Archives: Press Releases

[Alexandria, Va., July  25, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – is excited to announce that our TIA Industry Research & Education (TIAIRE) course catalog has been approved to accept Department of Veteran Affairs’ GI Bill® funding.

Active-duty military and veterans will now be able to submit for reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover the cost of the TIAIRE’s Certified Transportation Broker certification and exam – sponsored by Avalon Risk Management – and/or the New Broker course and exam. TIA’s Education staff can help facilitate this process to make it as smooth and efficient as possible for the student based on the VA’s guidelines.

“This is an exciting time for TIA’s education programming,” said Anne Reinke, TIA president & CEO. “Because of our certification to operate by SCHEV, we were eligible to become an education institution that is authorized to receive GI Bill benefits for TIA certifications. This is a big win for the industry in helping us address staffing shortages by opening up our education to a new pool of potential recruits for the workforce.”

The designation of being a GI Bill-certified education program gives TIA members an advantage as no other certification or education within the freight brokerage industry will be able to offer this benefit to veterans.

“This opportunity is exclusive to TIA and our programs now will be highlighted on the Department of Veterans Affairs website, as well as on the Virginia SSA website as well for veterans to be able to find us,” said Cori Eckley, CTB, chair of the TIA Foundation. “This notoriety highlights to veterans and active-duty military that TIAIRE meets all of the guidelines and higher education standards for them to feel comfortable coming to TIA for their educational needs in the transportation sector.”

For more information about TIA’s Education Course catalog, visit https://www.tianet.org/online-education-courses/. For more information on how to utilize your GI Bill to pay for a TIA course, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

 

About the GI Bill:

Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

TIA loves learning more about our member companies and what role they play in the 3PL industry. Meet Cameron Gottfried, account executive, with PerformanceCentre, Inc., in West Hollywood, Calif.

Talk about your company: what makes it special?

PerformanceCentre, Inc. , aka “Performio” provides software as a service to companies of all shapes and sizes who need to better manage their incentive compensation process. Sales commission tends to be a huge headache for organizations, but Performio helps their partners save time, eliminate potential errors, enhance commission reporting, and increase seller productivity through it’s modern and highly configurable platform.

Performio is different than other providers in this category because of our unique combination of flexible data management and structured plan building experience. The enterprise-grade functionality around managing large and complex volumes of data from any number of source systems coupled with a modern user interface mean Performio can be used by both technical and non-technical users. No more reliance on IT teams for coding!

What have you gained and hope to gain from joining the 3PL industry?

Performio entered the 3PL industry in 2019 with the onboarding of Transplace and eventual expansion into Uber Freight. Since then, it’s established partnerships with many more firms and comes recommended by industry experts such as Beth Carroll.

Performio is excited to expand its presence in an industry that is always evolving and is interconnected. We thrive on complexity and this industry brings inherent challenges around compensation that excites our team given the opportunity to help so many people.

Why did you join TIA?

When I heard there was a massive network of 3PL professionals that share content, attend events and discuss key trends it was a no-brainer for Performio to join. We want to be seen as a thought leader in this industry and believe we have the technology and experience to be just that. We will look to be as involved as possible from a TIA magazine, Lunch & Learn, Marketplace and live event perspective. Through this engagement and sharing of technology best practices, we hope to help as many members of TIA streamline their commission calculation and reporting process as possible. Whether you’re in Finance, Sales, IT, HR or the C-suite, there is something in Perfomio for you, given how many departments have a stake in commission expenses.

What has your company done through 2024? What are the plans for 2025 and beyond?

As of 2024, Performio is outperforming its revenue targets for the year and is on track to report impressive growth numbers to its board. Additionally, Performio continues to maintain industry-leading customer retention rates – meaning the most satisfied customers in the market.

In the future, Performio hopes to establish a specific customer channel and panel for all of its 3PL clients to give clients the space to share best practices, help push the product forward and enhance their commission process. This panel is under work as of summer 2024, and we hope to roll it out in 2025!

Want to learn more about Performio or network with Gottfried? You can reach him at [email protected].

TIA loves celebrating and getting to know our members. This week we are featuring Andy Bahr, owner of Bahr Transportation, in Fort Mill, S.C.

 

Tell us all about what your company does:

Our company is a traditional freight brokerage based out of Charlotte, N.C. Our transparent and proactive communication, paired with our extreme reliability, makes us the premier choice for shippers around the USA and Canada. I worked for a larger brokerage for four years about 11 years ago, and then started BT. I love that every day is different and that you can service your customers from anywhere and travel anywhere to see them. Economic headwinds and normal operations can have challenges… however, it is well worth it!

Why did you join TIA? What features drew you in?

