Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ brings a different individual to the fore to showcase their role in the air cargo industry. There are so many different actors involved in safely getting shipments from A to B by air. Freight forwarders play a key role, acting as expert intermediaries between shippers and airlines (and other modes of transport) to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods across the world. One such company is W. Niemann Überseetransporte, particularly specialized in dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive shipments, which will be celebrating its centenary next year. This week, its General Manager, Saskia Hoensch, shares her experiences, thoughts and insights.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
SH: I am currently managing Imports and the execution of the future at W. Niemann Überseetransporte, a Hamburg-based freight forwarding company with a long-standing family tradition. I am responsible for driving our digital transformation, building smart strategic alliances, and ensuring sustainable growth across our operations. My focus and passion are on connecting innovation with tradition – I love to find unused potential and see how we can constantly become greater.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
SH: Whether I’m deep-diving into customer strategy, optimizing import workflows, or working on a new partnership, each day brings fresh opportunities to learn and grow.
I integrate daily sport sessions into my routine, which helps me to clear my mind and build space for new ideas.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
SH: I entered the industry by joining my grandfather’s company, initially without pay, simply to learn and contribute. What started as a leap of passion turned into a purpose: I saw the huge potential for transformation in our industry and knew I wanted to be part of shaping that. The combination of global dynamics, people-driven relationships, and operational excellence deeply resonates with me.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
SH: I enjoy building bridges – between generations, between tradition and digital innovation, and between people and their goals. I’ve found a passion in connecting to likeminded people – whether in business, travel or sport – it’s incredible how you can feel connected to someone even though you have completely different lives. I love that my work allows me to evolve constantly, both as a businesswoman and as a human being.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
SH: The biggest challenge – and opportunity – is Collaboration. In a globalized and fast-moving environment, success will come to those who think beyond silos. Unlike other industries, where 80–90% of the market is owned by a handful of big players, two-thirds of the logistics sector is made up of SMEs. This creates diversity – but it also shows how essential strong, intelligent partnerships are to creating impact at scale. That’s why collaboration isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a strategic necessity. We need smarter, faster, and more collaborative ways of working to prepare the company for the future.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
SH: Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ – get involved early, stay curious, and be proactive.
Be open to learning from experienced mentors and accept that it’s ok to not be perfect at something from the beginning.
Practical experience is the best teacher. The industry is incredibly diverse and dynamic – it needs both analytical minds and emotional intelligence.
And no matter what background you come from: bring your full self. Authenticity is a superpower.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
SH: Logistics Unleashed – Full Speed. No Limits.
Thank you, Saskia.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
