Mount Gambier business wins national award

MOUNT Gambier based Australian Coastal Shipping (ACS) has been awarded National Freight Forwarder of the Year at the prestigious DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards held in Melbourne.

Widely regarded as the pre-eminent award in the Australian maritime industry, this accolade recognises companies and teams that exemplify service excellence and efficiency across sea, air, road, and rail freight.

General manager Michael Johnston celebrated the achievement, emphasising the importance of his team in reaching this milestone.

“These things can only be achieved with great people, and I’m thankful every day for the team we have and their efforts in providing the best level of service to our clients,” Mr Johnston said. “This award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for what we do.”

Service is at the core of ACS’s operations. The company takes a personalised, hands-on approach to freight forwarding, relieving clients of the stress of shipment management, blending advanced technology with direct, personal support, ACS ensures clients feel heard and valued.

“Our focus is always on simplifying the process for our clients,” Mr Johnston said. “We want to be the partner they trust to deliver, not just shipments, but peace of mind.”

This customer-centric approach has led to impressive client loyalty, with relationships averaging over nine years and many spanning more than a decade.

Operating from regional South Australia, ACS has built robust networks with carriers and suppliers across all states and territories to address challenges posed by its distance from major ports and transport hubs.

These partnerships allow the company to offer competitive rates and ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries without compromising quality.

“Our location could have been a limitation, but we’ve turned it into an opportunity by building strong partnerships and adapting to the needs of the industry,” Mr Johnston said. “It’s about being flexible, creative, and focused on solutions.”

Despite the challenges of recruiting skilled freight forwarding professionals in regional areas, ACS has developed a diverse and talented workforce, with women making up more than 50 per cent of its team.

By hiring individuals from varied backgrounds and leveraging their transferable skills, the company has fostered innovation and fresh perspectives.

“Our team’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Mr Johnston said. “We’ve created a supportive environment that empowers employees to excel, and that translates into exceptional service for our clients.”