Archives: Press Releases

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet Scott Frederick, chief marketing officer and less-than-truckload carrier relations at Logistics Plus, Inc.

Introduce your company and what makes it special.

Logistics Plus Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a global leader in transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, logistics, business intelligence, technology, and unique supply chain solutions. The company was founded by Jim Berlin in 1996 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Today, it has annual global sales of more than $600 million and more than 1,200 employees in over 50 countries. It provides creative solutions to any supply chain challenge, saying ‘yes’ by combining a passionate workforce with world-class technology, making the company agile, innovative, clever, and resourceful.

How did you enter the 3PL industry and what is your background in the industry?

I entered the logistics industry more than 30 years ago when I joined a Midwest-based less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier right out of college. I never thought about logistics as a career, but I had spent a couple of summers working for a small truckload carrier doing odds and ends. Since then, I have done everything from marketing, brand building, corporate communications, public relations, customer service, operations, and even IT/applications management.

What about the 3PL industry do you like the most?

What’s great about the third-party logistics (3PL) industry is that it has so many different facets and is a critical component of our national and global economies.

What about the 3PL industry is most challenging?

From a marketing standpoint, it can be demanding because both services and purchasers are diverse across the wide spectrum of logistics offerings. Honing the right message for the right audience is a constant challenge.

What attracted you to joining TIA, and which membership feature are you most enthusiastic about?

Logistics Plus was already a TIA member when I joined the company 10 years ago. However, I have maintained our membership because I see tremendous value in the educational and networking opportunities through TIA. I also feel it is only right that we, as a third-party logistics provider, support the de facto association that represents our industry’s interests in Washington, D.C., and wherever else needed. The TIA Capital Ideas Conference is a great event that I attend whenever I can. The online resources are also fantastic. Additionally, I am excited that TIA has taken the reins of our industry’s National Logistics Day celebration, a movement Logistics Plus started more than five years ago. The staff at TIA have been awesome to interact with, and we look forward to collaborating with them now and in the future.

What was your company’s greatest achievement this year?

Our biggest achievement this past year was probably the support we have provided to Ukraine, a country where we have more than 70 of our own employees. In the past couple of years, Logistics Plus has supplied more than a million dollars in aid and support, and we remain a champion of the rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. Along those lines, this year, we completed the management of a complex, dangerous logistics project to deliver 22,000 tons of gas pipes to Ukraine, including the first non-grain ocean charter to one of its key ports.

What goals do you have for the future of your company?

Logistics Plus remains a flat, agile company with no formal business plans or complex organizational structures. We have one simple goal: to grow. When you grow, good things happen. So that remains our goal now and for the future.

Alexandria, VA (May 22, 2024) – The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the premier organization for third-party logistics professionals, commends D.C. Delegate  Eleanor Holmes Norton and Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) for introducing the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act. This crucial legislation aims to amend title 49, United States Code, expanding the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assess penalties for violations related to the shipping of household goods, among other important provisions.

“TIA applauds D.C. Delegate Holmes Norton and Rep. Ezell for introducing the ‘Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act,’” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “Combating fraud through effective legislation is imperative for the protection of brokers, motor carriers, shippers, consumers and the overall integrity of the supply chain. Fraudulent activities not only cause significant financial losses but also undermine public trust in institutions and markets. By implementing these strong anti-fraud laws, our government can ensure a more stable and predictable economic environment, which is essential for sustainable growth and investment.”

The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of household goods shipping. By granting the FMCSA expanded authority to assess penalties, the Act seeks to deter fraudulent practices and enhance consumer protection.

TIA is eager to support this legislative effort and collaborate with Congress to ensure its swift passage. TIA believes that this Act will not only protect consumers but also bolster the integrity of the logistics and transportation industry.

 

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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

 Melanie Hinton

+1 703-202-7558

[email protected]

 

[Alexandria, Va., May 9, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – announced the winners of the Avalon Risk Management Insurance Agency Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Scholarship for Trimester 2 2024.

“We recognize that ongoing learning and professional development are crucial for success in today’s evolving business world,” said Lisa Vranich, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Avalon Risk Management Insurance Agency in Schaumburg, Ill. “That’s why Avalon Risk Management is proud to support TIA’s CTB program by offering two scholarships to deserving individuals. By supporting the CTB program, our goal is to foster the growth and success of individuals in the 3PL industry.”

