Organic produce consumption is on the rise, which means so is organic produce shipping. According to a 2017 report done by the Organic Trade Association, organic food sales increased by 8.4 percent in 2016. Produce continues to be the largest organic food category, with a 5.3 percent growth in 2017. Fresh produce accounts for 90 percent of the organic produce sales. With more focus on healthy living, consumers want more foods that are free of toxic or synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.

Organic produce may come with less unwanted elements, but the trade-off is that it comes with more rules and time sensitivity. Since organic produce is more perishable and has a shorter shelf life, transportation needs to be fast. Nor can there be any break in the cold chain link due to the perishability. Some of the extra steps that have to happen in the transportation process include:

The goal in the transportation process is to make sure the organic certification is not sabotaged from pick up to delivery. The USDA organic certification process is thorough so consumers can trust the product is truly organic. No one wants to pay the price for an organic item for it to be falsely advertised. Nor does the producer want to lose the organic certification on a product due to a disruption in the transportation process.

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide.

Shipping organic food needs experts who use creative problem-solving skills, have great customer service, and stay up-to-date with regulations. Third-party logistics brokers are a great partner to consider when shipping organic produce. They are flexible and accustomed to solving problems quickly. They are experienced with logistic challenges for a range of customers and industries. Using a 3PL provides you access to their large carrier base, rather than having to search for one yourself. Often these carriers are thoroughly vetted and experienced in specific niches. By using a 3PL, shippers can also gain access to their cutting-edge technology, such as a Transportation Management System. This offers the visibility and monitoring required from pick up to delivery of organic produce. Working with a 3PL offers cold storage warehouse solutions to be available and arranged.

One of the best places to learn more about transparent partnerships when it comes to moving organic produce all over the world is at the Global Organic Produce Expo in Hollywood, Florida, January 28-30th, 2021.  Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics company, often exhibits at the expo.  Keep an eye out about our attendance at the expo this year, so we can talk with you in person about your possible freight solutions.

With shipping organic produce and all the regulations that come with it, you must have commitment and a passion for it. Consider choosing a partner who is just as committed to your business needs in shipping organic produce. Trinity Logistics has been in business for over 40 years and has the knowledge and passion for arranging freight of all sorts. Click below to request a quote with Trinity Logistics.

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AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

The holiday season is all about giving, not only to loved ones, but to our community and those less fortunate. At Trinity, we do just that through the Trinity Foundation, a 501 C3, non-profit organization made up of our Team Members. The Trinity Foundation works to improve people’s lives by serving and investing in our community to promote wellness, inspire giving, and influence future leaders. Coming up on the end of 2019, we wanted to share what the Trinity Foundation has done this year to give back.

Money Donated

Through events like Big Pink Volleyball, Trinity Golf Tournament, Heart & Sole 5k we were able to raise and donate:

     $16,926.50 to Health & Wellness

     $6,750.00 to Youth Leadership Development

     $20,231.59 to Local Necessities

That is a total amount of $43,908.09 raised and donated in 2019.

Thanksgiving For All

In November, we take part in Thanksgiving For All, packing and delivering boxes of Thanksgiving meals for needy families. This year, team members packed and delivered 500 boxes of Thanksgiving dinners that included a turkey roaster and sides! That is double the amount from last year.

Individual families and organizations picked up a total of 454 boxes.

The local organizations we served this year were:

We sent the remaining 46 boxes to Delmarva Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge is a network of Christian faith-based corporations intended to help teenagers, adults, and families with problems such as substance abuse or self-destructive behavior. They immediately turned the boxes around during their Saturday Community Food Pick Up.

Christmas Families

In December, a Christmas Families tree is set up in the office. This tree has paper ornaments listing the wants or needs of “adopted” families. Those that could use a little help making their children’s Christmas merry and bright. Team Members select an ornament to buy a gift for a local child. Once we have all the gifts bought, we wrap the presents and deliver them to the families. This year we were able to send some holiday cheer to 54 children.

Volunteer Hours

Finally, the Trinity Foundation would be nothing without our volunteers. Team members give what may be considered most precious to all, their time. Our total volunteer hours currently stand at 5104.95 hours amongst all seven of our office locations.

It’s one thing to work for a company that does well in business and grows. It’s an even bigger takeaway to work for a company that gives back to people and the community. Trinity Logistics is a company with a culture of improving people’s lives. Regardless of whether you’re a customer, a Team Member, or someone in the community.

With the end of the year comes a time for reflection. We take stock of where we came from and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with hope. May your new year be all that you hope for, and may it include love and friendship. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season!