I wanted to be part of the “ethical group” of transportation companies. I love meeting other brokers. It’s rare that your family or social circle is in the space.

What are you hoping the future of your company looks like?

Our greatest win this year so far is that we have decided to focus on niching down, we have always been in the food industry and will always be. However, we are going through the learning curve now of a few hyper niches and that’s exciting!

Andy is a member of TIA’s Young Executives Committee. Want to speak with Andy? You can reach Andy at [email protected].

TIA loves to celebrate our diverse membership. Meet new TIA member JoAnne Bricker, owner of Jersey Girl Logistics, LLC in Mantua, N.J.

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

I first found my love for trucking at a local petroleum carrier. I was a young mother, with an infant waiting tables and was looking for an office job is what I told myself. I answered an ad in the paper for general office help. My first day seemed like a fairly normal office environment, until the stock market closed. The phones went CRAZY, all the lights lit up on the phones, we were grabbing the calls as quickly as we could. People calling for pricing, others calling to schedule deliveries, and everyone was moving so quickly. I fell so deeply in love, I found a job that could keep up with my energy level! From there I’d ask everyday, “What next?”. After six years I had worked for all 12 of their companies in one way or another, trained every employee they hired and consistently worked on increasing my value. I’ve been in the industry for 21 years now and still loving every moment.

Who has inspired your career?

I would say I started my career out of necessity, but quickly became passionate about it and wanted to be the best there was. I strived to be someone my children could look at and be inspired by so I’d say they will be my forever inspiration for always wanting to be a better person. Although, in 2014 I returned to a previous position after taking some time off and was lucky enough to work with Joey Walker. I didn’t work with Joey my previous years there because he was an affiliate owner. When I came back he was in a very similar role as I was but he was an independent contractor. I would hear his grandkids in the background at the pool when we would talk. I’d say, “Joey, when are you going to retire so I can do your job?” and his response would always be, “Kid, you can do this, you just have to do it.” Several years of this conversation and I finally started reaching out to other affiliate owners to secure a remote position back hauling trucks. I was the first person at a large carrier to be a remote female employee, specifically hired to back haul liquid bulk trucks. So Joey was right, I did do it, and I think of him every time it’s time to push myself to leap.

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

The greatest opportunity and challenge has been opening my own brokerage. Being that I specialize in liquid and dry bulk hazmat, there are a lot of pieces to everything we do. I am very passionate about doing things with precision and in line with the methods I’ve used over the years as a safety conscious person. I take a lot of pride in what we do, and when you take your responsibilities seriously I think that in of itself adds a level of challenges outside of checking the boxes. I truly want to make a difference for the smaller- to medium-sized carriers out there that need help filling in the gaps of their drivers 70 hour clocks. I also want to provide my shippers with carriers they can rely on, that treat drivers well. Having drivers that feel valued is a major key to servicing your customers. I feel like when you figure that part out, you’ve figured out the key to trucking. I am so fortunate for my network and knowing so many with integrity that I get so much pride and joy out of making the connections. It’s a dream come true for sure!

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

Start from the ground up. A solid foundation is a huge key to building your career or business. Put processes in place for everything you do and follow your processes. Spend more time listening and asking customers, “How do you see me benefiting your team most?”.

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

It’s important to me for all of the resources they offer, the in-person engagement opportunities, as well as the advocacy groups and support. I’m really thrilled to be a TIA member, it’s been a great experience! I am enrolled in their Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) course and really enjoying it. After 20+ years on the carrier side it’s been beneficial to look at things from a broker perspective. I enjoy the engagement opportunities and hope to take advantage of attending an in-person event soon! The weekly lunch and learn webinars have been amazing as well! Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable.

Bricker was recently named the Trimester 2 recipient of the Bill Tucker CTB Scholarship. For more information on TIA’s CTB course, click here.

[Alexandria, Va., June 19, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – congratulates JoAnne Bricker from Jersey Girl Logistics in Sewell, N.J. for being the named the 2024 Trimester 2 Bill Tucker Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Scholarship recipient. Established in 2024, the Bill Tucker CTB Scholarship is awarded each trimester to the student with the highest pre-requisite exam score.

While working in the industry for more than 20 years, Bricker has launched her own brokerage this past year while working toward her CTB.

“Tucker Company Worldwide is pleased to congratulate JoAnne on winning the Bill Tucker Scholarship,” said Jeff and Jim Tucker. “Her dedication to advancing her skills while launching her own brokerage is truly inspiring – and true to the values that were most important to our father. With her 20 years of experience and a commitment to building relationships, we are certain she will excel in the chemical market.”

TIA’s CTB program – sponsored by Avalon Risk Management – is the most recognized certification in the third-party logistics industry.

