Interview with our Member: Anne Schaeddel, Project One Logistics LLC (US)

Today we inaugurate a new appointment, new ideas and new inspirations: a series of interviews with a range of CEOs and high-level executives from project logistics industry.

We want to highlight their achievements and draw insights from the challenges they’ve faced during their career. In particular, we want to capture the essence of the project industry, the adversity, the change and the innovation.

OOG Network had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Schaeddel – the Owner and the Managing Director of Project One Logistics LLC – a freight forwarding company based in Houston (US) with a focus on over sized cargo transportation.

Firstly, thank you for making yourself available for this interview. It is such a pleasure to speak with you today!

Please share some of your early career experiences that have contributed to your professional success. And why did you choose this career?

I started my logistics career in Germany.

After working there for a few years I received an amazing job offer in Brazil. Different cultures fascinate me so I knew moving to Brazil would open me up to a whole new world in the logistics field. After spending some years working in Brazil, I decided to pursue global project freight forwarding in the United States and moved to Houston, to be exact.

Working for different companies helped me learn all the different aspects of logistics and in turn has made me a very well-rounded project freight forwarder who is not afraid to take on new challenges. I chose logistics because I wanted to work with the world and learn how other countries do business. I enjoy travelling so being able to visit different ports around the US is definitely a perk of owning my own business.

It’s no secret that the project cargo industry (like many others) has many more men than women in the C-suite. Over the years, have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader?

I don’t consider anything I’ve encountered over the years as a barrier. Everything I’ve experienced has pushed me to where I am today. I know my value as a woman and in this industry. I see myself at the same level as a man in the same position, not as a minority. I want to be an example for women everywhere and hope to see more female leaders in the project logistics world in the near future.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Empathy goes a long way, I contribute a lot of my success to being empathetic. Treat all your customers and vendors like partners. Put yourself in their shoes and ask what would you do in a certain situation. I think this helps build long-lasting partnerships.

What excites you about working within the project cargo industry?

The complexity of it. Every project is different from the one before and working in the industry presents new challenges daily. I enjoy solving problems to make sure every step of the process runs smoothly from start to finish. Sitting down with customers to discuss each aspect of the project requirements and how to meet their specific needs excites me because someone is trusting us with their livelihood. When I receive photos of the cargo being delivered to it’s final destination from our customers or vendors, I know that the job is done and it was successful.

Could you tell us your most delicate project cargo handling?

I treat every project we get as “delicate” because I always want to make sure the customer is happy with the job.

One that sticks out the most in my mind as very challenging was an import project to the West Coast with some big and heavy pieces. We ran the route and filed the permits on time, but once discharged from the vessel, some of the pieces were 20,000 lbs heavier and also wider and higher. We were on a tight time schedule and under pressure to file new permits, find new routes, and book a new truck-trailer with more axles to ensure on time delivery, as permits sometimes can take weeks to get, depending on the state. But we made it happen and delivered all the pieces within the schedule.

What has been the impact of Covid-19 on your activities? How do you face these challenges?

In the beginning of the pandemic we could not have any face to face meetings with customers and vendors or visit various ports to see the cargo. Video meetings work wonderfully, but it’s just not the same as personal, face to face encounters.

Currently in the logistics world we are facing overbooked vessels as a consequence of Covid 19 in 2021. It’s challenging to get space for any cargo right now but we always find solutions for our customers. We face challenges in our “new normal” on a day to day basis. We just try to get the best possible outcome out of any situation that is thrown our way.

What makes a successful logistics company?

The keys to a successful logistics company in my opinion are:

–Knowledge – You need to know what you are doing so you can find the best solutions for your customers needs.

–Experience – Having first hand experience working in logistics so you can learn what to do and what not to do.

–Communication – You need to keep your customers and vendors in the loop every step of the way.

–Pre-Planning – Whether this means meeting with the customers and discussing everything the project entails or making a solid forecast so you know what charges to plan for in the coming months.

–Reliability & Keeping your Word – You need to be reliable. If you tell your customer that you’re going to do something, do it. Finding reliable vendors is also a must.

What does the future hold for you? What projects are you currently working on?

Strategic company growth. For example, we jut opened an East Coast office in Savannah, Georgia and we are hoping to open a West Coast office in the near future.

Current and ongoing projects we are working on include a substantial amount of Mexico-USA cross border shipments, importing and exporting large oil and gas equipment, steel plant and steel mill equipment, and large tanks. We have several customer contracts that include multiple monthly shipments.

Thank you, Anne. It was a pleasure talking with you.

We are looking forward to meet you at the Annual Global Meeting next fall!

PROJECT ONE LOGISTICS