 

AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

Capacity will always be something that we talk about. The driver shortage hasn’t gone away. In 2018, the industry saw a shortage of roughly 60,800 drivers. According to American Trucking Association, if current trends hold, the shortage could increase to over 160,000 drivers by 2028. And it’s not just truckload. A major LTL carrier recently filed bankruptcy, which will cause drastic capacity issues in the LTL market.

As an experienced 3PL broker, there are several things that we do to combat the capacity issues. Here are three:

1.  We build and maintain relationships with carriers.

This has never been more important! Trinity Logistics uses an entire Carrier Development Team to assist our agents with cutting edge practices that yield incredible results. Are you an asset to your carrier? Are you educating them with all of the latest changes in the market? Remember, you cannot always rely on the SPOT market. It creates uncertainty. 

2.  We utilize software to match current shipments in our system with carriers who have available equipment.

How? We take thousands of   carriers incoming lists of availability and match it with shipments already in our system. The Carrier gets an email and makes on click to submit a quote to the Freight Agent/Broker.

3.  We use an internal Carrier Sharing tool.

We currently use 6 years of lane history within the Trinity network to match the best carrier for your shipment. There are options of searching this by multiple data points-

All shipment history date is built into our proprietary system which feeds the Capacity tool. Don’t get left behind by not having the right partner or the right strategy to combat the changes in the industry. Call or email today. Rich Clark – (302)253-1180 or [email protected].

A few weeks ago, Trinity held our 2019 Agent Conference in Orlando. The purpose of our Agent Conference is to celebrate, educate, and energize Trinity Agents. While there, I saw something amazing happen; the Trinity Team Members that represent the Agent Support Group received a standing ovation from the Agents in attendance. It was humbling to see. The Agent Support Group puts their heart and soul into serving out Agent offices. Having that type of gratitude shown was another example of how Trinity’s Agents are part of the Trinity Family. For almost 30 years, Trinity’s Agent Program has focused on allowing Agents to drive their business forward. How do we do it?

Agents often times get saddled with day-to-day tasks that need to happen but don’t generate revenue. Not only the Agent Support Group adheres to this. All the areas of Trinity that support our Agents, focus on making it easy to do business as a Trinity Agent.

For over 40 years, Trinity has been building a positive brand among the shipper and carrier communities. All are stakeholders in the 3PL transportation mega-industry and we aim to provide excellence during all interactions. We realize carriers and shippers have a choice when selecting who they do business with. We trust that when they see the Trinity name it is recognized and is a major reason for the success of our Agents.

We get it, nobody is doing this for free. Agents have spent years, along with blood, sweat, and tears, to build their business. Like any business, they rely on cash flow. We ensure that our Agents are paid timely, consistently, and fairly. Services that other companies may view as “add ons” are not things Trinity will nickel and dime our Agents for. We believe in providing value at a fair cost to our Agents.

Processes. Procedures. Exception Management. Automation. All the key buzz words can distract from what is at the heart of all businesses – the People. Those that make it happen every day. Trinity is proud of the people that support our Agents. It is their commitment and dedication they have in making our Agents as successful as they can be.

We realize Agents have a choice in where they call home. Make no mistake, Trinity is not looking for Agents to join our team that are only looking for a short-term partnership. We value and recognize the long tenure of our Agents. That is a true result of the trust and confidence each has in the other. If a new home is in your plans, consider the impact that being part of the Trinity Agent Team will make in your business. 

Learn more about our Freight Agent Program and the added value of back office support.

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AUTHOR: Greg Massey

Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics Company, today announced Sarah Ruffcorn has been named President.

Ruffcorn has a 17-year tenure with Trinity Logistics, starting as a Logistics Specialist and most recently Chief Operations Officer, serving in several roles through the years.

In her role as COO, Sarah led Trinity’s Regional Service Center brokerage offices throughout the country, the less-than-truckload division, the Advanced Services division which includes warehousing, expedited, drayage, intermodal, and international services, and Managed Services which includes fully managed transportation solution services.

Sarah Ruffcorn

Ruffcorn most recently played an instrumental role in the transition of Trinity Logistics to a Burris Logistics Company. In April 2019, Trinity was acquired by the fifth-generation, family-owned enterprise, becoming one of four Business Units: Burris Custom Distribution, Burris PRW Plus (Public Refrigerated Warehousing), Trinity Logistics, and Honor Foods (a redistributor of frozen, refrigerated and dry food service products).

