Driving Trade Compliance: 3DL Logistics Pty Ltd & CEO Chris Roberts
In a global economy bound by evolving regulations and complex supply chains, Australian importer-exporters increasingly require a specialist who can simplify cross-border clearance while assuring full compliance. 3DL Logistics Pty Ltd—trading as 3DL Customs & Consulting—has emerged as the nation’s top-tier wholesale customs specialist. Founded in 2015, the Brisbane-headquartered, family-owned business is led by Chris Roberts, whose leadership vision has redefined customs brokerage across Australia.
From Vision to Leadership: The Chris Roberts Story
Today, with over 600 collective years of customs experience among its staff, 3DL’s spirit hinges on one individual: CEO Chris Roberts. As a licensed customs broker and third-generation family business leader, Roberts set out to build a firm based on quality over volume, reflecting his mantra: “What we do is our passion, not just our jobs.”
Under his guidance, 3DL achieved a historic milestone in 2017, becoming the first— and still only—pure wholesale customs brokerage to be awarded Australian Trusted Trader status. This credential, backed by the World Customs Organisation’s stringent standards, paved the way for priority processing, duty deferrals, and borders cleared faster for 3DL clients.
Roberts’ leadership infused the company culture with a relentless audit focus—5% of entries reviewed internally—with bonuses tied to precision over throughput, ensuring “compliance excellence.”
Services Tailored to Regulatory Complexity
3DL does not operate as a freight forwarder; instead, its fully licensed customs brokers support:
- Wholesale & Freight‑forwarder Customs Clearance
- Commercial Imports & Border Force Lodgments
- Quarantine and Bio‑security Management
- Tariff and Trade Consulting
- Due Diligence on asbestos, modern slavery, illegal logging, and more
- Carbon‑offset & Sustainability Advisory
- Management of customs penalties, IPR, CIM, and space concessions
Leveraging an average 28 years of expertise per broker, the firm guarantees 36-hour sea‑freight and 12-hour air‑freight clearance—while ensuring all data stays securely onshore, with no offshore handling of client information.
Strategic Tie‑Ups & Industry Integration
Roberts has anchored 3DL at the heart of Australia’s logistics ecosystem:
- An official SCLAA National Partner under the Australian Customs Clearance brand, integrating customs services into wider supply‑chain offerings.
- Advanced software integrations with CargoWise, Expedient, Tradewindow, and client systems provide full real-time transparency and automated lodgments. Significant participation in FTA/APSA weekly reports, sponsoring updates and unveiling a major system overhaul in 2021—automatic bookings, government messaging, and real-time notifications.
These alliances ensure clients receive seamless compliance support, even amid global supply-chain disruptions.
Success Stories: Precision in Action
- After earning Australian Trusted Trader accreditation (2017), 3DL became the go-to brokerage for wholesalers and forwarders requiring fast, large-scale border clearance
- In 2021, sponsorship of FTA/APSA showcased their upgraded system—providing “100% real-time messaging and transparency”, with a trial offer of 15 complimentary formal import declarations.
- As a speaker at SCLAA events and regular contributor to trade forums, 3DL has helped other brokers manage surges, regulatory changes, and modern slavery compliance with confidence.
Blueprint Ahead: Upcoming Projects & Expansion
Under Roberts, 3DL is clearly mapping a bold roadmap:
- Enhancing due-diligence services: supporting asbestos-free assurance, modern slavery reporting, illegal logging risk assessments, IRMA-certified mining imports—all aligned to legislative shifts
- Elevating sustainability consulting, offering carbon-offset options to reduce clients’ import carbon footprints
- Rolling out expanded nationwide services—deploying licensed broker “locums” to cover peak periods and emergencies for freight-forwarders and corporate brokerages
- Incorporating further automation and integration—particularly in instant messaging and customs DAWE directives—to maintain 36/12‑hour clearance benchmarks.
Client Voices: What Sets 3DL Apart
“With their 12‑hour air‑freight clearance, 3DL ensured our emergency stock arrived without tariff penalties. Their brokers feel like part of our in‑house team.”
— Logistics Ops Manager, National Retailer
“They audited every entry, taking compliance personally. That focus saved us thousands during a government export audit.”
— Procurement Director, Manufacturing Group
“Their due‑diligence support on modern slavery and illegal logging gave us peace of mind—and compliance with new regulations.”
— Imports Manager, Timber Distributor
The testimonials mirror Roberts’ ethos: compliance-first, customer-focused, quality-driven service.
In a trade environment increasingly defined by regulatory complexity, 3DL Logistics Pty Ltd, under Chris Roberts, offers a compelling proposition: customs clarity, operational integrity, and forward-thinking partnerships.
From setting audit standards to pioneering system automation and compliance consulting, the company is not just clearing customs—it’s reshaping the brokerage landscape. With its Trusted Trader legacy and evolving services, 3DL is a blueprint for how specialist firms can thrive in the age of regulatory rigor.
For CEOs navigating cross-border trade—and looking for reliable, compliant support—3DL represents a standout partner built on expertise, trust, and innovative thinking.
