Meet our experts: Matthew Henderson

With nearly 20 years in logistics, Matt has dedicated his career to understanding how global supply chains connect the world. In this article, we dive into how Matt is driving Brunswick’s strategic growth and why this new terminal is poised to offer our customers unparalleled efficiency and seamless service. Get a glimpse into his vision for the future of logistics, where digitalization and sustainability are leading the way to a brighter, more connected tomorrow.

Hello! I’m Matthew Henderson, Senior General Manager for Logistics Services, based in Brunswick, GA, USA. I’ve spent nearly two decades in the logistics industry, constantly driven by the fascinating world of global supply chains and how they connect people, products, and economies.

My journey into logistics began in university, where I started as a civil engineering student. However, I quickly found myself gravitating toward economics, particularly international trade

theory. While studying, I worked evenings at an LTL trucking company, and that was my first taste of the logistics world. After graduation, I joined Maersk, where I moved containers between ports and inland facilities. Later, I worked at Crowley, managing rail shipments in the central U.S.

In October 2014, I joined Wallenius Wilhelmsen at the Savannah port. It was an exciting time as we opened a VPC to support Toyota’s exports to Oceania, and I had the opportunity to experiment with new processes like fumigating cargo. In 2016, I moved to Brunswick, GA, to help build the organization there. Fast forward to September 2024, and I now serve as the Senior General Manager for Logistics Services. My role revolves around bringing together the teams from Marine Terminal, Equipment Processing Center, and Vehicle Processing Center to create synergies and streamline our operations.

The grand opening of the Brunswick terminal in January 2025 is a milestone for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and I couldn’t be more excited about what it means for our customers. Brunswick isn’t just any port—it’s a key part of our logistics network, bringing multiple key functions together.

A few years ago, we had port locations spread across the southeastern U.S., including Jacksonville, Savannah, and Newport News. Now, with Brunswick’s growth, we’ve consolidated these operations into one central location.

Brunswick is strategically placed in a region that’s seen significant population and industrial growth—especially in states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. This dynamic market provides us with the perfect opportunity to meet our customers' needs while ensuring we have plenty of room to grow. Not only is the region growing in terms of population, but industries are also flocking to the southeast for its favorable business environment. Brunswick is ready to serve this booming market while offering the infrastructure and space needed for future expansion.

So, how does Brunswick specifically benefit our customers? This port offers a truly unique setup, where almost all of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s operations are represented. With Wallenius Wilhelmsen, EUKOR, and ARC vessels regularly calling Brunswick, we’re able to offer a full range of services, including stevedoring, terminal operations, equipment and vehicle processing, and transportation—all in one location. This unified approach allows us to streamline processes, improve communication, and drive better efficiencies, all of which directly benefit our customers.

With our state-of-the-art facilities and integrated operations, we can offer a comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solution. By leveraging these synergies, we’re able to deliver a level of service that’s hard to match in the industry.

Building Brunswick was no small feat—constructing the facilities was a major challenge. However, most of that hard work is behind us. Now, our focus is on refining our practices, maximizing efficiency, and fully integrating with our customers’ supply chains.

One exciting initiative we’re rolling out is the Customer Appointment Module (CAM), which will be introduced at both the Equipment Processing Center and Marine Terminal in the coming months. This digital solution will streamline truck deliveries, improving efficiency and giving our customers better visibility and control over their shipments.

The logistics industry is changing fast, and digitalization and sustainability are at the forefront of these changes. As an analyst at heart, I rely on data to make informed decisions quickly. That’s why I use Power BI dashboard reports, which give me a real-time snapshot of situations and allow me to make data-driven decisions.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is committed to embracing technology to improve operations and help our customers make better decisions. As the logistics world becomes increasingly digital and sustainable, we’ll continue to stay ahead of the curve, shaping the future of global supply chains.

The opening of Brunswick isn’t just about a new facility—it’s a signal that Wallenius Wilhelmsen is deeply invested in the future of logistics. With strategic growth, innovative technology, and a unified approach to service, we’re ready to help our customers navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving global marketplace.