Archives: Press Releases

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Kristy Knichel, President and CEO of Knichel Logistics in Gibsonia, PA.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I approached my father when I was 19 about purchasing a Pizza shop, I ran. He then talked me into working for him instead. He was an agent at Cornerstone Systems at the time. We opened Knichel in 2003.  Soon after, I quit college and am in my 26th year in the business.

 

Who has inspired your career?

My father. He was very hard-working and successful.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

My greatest challenge was also my biggest opportunity for change and growth. In 2013 an older COO had made some decisions to take the company down a path that brought us into the negative and losing money. I had to make the decision to lay-off 18 people. I also had to cut the COO, the Controller and my outside accounting team. I have never gone through an experience such as this and it was very painful. At the same time, I had to learn more about the numbers. I had to make some decisions that helped me grow as a leader even though my father was against those decisions, like firing the COO. I had to stand up for what was right and learn what I didn’t know in order for the company to continue to thrive.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

Understand that you don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people and learn. Start networking early and building a tribe of people you can talk to and learn from. Find a mentor early on to help get you where you want to go faster.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

It’s important to not only have access to the education, but different services that we use daily for our business like our bond that we hold. Their conferences open doors to networking with like-minded individuals which allows me and others in my company to build valuable industry relationships. I get to leverage all the knowledge from all the different people involved, whether on the board or other members, to help make business decisions. Most importantly TIA fights for our rights as business owners in an industry with ever changing legislation. Without their voice on the hill, we would not be aware of what’s going on with the government and what they are doing to make it more challenging for us to survive as a business. We get to be a part of this process with TIA, and it’s been great to learn along the way.

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Salvador Cano, CEO of PENTONIX Freight in Fort Worth, Texas.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I was first introduced to logistics when I was commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps. I was assigned as a logistics officer and sent to school to learn the industry to fulfill my duties while in service. I have been working in the industry for the last 12 years.

Who has inspired your career?

My Staff Platoon Officer Capt. Gliwa in the Marine Corps believed I would be a great fit to serve as a logistics officer while I was training in Quantico, Va., during the Basic Officer Course. I owe my career to him.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

The greatest opportunity I have had is to serve as the CEO for PENTONIX Freight. We have built a 3PL brand that services our civilian supply chain with the same dedication and attention to detail as we do our Department of Defense and multinational allies.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

Just start. I did not know what logistics even meant when I was assigned as a logistics officer. With dedication and education, I have come to love the industry and strive to make a positive impact for both our shippers and carriers alike.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

The TIA has become a pivotal part of both our organization as well as our employees. From the educational forums to the annual conferences they host, we have gained education, insight and connections we otherwise would not have. We owe a great deal of our success to the TIA staff and their tireless efforts to provide the industry with education and resources to be successful and make a positive impact.

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Liz Wayne, owner/president of Able Transport Solutions in Omaha, Neb.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

Total accident. I took a job at an asset-based trucking company when I was 18 and planned on it being temporary until I could find something I wanted to do. That was 22 years ago.

Who has inspired your career?

A lot of TIA members – both the legends and current members. I was fortunate early on to learn from both asset-based and strictly brokerage leaders, which gave me a diverse perspective, I use daily in my work.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

A great challenge and opportunity in the industry is garnering trust, from both the shipper and carrier communities. As brokers, we have a unique opportunity to meet everyone’s needs, even their competing needs. Doing this in a way that differentiates your business from others, in a very competitive environment, never gets old.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

It is a great industry for the person that can balance critical thinking with fast, good decisions. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, just take really good care of the customers needs and you will succeed.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

TIA ensures I stay up to speed on everything I need to know to run my business. It is also a great place to meet vendors and providers to support my business, many of them really know the freight brokers business and do a great job of adding value.

 

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Chelsea Alwidyan, chief financial officer, Midway Logistics in Wichita, Kan.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I have been in the industry for the past 10 years, but have been actively involved for the past 6 years.

Who has inspired your career?

No one in particular just the researching the industry and what is it all about intrigued me, as well as the industry’s growth.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

To fail and then the rebuilding.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

This industry is challenging but never impossible if you have the drive/motivation.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

Being a member of TIA opens up opportunities within the industry and give us more knowledge and experience.

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Pilar Dorfman, customs broker for Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc. in West Covina, Calif.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I embarked on my logistics journey at the age of 20, initially working on FDA approvals for wine labels. My passion for this industry has fueled my career for around 35 years. Prior to joining Phoenix International, I served 32 years as Vice President of Compliance and Brokerage with my former company, during which I obtained my customs broker’s license and a customs specialist certification. This path reflects my dedication to excellence and ongoing education in our field.

Who has inspired your career?

