-part drama that starts with a 13-year-old boy getting arrested by the armed police on suspicion of murder. It’s been trending on social media and has got people talking about the really hot topic of teens, social media and knife crime (all big issues here in the UK!) 

But what really struck me wasn’t just the storyline (though it’s a gripping watch), it was the way the adults in the show were completely out of their depth. The teenagers were having entire conversations using just emojis – cryptic strings of pizza slices, sparkles, and goats – and the parents hadn’t got the foggiest what was going on. They were totally in the dark. And in the context of the show? That lack of understanding had serious consequences.

It got me thinking about how dangerous that kind of communication gap can be – not just in families, but in business too. Especially in freight. Because in our world, it’s not just about language. It’s about culture. It’s about knowing the unspoken rules, the do’s and don’ts, the customs (literal and otherwise) that can make or break a shipment. A document that’s fine in Birmingham might be baffling in Bangkok. What’s polite in Poland could be borderline offensive in Peru.

That’s why, at Millennium Cargo, we go beyond just translating a website. We work with people who understand the cultures they’re dealing with. Who know the nuances. Who’ve learned from experience and know the customs, cultures and procedures of the countries you’re shipping to. Our website’s in multiple languages, sure – but the real power is in how we operate: with cultural intelligence. And that’s what keeps your goods moving smoothly, wherever they’re headed. Because freight forwarding isn’t just about trucks and ships. It’s about people, places, and being able to read between the lines – even if those lines are made up of emojis!