Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Get answers to the most frequently asked questions in regards to our application process and life at Mainfreight.
Graduates/Working Professionals
What is the key to success at Mainfreight?
The key to being successful is to utilise the time on the floor and learning what makes our business tick. Having the right attitude and having a team driven mindset are also essential. If this sounds like something you can throw yourself into then look no further than Mainfreight.
What is on offer?
At Mainfreight you'll be working in one of the world's most exciting, diverse and fast-paced industries. With a philosophy of 'promote from within' we're committed to growing our team and developing them into core roles within the business and into the leaders who will take the business forward.
How will my career progress?
Our philosophy is to recruit and ‘grow’ our own people, rather than hire people from other businesses. That is why we invest in and manage the long-term growth and development of our people, right from the start.
Once you have learnt the fundamentals of Mainfreight on the operations floor, you will move into other areas of the business where you will get the right mix of autonomy and support. We believe that smart people can learn the specifics of any role so our focus is on helping you develop personal and professional skills that will allow you take on any role in the business.
We are an ever-changing business and we are constantly reviewing new ways to help our team develop the world-class skills that will lead our business into the future.
Once you have learnt the fundamentals of Mainfreight on the operations floor, you will move into other areas of the business where you will get the right mix of autonomy and support. We believe that smart people can learn the specifics of any role so our focus is on helping you develop personal and professional skills that will allow you take on any role in the business.
We are an ever-changing business and we are constantly reviewing new ways to help our team develop the world-class skills that will lead our business into the future.
What training and development is on offer?
We understand that our biggest asset is our people and that our growth as a business is only limited by our ability to grow our own people. Our training and development strategy reflects this with structured induction, training and development. The Mainfreight difference is that we focus on helping you develop the professional and personal strategies, tools and life skills to step into any role in the business, anywhere in the world.
Our ongoing team development programmes around the world currently includes:
Our ongoing team development programmes around the world currently includes:
- A full induction programme
- Learning the business from the operations floor-up
- Structured leadership programmes
- Personal development courses
When can I start?
At Mainfreight, we work on rolling recruitment. This means that we do not have set intake dates for our Development Programme. When an opportunity becomes available with our team, we need great people to fill it as soon as possible! We take on graduates throughout the year and try to match opportunities within our teams to when you finish your studies. We are always taking applications!
How long is the programme?
Our Development Programme doesn’t end after two years. It continues throughout your Mainfreight career. Everyone’s journey is different and that’s the beauty of it. Each team member brings something different to the table and that unique perspective helps drive our business forward.
What qualifications do I need?
We see your qualifications as just a part of who you are. We don’t look for specific degrees, we are keen to take on people with all different perspectives to provide diverse ways of thinking and approaching challenges. We're just as interested in your sports and interests, your part time jobs and how you'll fit our special culture.
Overseas opportunities?
As we are a global business that promotes from within, we share overseas career opportunities with our teams. These roles are generally more senior roles so to be successful you need to have made a name for yourself within New Zealand and make the most of networking with key players.
Where can I learn more?
Take a look at our Setting Yourself Up For Success page.
School Leavers
What is the key to success at Mainfreight?
The key to being influential in these areas is to utilise the time on the floor and learning what makes our business tick. If this sounds like something you can throw yourself into then look no further than Mainfreight. So what does life at Mainfreight look like? From driving a forklift to working with experienced team and managers, to leading a team – you will be involved in the full range of business and supply chain management activities.
What is on offer?
As a Mainfreight school leaver, you'll be working in one of the world's most exciting, diverse and fast-paced industries. With a philosophy of 'promote from within' we're committed to growing today's school leavers into the leaders who will take the business forward - both here and around the world.
How will my career progress?
Our philosophy is to recruit and ‘grow’ our own people, rather than hire people from other businesses. That is why we invest in and manage the long-term growth and development of our people, right from the start.
Once you have learnt the fundamentals of Mainfreight on the operations floor, you will move into other areas of the business where you will get the right mix of autonomy and support. We believe that smart people can learn the specifics of any role so our focus is on helping you develop personal and professional skills that will allow you take on any role in the business.
We are an ever-changing business and we are constantly reviewing new ways to help our team develop the world-class skills that will lead our business into the future.
Once you have learnt the fundamentals of Mainfreight on the operations floor, you will move into other areas of the business where you will get the right mix of autonomy and support. We believe that smart people can learn the specifics of any role so our focus is on helping you develop personal and professional skills that will allow you take on any role in the business.
We are an ever-changing business and we are constantly reviewing new ways to help our team develop the world-class skills that will lead our business into the future.
What training and development is on offer?
We understand that our biggest asset is our people and that our growth as a business is only limited by our ability to grow our own people. Our training and development strategy reflects this with structured induction, training and development. The Mainfreight difference is that we focus on helping you develop the professional and personal strategies, tools and life skills to step into any role in the business, anywhere in the world.
Our ongoing team development programmes around the world currently includes:
Our ongoing team development programmes around the world currently includes:
- A full induction programme
- Learning the business from the operations floor-up
- Structured leadership programmes
- Personal development courses
Where can I learn more?
Take a look at our Setting Yourself Up For Success page.
How Do I Apply?
Owner Drivers
What will I need as an Owner Driver?
- The skills to be a good business owner. Many people have a partner or someone close who is business savvy to take care of GST, tax and paying bills
- A minimum of $40,000 in capital depending on your finance sources and size of vehicle
- An accountant. You are setting up your own business as an independent contractor so you want the best business and tax advice – and you’ll need to be GST registered
What qualities are you looking for?
- As you would be the face of our business, we are looking for someone with:
- Strong customer service values
- An eye for detail and a sharp appearance
- A strong work ethic and get along well with people from all walks of life
- A sense of humour
- It also helps to be a good driver and to like driving
What are the necessary licences and certifications I need?
We can advise you on what’s involved in getting the below:
- Minimum of a Class 2 drivers licence
- Full insurance including public liability
- A valid fork hoist and dangerous goods licence
- You’ll also need a Transport Service Licence
What documents will I need to send through when I apply?
Please make sure you send in the below for your application:
- Cover letter
- CV (knowledge and experience of the freight industry would be helpful)
- Scanned copy of both sides of drivers licence (minimum of a Class 2)
- OHS Fork hoist licence
- DG licence
- TSL licence
Where can I learn more?
Take a look at our Setting Yourself Up For Success page.
Ready to start your Mainfreight career?
Apply now or contact us if you want to know more.
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