My inspiration comes from within – a personal drive and a profound love for the logistics industry. I am particularly captivated by the complex interplay of customs brokerage, including compliance, regulations, and the nuanced art of providing exceptional customer service. It’s the intricate details and constant learning that inspire me every day.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

The greatest challenge in my career was passing the customs brokerage exam; it tested my knowledge and resolve but ultimately led to one of my most significant opportunities. That opportunity was joining Phoenix International and being entrusted with the responsibility of building the brokerage department from scratch, a task that has been both challenging and rewarding.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

For those embarking on a career in logistics, patience, focus, and customer orientation are key. Be ready for challenges; they’re an opportunity to solve problems, ensure the delivery of shipments, and experience the deep satisfaction that comes from piecing the complex logistics puzzle together. Stay committed, and the rewards will follow.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

Being a member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is crucial for staying abreast of the latest updates and critical information in the industry. It’s an invaluable resource for understanding new developments and for awareness of situations that may not be immediately on your radar. It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about their role in this ever-evolving industry.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the voice of third-party logistics professionals, has released its much-anticipated 3PL Market Report for the fourth quarter of 2023. This latest report captures the ongoing challenges and emerging positive trends within the transportation and logistics industry, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of TIA members in navigating a complex market landscape.

The report outlines a decline in shipments, invoice amount per shipment, and total revenue compared to the previous quarter. Specifically, total shipments saw a 4.7% quarter-over-quarter decrease and an 8.9% year-over-year decline. Invoice amounts per shipment and total revenue also faced significant drops, indicating that the fourth quarter was the toughest of 2023.

Despite these challenges, the report identifies signs of recovery in transportation costs, which have started to rebound from the early 2023 lows. This shift comes as the industry grapples with the exit of over 35,000 carriers from the market in the last 18 months, underscoring the dynamic nature of the logistics sector. 

“The market is tough for brokers and intermediaries, as our Q4 Market Report revealed,” said Anne Reinke, TIA president & CEO. “Despite headwinds, TIA members are serving their customers effectively and efficiently, investing in their businesses, and are beginning to see some positive trends in the marketplace.”

More Key Takeaways and Trends Include:

• Resilience Amidst Decline: While the overall volume and revenue metrics indicate a downturn, the report highlights the sector’s resilience. Larger brokers have notably outperformed their smaller counterparts in terms of invoice amount per load and gross margin, suggesting a slight overall enhancement in market conditions.
• Segment-Specific Recovery Signs: There’s a noteworthy improvement in the invoice amount per load for both Truckload (TL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) segments, hinting at a gradual recovery in the transportation cost. This recovery is crucial for stabilizing the market and offering some relief to 3PL providers facing tight margins and decreased volumes.
• Future Outlook and Adaptability: Despite the challenging year, the fourth quarter showcased the best performance in 2023, signaling potential for recovery and growth. TIA members are actively adapting to market demands, refining their service offerings and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. 

The report also sheds light on the significant decline experienced by the Full Truckload (TL) segment compared to others, with Intermodal (IM) facing the most considerable drop in invoice amount per load and total revenue. However, the resilience in the Less Than Truckload (LTL) segment, showcasing improvements in invoice amount per load similar to the third quarter, suggests varied impacts across different modes of transportation. 

“While 2023 has been a challenging year for the 3PL sector, with the fourth quarter being particularly tough, there are emerging signs of a turnaround,” said Mark Christos, TIA chairman of the Board. “The industry’s ability to remain flexible and responsive to changing market conditions will be crucial in overcoming current challenges and seizing future opportunities.” 

The full report “3PL Market Report, Fourth Quarter 2023, Issue 61” is available for free to media upon request. 

 

Please note: The 3PL Market Report is intended for TIA subscribers and the full report is not meant to be reproduced or redistributed by any recipients.

 

About TIA

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is the professional organization of the $343 billion third-party logistics industry. TIA is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. Learn more about TIA at www.tianet.org.

March is Women’s History Month and TIA believes in celebrating the diversity in our membership. Meet Charlie Saffro, CEO, of CS Recruiting in Highland Park, Ill.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I started working in the industry in 2006 when I joined a logistics technology start-up. My original role was a cross between marketing and office management, yet our company went through some unexpected growth and I quickly transitioned into a recruiting position to support additional hiring needs. I was with this company for four years before they were acquired and I spun off my own recruiting firm, CS Recruiting in 2010. As of 2024, I’ve been in this industry 18 years…but who’s counting?!?

Who has inspired your career?

I draw most inspiration from the remarkable women I’ve encountered on my journey. There are too many to name, but these include various clients, job seekers, colleagues, mentors and partners that I’ve met over the years. Despite women being outnumbered in our industry, I’ve found so many inspiring females who have influenced me along the way. Their stories and experiences are relatable and serve as a reminder that anyone can forge their path to success with the right amount of resilience and passion to make a meaningful difference.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

Leading people has been both the greatest opportunity and biggest challenge in my career. Leading a team can be incredibly rewarding when you know you’re making a difference in someone’s life. However, leading a team is also an ongoing challenge, as it comes with a huge amount of accountability and responsibility to do right by others.

