Trevor Duxfield

 

 

My journey into Customs & Freight Forwarding began unexpectedly, as many find themselves in this industry.

 

Originally aspiring to be a sheep farmer, fate intervened when I found myself at the airport, landing my first role as a customs runner through an advert in the paper.  Forty years later, and as you’ll hear from most people that have been in the industry for a while, it draws you in and keeps you here.

 

Currently with Advanced Customs Service Ltd, juggling and guiding a small business with active border clearance, every day is diverse and unpredictable. The unpredictability of this industry has kept me engaged with each day presenting new challenges and you're never too experienced to learn, often involving fascinating commodities.

 

Over the years, I've handled a variety of intriguing clearance requirements, from diplomatic approvals for foreign navy vessel refits, to my involvement in the APEC Summit in 2014, which took me to Beijing.

 

Throughout my career, key individuals like Craig McGee, Paul Wheeler, Rando Pautu (formerly of Fliway), Geoff Davies (Tristar), and John Wolff (KK Customs) have served as mentors and supporters, guiding, and inspiring me along the way.

 

The industry has undergone significant transformations, from the deregulation of Customs Brokers in 1996 to the transition from handwritten entries to electronic lodgements.  While these changes have modernised processes, some of the personal connections that defined earlier days are missed in today's digital age.

 

Looking forward, I see opportunities to enhance border operations through increased industry involvement and trust, refining audit and training processes, introducing new advanced training courses, and validating competencies.  Anticipating future challenges and opportunities is crucial for our continued success.

 

For young people considering a career in this industry, my advice is to embrace opportunities and take the risk of trying something out of your comfort zone.  This industry rewards those who are proactive and adaptable to change.

 

After four decades in this industry, I anticipate continuing for another 10-15 years, it’s an industry of like-minded passionate people that keep us all going.