At Route1 Group, we believe in recognising and celebrating the unsung heroes who make a significant impact behind the scenes in the logistics sector in Northamptonshire.

These individuals, whether warehouse colleagues, drivers, transport managers, or team leaders, often go above and beyond, contributing to the Northamptonshire logistics industry in vital but sometimes unnoticed ways. We’re proud that Olivia Haines, our Transport Controller, has made the final THREE for the Unsung Hero of the Year Award at the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards.

Why Olivia Haines Deserves This Recognition

At just 18 years old, Olivia has been a breath of fresh air in our office, constantly surpassing expectations and delivering exceptional results. Despite her young age, she has shown incredible dedication and skill, particularly in her role as Transport Controller. Olivia has been with us for just over a year, starting as an administrator and quickly proving her capabilities, earning a promotion to a critical position within our team.

Olivia is a vital part of Route1 Group. She organises deliveries and collections across the UK, manages our haulage fleet, and ensures that drivers and vehicles comply with legal and safety standards. She handles the day-to-day challenges of logistics in Northampton with poise, working closely with customers, drivers, and internal teams to ensure smooth operations. From route planning to solving real-time issues, Olivia is indispensable.

A Natural Talent in Northampton Logistics

Olivia’s journey into logistics in Northampton began early. Growing up around the family-run business, Olivia was eager to be involved as soon as she could. Despite academic challenges and choosing not to attend university, her passion for logistics was evident from the start. Olivia has worked diligently to earn her place, gaining the respect of her colleagues and making a significant impact on the business.

Her mentor, Transport Manager Tony Pichler, describes Olivia as “thrown in at the deep end but quickly rose to the top.” She has become adept at managing complex logistics, from vehicle allocation to handling breakdowns and delays. Olivia’s communication skills are crucial in this fast-paced industry, ensuring that clients and colleagues are informed and that any issues are resolved swiftly.

A Rising Star in the Northampton Logistics Industry

One of Olivia’s notable achievements occurred when Route1 Group was asked to deliver stock to 31 stores for a leading High Street Brand after their logistics provider went into administration. Olivia played a key role in this project, from planning routes and allocating drivers to working overnight to ensure timely deliveries. Her efforts were instrumental in securing further contracts with the same leading retailer worth millions of pounds.

Olivia also takes on additional responsibilities, such as managing the Out of Hours Transport Phone, a task typically shared among the team. However, Olivia insists on handling it herself, believing she is best positioned to swiftly address any issues with her plans.

A Mentor and Role Model for Northampton Logistics

Olivia has also begun imparting her knowledge to new team members, assisting Tony with staff inductions and training. Tony recognises her natural coaching ability and believes Olivia has the potential to advance to a senior role, possibly as an Operations Manager. She has built strong working relationships with key figures in the company, showcasing tremendous promise in the Northampton logistics field.

A Bright Future Ahead in Northampton Logistics

Brendan Flanagan, Group Sales Manager, fondly recalls Olivia’s early interest in logistics. Now, she plays a vital role in managing daily logistics and providing exceptional service to blue-chip clients. Watching Olivia grow into her role has been a pleasure, and we believe she is an ideal nominee for the Unsung Hero of the Year Award in Northamptonshire logistics.

In summary, Olivia’s passion for logistics, her commitment to excellence, and her ability to manage the industry’s demands make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. We are immensely proud of her achievements and look forward to her continued success in the logistics sector in Northampton.