Anne Schaeddel is not just the Founder of Project One Logistics, she’s the driving force behind a company built on trust, precision, and global experience. With nearly two decades in the logistics industry, Anne’s journey has spanned continents, starting in Germany, moving through Brazil, and ultimately leading her to Houston, Texas, where she turned her vision into reality.

Anne’s career has always been rooted in solving complex problems. From handling oversized and project cargo to orchestrating cross-border operations, she’s learned that no two shipments are alike, and that understanding the client’s unique needs is where the real work begins. Her hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge have shaped Project One Logistics into a company that does more than move freight; it builds partnerships.

At Project One Logistics, Anne leads a team that reflects her values: transparency, meticulous planning, and delivering on promises. Her commitment to excellence is matched by her dedication to people. She’s fostered a culture of inclusion where every voice matters, whether it’s a colleague in the office or a client halfway around the world.

What sets Anne apart isn’t just her expertise, it’s her focus on people. Clients know they’re not just a number; they’re partners in a process that’s been carefully designed to meet their goals, timelines, and budgets.

In a world where logistics can often feel impersonal and unpredictable, Anne brings clarity, consistency, and care, proving that leadership with heart can move more than just cargo. It can move an entire industry forward.

Vision Behind Project One Logistics

Anne's previous experiences in decision-making at other companies didn’t always align with her personal values. She felt that customer satisfaction was often overlooked. With this in mind, she set out to create a company that would prioritize clients above all else. This led to the birth of Project One Logistics, a name that reflects her commitment to always putting the customer first. From the very beginning, Anne envisioned a company that would not just deliver logistics services but would offer an unparalleled level of support and attention to every client.

In the logistics industry, Anne believes that it’s not just about moving goods from point A to point B; it’s about building trust and strong relationships. She emphasizes that at Project One, customer care is the foundation of everything they do. This focus on relationships is what differentiates the company from others in the market. The team at Project One is made up of professionals who not only have vast experience but who are also passionate about their work. This shared enthusiasm has fostered a positive culture that allows the team to thrive, collaborate effectively, and provide top-notch service.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Reliability

Project One Logistics prides itself on a level of accessibility and reliability that sets it apart from other providers. Anne ensures that her team is always available to clients, even during weekends, to address any issues or concerns. This level of service makes it clear to clients that their needs are a top priority. It also provides peace of mind knowing that their shipments are in capable hands.

For Anne, this dedication to being there for the customer is more than just a business strategy; it’s a cornerstone of the company’s success. She takes immense pride in this personalized approach, which has helped Project One earn the trust and loyalty of its clients. The company’s focus on accessibility ensures that clients can always rely on the team to resolve any issues swiftly, providing a seamless logistics experience. It’s this commitment to customer service that makes Project One Logistics stand out in a competitive field.

Overcoming Early Challenges

In the early stages of Project One Logistics, Anne faced a significant challenge in managing cash flow. Many of their customers required credit, which created an imbalance between revenue and expenditure. Initially, without access to lines of credit, Anne had to develop a detailed financial strategy to maintain steady cash flow and ensure smooth operations. This planning was critical to the company’s early growth and has remained a key factor in its sustained success.

Another challenge Anne encountered was the fast-paced, high-pressure nature of the logistics industry. The need for quick, real-time solutions to prevent disruptions is constant. Whether it’s dealing with delays, supply chain interruptions, or unplanned issues, the logistics industry demands agility and creativity. Anne embraces this challenge, knowing that it’s part of what makes the job exciting.

However, she also acknowledges the importance of assembling the right team to face these challenges. Building a team of professionals who align with the company’s vision and values has been one of the biggest tasks Anne has undertaken. Through careful recruitment, Project One has steadily grown, prioritizing quality over quantity and ensuring that the team remains focused on the company's mission.

Custom Solutions for Complex Logistics Challenges

When it comes to handling complex logistics projects, Anne believes in the importance of customizing solutions for every unique challenge. After the pandemic, the logistics industry faced new hurdles, including limited vessel space and a shortage of trucking availability. These obstacles required creative problem-solving. Her team at Project One was quick to adapt, finding alternative ports and working with carriers who had the capacity to handle these challenges. Thinking outside the box became essential, and it’s a practice that has continued to define Project One’s approach.

