The year is 2014, Justice Crew’s ‘Que Sera’ is number 1 on the ARIA Charts, the West Coast Eagles are 10th on the ladder and we at EES Shipping have just moved into our new offices in Cockburn.
It was a different time, the pandemic-related supply-chain issues were still years away, finding skilled and unskilled workers in various areas of transport and logistics was relatively easy, and we had yet to update our logo and website to the ones you know today.
With this month marking a decade in the new office space, it’s given us a reason to pause and reflect on just how fast that time has gone, but also how far we’ve come as a company.
Here are the top 10 ways we’ve grown over the past 10 years.
- Embraced automation and technology: The past decade has seen increasing digitisation of freight and logistics, with industry-specific programs streamlining processes and creating efficiencies, particularly around data-entry, cross-checking and documentation.
- Employee well-being: From the four-day work week to the recreational space, social events, and other mental-health focused initiatives, we’ve put an increased focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
- Expanded vehicle fleet: What started out as a couple of utes has grown to a fleet of vehicles including the most recent addition – a container side-loader truck – allowing us to expand our service offerings to clients but also take more control over some elements of landside transportation.
- Warehousing: A key reason for moving into our new space was to be able to offer greater warehousing options for clients, which we’ve continued to expand on. We can now offer all elements of warehousing including adequate space, high-reach and container forklifts, supplies such as pallets, shrink wrap and tools, as well as necessary admin software and equipment.
- Focus on human connection: We might be freight-forwarders, but truly we’re in the business of helping people. A key part of our business is developing genuine connections with our clients, suppliers, industry colleagues and stakeholders, and of course our team.
- Continue to support Hekima Day Care and Nursery School: A cause close to our hearts, we continue to offer support and sponsorship to the Hekima Day Care and Nursery School in Tanzania, offering 40 children the opportunity to receive an education.
- Welcomed training and mentorship: Everyone in our team is encouraged to continue professional growth, including the leadership group. No matter your role or experience, learning and exploring new mindsets can be the key to diversification and continued professional development.
- Network and industry involvement: We’ve made a focused effort to involve ourselves in key stakeholder groups, industry affiliates, Government bodies, professional networks and associations, because we’re passionate about ensuring the success and sustainability of our industry for the future.
- Media connection: Since December 2020, we’ve been proactively engaging with media outlets across all mediums to share industry information and insight and highlight how the shipping and logistics industry can and does impact consumers and the broader economy.
- Be an engaged member of the community: Whether it’s grass roots sponsorship, engaging with local businesses or simply taking part in local discussions and consultations, we pride ourselves on being active participants in our local community
Of course, there are some things that haven’t changed all that much, with various industry-related State and Federal Government reports and recommendations being made over the past 10 years.
We’ve highlighted some of the DeJa’Vu moments in regards to some of these reports over time, particularly on the back of the global pandemic, and we continue to offer solutions and ideas for industry-related issues.
At the heart of everything we do is the EES Code of integrity, loyalty and commitment, backed by our Company Vision to be the trusted name in Australian logistics, and our Company Mission to foster long term business relationships and promote excellence in logistics.
We are proud with how far we’ve come over the past 10 years, and we look forward to reflecting on how far we’ve come in the business overall in coming years, particularly as we approach our 40th anniversary in 2026.
Watch this space!
