In this episode of OBP Connect, host Bea sits down with Calaia Sears, OBP’s Business Development Manager for the United States. Calaia brings over 20 years of freight industry experience spanning forwarding, cold storage, warehousing, and transportation technology, a background that shapes her flexible, relationship-first approach to business development.
This discussion covers how global workforce models are reshaping freight operations, what sets OBP apart, and what it means to have a local US presence backing your growth.
Why US Freight Forwarders Are Turning to Global Operations
The freight industry is facing significant challenges including rising overhead costs, thinner margins, increasing compliance requirements, and geopolitical disruptions. Here's how OBP addresses these pressures:
Scaling Through Global Teams
Global workforce models are becoming more mainstream in logistics, driven by the need for technology, faster data transmission, and the ability to scale volume efficiently. Calaia explains, “To keep up, it’s about finding a way to streamline all of your operations. It’s a ‘shape up or be left behind’ type of deal.”
Relationships First, Business Second
Calaia’s core philosophy in business development centers on flexibility, active listening, and building genuine long-term relationships rather than simply closing deals. Calaia emphasizes, “It’s not always just about closing something. It’s about being aligned, closing, and maintaining.”
Overcoming the Uncertainty
Common objections to offshoring include fear of the unknown, resistance to change, and data security concerns, all of which OBP addresses through reassurance, proof of concept, and demonstrated infrastructure. “I believe in what we offer altogether, what we have. I believe in our methods, our infrastructure, our processes, and our people,” Calaia adds.
What Makes OBP Different
OBP differentiates itself from other outsourcing providers through its 100% work-from-office model, 24/7 operations, data security accreditations, dedicated team per client, and its status as the largest CargoWise partner. As Calaia states, “OBP might be the only or one of very, very few BPO services for the logistics industry that is a 100% working office company. ”
A Local Presence That Builds Trust
Calaia’s local presence in the US market adds a layer of confidence and trust for both existing and prospective clients, enabling easier onboarding, faster communication, and stronger relationship building. Calaia points out, “This industry is really based on relationships, the growth of it, and how people do business and who they do business with.”
Reach Calaia by e-mail at sales@offshorebusinessprocessing.com or call or text her directly at 657-643-1076. Based in the USA, she operates out of the Los Angeles office from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Whatever your operational pain point, we have the expertise to solve it. To learn more, explore our services page.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to OBP Connect — where connections meet solutions for your success!
This podcast is powered by Offshore Business Processing , an independent firm with Australian roots and global reach, trusted by top industry professionals.