One memorable challenge Anne recalls involved a shipment that was heavier than originally documented, causing a breakdown of the truck en route. In response, the team swiftly arranged for a higher-capacity truck and an All-Terrain Crane to transfer the cargo, ensuring the issue was resolved without significant delays.

Beyond these emergency solutions, Project One also focuses on proactive planning, such as monitoring storage free times and creating precise loading plans. This level of foresight ensures that clients are not hit with unexpected fees, and the company’s preparedness helps avoid costly delays, reinforcing their commitment to cost-effective and reliable logistics solutions.

Adapting to Global Shifts

In an ever-changing global logistics landscape, Anne stresses the importance of staying informed about industry shifts and adapting accordingly. She regularly monitors developments like changes in import tariffs, natural disruptions (such as the Panama and Suez Canal incidents), and evolving regulations that could impact logistics operations. Project One Logistics stays ahead by continuously assessing these changes and finding alternative routes when necessary, ensuring that they can always offer solutions that align with the client’s priorities, whether they’re focused on transit time, cost, or a balance of both.

Looking ahead, Anne sees three key trends shaping the future of logistics. The first is the rise of AI and digital tools in the industry, which are being used by many shipping companies for automating tasks like rate calculations and customer interactions. While Anne acknowledges the value of AI, she believes it cannot replace the need for human intervention during complex disruptions.

The second trend is regionalization, with businesses shifting their sourcing away from high-tariff countries like China. Project One’s global network allows it to adjust quickly to these changes, ensuring continued efficiency. Lastly, sustainability is becoming a major focus, particularly in regions like Europe and Canada, where there is increasing pressure to adhere to environmentally friendly practices, such as offering rail transport over trucking when possible.

Preparing for Disruptions

One of Anne’s core strategies for managing logistics challenges is preparedness. Project One always has a Plan B in place, working with multiple vendors and logistics partners to ensure that backup options are available if one falls through. This proactive approach extends to planning for potential disruptions, such as natural disasters or crises, and ensuring the team can adapt quickly.

Technology plays a crucial role in streamlining logistics operations. From real-time tracking to detailed engineering and loading plans, technology helps improve efficiency and accuracy. However, Anne emphasizes that while technology is essential for operations, it’s the personalized service that truly sets Project One apart. Anne and her team are dedicated to providing tailored logistics solutions, especially for high-value cargo, ensuring clients receive human-centered communication rather than relying on automated systems.

Building Strong Relationships

Anne understands that the key to successful project execution is strong relationships with both customers and vendors. She places a high value on communication, whether through in-person meetings, team calls, or direct messaging. This constant connection helps build trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page throughout a project’s lifecycle. Anne believes that respect is the foundation of any effective relationship, and this principle extends to how Project One Logistics works with its partners.

When issues arise, the company adopts a team-oriented approach, focusing on solutions rather than placing blame. This collaborative attitude ensures that problems are resolved swiftly and projects stay on track. By maintaining smooth operations and open communication channels, Project One creates a reliable and trustworthy experience for its clients, helping the company stand out as a leader in the logistics industry.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Anne’s advice to aspiring logistics entrepreneurs is simple but vital: integrity is key. She encourages newcomers to always keep their word and avoid overpromising, as trust is essential in the competitive logistics sector. She also stresses that success in the industry requires years of experience, deep knowledge, and the ability to form strong partnerships. Anne is guided by the words of Chris Grosser: “Opportunities don’t happen; you create them.” This philosophy has been central to her approach to business and growth.

Looking to the future, Anne has big plans for Project One Logistics. She envisions the company becoming a leader in the US project logistics sector, expanding across the country while staying true to its customer-centric values. Despite this planned growth, Anne remains committed to maintaining the company’s dedication to providing personalized solutions and fostering a passionate, skilled team. Her ultimate goal is not just to expand but to ensure that excellence and client care remain at the heart of everything Project One does.