JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Maria Limberg considers herself “more than just an accountant.” “Finance is pretty basic, but it’s more than just the numbers,” she explains. What sets Maria apart is her holistic approach to finance. She recognizes the importance of deep industry knowledge, asserting that, for her, understanding the intricacies of logistics and supply chain is crucial to accurately interpreting financial data.
She hasn’t always been an expert at crunching numbers for logistics companies though.
After studying finance for four years, she found herself navigating a tough job market and eventually started at a call center as a debt collector. The work was grueling, and she knew she wasn’t putting her talents to use. So, when the role of a Finance Assistant at a logistics company presented itself, she took a leap of faith and accepted. “It wasn’t the type of role or industry I initially saw myself in, but it seemed better than working for a collection agency,” she reminisces.
Despite her initial reservations, Maria embraced the role and quickly adopted a deep interest in understanding the 'how' and the 'what' that drive supply chains forward. What began as a leap of faith blossomed into a career where Maria found herself as a leader and “voice of reason” for many projects and initiatives.
While one might assume that being a woman in finance in an already male-dominated industry would come with its obstacles, Maria acknowledges she is lucky that she hasn’t felt the pressure of any of those stigmas. “My approach has always been, do the work you know how to do, work hard, and appreciation will come. I’ve always felt that support,” she reflects.
This constant support coupled with her tenacious and unrelenting spirit has enabled her to drive innovation and automation, often advocating for solutions where others initially did not see the benefit. She has played a crucial role in revolutionizing finance processes and enhancing efficiency within her team and beyond.
Alongside her dedication to invention and efficiency lies a passion for mentorship and leadership. Maria's leadership principles revolve around collaboration and empowerment – as she knows firsthand how empowerment can help guide one’s path. In the past, Maria has worked as a mentor for new residents of Sweden, helping international professionals navigate the job search process in tandem with learning the norms of the Swedish culture. “It’s the cultural things that these very educated and experienced professionals need help with. They are very qualified, but even advising on how long to wait to call back for a job have been bits of advice that have made a big impact,” she shares. For her teams, she prioritizes this same environment of transparency where team members feel valued and encouraged to voice their opinions.
Maria's positive attitude and resilience are evident. She emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment and teamwork in overcoming obstacles and driving success. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maria finds fulfillment in her role as a mother to two sons, actively participating in their extracurricular activities. “If I’m not at the office, I’m at a game,” she mentions with a smile.
Her journey epitomizes resilience, passion, and the transformative power of taking a leap of faith. So now, when people ask Maria, “Why logistics,” her answer is, “Why not logistics?”
ATLANTA, February 20, 2025 – JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has successfully completed its acquisition International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA"), a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. This milestone follows the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) announced in December 2024 and marks the official integration of IAA into the JAS network.
"The acquisition of IAA strengthens the JAS global logistics portfolio and access to key markets, particularly in the time-critical perishable goods sector," said Marco Rebuffi, CEO and President of JAS. "We are proud to welcome IAA's talented highly experienced team to JAS and are looking forward to delivering excellent service to our customers together."
Jur de Graaf, Managing Director of International Airfreight Associates, added, "Joining JAS allows us to expand our services globally and continue delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers. We are confident that our partnership will create new opportunities for our employees, partners and clients.”
IAA is one of the top 3 IATA forwarders at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with Warehouses and Operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. IAA specializes in managing time-sensitive perishable fresh goods and livestock shipments as well as multimodal general cargo.
The acquisition strengthens JAS global service portfolio by enhancing the footprint in the European logistics market and beyond. Together, JAS and IAA teams will drive customer value through expanded service offerings, operational excellence, and an even broader global network.
About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, JAS focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to customer needs. As a privately owned company, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive.
About International Airfreight Associates B.V.
International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA") is a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. With nearly 100 employees and strategic locations and operations including Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam, and Frankfurt, the company specializes in moving fresh perishable goods, livestock and multimodal supply chain solutions for a diverse range of clients.
On January 24, 2025, industry leaders gathered at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel to celebrate a year of collaboration with Lufthansa Cargo.
The evening brought together key partners to reflect on past achievements, discuss future opportunities, and recognize outstanding performance across the logistics sector.
JAS Poland had a standout night, earning three awards for exceptional performance in 2024:
The event featured an inspiring speech by Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo AG, and a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of e-commerce. The awards gala was a testament to the strong partnerships and shared success within the industry.
A heartfelt thank you to Lufthansa Cargo for their continued trust and collaboration. Here’s to another year of reaching new heights!
The European Union's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate is set to reshape the aviation industry, requiring airlines to incorporate a minimum of 2% SAF in their fuel mix starting in 2025. This regulation represents a major step toward reducing carbon emissions, but it also brings substantial cost challenges for carriers operating across Europe.
Impact on Freight Costs and Sustainability Surcharges
The implementation of the SAF mandate is driving up operational costs for airlines, directly influencing freight rates. To offset these additional expenses, airlines are introducing mandatory sustainability surcharges on shipments departing from or transiting through European airports. While this presents immediate financial challenges, it also serves as a catalyst for innovation and investment in alternative fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation sector.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
As airlines adapt to these regulatory changes, they must navigate the delicate balance between cost management and environmental responsibility. The evolution of SAF production, along with advancements in supply chain logistics, will play a critical role in determining how efficiently the industry can meet these mandates. Collaboration between fuel suppliers, airlines, and logistics partners will be essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
Stay Informed with JAS
To help our customers understand the implications of this new regulation, we invite you to download HERE the JAS One-Pager on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. This resource provides a clear and user-friendly overview of the changes and their impact on airfreight logistics. Additionally, you can visit the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website for further details (ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website )
At JAS, we are committed to clear and transparent communication regarding regulatory changes affecting global supply chains. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest JAS representative for more information and tailored support.
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