“Congratulations to JoAnne,” said Anne Reinke, TIA president & CEO. “JoAnne embodies everything the CTB program  is designed for: increasing business acumen, improving sales and operational skills and managing risk. Someone starting her own brokerage while working toward her CTB is quite impressive.”

Looking to earn your CTB? Sign up for TIAIRE’s Trimester 3 class, which kicks off on Aug. 19. Visit https://www.tianet.org/course-ctb/ for more information.

About the Bill Tucker CTB Scholarship:

Created in 2024, the Bill Tucker CTB Scholarship honors the legacy of William J. “Bill” Tucker from Tucker Co Worldwide in Haddenfield, N.J., a founding father of TIA and the CTB certification program.

[Alexandria, Va., June 17, 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 formation of its Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC) as a sub-committee to TIA’s Technology Committee in the run up to the association’s 2024 Technovations conference, Oct. 15-17, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

“We look forward to utilizing the expertise of our associate members’ insights as we continue to stay at the forefront of technology for our members and industry,” said Anne Reinke, TIA president & CEO. “VAC members will work alongside our Technology Committee to identify and evaluate emerging technologies, assess their impact of TIA members and the industry and recommend strategies and innovations to the TIA Technology Committee.”

The Committee will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting technology trends and their implications for the transportation industry, as well as proposing actionable strategies and innovative technologies to enhance TIA members’ operations.

The inaugural VAC members include:

• Brandon Bay, Logistics Group International, Houston (Chairman)
• Russ Felker, Trinity Logistics, Seaford, Del.
• Jerry Morsovillo, CTB, ILG Logistics, Mokena, Ill.
• Kevin Coomes, Greenscreens.ai, West Palm Beach, Fla.
• Brian Cristol, Isometric Technologies, San Francisco
• Haley Evans, TriumphPay, Dallas
• Michael Grace, Highway, Dallas
• Rick Halbrooks, McLeod Software, Birmingham, Ala.
• Robyn Hyra, Cleo, Rockford, Ill.
• Ryan Rogers, TextLocate, Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Andrew Wimer, Descartes (MacroPoint/Aljex), Akron, Ohio

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the TIA’s VAC,” said VAC Chairman Brandon Bay. “After a robust application and selection process, we feel we have a great team that’s going to give the vendors that are members of the TIA the ability to give firsthand feedback and education to help us make a difference not only in the TIA is a whole, but specifically the technology sector of logistics.”

VAC membership is for a one-year term, for more information on how to become involved, contact [email protected].

 

 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., June 6, 2024] — The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) – the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce – has released its latest 3PL Market Report for the first quarter of 2024. This report highlights the continued struggles for the 3PL industry as it showcases a decline in shipments, invoice amount per shipment, and total revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

The report outlines a decline across the board since last quarter. Total shipments experienced a 3.7 percent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) decrease and an 8.9 percent year- over-year (YoY) decline. The invoice amount per shipment dropped by 4.4 percent QoQ and showed a 13.8 percent YoY decrease. Total revenue witnessed an 0.8 percent QoQ decline and a substantial 21.4 percent YoY decrease. The gross margin decreased by 60 basis points compared to the third quarter, and it experienced a significant YoY decline.

“Overall volumes in Q124 being down from Q123 is not a surprise given the market dynamics, but there are encouraging signs,” said TIA Chairman of the Board Mark Christos from SolvLogix Inc in Oak Brook, Ill. “Truckload and Intermodal volume was down, but had its best performance in the last four quarters. Compared to Q423, Truckload and LTL volume increased and that is an encouraging sign for any Q1 volume to exceed a Q4.”

Key Takeaways:

Participant Size Summary: Smaller brokers surpassed their larger peers in quarter-to-quarter performance regarding invoice amount per load, however medium sized brokers won the day in terms of gross margin.

Mode Comparison: Invoice dollars and invoice amounts per load decreased in all modes, but there was an improvement in the total shipments across Truckload and LTL, however there was still a decrease in gross margin across all modes.

Total Activity YoY: Brokers’ key performance indicators showed a universal decline year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024. Shipments were the most resilient, relatively speaking, but still experienced a nearly 9 percent decline compared to the previous year. Revenue decreased by over 21 percent, and the amount invoiced per shipment was down by almost 14 percent. The year-over-year margin comparison in Q124 was significantly weaker.

“While we continue to see some decline, this is not surprising in the first quarter as first quarters annually are slower given the winter season,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “While our current view of the market has not changed dramatically, we are still positive as we head into quarters 2 and 3, which historically are busier. Plus, as we have predicted for some time now, the market is correcting itself from the unbelievable highs of the pandemic. It will be a while before the economic correction settles down.”

The full report “3PL Market Report, First Quarter 2024, Issue 62” 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.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

 

 

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]