Avalon has been awarding CTB scholarships since Trimester 2 2023. Since its inception, Avalon has awarded 8 scholarships to CTB students.

“We appreciate the generosity of Avalon in awarding two scholarships each trimester for our CTB program,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “It is a testament to the value that companies place on the CTB certification in the logistics industry. Those who participate in the program are truly the best of the best in the industry.”

The Trimester 2 2024 scholarship winners are Aimee Wisniewski, operations supervisor of Hagen Logistics, LLC DBA Liquid Freight in Janesville, Wis., and Mike Beckwith, vice president of Brokerage for FreightPlus Inc. in Quincy, Mass.

In applying for the scholarship, Wisniewski wrote “The TIA Certified Transportation Broker Program would offer me a pathway to enhanced credibility with my customer/carrier base, industry knowledge, comprehensive training, risk mitigation, access to resources, and continuous improvement. By becoming certified, I would be able to differentiate myself in the marketplace, build trust with customers and carriers, and position myself for long-term success in the transportation and logistics industry.”

In his application, Beckwith outlined why earning his CTB will help not only his professional growth but also help his company. “From legal and regulatory compliance to industry best practices and effective management strategies, the course equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the transportation industry successfully.”

For more information about TIA’s Certified Transportation Broker certification program, visit https://www.tianet.org/course-ctb/. Registration for Trimester 2 closes on May 13. Trimester 3 registration opens on May 13 with the course kicking off on Aug. 19.

 

 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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

 Melanie Hinton
+1 703-202-7558
[email protected]

 

 

 

[Alexandria, Va., May 9, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – congratulates those brokers who received their Certified Transportation Broker certification in Trimester 1 2024.

“Congratulations to Trimester 1 graduates. TIA’s CTB certification sets logistics professionals apart from their counterparts,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “Receiving your designation signifies that you are indeed the best of the best.”

TIA’s CTB program offers transportation and freight brokerage professionals the highest broker certificate that exists in the industry and is widely recognized among 3PLs. Over the course of several months, students enrolled in the CTB program learn ways to gain an edge over the competition in marketing, customer service and professional integrity. Graduating from the CTB course is also recognized by 2- and 4-year high education institutions and graduates can receive up to six undergraduate credit hours towards a supply chain management degree.

“Congratulations to the 35 graduates who received their CTB designation in Trimester 1,” said Mark Fiorini, president of Westgate Global Logistics in the Lehigh Valley, Pa., and chair of the TIA CTB Committee. “The CTB course has continued to evolve through its recent accreditation, new grading policies and lockdown browsers during the exams. Thus, the achievement earned by each of these logistics professionals is direct evidence of their commitment to continuing education as well as to their companies and the industry as a whole. The CTB Committee looks forward to inviting some of the star performers from the recent Trimester to join in our effort to continuously improve the course.”

Those who have received the most recent CTB certification are:

Aide Carroll, CTB Amino Transport Inc, Southlake, Texas

Ansley Smith, CTB Mcleod Software, Birmingham, Ala.

Austin Celii, CTB Shaker Logistics, Waterford, N.Y.

Brock Bonner, CTB Prosponsive Logistics,  Atlanta

Chad Bushnaq, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

Colin Kelly, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Colton Kryski, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Connor Caldwell, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Corey Sell, CTB Gateway Logistics Services Inc., York, Pa.

Daniel Romero, CTB River Place Logistics,  Raleigh, N.C.

Donette Lankford, CTB Southland Brokerage Company, Boonville, N.C.

Grant Ramage, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Griffin David Byrne, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Griffin Durden, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Inderjit Sangha, CTB Brock Logistics Inc., Fresno, Calif.

Jacob M. Brenner, CTB Shaker Logistics, Waterford, N.Y.

Jacob Sichmeller, CTB Volk Transfer, Mankato, Minn.

Jake Madl, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

James R. Grant, CTB Bedrock Logistics, LLC Dallas

Jason Benedict, CTB TSE Transport, Stamford, Conn.

