Greek-Australian run Gavos Freight Solutions wins national customs award, celebrating a milestone achievement for the Melbourne-based logistics company and its founder, Peter J. Gavos. The family-run business took home the 2025 Customs Broker of the Year at the DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards — one of the top honours in Australia’s freight and logistics industry.
From airport chaos to industry acclaim
Gavos Freight Solutions (GFS) helps importers, exporters, and travellers manage customs with speed and accuracy. Whether clearing a shipment or solving a last-minute airport issue, the team ensures clients stay compliant and stress-free. That focus on precision and service helped GFS rise above larger multinational competitors.
Peter Gavos said the win was both unexpected and deeply rewarding. “To be recognised by peers among the biggest players in the business is an incredible honour,” he said. “After 35 years as a licensed customs broker, this one means a lot.”
A strong family legacy
Founded more than three decades ago, GFS remains a family business built on teamwork. Peter’s wife, Melinda, is a company director, while their 20-year-old son, Nicholas, is already following in his father’s footsteps. Earlier this year, Nicholas received the IFCBAA Young Professional of the Year Award 2025, adding another milestone to the family’s story.
“Two major awards in one year show that hard work pays off,” Peter said proudly. “We focus on doing the job right and giving our clients the best possible service.”
Why this award matters
The DCN Awards, supported by the International Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA), celebrate companies that raise the bar in logistics, shipping, and customs services. The Customs Broker of the Year title honours excellence in compliance, innovation, and client care.
This year’s judges highlighted GFS’s commitment to staff training and open communication — two values that keep customers informed and confident. For a small-to-medium firm, beating major national operators was a powerful statement about the strength of independent expertise.
Looking forward
Despite the recognition, Gavos remains grounded. “We don’t work for trophies; we work for our clients,” he said. “Every shipment, every call, every customs form matters.”
Today, Gavos Freight Solutions handles cargo across Australia — from warehouses to door-to-door delivery. The company plans to expand training for new brokers and continue setting high standards in the industry.
This award is more than a career highlight. It’s proof that dedication, teamwork, and family values can still outperform scale — showing that in Australia’s global trade network, passion remains the most powerful driver of success.
