Meet Craig Eaton: Business Development Manager – National and International

Northline’s Business Development Manager – National and International, Craig Eaton, plays a key role in identifying new business opportunities and strengthening customer relationships across domestic and international markets. Since joining Northline in January 2025, Craig has leveraged his extensive experience in transport and logistics, media and publishing and business consulting to help customers find practical, tailored freight and supply chain solutions.

With a passion for problem-solving and a customer-focused approach, Craig works closely with businesses to understand their unique requirements and deliver seamless logistics outcomes. In this Q&A, Craig shares insights into his career journey, what he enjoys most about working in the ever-evolving logistics industry and how Northline’s personalised service, dedicated account management and nationwide network help customers achieve their business goals.

How long have you been with Northline?

I have been with Northline for roughly a year and a half starting in January 2025.

What other industries have you worked in?

A lot of my career has been in the transport and logistics industry in some type of facet. I did spend 10 years working in media and publishing for a major Australian company and roughly 2 years as a consultant working on bill design projects.

What attracted you to the transport and logistics industry?

I like solution solving and I think logistics is mostly that, but it’s a varied industry so it’s always developing and changing.

Can you describe a typical day in your role?

The first part of my day is going over any emails that need attention. I mainly concentrate on new business but I also have a portfolio of customers, so it’s just balancing those existing requirements and getting on the phone and in front of new people. If I’m not in the Kenwick depot, I am on the road all over Perth to have meetings I have set up for the day. In the afternoon and evening, it is a good time for me to catch up on any desk work. A portion of my role works with International Freight Management (IFM), so with China & South East Asia being on the same time zone I can often still talk with them until later in the afternoon.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your role so far?

It has been getting recognition when it’s due and it doesn’t have to be tangible. It’s a shout out when you get your first account and kudos for a good win or seeing something through from start to finish.

What advantages do customers gain by partnering with Northline?

There are a lot of companies out there to carry a customer’s goods, but Northline have a personal approach with people on the ground in every major Australian city plus a dedicated Account Manager for every customer. When a customer needs to discuss their shipments, talk about new business or pricing they can have that handled with ease.

Tell us a bit more about yourself i.e. hobbies, interests, random facts!

As much as people think I am originally from Western Australia, I am actually from Sydney and moved to Perth in 2020. I like to travel and WA has so much to do plus a lot of Asia is easily accessible.