Jean-Philippe Couture, CTB Les Courtiers en Transport G.M.R. Inc., ST-Romuald, QC

Johnny D. Sumara, Jr, CTB L & M Transportation Services, Inc., Raleigh, N.C.

Kelly Manuela Sepulveda Muñoz, CTB UShip Logistics, Austin, Texas

Matthew Werther, CTB Shaker Logistics, Waterford, N.Y.

Michael A. Laws, CTB Sunrise Logistics Inc., Ephrata, Pa.

Michelle Maltby, CTB Keller Logistics, LLC, Defiance, Ohio

Min Shin, CTB Gen4Future Logis Chula, Vista, Calif.

Parker Nowviskie, CTB Prosponsive Logistics,  Atlanta

Philip S. Byun, CTB UShip Logistics, Austin, Texas

Scott Preston Genthner, CTB Prosponsive Logistics, Atlanta

Skylar Rowe, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

Tessa Angelina Jones, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

Tiffany Reiner, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

Xander Swart, CTB DSV Global Transport & Logistics, Medford, Ore.

Zachary Weimer, CTB ROAR Logistics, Buffalo, N.Y.

 

For more information about TIA’s Certified Transportation Broker certification program, visit https://www.tianet.org/course-ctb/. Registration for Trimester 2 closes on May 13. Trimester 3 registration opens on May 13 with the course kicking off on Aug. 19.

 

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.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT

 

Melanie Hinton
+1 703-202-7558

[email protected]

 

 

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – released a new white paper titled Transforming Freight Logistics in the Era of Generative AI. The paper covers the five ways logistics leaders can harness AI to scale efficiency, security and growth.

“AI is forever changing the world as we know it,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “While many are scared of the future, we feel that the 3PL industry can use AI strategically to work more efficiently, leading them to spending more time on relationship building with customers and carriers.”

The latest white paper from TIA covers the five key areas that AI can help business run more efficiently: data synthesis and insights; front-end automation; identifying potential fraud on web-based platforms; customer service; and ethical concerns and governance.

The white paper concludes by stating AI is transforming logistics companies’ operations, from synthesizing data and generating insights to automating processes and detecting fraud. As with any transformative technology, there are ethical considerations and governance challenges. Organizations must establish clear guidelines and expectations to ensure responsible AI deployment while safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, the successful adoption of AI in freight logistics hinges on balancing technological innovation with human expertise. By harnessing AI as a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human labor, logistics companies can empower their workforce, improve customer service, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

For more information on TIA’s white papers and other member resources, visit https://www.tianet.org/member-resource-library/

Revenova is a provider of multi-modal transportation management systems (TMS) designed for 3PLs, carriers and shippers. This spotlight was provided by Mike Horvath, executive vice president & chief marketing officer at Revenova.

Introduce your company and what makes it special.

Revenova TMS is the industry’s first TMS built natively on the Salesforce.com cloud platform enabling seamless deployment with Salesforce’s industry leading sales, marketing, service, collaboration, AI and analytics solutions as well as thousands of third-party applications available in the Salesforce.com AppExchange marketplace.  This ability to deploy business applications on a common cloud platform empowers companies to focus on business innovation versus integration of technology resulting in lower costs, higher productivity, increased margins and customer satisfaction.

 

How did you enter the 3PL industry and what is your background in the industry?

I entered the industry in 2014 when Charles Craigmile, Dave Craigmile and I founded Revenova.  We saw an opportunity to deliver TMS in a whole new way.  Our vision was to build a TMS directly on the world’s #1 platform and ecosystem for sales, marketing and service professionals, Salesforce.com, so companies could automate the entire quote-to-cash process on a single platform solution.  Think of it like the iPhone or Android, where powerful apps are downloaded from a marketplace, share data instantly and are centrally managed.  This architectural design offers significant improvements in productivity while lowering overall costs over traditional software implementations.

What about the 3PL industry do you like the most?

What I like about the 3PL industry are the people.  People in our industry are constantly looking to innovate and serve their customers, employees and partners in the best way possible. They are tech-forward thinking and willing to try new solutions and processes to improve their businesses.

What about the 3PL industry is most challenging?