My goal as a leader is to influence to inspire others to reach their own potential by providing them with the opportunities and resources to do so. Being a leader means you face challenges everyday; but, it also means that you are taking advantage of opportunities everyday…and there’s no doubt the reward is greater than the risk.

It’s no irony that my biggest challenge is also my biggest opportunity because I’ve learned that leadership and people management is all about balance. I find myself constantly gauging my own alignment between leading with my head and leading with my heart and use this to drive my behavior and decision making.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

I would encourage anyone aspiring to join the logistics and supply chain industry to embark on an exciting journey that never ceases. The dynamic nature of this field ensures that every day is a new adventure. The gratification of contributing to the movement of essential goods and services on a global scale is unparalleled. My advice would be to embrace the constant evolution, stay curious, and be ready to leverage your superpowers to make a meaningful impact.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

Being a member of TIA holds immense significance for me due to the invaluable opportunities I’ve been exposed to for networking and learning. The collaborative environment allows me to connect with industry peers, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. TIA fosters a community where knowledge is shared, relationships are built, and together, we contribute to the growth and advancement of the logistics and supply chain sector.

 

March is National Women’s Month. This month we will be highlighting our women-owned brokerages.

Meet Harinder Kaur, CEO of Vineyard Brokerage in Indianapolis.

How did you get involved in the industry? Our Family had trucking business and I saw the opportunity of expanding it by being a broker.

Who has inspired your career? My husband

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career? Making new customers believe there are still good people and companies in freight that are earning honest business.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry? Consistency and persistence will get you the business. Honesty and ethics will maintain the business.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA? TIA helps to get you a solid start with your business, including providing time-tested contracts, platform, tools, software and support.

March is National Women’s Month. This month we will be highlighting our women-owned brokerages.

Meet Martha Brown, president of Advantage Brokerage Corporation in Loveland, Colo.

How did you get involved in the industry? In the 1980s, I worked as an administrative assistant to a couple traffic managers in south Florida. That resulted in my being hired by a Miami-based freight brokerage as a customer service representative.

How many years have you been working in the industry? I spent a few years learning about the industry from a user standpoint, then a couple years as a CSR in a brokerage. I’ve been self employed for almost 30 years. About 15 of them was operating as an independent agent under a large corporation’s flag. I opened my first brokerage 14 years ago and my second 10 years ago. We also have been providing custom warehouse solutions for our largest customer for about eight years.

Who has inspired your career? My customers have inspired me by way of challenging me to find solutions during difficult times.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career? The greatest challenge AND opportunity we face is recognizing when we make a mistake, taking ownership of it, and offering and providing solutions to reconcile the situation.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry? Learn the language of the industry in general. Then find a niche that resonates in your soul.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA? TIA membership provides so much education and resources! The templates are top notch and easily tailored to each member’s particular needs. Members have access to information that isn’t found elsewhere. Further, the camaraderie among fellow brokers is remarkable.

 

[Alexandria, Va., Feb. 27, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – is pleased to announce the winners of the Trimester 1 2024 Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) scholarships. Generously sponsored by Avalon Risk Management, these scholarships empower logistics professionals to advance their knowledge and expertise.

The CTB is the third-party logistics industry’s most widely recognized designation and is earned after a rigorous four-month course and comprehensive examination. This year’s recipients of the scholarships are Francis Murdoch with RKA Transportation in Bridgewater, Mass., and Brock Bonner with Prosponsive Logistics in Atlanta.

“Avalon Risk Management is committed to supporting TIA’s vision of being a leader in providing exceptional resources and education to the 3PL community,” said Christie Brush,         CIC, CTB, vice president, Southern Region for Avalon. “We believe that continuous learning and professional growth are essential for success in today’s fast-paced business world. It is our privilege to extend our support to TIA’s CTB Program by offering two scholarships to deserving individuals.”

Commenting on how this scholarship will help him in his career, Bonner said, “This scholarship will significantly support my career aspirations by providing me with the financial means to pursue additional certifications and training within the brokerage industry. By enhancing my skills and knowledge, I aim to become a more effective professional and contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of Prosponsive.”

Explaining how this scholarship will help him in his role as a director in his company, Murdoch said “There are a few mentors in this space and there is a great need for certified, verified and approachable leaders to help control the misinformation and bad actors that give this industry for some, a bad reputation. This scholarship enables me to learn and implement skills that will help me teach and grow the individuals on my team and provide better service for our customers and the industry at large.”

 

Students interested in the CTB Trimester 2 program may register here until May 13.