At BRi, we take pride in recognising the dedication, perseverance, and growth of our team members. Today, we celebrate Liam Borchard’s journey – a story of resilience, learning, and professional excellence.
About Liam and His Contributions at BR International
Liam’s journey with BRi began in 2021 when the company acquired Tradewinds Customs and Freight. By then, he had already dedicated seven years to Tradewinds, bringing with him a wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge. With the acquisition, Liam became an integral part of BRi’s expanding Queensland presence. His commitment was soon acknowledged with a plaque commemorating ten years of outstanding service, which has now extended to an impressive twelve years and counting.
Reflecting on this milestone, Liam shared:
“When the combined service reached the 10-year mark, I was presented with a plaque for 10 years of ‘outstanding service,’ which has now run up to 12 years and counting.”
His Journey: From Freight Runner to Customs Broker
To truly understand Liam’s growth, let’s take a step back and look at the journey that led him to where he is today.
Like so many people in the industry before him, Liam’s career started as a freight runner, where he was responsible for transporting smaller cargo, handling crucial shipping documents, and attending cargo inspections with Biosecurity Officers. Over time, he transitioned into a hybrid role in operations, gaining valuable insights into freight forwarding, supply chains, and client services.
“Gradually I transitioned into a hybrid role where I got my first experience in Operations – administrative tasks and learning the operational side of imports. This was crucial in developing an understanding of how logistics works and provided great insight into the freight forwarding side, supply chains, client services, and financials,” Liam recalled.
Faced with a choice between freight forwarding and customs, Liam pursued the latter – a decision that set the stage for his future success. He began compiling and classifying goods, assessing commercial documents, and preparing customs entries. To formalise his expertise, he enrolled in the IFCBAA’s Diploma of Customs Brokering, balancing 2.5 years of full-time study while working full-time.
The Road to Becoming a Licensed Customs Broker
Despite an initial setback in his customs broker licensing attempt, Liam remained undeterred.
“My first attempt was unsuccessful, so I needed to identify exactly why. One of the challenges was that at Tradewinds, being a smaller company with fewer staff and a more limited client base, there was less diversity in mentorship and expertise,” he explained.
Following BRi’s acquisition of Tradewinds, Liam found himself surrounded by a wealth of resources and support. The expanded team, including his manager from Tradewinds who continues to work with him at BRi, and other senior leaders, provided invaluable guidance and access to the tools needed for his continued growth. A pivotal moment in Liam’s development came when he was flown to Melbourne to gain insights from the Customs team, including a young broker who had recently navigated the modern licensing process himself. This experience proved invaluable, both in refining Liam’s general knowledge and in preparing him more effectively for his second attempt, aligned with the updated licensing system.
COVID-19 caused delays, but Liam remained steadfast. His second application, spanning over 130 pages, was a testament to his dedication. This time, he was deemed competent solely based on his submission – without needing an interview.
In late 2024, Liam officially became a licensed customs broker, marking a significant milestone in his career. This is a notable and pivotal moment in his professional journey, reflecting his dedication, hard work, and perseverance in reaching his goal.
BRi Culture: A Workplace That Supports Growth
At BRi, we’re glad to have been a part of Liam’s journey, and it’s rewarding to support his growth, both personally and professionally.
“At BRi, I have a great work/life balance. Expectations are high, but not unreasonable and this avoids burnout. It speaks for the great people that I work alongside who help foster this dynamic and workplace culture,” Liam shared.
Here’s to Liam – an exceptional professional and a truly valued member of the BRi team. We deeply appreciate the dedication, determination, and growth that have shaped your journey. And congratulations on your remarkable achievements. We are incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing to support you as you grow even further in your career, all while continuing to make a difference for our clients.
At BRi, teamwork is the backbone of everything we do. Together, we embody our core values of integrity, trust, and continuous improvement, delivering seamless logistics solutions and creating an environment where every team member thrives.