One big challenge we see for 3PLs is the ability to adapt to the least, and the most, advanced technology at the same time in the same process.  For example, you may have a highly reliable owner operator who works only by phone and email along with a carrier that wants a blockchain integration or a declarative AI interface like Chat GPT with your system.  This along with customer expectations for real-time “everything” makes pulling it all together a challenge for any 3PL.

What attracted you to joining TIA, and which membership feature are you most enthusiastic about?

Our company has been a member and sponsor of TIA since our inception in 2014.  We consider it a premier organization serving the industry and a key partner for our business. Our favorite event of the year is the TIA’s Capital Ideas Conference held each spring. We get to connect with many customers and speak with new potential ones.  The industry is so connected and people are willing to share their experiences with each other.  Our membership allows us to stay in touch with peers, gauge where the industry is heading and participate in solving many of the technology challenges facing members.

What was your company’s greatest achievement this year?

This year, our company is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and has reached many business milestones highlighted by the launch of our fleet operations module (to complement our broker/shipper module), AI-powered analytics, PayIQ compensation plan management and LaneIQ for real-time spot market pricing guidance.

What goals do you have for the future of your company?

Our goals are to continue being responsive to customer needs and market conditions to provide our customers with a reliable, scalable and secure cloud-based TMS suite of solutions to meet their ongoing business requirements.

How has TIA helped you reach your goals?

TIA has always helped us learn more about the industry and connect with other members to establish new customer and new partner relationships.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – released the following statement after the Department of Labor issued its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The rule includes two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold and the threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) as well as automatic updates to both thresholds.

“TIA’s membership is composed of 70 percent small businesses throughout the United States,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and the logistics industry. Under President Biden’s Department of Labor, we have seen several rules that will have major impacts on businesses, whether it be employee classification, overtime rules, or the attacks on the independent contractor status, small businesses are under attack. This will not just increase costs for small businesses but ultimately the consumers as well. The TIA will continue to advocate for our members and allowing our members to thrive without burdensome regulations.”

The minimum salary threshold will be increased to $43,888 on July 1, and then to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. This represents over a 60 percent increase over the current threshold of $35,568. The Department clarified that the first increase updates the minimum salary threshold using the DOL’s current methodology, which was used in the 2019 Trump administration-era overtime rulemaking to set the current standard. The second increase then implements the DOL’s new preferred methodology, which sets the minimum salary threshold to the 35th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest wage Census region.

The HCE threshold will be raised to $132,964 on July 1, and then to $151,164 on Jan. 1, 2025 — a 71 percent increase from the current threshold of $107,432. The first threshold is based on the current methodology, while the second threshold is set to the 85th percentile for full time salaried workers nationally.

The final rule also implements automatic updates to both the minimum salary threshold and the HCE threshold, both of which will be increased every 3 years.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – released an updated version of its Framework to Combat Fraud: Preventing & Responding to Fraud and Theft.

This comprehensive 40-page framework examines the latest trends in fraud in the supply chain and assists members in developing and implementing their own policies and procedures to reduce potential fraud and theft of cargo.

“Every day we expose ourselves to many risks in our businesses,” said Chairman of the TIA Fraud Taskforce Dan O’Sullivan.  “We are trusting people that, in most cases, we have never met to move products around the country that are worth exponentially more than what is earned for moving those products. How we manage those risks improves our bottom lines and protects our customers,”

The five types of fraud that are covered in the framework with detailed case studies include: cargo theft, financial theft, identity theft, internal theft, and data/information theft.

“Every day the criminals that plague our industry with fraudulent activities are adapting their strategies and looking to take advantage of new segments of the supply chain,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA.  “For industry stakeholders to stay one step ahead, we all need to collaborate and share ideas, information and approaches to combat this rampant issue.”

You can download a copy of the 2024 TIA Framework to Combat Fraud here.

SONAR, developed by Freightwaves, serves as the data engine empowering logistics companies to comprehend supply and demand data at a deeper level. It provides multiple rate tools supported by the most accurate rates and lane scores in the industry.

What makes your company special?

