Project logistics is rarely straightforward. Oversized cargo, remote destinations, engineering constraints, and tight delivery windows mean every movement brings a different challenge. 

For Chris Nicholson, Head of Projects at JAS Australia, that complexity is exactly what makes the industry rewarding. 

“Project logistics begins where standard freight forwarding ends,” Chris says. “It is anything that doesn’t fit in the box.” 

Chris originally comes from the UK and he built his career across every layer of freight forwarding before moving to Australia more than 20 years ago. It was here, particularly within Western Australia’s complex mining and infrastructure sectors, that he found his passion for projects and heavy lift. 

“With general freight, you are moving cargo. With projects, you are managing an entire operation around that cargo,” he explains. “You are dealing with multiple stakeholders, engineering requirements, transport limitations, installation deadlines, and constantly changing variables.” 

That challenge becomes even greater in Australia, where many projects are located in remote and difficult operating environments. 

“In Western Australia especially, you are dealing with mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, and increasingly renewable energy projects,” Chris says. “You might be moving oversized cargo into regions with limited infrastructure, bridge restrictions, or difficult transport access. There is a lot of planning involved before the cargo even starts moving.” 

 “In Australia, project logistics often means delivering oversized cargo into some of the world’s most remote operating environments, where transport routes, infrastructure limitations, and installation sequencing become critical.” 

As renewable energy investment continues to grow across Australia, Chris sees increasing demand for specialist logistics capability around oversized and technically complex infrastructure. 

“Renewables are definitely becoming a bigger part of the project landscape,” he says. “These projects require the same detailed planning, coordination, and engineering support as major mining or oil and gas developments.” 

Growing with Pentagon  

JAS continues to strengthen its capability in this space through its global projects network, further enhanced by the recent acquisition of Pentagon Freight Services. Pentagon is internationally recognized for its expertise in the energy and renewables sectors. 

“The addition of Pentagon brings another level of specialist expertise to the business,” Chris says. “It strengthens our offering to customers, particularly in delivering large-scale and technically demanding work.” 

For Chris, one of the biggest advantages of working within JAS is the ability to draw on global expertise and collaboration. 

“You are never working in isolation,” he says. “If I am managing a project in Australia, I might be relying on colleagues in China, Singapore, Europe, or elsewhere. That gives you access to local knowledge, technical expertise, and established relationships.” 

That global collaboration is becoming increasingly important as projects grow more complex and supply chains become more interconnected. 

Experience and human connection are still irreplaceable  

But while the industry continues to evolve technologically, Chris believes experience still matters just as much as systems and automation. 

“When I started, everything was manual. We were physically producing bills of lading using stamps and machines,” he says with laughter. “Now contracts go through AI systems, documentation is automated, and processes are far more streamlined.” 

“The tools have changed, but the core of the job has not. It is still about people, communication, and solving problems.” 

And in project logistics, teamwork remains at the centre of everything. 

“You can’t deliver projects alone,” Chris says. “There are too many moving parts, too many stakeholders, and too many variables. It only works when the right people come together.” 

That mindset also shapes how he approaches challenges. “Things will go wrong. That is guaranteed in this industry,” he says. “The difference is how you respond, how you communicate, and how quickly you find a solution.” 

 “Big enough to make an impact. Small enough to care. That balance matters in project logistics because relationships and responsiveness still matter. 

The latest shift?

As Australia continues to invest in mining, infrastructure, energy transition, and regional development projects, Chris believes the demand for specialised project logistics expertise will only increase. “Projects are becoming more complex, timelines are tighter, and expectations are higher,” he says. “That is why having the right people, the right systems, and the right global support network behind you is becoming more important than ever. 

“The market has evolved significantly,” Chris says. “Customers are no longer looking for someone to simply move cargo. They want a logistics partner that can coordinate globally, manage complexity, and provide complete project support from planning through to final delivery.” 

Chris believes this is where JAS is particularly well positioned, combining global capability with a hands-on, collaborative approach. 

“We say: Big enough to make an impact. Small enough to care. That balance is important in project logistics, because while projects are becoming larger and more complex, relationships and responsiveness still matter.”