Sarah was named as a finalist for Women in Trucking Association’s 2019 “Distinguished Woman in Logistics” award, is co-chair of Transportation Intermediaries Association’s Women in Logistics Committee and is a member of the TIA Technology Committee. In 2015, she was awarded the 2015 Delaware Business Times’ “Best 40 Under 40” award for being one of the region’s “best and brightest young professionals.”

Before mass production, one would have to grow their own sides and raise their own turkey for Thanksgiving. Thanks to the supply chain and the truckers willing to drive long days and many miles, all you have to do is buy the ingredients and cook the turkey. Thanksgiving and the start of holiday shopping would not be the same without the shippers and carriers working hard to prepare the goodies that we look forward to year after year.

Gobbling This Up

Let’s start with the Thanksgiving meal itself. The main course, the golden bird, the turkey. It is estimated that the U.S. consumes over 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving. That translates to roughly 16,600 truckloads of turkey transported. That’s a lot of traveling birds!

Next, you have the sides and dessert. According to Open Road Drivers Plan, more than 65,000 trucks transport the sides alone to the stores in time for Thanksgiving Day. Let’s break it down further:

Supplying More Than Food

What about the Thanksgiving Parade? Think about the giant floats you see, and all the helium used to get them in the sky. According to LiveScience.com, the 2016 Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade needed 300,000 cubic feet of helium for the balloons. Or in a rough comparison, that is 2.2 million gallon jugs of milk needed in NYC for that day. You can thank supply chain logistics for getting those elements there.

It Is Only The Beginning

Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season. As soon as the empty plates are in the sink and the leftovers in the fridge, Black Friday shopping begins. It is estimated that around 134 million people shop on Black Friday. Then comes Cyber Monday; the week after Black Friday is estimated to generate another 2 billion in online sales. All of that is possible because of trucking.

The holiday season is a time for indulging and overspending, but most importantly, a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on things for which we are thankful. We at Trinity are grateful to work every day with the shippers and truckers that provide us with the goods that we enjoy with our friends and families throughout the year.

AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

Years ago, national brands were the top dogs of the retail world. Buying private label, or store brand products, was looked upon as cheap quality and only bought during hard times. Today, consumer spending has changed, allowing for growth in the private label business. According to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), 25 percent of products bought now are private label. This shows a growth of over four percent from 2018. In a 2019 survey ran by PLMA, two-thirds of the respondents said that store brand products bought are just as good, if not better, than the national brand of the same product. With private label products equal to national branded products, and at a cheaper price tag, they are saving the consumer money.

Save Money While Growing

Choosing private label products, on average, saves the consumer about 35 percent off their grocery bill. Additionally, private label products saves the store money as well. Private labels come with lower marketing costs since the retail store only has to promote their brand, instead of many national branded products. They keep the consumers coming back to that one retailer, since they are privately owned by them. With everything now available at the click of a button, private label products keep the consumers dedicated and in house.

As private labels become more popular, retailers are looking for more innovative and unique products to add to their brand. Currently, items on trend are:

The PLMA Trade Show in Rosemont, IL is the best place for retail companies to look for new items. More than 1,500 companies from over 55 countries were there to exhibit their products November 17-19. Ultimately, the companies exhibiting, and attending were all looking for one thing: growth in their business. With that comes a lot of stressors, and shipping hassles should not be one of those.

How We Can Help You

Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics company, has the resources to take that weight off your company’s shoulders when it comes to their shipping and logistics needs. We want to simplify your day to day shipping struggles by providing on time delivery, exceptional service, and relationships, built on a first name basis. We offer many modes of transportation services including, dry and temperature-controlled truckload, less-than-truckload, warehousing, expedited, and intermodal. See what one of our customers, Baumer Foods, has to say about doing business with us:

“Baumer Foods has been working with Trinity Logistics for over 15 years. Throughout the years we have developed a very strong relationship with Trinity.  Hurricane Katrina destroyed Baumer Foods manufacturing plant and offices, Trinity Logistics was a tremendous help in our logistics as we were rebuilding.  Trinity Logistics is a very reliable and trustworthy company.  They always have their customer’s best interest with on time and damage free deliveries.  If a problem arises, they give immediate attention.  Trinity’s customer service representatives give 150%, always going above and beyond.  I would recommend Trinity Logistics to anyone that needs a reliable company to handle their freight.”

-Nikki Cook, Baumer Foods

Trinity exhibited at the PLMA Private Label Trade Show and enjoyed talking with companies in the private label sector about how we can be a resource in their company’s growth. We look forward to exhibiting again next year! Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn where you can be kept up-to-date about our presence at upcoming industry trade shows.