Instead of solely gathering data from shippers, brokers, and carriers, SONAR has collaborated with innovative freight tech companies to construct the most current, impartial data source accessible for the supply chain industry. SONAR encompasses tender data from authentic EDI providers, $1.7 trillion in annual global data, and rates on more modes and geographies than any other platform. Companies utilizing SONAR data can stay ahead of the competition by proactively identifying market trends and establishing more precise rates, thus creating opportunities and mitigating risks. Moreover, our data is supported by a team of market experts who offer additional context and insights for optimizing results.

 

How did you enter the 3PL industry/what is your background in the industry?

SONAR, founded by Craig Fuller, stands as a creation of one of the most influential and knowledgeable leaders in the industry. Nearly everyone at the company boasts over five years of industry experience. We’ve expanded to cater to numerous industry-leading companies and are currently pivoting to target brokers at large, aiming to provide our potent market and rate data to all.

What about the 3PL industry do you like the most?

We value the individuals. As previously noted, we collaborate with a majority of freight tech companies, emphasizing the cultivation of insightful relationships to facilitate swifter and more precise movement for all in our domain. Additionally, accuracy is paramount to us. SONAR, alongside the Freightwaves media team, has made more precise market predictions based on our data than any other voice in logistics.

What about the 3PL industry is most challenging?

Trust. In our case, it’s about establishing trust in the data, given its distinction from other providers. However, trust is something that must be earned, a fact we all recognize. That’s why, for our first five-plus years, we’ve concentrated our efforts on generating precise market signals. Our aim is to furnish brokers with tools they can employ to further bolster trust with their shipper and carrier partners.

What interested you about joining TIA?

SONAR dedicated its initial five years to collaboration with technology partners. Presently, SONAR directs its attention toward the 3PL sector to develop more potent rates and tools, enhancing brokers’ effectiveness. We eagerly anticipate joining TIA and collaborating to effect substantial change within this sphere.

What feature of TIA membership are you most excited about?

We are enthusiastic about engaging with TIA Connect and participating in discussions, but our greatest excitement lies in attending meetings and events. We will have several representatives at Capital Ideas in April and intend to increase our presence at future TIA meetings.

What do you hope to gain overall from membership with TIA?

Stronger relationships with the great people of this industry.

What was your company’s greatest achievement this year?

We have overhauled our platform to replace the previous interface. It is now four times faster, easier to use, and has garnered rave reviews from users. What was once a hindrance for broker teams due to a learning curve has transformed into a secret weapon.

What goals do you have for the future of your company?

We aim to establish larger and more robust consortiums for 3PLs to benchmark their businesses against industry standards. Additionally, we intend to expand our operations into Mexico. Ultimately, we aspire to become the authoritative source for rates and market data within the 3PL sector.

How can TIA help you reach your goals?

We aspire to collaborate with TIA to provide enhanced content and intelligence, enabling everyone to operate more intelligently and effectively while addressing the demands of the logistics and supply chain industry.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – awarded the Tom Fiorini Heritage Award to Sue Spero, CTB, president of Carrier Services of Tenn., Inc. in Mount Juliet, Tenn., during its annual Capital Ideas Conference in Phoenix.

The Heritage Award recognizes an industry leader for their service, leadership, and long-standing support of TIA, its members, and the industry. In 2023, the award was named after Tom Fiorini for his contributions to TIA and the industry.

Spero has more than five decades of experience in the transportation industry and has spent a number of years as an active volunteer with TIA. She has served on the TIA Board of Directors and as a past TIA PAC Chair. She currently serves as the TIA Foundation Board treasurer, while sitting on the Finance, Programs, Education and Highway Committees.

“Sue epitomizes everything the Heritage Award stands for,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “She has worked tirelessly to promote the higher educational standards in the industry, which has raised the professionalism and reputation of our industry.”

In addition to her duties at Carrier Services of Tennessee, Spero spent time as a professor of Business and Logistics at Cumberland University, is involved in the Women’s Business National Council, the World Trade Council, Women in Trucking, and is also an adjunct professor of Business at Belmont University.

Spero’s dedication and work has been recognized throughout her career. She has been awarded the Robert H. Beard Professional Award in 2021 for promoting higher educational standards in the field of transportation; named Transportation Professional of the Year by the Delta Nu Alpha in 2013; and received the Distinguished Women in Logistics Award in 2020.