Member Spotlight: JAS

JAS is a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, delivering end-to-end freight management across air, ocean, and inland transportation. Founded in Milan in 1978 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, JAS is supported by 8,000 team members across more than 100 countries, providing tailored, sustainable, and technology-enabled and data-driven logistics solutions.

At the heart of JAS’s success is its people, who deliver customer value through a highly collaborative and customer-focused approach.

With deep experience across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and pharma & healthcare, JAS helps companies design resilient supply chains and move cargo door-to-door with coordinated transportation, customs support, and shipment visibility.

Interview with Judith Ristow, National Development Director, JAS | Global Headquarters

What is your business industry category or specialty?
I work for JAS, an international logistics and supply chain provider, and specialize in freight management between Germany and the U.S./Canada, as well as to and from Puerto Rico. I support customers with door-to-door solutions by coordinating ocean or air freight, inland transport, customs, and shipment visibility.

How do you describe your job to people outside the industry?
I help companies design the best transportation and logistics plan for their supply chain, so international shipments arrive on time and within budget. I support to coordinate all modes of transportation—from ocean and air freight to inland delivery—and help troubleshoot when conditions change, keeping freight moving even when plans need to adjust.

Who are your main competitors, and what differentiates you from the competition? What makes you unique?
Our main competitors are other global freight forwarders. What sets JAS apart is how we combine global reach with a connected operating model that keeps decisions and customer support close to the customer. In the Germany–U.S. corridor, we manage shipments end-to-end through our own teams with consistent processes and clear accountability across both markets. That means fewer handoffs, clearer tracking, and fewer surprises. This corridor reflects the broader JAS approach: delivering the global capabilities customers expect while maintaining the responsiveness and personal ownership that customers value.

How was the business started?
JAS was founded in Milan in 1978 and expanded over time through organic growth, strategic acquisitions, technology investments, and service expansion, including contract logistics.

How many employees does the business have?
JAS has 7,000+ employees worldwide, with teams across North America, Europe, and Asia, supporting customers across a wide range of industries.

How did you end up in City/State/USA?
I moved to Atlanta from Bremen, Germany, as JAS’ global headquarters and management team are based here. Being in the U.S. keeps me close to decision-makers and supports our transatlantic growth, especially for customers shipping between Germany and the United States.

What is your number one business goal over the next year?
My main goal is to grow our transatlantic business by winning new customers and continuing to build resilient supply chain solutions. I also want to further strengthen service consistency so customers can plan and adjust with confidence.

What is the best advice you have received regarding doing business with Americans/Germans?
Use the strengths of both cultures. Americans often value speed and direct communication, while Germans value planning and precision. When you combine those strengths, global supply chains run more smoothly and business relationships become more effective.