There’s something about stepping off the plane in Ho Chi Minh City that hits you like a freight train.

The heat. The humidity. The instant regret of wearing jeans… I’d love to say it was a relaxing break, but this was no holiday. It was long days, back-to-back meetings, not enough sleep and far too many airport meals. The kind of trip that leaves you jetlagged and craving a proper bacon sarnie.

But I’d do it all again tomorrow because this wasn’t just any trip – it was for the Atlas and Alfa Network conference. A gathering of freight professionals from all over the globe. Old faces. New names. All under one roof. Connor of course came with me. He’s more than capable of attending these networks alone now, but I still tag along because I love a good Network get together. There’s something special about sitting down in person with people you’ve known for years. Sharing a laugh, having a beer, swapping stories from the world of logistics.

One of the chaps I caught up with is a good friend of mine from the UAE. He’s been in the freight game for 50 years – but he’s never had a sales team. Never needed one. Why? Because his network is his sales team. Decades of trust, handshakes, and always doing right by people. And he’s got a good point… We spend so much time these days chasing tech, metrics and lead funnels… but in freight, the real value is still in the people. The ones who pick up the phone. The ones who go the extra mile because they know you. I’ve spent 35+ years on the road (and in the air), growing this business one relationship at a time. 

And the Atlas/Alfa event? It reminded me exactly what gives us the edge here at Millennium. It’s not the cheapest rates (though we are super competitive). It’s not shiny offices or slick sales decks. And it’s definitely not just our excellent taste in football teams (although Villa are flying this year, aren’t they?). It’s the people. The real, long-standing relationships we’ve built over decades. The trust. The loyalty. The fact that when we say we’ll sort it – we do.

So here’s a question for you… What are you doing to build those kinds of relationships? Are you getting out from behind the screen? Shaking hands? Having proper conversations? Because in freight – and in business – your personal network is still one of your best assets. 

Chadd

P.S. If you’re ever in our neck of the woods, pop in. Kettle’s always on.