Liverpool freight forwarding and logistics firm Trinity Logistics, run by former Mersey docker Amanda Unsworth, says it has secured 20 new clients. Tony McDonough reports

Former Liverpool docker Amanda Unsworth says her freight forwarding and logistics firm is defying the global trade headwinds with new client wins and fresh investment.

Based close to the Port of Liverpool, Trinity Logistics has grown rapidly since it was formed in 2017, boosted by port owner Peel Ports’ investment in the Liverpool2 container terminal.

Since the COVID pandemic struck in 2020 global trade has endured periods of volatility. The pandemic itself caused container costs to rocket. And while they did come down again they remain at historic high levels.

Disruptions around the Suez Canal have also had dramatic effects on maritime trade. Attacks by Houthi terrorists have caused ships to be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, extending delivery times and adding to costs.

And while Trinity has seen an impact on its own trade, with freight volumes down, the company is gaining market share and, in 2024, secured 20 new clients.

Amanda told LBN: “We performed well in 2024 in terms of the number of new clients we brought on from around the North West region. We took a decision to heavily target the wider region with a marketing push and that has paid off.

“What has been key to that is working in partnership with Peel Ports to persuade more businesses to use the Port of Liverpool rather than southern ports and forwarders and cut down on their emissions.

“Volumes overall are down but that is the same across the whole industry. Existing clients are moving lesser volumes but because of the new customers it is still an overall positive picture for the business.

“Because of Suez, cargo is taking longer to get here. Some companies have moved production to Europe rather than China to reduce the shipping costs. Fuel costs are higher, too, so the whole supply chain is impacted and this sector can be cutthroat.”

Two months into 2025 Amanda is optimistic Trinity, which employs 12 people, can bring on more clients this year. The company has access to around 200,000 sq ft of local logistics space and a fleet of vehicles.

There is also investment taking place into new technology and processes. Amanda explained: “We have enhanced our operating system and this will bring more efficiencies and will free people up to do other things.

“It is more integrated with the shipping lines and gives our customer full visibility in terms of tracking and tracing their cargo. They can go onto the system any time and see where their container is anywhere in the world.

“And that freeing up of staff resources means we can now invest in staff training and to offer our team a wider range of skills and greater potential for the development of their careers. That will be a big thing for us this year.

“There will also be a continued push to win more clients – we want to be the ‘go-to’ freight forwarder in Liverpool city region and beyond.”

Amanda comes from a family of Liverpool dock workers and one of her passions is to encourage more women to seek careers in the maritime and logistics sector which has been traditionally male-dominated.

“That is a big focus for me personally,” Amanda added. “We go into schools and attend careers events. This is a fantastic industry with loads of opportunities and I really want to get that message out there.”

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On Friday, March 14, Amanda will host her Delivering the Power of Women event being held at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium. It will offer a two-course lunch, live celebrity performances and networking opportunities. Headline sponsors are Peel Ports Group, shipping giant Maersk and IT specialist Halcyon.

This event will raise money for With Love, Steph – the Stephanie Jeanne Glynn Foundation – which helps underprivileged children. It was set up in memory of Steph who died in January 2021 with a brain tumour.

Amanda said: “Delivering the Power of Women celebrates the achievements of women and underscores Trinity Logistics’ commitment to social responsibility and community impact, particularly supporting initiatives that uplift families and children in need.”