The 2026 Commonwealth Games are almost here – and well before the opening ceremony, Jacanna is working hard to ensure the New Zealand athletes have everything they need to make their trip to Glasgow a success.
As the official freight and logistics partner of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), Glasgow is the latest chapter in an ongoing partnership that has spanned the Tokyo Olympics, Milano Winter Games, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and Paris Olympics. Each event has deepened our event logistics expertise – and Glasgow has been no exception.
What we’re shipping
Event logistics at this scale covers far more than standard freight. For Glasgow, Jacanna managed multiple sea freight containers alongside urgent air freight – covering clothing, equipment, games props, and everything athletes and support staff need to compete and operate at an international event.
Every item packed into those containers has been classified and declared to UK customs authorities. The import entry documentation alone runs to over 95 pages – a detail that illustrates the compliance complexity sitting behind what might look like straightforward container shipping.
Navigating a complex supply chain
Getting freight from New Zealand to Glasgow requires the kind of careful planning more commonly associated with project cargo than standard freight forwarding. The escalating conflict in the Middle East has caused congestion at transhipment ports along key shipping routes, which is a challenging situation for freight companies and shipping lines across the board.
Rather than wait and hope, Jacanna worked directly with shipping lines to secure priority unloading and loading at the ports, keeping the important cargo on schedule. Every shipment is tracked weekly, with contingency arrangements made in advance.
The result is a smooth delivery, no significant delays, and a first container already on the ground at the athletes’ hotel in Glasgow.
More than moving boxes
Delivering for Team NZ requires a global freight forwarding operation that combines air freight and sea freight capability with in-depth compliance knowledge and a fair share of problem-solving to boot. As one of the few Kiwi-owned global freight forwarders with the expertise to handle event logistics of this complexity, Jacanna brings something the big multinationals can’t – a genuine stake in the outcome.
As Alex Simays, Country Manager at Jacanna, puts it:
Being selected as a logistics partner for the New Zealand Olympic Committee is something we are incredibly proud of. As a Kiwi-owned and operated freight forwarder, we understand what it means to represent New Zealand on the world stage, and we bring that same passion and commitment to every project we undertake.
What sets Jacanna apart is that we’re not just freight experts – we’re problem solvers. Whether it’s imports, exports, Carnets, Temporary Import Entries, event logistics, or complex project freight, our team has the experience and expertise to deliver seamless outcomes.
While it may appear that one person is managing a shipment, the reality is there is an entire team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes. From planning and compliance through to execution and delivery, every member of the Jacanna team plays a critical role.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring both our customers and overseas receivers remain fully informed throughout the process. For events of this scale, there is no room for error. That’s why the New Zealand Olympic Committee can trust Jacanna to deliver not only freight, but confidence, reliability, and world-class service every step of the way.
The air freight is still to come
With sea freight on the ground and air freight scheduled shortly, the job isn’t finished yet. We’ll continue tracking every shipment and managing every detail until the last item is delivered and the New Zealand Team is ready to compete. That’s what it means to be a partner – not just a freight company.
The job isn’t done until everyone’s home
While the athletes compete, Jacanna’s work doesn’t stop. The moment the Games are over, the NZOC rely on us to move quickly – packing up and returning all freight back to New Zealand. It’s a tight turnaround, and getting it right requires the same level of planning and coordination as the outbound journey. From first container out to last shipment home, we’re with the New Zealand Team every step of the way.
Have an event coming up?
Jacanna is the official freight and logistics partner of the New Zealand Olympic Committee. To find out how we can support your next project, please get in touch.