On this month’s of The Voice of Atlas series, we welcome Connor Blunt from Millennium Cargo Services in United Kingdom. Growing up in the freight industry, Connor brings a personal touch to logistics, tackling challenges with integrity and passion. Outside work, he’s an avid Aston Villa supporter and combats sports fan. Happy reading!
What inspired you to work in the freight forwarding industry?
When I left school at 16, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career. I just knew I wanted to be office-based rather than a tradesman. After college, I was offered the amazing opportunity to work for a local family business where I would have mentorship from the Managing Director, aka Chadd (my father), to develop my skills and build a long-term career – too good an opportunity to turn down!
What aspect of your job do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome it?
Working in freight brings lots of challenges – that’s part of what makes it interesting! But for me, the language barrier when dealing with my partners and suppliers overseas is the biggest one. When I was young, me and my siblings would make fun of Chadd when he was on call to his foreign friends and partners, as we always said he had a funny “international voice”. Being from Birmingham, we have a strong Brummie accent (like the peaky blinders), which even fellow Brits say is sometimes hard to understand. When on the phone, he used to have to put on a softer, clearer voice and slow down. I am now learning this firsthand.
How does your company set itself apart from competitors in the logistics space?
It has been our mantra for so long, but rightly so is our honesty and integrity. We’re not a big faceless forwarder, but a personal “one – stop – shop” for everything freight.
What’s the most exciting or memorable project or shipment you’ve been involved with recently?
We had regular business from a former English Premier League & NFL owner/chairman who is passionate about British architecture, frequently purchases reclaimed bricks from a site located within the west midland and sent onto the U.S. for one of his homes on his “estate”. Being a massive sports fan myself, it was very enjoyable to handle a shipment on behalf of a famous person and helping him create one of his dream homes.
How do you view the UK market for the rest of this year leading into 2025?
The UK, as a service-driven and import-heavy nation, faces logistics challenges like economic pressures and regulations.
Sectors like e-commerce and pharma thrive. By staying flexible, investing in tech, and embracing sustainability,
I’m optimistic about growth in 2025, driven by new trade opportunities.
What’s one thing you enjoy most about being member of Atlas community?
Thoroughly enjoy the yearly conferences which enables us to maintain strong partnerships and also create exciting new opportunities within our community, creating lifelong friendships and memories.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
Very simple, ASTON VILLA FC – my biggest hobby by a country mile, traveling up and down the country and throughout Europe all year-round supporting the team home and away. I also love spending quality time with friends and family and finally I am a huge combat sports fan. I love watching the UFC and being able to go to a live world little fight last year was a fantastic experience.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower, it would undoubtedly be the ability to speak every language fluently. To me, the power of language is unparalleled. It goes beyond mere communication; it’s a gateway to understanding different cultures, establishing connections, and bridging gaps between people.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Connor!
