Founder | Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer

Freek Erasmus is the Founder of JFM Logistics and serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the transport, logistics, and courier industry.

His career began in 1993 at RTT, where what started as a holiday position quickly developed into a five-year foundation in logistics operations. During this time, Freek gained valuable industry insight and developed a deep passion for transport and supply chain execution — a passion that would define his career.

In 1998, Freek took the step into entrepreneurship and established his own courier business. Built on determination, discipline, and a strong work ethic, this venture marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to building and growing logistics operations from the ground up.

By 2001, Freek expanded into fleet ownership and heavy transport operations, acquiring his first trucks and steadily scaling the business into a robust logistics operation. Over time, the fleet has grown to more than 24 horse-and-trailer combinations, including links and tri-axle rigs, supporting a diverse range of transport and logistics requirements.

Freek is widely respected for his straightforward, old-school approach to business, grounded in integrity, accountability, and service excellence. He believes in clear communication, ethical decision-making, and consistently delivering more than what is promised — under-committing and over-delivering.

His guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “Do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.” Freek remains closely involved in the operational core of JFM Logistics, ensuring that every decision aligns with the company’s values and commitment to excellence.

Freek continues to lead the organisation with a strong focus on operational discipline, service reliability, and long-term sustainability, reinforcing JFM Logistics as a trusted and respected logistics provider in the industry.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Finance & HR Director

Michelle Erasmus is the Finance Director and HR Director, bringing over two decades of experience in container operations, transport brokerage, and logistics administration.

Her career in the logistics industry began in 2001 at Bidvest SACD, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end logistics chain. This early operational exposure provided her with a strong foundation in both the practical and administrative sides of the industry, shaping her structured and detail-oriented approach to business management.

Over the years, Michelle has held various operational and marketing roles within container logistics companies, building extensive experience in managing complex logistics environments. This background has enabled her to bridge the gap between operations and administration, ensuring that systems, processes, and financial controls are aligned with operational realities.

At JFM Logistics, Michelle leads the Admin, Finance, and HR functions, overseeing the implementation of efficient billing systems, administrative processes, and internal controls. Her focus is on ensuring accuracy, accountability, and seamless coordination across departments, while keeping queries to a minimum and resolving them swiftly and effectively.

Her accounting systems and procedural frameworks play a key role in supporting operational efficiency and service delivery across the business. Michelle is deeply committed to building strong internal structures that enable sustainable growth and consistent client satisfaction.

Michelle’s leadership continues to strengthen the backbone of JFM Logistics, ensuring that the business operates with discipline, clarity, and financial precision.

“Lead with integrity, decide with courage, serve with vision, partner with humanity, grow with purpose”

Regional Warehouse Director (Port Elizabeth)

Francois Nel is the Regional Warehouse Director for the Port Elizabeth operations at JFM Logistics, bringing strong industry experience, commercial insight, and a proven track record in logistics and supply chain environments.

He began his career in logistics at the age of 19 as a transport controller, where he gained early exposure to the operational demands of the industry. Through dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic, Francois steadily progressed through the ranks into client relations and later into a sales management role for one of Port Elizabeth’s leading logistics companies.

During this time, he further strengthened his capabilities by studying marketing and sales, which broadened his commercial understanding and opened new opportunities within the logistics sector. This combination of operational experience and commercial acumen positioned him as a well-rounded logistics professional with both strategic and hands-on expertise.

Driven by a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a long-standing ambition to build something of his own, Francois joined forces with Freek Erasmus and Michael to establish and grow a container depot operation. This collaboration combined operational strength, industry knowledge, and business vision, forming the foundation of what would become JFM Logistics.

In his role as Regional Warehouse Director, Francois is responsible for overseeing warehouse operations in the Port Elizabeth region, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and high service standards across all activities. His focus is on operational discipline, team coordination, and maintaining a strong link between warehouse execution and customer requirements.

Francois is known for his practical leadership style, commitment to results, and ability to drive performance through teamwork and accountability. His contribution continues to play a key role in strengthening JFM Logistics’ operational footprint and supporting its growth in the region. 

“True greatness and true leadership are not achieved by reducing others to serve you, but by giving of yourself in selfless service to them.”

Output Operations Director (OOD)

Rhys Tregoning is the Output Operations Director at JFM Logistics, bringing a hands-on, practical understanding of the transport and logistics industry developed through years of experience across technical, maintenance, and operational environments.

His career began at ground level as a welding assistant, where he was first exposed to the discipline, precision, and work ethic required in operational industries. From there, Rhys progressed through a variety of technical, maintenance, logistics, and operational roles, steadily building a well-rounded understanding of how each part of the supply chain contributes to overall performance.

This progression has given him a strong appreciation for the realities of day-to-day operations, as well as the importance of structure, teamwork, and consistency in delivering reliable service. His experience allows him to approach challenges with a practical, solution-oriented mindset focused on execution and results.

Rhys attributes much of his journey and success to the dedication, skill, and commitment of the teams he has worked with throughout his career. He strongly believes that meaningful achievement in logistics is never individual, but rather the result of collective effort, shared responsibility, and alignment toward common goals.

At JFM Logistics, Rhys is committed to strengthening operational output, supporting teams on the ground, and ensuring that service delivery remains consistent, efficient, and client-focused. His leadership approach is built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

As Output Operations Director, he plays a key role in driving performance across operations while fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams. His focus remains on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and the ongoing development of a high-performing, unified organisation.

Rhys continues to support the business as it evolves, contributing to a culture of teamwork, reliability, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit” – Harry S. Truman

National Depot Director

Omar Samuels is the National Depot Director at JFM Logistics, bringing with him extensive experience and a distinguished track record within the logistics, transport, shipping, and depot management sectors.

With a career spanning some of the industry’s most respected global organisations, including Maersk, CMA CGM, CCIS Depot, and Kuehne + Nagel, Omar has developed deep expertise in depot operations, shipping line management, operational strategy, supply chain logistics, and customer service excellence.

Recognised for his strong leadership, operational discipline, and ability to deliver results in demanding environments, Omar has successfully led teams, streamlined operations, and implemented processes that drive efficiency, accountability, and sustainable growth.

As Depot Director, Omar is responsible for overseeing JFM Logistics’ depot operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, productivity, service delivery, and operational performance across the business. His strategic insight and hands-on leadership approach play a vital role in strengthening JFM’s operational capabilities and supporting the company’s continued expansion.

Omar is passionate about developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and building strong partnerships with customers, shipping lines, and industry stakeholders. His commitment to excellence aligns with JFM Logistics’ vision of delivering reliable, innovative, and industry-leading logistics solutions.

With a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and decisive leadership, Omar continues to be a driving force in advancing operational excellence and helping position JFM Logistics as a leader within the South African logistics and container depot industry.

“The future started yesterday we’re already late”