Forwarder Heroes – Katie Flanigan, Platinum Cargo Logistics
In this edition of our "Forwarder Heroes" series, we are thrilled to feature Katie Flanigan, VP International Operations at Platinum Cargo Logistics, based in Denver, Colorado. In the interview, Katie shares her journey into the air freight industry, revealing what initially drew her to the field and how her ongoing fascination with the logistics of transporting goods continues to inspire her work.
How did you first become a freight forwarder?
(laughs) Well, I kind of fell into it, honestly. Few people grow up saying, "I want to work in logistics." We always joke about it, but once you're in it, you’re in it for good. I got an undergrad degree in Psychology and took a year off while planning to apply for law school. In the meantime, I got a job at a small local freight forwarder as an entry writer. I started my career as a customs broker.
I found the work fascinating. Trade is one of the oldest industries in the world - it's what connects people globally. I don’t think most people realize how much of what they consume comes from freight.
I got my individual customs broker license a couple of years later and then learned the freight forwarding side of things after that. I worked my way up at that company to become their operations manager. Now, I've been with Platinum Cargo Logistics for around six years, overseeing all of our international operations - both import and export, as well as customs brokerage.
What aspect of your job do you love most or find most rewarding?
On the love side, I’d say learning. There’s always something new to learn—the industry is constantly changing and growing. You're learning about regulations, compliance, forwarding capabilities, different products, commodities, and how things are made. International forwarding also means dealing with different countries, customs, and cultures, which adds a whole new level of knowledge.
As for what’s most rewarding, I’d say it's teaching and providing guidance to others in the industry. I’ve taught some classes at our local World Trade Center and done guest lectures. Here at Platinum, we also have in-house training programs for our customers. In the spring and fall, we offer seminars on various aspects of trade, where customers send employees - like those from the warehouse or purchasing teams – to learn about things like export controls. It's incredibly rewarding to help others build and grow their businesses.
What aspects or professional skills have you worked on to become a better forwarder?
I'd say delegation, for sure. There's always so much going on, so learning to trust the people around you, allowing them to learn, make mistakes, and grow, is crucial. You need to use your resources and let go of some tasks. That’s something I think many people struggle with as they move up in their careers - it really does take a village!
The industry is always shifting, and it’s important to stay on top of those changes. For this reason, compliance has been a major focus for me. It’s about walking that fine line – figuring out how to get things done while staying within legal boundaries. It’s always a learning experience because the rules are constantly evolving. You have to stay vigilant and adapt as things change.
Research is also critical — not just for understanding products, but also for staying on top of market trends, data, and other factors. Pulling all those pieces together helps us forecast better and provide the best solutions for our customers.
If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I’d say, "You don’t have to know everything." It’s okay to admit you don’t know something. When I was younger, I felt like I had to have all the answers or I’d be seen as unreliable. But over time, I learned it’s perfectly fine to say, "I don’t know, but I’ll find out." It’s part of the learning process.
Especially in a professional setting, it’s tough when people come to you with questions, and you feel like you should have all the answers. The more senior you get, the harder it can be. But you can’t know everything, and there’s always something new to learn. Even as a teacher or leader, you still need to be open to learning.
What's your favorite object on your desk?
Funny enough, it’s a little box of mints! It says, "Thank you for your commit-mint," a little play on words. It was given out by our ESOP committee because, as of December 2022, Platinum Cargo Logistics became a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
This is something that is actually really unique for the industry. The owners of Platinum wanted to preserve the brand and create something lasting for both employees and customers. Every employee is an owner, which means we all have a stake in the company’s success. Every decision we make impacts not only the company’s growth but also our own personal financial growth and well-being.
What’s your favorite destination you have visited as part of your work?
That would definitely be South Africa. Every year, they hold a Wildlife Conservation Forum. It’s an event where landowners, government officials, and others come together to discuss conservation efforts. In 2015, I spent a week on a wildlife preserve and another week in Johannesburg. The landscape is stunning, and it was great to see South Africa’s natural beauty while discussing important wildlife conservation topics.
I also visited freight forwarders in the Johannesburg region. It was great to exchange ideas and talk about business. Honestly, the relationships I built during that trip have lasted for years. Even though I was with a different company back then, I’ve continued doing business with many of those contacts since moving to Platinum Cargo Logistics.
How has digital air cargo improved your life?
Oh, it’s been a huge improvement - thank goodness! When I first started in logistics, everything was very manual. It involved a lot of paperwork, phone calls, and emails. The ability to quote and book shipments digitally has significantly increased productivity for our operations. It’s also been crucial for our business development, helping us grow and scale more effectively.
As a midsized freight forwarder with only US-based offices, at times it’s challenging to compete with larger enterprises that have a global presence. In the past, delays in getting rates or booking shipments could sometimes disqualify us from opportunities. cargo.one has leveled the playing field, allowing us to compete more effectively with those larger companies by providing quicker and more efficient service. It’s enabled us to operate more efficiently and stay competitive.
It also definitely helps with work-life balance. Our International operations staff often had to work late nights or very early mornings to coordinate with colleagues in different time zones. Being able to pull rates and book shipments automatically means we can handle many of these tasks without needing real-time conversations, which reduces the need for late-night or early-morning work. Tools like cargo.one are like having a global reach without having to be physically present around the world.
