EPISODE 2 | August 19, 2025
PAUL ZALAI
AI, Talent, and the Future of Freight — A Conversation with Paul Zalai from FTA
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About the Episode
From Freight Forwarding to Industry Advocacy - An Exclusive Conversation with Paul Zalai
In this episode of Forward Thinking, host Sam Smeaton (Founder of LogiHire) sits down with Paul Zalai, Co-Founder of the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) - Australia’s peak industry body representing freight forwarding, logistics, import, export, and customs brokerage sectors.
With more than 40 years in freight operations, government roles, and industry association leadership, Paul shares how his career evolved from working in freight forwarding in the 1980s to joining Australian Customs to launching FTA alongside his wife, Caroline. Today, FTA represents over 530 corporate members and plays a critical role in shaping freight and trade policy at the highest levels of government.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Paul covers:
The challenges of building a national industry body from scratch
How FTA advocates for fairer costs, better regulations, and improved workforce attraction
The pressing skills shortage in freight forwarding and customs brokerage
Why attracting young professionals and increasing diversity is essential for the sector’s future
The role of AI and automation in creating more efficient freight operations
The future outlook for smaller forwarders competing against industry consolidation
Details of the upcoming Australia–New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference 2026
Whether you work in freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain, customs clearance, or international trade, this episode offers practical insights into industry leadership, workforce development, and the evolving challenges shaping Australia’s freight and logistics sector.
[00:00] Introduction — Meet Paul Zalai, Co-Founder of the Freight & Trade Alliance, representing Australia’s freight forwarding, logistics, and international trade sectors.
[01:27] 40 Years in Freight & Logistics — From freight forwarding in the ’80s to Australian Customs and launching FTA.
[03:31] Working With Your Spouse — The realities of co-founding FTA with his wife, Caroline.
[05:19] Starting a National Industry Body — How Paul built trust, overcame early challenges, and grew FTA to over 530 members.
[07:23] Turning Points & Business Resilience — How a health scare reshaped business priorities and strengthened the FTA team.
[09:39] Industry Advocacy — How FTA influences Australian freight, trade, and logistics policy at ministerial level.
[11:27] Key Challenges in Freight Forwarding — Rising costs, staffing shortages, and attracting new talent.
[14:11] Skills Shortages & Visa Sponsorship — The case for skilled migration and increasing diversity in logistics.
[16:50] Customs Brokers & an Ageing Workforce — Strategies to attract and train the next generation.
[19:20] Training & Mentoring in Logistics — Why lean operations make skills development harder.
[20:20] AI and Automation in Freight Forwarding — Opportunities to improve efficiency and customer relationships.
[23:45] Career Advice for Newcomers — Transferable skills and broadening your logistics experience.
[26:14] Future Outlook — How smaller forwarders can compete in a market dominated by consolidation and vertical integration.
[30:25] Australia–New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference 2026 — Bringing together exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and industry leaders.
[34:35] Staying Grounded in Business — Why keeping life simple helps Paul stay focused and balanced.
Episode Outline And Highlights
Today’s Guest
About Paul Zalai
Paul Zalai is the Co-Founder of the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), representing Australia’s freight forwarding, logistics, and international trade sectors. With a career spanning freight operations, government, and industry associations, Paul has built a reputation for connecting industry with policymakers to improve efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness across sea, air, road, and rail freight. He’s passionate about advocacy, industry collaboration, and creating practical solutions that help businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
About Your Host
About Sam Smeaton
Sam Smeaton is the Co-Founder of LogiHire and host of Forward Thinking. With a background in freight recruitment, he’s worked with top logistics businesses across Australia. On the podcast, Sam brings real stories, sharp insights, and a genuine passion for the people driving freight forward.