Contact us for more information about reducing your shipping struggles with Trinity Logistics.

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AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

Trinity Logistics was built on the belief that we should enrich the lives of those we serve. While this includes Team Members, Agents, shippers, and carriers, it extends far beyond the walls of Trinity, from local community organizations to those overseas serving our country.

Trinity is honored to make an impact on those people serving to protect our country. Each year, we provide care packages for men and women in the armed forces who are deployed during the holidays. Trinity Team Members donate needed items and pack them in care boxes. These boxes include everything from snacks, socks, hygiene products, other necessities and treats. Each box includes a handwritten note of appreciation. This year, approximately 50 boxes will be sent overseas. Jen Hoffman, the Program Coordinator, shared her statement about this year’s effort.

“This was an exciting year for Operation: Trinity Cares. The Trinity Logistics team joined with Burris Logistics in item donations. We are even sending a care package to a current Burris Team Member who is deployed! This project is incredibly special to our team. We hope that the care packages are received with as much love as we put into them year after year.”

In addition to supporting those serving overseas, on this day Trinity takes the time to honor our Team Members who have served in the United States Military. Each year, we take the time to recognize our Team Members with a special gift. We are honored to have amazing people like these men and women on our team. Trinity’s culture is built upon servant leadership and who would know that better than a Veteran?

“At Trinity, we believe that Veterans often make some of the top performing Team Members,” said Megan Morgan, Vice President of Team Operations. “Their experience in high pressure situations and service to something greater than themselves has a direct correlation to our culture of servant leadership.”

As Trinity Logistics continues to grow, we pride ourselves on our dynamic culture and inclusivity. Through continuous company wide diversity training or hiring veterans, we look for one thing in our Team Members: people who are looking to enrich the lives of others. To learn about how Trinity is Different on Purpose, visit our careers page.

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AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

From November 7-9, Trinity Logistics will be hosting our annual Freight Agent Conference at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee Florida. This year’s theme, Roadmap 2020, will give our network of over 100 agents the tools they need to navigate through the upcoming year. Here’s a quick glance of what this year’s conference is all about:

At the conference we also host an awards ceremony to thank and honor the success and loyalty of our Freight Agents. Here at Trinity, we love our agents and recognize that they are an integral part of our company. For almost thirty years, we have been partnering with freight agents throughout the U.S. and Canada to mutually help our companies grow and offer top of the line supply chain solutions. Our agent conference is just one of the many offerings of being a freight agent with Trinity.

Want to hear from our agents throughout the conference? Make sure to follow our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts for live updates!

Trinity Logistics is honored to be named to Women In Trucking’s “Top Companies for Women to Work For” list.

Criteria was based on corporate culture that supports gender diversity, flexibility in hours, competitive compensation, quality benefits, training/continued education opportunities, career advancement, and other factors. Trinity is proud to check the box on so many foundational areas to create a space for growth and excellence.

Trinity offers paid maternity leave and a maternity wellness program that assists with purchasing baby-related items. Women who return back to work after maternity leave have access to a private Mother’s Room. Team Members are offered competitive compensation and benefits and many opportunities to advance in career paths. Trinity also offers a Woman Truck Driver Excellence award to nominees from their Carrier Network.

“In my time working for Trinity, I’ve never felt my gender would work against me,” said Hayley Dobson, Regional Vice President for Trinity Logistics. “We pride ourselves on hiring and promoting those who work hard, have the best skill set, and strive to grow. We promote a feeling of autonomy that helps build trust among Team Members and Leadership. Additionally, Trinity’s family-friendly atmosphere allows me and many other working parents the opportunity to be with our families when we need to be.”

To date, Trinity’s employees are 58 percent women, with 54 percent of these women in leadership roles including Managers, Team Leads, Directors, and C-level.

“Studies show that companies whose Executive Leadership Teams are gender diverse are more financially successful when compared to less diverse companies,” said Lori Peacock, Director of Project Management and Business Analysis at Trinity Logistics. “It is a positive to me that the company where I work is supportive of women in leadership. The bonus of having diversity at the upper levels is that it helps to make Trinity a financially successful company. It’s a win-win.”

Trinity is proud of its accomplishments, this year landing the #18 spot on Transport Topics’ Top Freight Brokerage Firms list, which is based on company net revenue.

To find out how Trinity Logistics is different on purpose or to check out our job openings, click here.