Picking success at every level for AFS Logistics

For over 30 years, AFS Logistics, an Australian and New Zealand-based logistics provider, has offered end-to-end services across warehousing, freight forwarding, and 4PL distribution.

AFS Logistics has its own international shipping division, a proprietary cloud-based freight management system, MOVEiT, and a national delivery network integrated with over 120 carriers, giving them a strong 4PL capability.

With seven sites across ANZ, the AFS business continues to expand with a primary focus on customer service—and has relied on Linde Material Handling Australia to keep up with demand.

With over 35 Linde units in operation and more on the way, AFS Logistics’ material handling needs have grown significantly.

For the past four years, Linde Account Manager Mia Whiteoak has worked closely with the AFS Logistics team to ensure their needs are met.

“AFS Logistics needed a partner who could move quickly and support them as they grow,” says Mia. “From our very first conversation, it was about understanding their priorities and responding fast—whether it was sourcing new machines or finding a short-term rental at a moment’s notice.”

Shayne McDonnell, 3PL Director at AFS Logistics, leads the company’s third-party logistics arm, managing almost 40,000 square metres of warehousing space.

“We started our 3PL operation in 2018 with around 2,000 pallets,” says Shayne. “Today, we manage anywhere between 46,000 to 60,000 pallets across our sites so we’ve grown considerably over the past three years.”

As business demands increase, AFS Logistics’ 3PL business continues to adapt its fleet with Linde. The company’s operation primarily relies on high-reach trucks to manage heavy pallet volumes, complemented by electric counterbalance forklifts, order pickers, and pallet trucks to ensure smooth and efficient 3PL site operations.

“We have high shelving. Our business has a large pallet storage component, so Linde’s reach trucks are essential to our model,” Shayne explained. “But we’re also evolving—and as we continue to evolve, we are doing more and more e-commerce, so we’ve started using Linde’s V08 order pickers. These little run-around pallet trucks are an amazing unit. They help us with picking, and straightaway we can double our pick face because those little units go up 1 metre in the air. They let us pick from ground level and the first shelf, which has helped improve efficiency.”

With the business continuing to grow, the team is exploring ways to expand.

Shayne explains, “We’ve grown quickly, and with our rapid growth, Linde’s been able to support us at short notice. We might pick up a contract that needs two or three machines in a hurry, and Mia’s always found a way to source the right machines for us and turn it around very quickly.

“Due to land prices increasing, it’s getting more and more expensive. So, we’re now looking at buildings that go up to 14 metres, compared to most others that only reach around 9 metres.”

To support AFS Logistics’ 3PL shift to higher racking systems, Linde has supplied reach trucks capable of lifting up to 12 metres—helping the business optimise space as warehouse costs continue to rise.

AFS Logistics uses a mix of long and short-term rental equipment from Linde, giving them the flexibility to adjust their fleet as needed.

“If we need a certain number of forklifts for a short period, 99 per cent of the time, whatever we need, Linde’s been able to provide.

“Another one of the benefits with Linde’s rental model is the service. If a machine goes down, it’s replaced quickly—within 24–48 hours,” Shayne said. “That’s critical for us, especially in peak periods when downtime isn’t an option.”

AFS Logistics’ Linde units are fitted with digital weight indicators, CCTV cameras and the Linde BlueSpot warning lights, all contributing to safer, more efficient operations.

“All three are valuable,” Shayne said. “The Linde BlueSpot, in particular, is a standout feature—it’s a visual cue for people unfamiliar with warehouse traffic. I always tell visitors, ‘If you see a blue light, a forklift is within three metres.’ It’s that simple. The CCTV cameras and weight indicators also help from an operational and efficiency point of view—they make it more efficient for the guys picking.”

For Shayne, Linde’s service and support are critical to keeping AFS Logistics running efficiently every day.

“Alongside our facilities and our focus on people and safety, having reliable equipment and support from Linde is essential for running efficiently and effectively,” he says.

AFS Logistics receives monthly KPI reports on all equipment, allowing the team to effectively monitor maintenance schedules and utilisation, which has improved operational oversight.

“Mia’s been great to work with,” Shayne says. “If I need anything, she’s very responsive—I know she’ll get onto it straight away. If there are any issues, she jumps onto it and fixes it promptly. Whether we need equipment urgently or we’re planning a new facility, she makes sure we’re covered.

“As soon as I heard we’re going higher, the first call I made was to Mia to make sure we could get the reach trucks we’d need,” Shayne added.

“And without hesitation, she said, ‘No problem.’ That level of service and reliability is what keeps us coming back.”

For Shayne and the AFS team, it’s all about servicing their customers—so the decision to stick with Linde is as much about performance as it is about people.

“I’m a big supporter of Linde, the machines are reliable, comfortable, and they look good too. But more importantly, I know I can count on the team.”

You can also learn how other businesses are partnering with Linde, as well as keep up to date with the latest in material handling safety and innovation by visiting our Content Hub.

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