When you think about exciting career pathways, logistics might not be the first thing that pops into your head, but it should be! A career in operations with Mainfreight puts you right at the heart of the manufacturing, transport, and logistics industry, where every day is fast-paced, hands-on, and full of opportunities to grow.
Mainfreight careers are built on real experience, teamwork, and learning from the ground up, making them the perfect launchpad for students ready to kick-start something big. The best part? There are plenty of pathways for newbies (such as Mainfreight cadetships and school leaver roles) to explore!
Launching Your Mainfreight Career
To give you the inside scoop on landing a career in operations, we went straight to the source! With the help of Katie Thompson, Mainfreight’s Customer Development Manager, we’ve compiled answers to all the burning questions you didn’t even know to ask. Whether you’re curious about training, the kind of work you’ll be doing, or what Mainfreight does to help new hires settle in, we’ve got you covered.
What kind of jobs do new team members start in when they join Mainfreight’s operations team?
New team members generally start as either a Freight Checkers or Forklift Driver when it comes to our Transport Operations. Essentially, this means helping us account for all the freight transported by our trucks and loading them correctly.
What does a typical shift look like – from clocking in to knocking off?
We hold a Team Toolbox meeting before the start of each shift, running through the outbound units and the respective forklift drivers/checkers for those destinations. This ensures everyone is prepared and that the team can plan for the evening.
We then start by strapping units down, manifesting consignments onto the truck, completing driver paperwork so that they’re ready to go, remeasuring freight so that we are making the most of the truck dimensions, and cleaning the dock floor.
How do new employees learn the ropes and settle into the team environment?
They will have a mentor when they start, who they will work alongside to learn the ropes/tasks required on the operations floor. We encourage them to ask lots of questions and help everyone out, and as always, if you have finished your allocated units for the night, jump in and help the rest of the team.
Skills You’ll Pick Up Without Even Realising
Want to know one of the best parts about starting a career in operations with Mainfreight? You’ll be building skills without even noticing. From mastering time management to growing your confidence in a fast-paced environment, the lessons you learn with Mainfreight will stick with you for life. Mainfreight careers equip you with transferable skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability that set you up for success, no matter where your future takes you.
What are the most important skills students develop in operational roles?
Some of the most important skills students develop when they start in our operational roles include multitasking, time management, relationship building, and internal presentation. From a business culture perspective, they also get to see the heart of the business, our processes, and the flow-on effect from those processes.
How does working in logistics help you grow confidence and independence?
Working in logistics can help you grow your confidence and independence by learning to deal with a fast-paced environment and adapting to how each day is different! Our operational roles help to give you an understanding of what we do as a business and knowledge that you will use with any role moving forward.
What kind of training or certifications (like forklift licences) do new team members get access to?
New team members can earn their Forklift licence and High Reach Forklift licence so that they can help load our trucks or pick orders in our warehousing branches. Internally, we also run inductions for all new team members to give them an understanding of our business and the business unit that they work in (as well as other sections of the supply chain that we cover). We also run various leadership courses, as well as Excel and Public Speaking.
Where Can It Take You? Real Growth from Day One
The truth is, a career in operations at Mainfreight can take you anywhere. Many of the company’s leaders began right on the warehouse floor, proving that with the right mindset, growth is unlimited. Mainfreight careers aren’t just about moving freight; they’re about moving yourself forward, gaining confidence, and exploring new pathways in leadership, sales, or customer development. It all starts with operations, but it can take you as far as you want to go.
How does starting a career in operations give you a strong foundation to grow your Mainfreight career?
At Mainfreight, we’re strong believers in starting from the ground and working your way up, which is why we hold the philosophy of promoting from within.
Understanding what we do as a business and the benefit of having had experience in operations will help you progress with your career within our business. When you look at our leadership team, all of them have also done their time in operations to help make them better leaders.
Can you share a story of someone who started in an operational role and moved into leadership or another area?
Myself! I began my journey with Mainfreight straight after finishing Year 12, working in PM Operations while studying at university. Over time, I realised that I had strong career progression opportunities within the business, which led me to take on a reception role. From there, I progressed into Customer Service and then into an Account Champion position, where I focused on developing my customer service skills. Looking to further challenge myself, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and moved into a Sales and Account Management role. This played a key role in building my confidence and expanding my professional skills.
Three years ago, I was given the opportunity to move into a leadership position managing the Customer Development team, a role that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Launch a Career in Operations with Mainfreight Today!
A career in operations is more than just a starting point; it’s the foundation for incredible opportunities across the global logistics industry. Mainfreight careers are built on hard work, teamwork, and the belief that if you put in the effort, the rewards will follow.
So, what are you waiting for? Launch your career with Mainfreight today!
