February 18, 2025

Going the Extra Mile

By: Lucy Bogen

in Alaska, Career Growth and Advancement, Freight Transportation, People of Saltchuk

Mike Miller smiling at the camera outside of the Naniq facility in Anchorage.

From Package Handler to Manager: Mike has his sights set on VP

Just a decade ago, online shopping was virtually impossible for Alaskans. The complexities of reaching the 49th state deterred most retailers.

Founded in Anchorage, Naniq Global Logistics changed the landscape by specializing in the “middle mile,” connecting online retailers and large logistics companies with the complex network of “final mile” providers reaching Alaska’s remote communities.

Operating two shifts 362 days a year, their team handles a constant flow of packages arriving by air. When pandemic shopping drove package volume up fivefold, Naniq’s expertise proved invaluable. But their success isn’t just about logistics—it’s about people.

Rising Through the Ranks

Mike, Naniq’s Alaska Gateway Manager, exemplifies the company’s commitment to employee development. In just four years, he advanced from entry-level sorter to management. “I want vice president by my name. It was my goal four years ago, and I’m working towards it. Every year, I get one step closer.”

The Naniq warehouse team working together.

The Naniq team working together at the conveyer belt.

The Vest System: A Path to Success

Orange: The foundation

“Entry-level positions form the backbone of operations. “Orange vests do outside crew, sorting, audit, etcetera. They are the baseline.”

Yellow: Emerging Leaders

“They’re hungry to come in and learn, and in our eyes, that’s who will make a great lead one day.”

Blue: Team Leaders

“Blue vests are the lead sorters and deep package handlers. They’re still doing all the package handler duties but also corralling a team and keeping morale up.”

Pink: Operations Support

“Then there are our admins, who do reporting and computer work, ensure trucks are loaded properly, and ensure that we are getting everything out on time and packaged correctly.”

Black: Management

“Then we get into our black vests, supervisors, and management. Our supervisor gathers all the leads and says, ‘Hey guys, this is our daily goal, this is what we need to pay attention to,’ keeping the whole team rallied and the flow of the whole night going smoothly.”

Naniq employee sorting and scanning packages.

Leading with Balance

“Success in leadership requires adaptability. “You have to make sure everyone is having fun and being safe, but you still hit all our deadlines. As long as you can multitask and have the urgency to know when it’s time to get a little more serious, to hit our quotas, deadlines, and times, you’re good.”

The company’s dedication to internal advancement creates an environment where careers flourish.

The company’s dedication to internal advancement creates an environment where careers flourish.

Fulfilling a Promise

“Mike’s dedication shows in his approach to customer service, especially during peak seasons: “They mark the package, so you’ll know that it’s the last chance that package has to get there before Christmas. I know what that means for my family. We take that seriously. You know we understand that our customer’s promise becomes our promise.”

The Naniq distribution center in Anchorage, Alaska.