Trinity Logistics is proud to announce our earned recognition on Inbound Logistics’ Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Provider list for 2021. Hundreds of companies submitted their credentials to Inbound Logistics to be considered, not only making the challenge for their selection team difficult but truly showcasing Trinity’s growing brand of People-Centric Freight Solutions® among our shipper and carrier audiences. 

“This year’s theme for our annual ‘3PL edition was 3PLs Have Your Back.’ After a year of hardships and disruptions, our audience continues to express increased interest in how 3PLs can help them improve their service, manage costs, and hone execution,” states Felecia Stratton, Editor of Inbound Logistics. “Outsourcing supply chain, logistics, and transportation solutions to a trusted partner have never been more important. The selected Top 100 3PLs exhibited trusted relationships with their partners, providing great service and solutions to the logistics industry.” 

“We are honored to be included as a 2021 Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics!” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “This has been one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced as an industry, and we are incredibly proud of the way our Team responded. They showed daily determination and resilience, serving our shipper and carrier customers.”

Here at Trinity, we consistently strive to be our best by offering our audiences customized logistics solutions through our People-Centric approach. We are honored to receive this recognition as we continue positively representing our company’s legacy by providing excellent service to the logistics industry.

Trinity Logistics is proud to announce its number 20 spot on the Transport Topics’ 2021 Top Freight Brokerage Firms List. This is the 19^th consecutive year Trinity has received the honor. For the first time, companies on the list are based on gross revenue, instead of net revenue, for the most recent 12-month period.   

“This ranking means so much to us this year. It shows the strength and determination our Team exhibits daily as they serve our shipper and carrier customers and find solutions,” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “The supply chain has been tested beyond measure during the pandemic, and our Team has risen to the challenge. We are honored to be recognized by Transport Topics as #20!”  

Trinity’s parent company, Burris Logistics, has ranked number 10 on the Top 50 of Transport Topics’ Logistics Companies list.   

To see the complete list, visit Transport Topics.  

A recent Harvard Business Review study shows that women in leadership tend to shape better outcomes during times of crisis. Trinity Logistics recently participated in the Women in Trucking Webinar to discuss how women in leadership have paved the way for positive results during the pandemic. In this webinar we heard from the Vice President of Operations at Trinity’s Kansas City office, Jennifer Braun, the President of Trinity Logistics, Sarah Ruffcorn, and the President of Transportation Intermediary Association, Anne Reinke.  

These women share their thoughts and opinions on leadership and key values that have helped them excel during these times. We’ve gathered key information from this webinar that we believe will be valuable to you.  

Question: What are the top words you would use to describe leading during a pandemic? 

Sarah: Authenticity. Being authentic enough to say, “here’s what we know”, and “here’s what we don’t know yet”. Leaders need to let their guard down and say more than we’ve ever heard before.  

Anne: Plan B. Plan A wasn’t going to work so what can we do instead? What can we do to get people working so that it makes sense? 

Jennifer: Preparation. It’s comforting to know that you have some preparation to fall back on and there’s still steps you can take to servicing customers. 

Question: One of the higher ranking traits for women in leadership was “takes initiative.” Can you share what “takes initiative” means to you? 

Sarah: Taking initiatives isn’t necessarily about taking it on by yourself. It can be involving others that know more than you do about the subject. Sometimes it means stepping out of your comfort zone when you don’t know the answers. 

Anne: There’s people in life where, when they see an issue, they’re on it. Taking initiative means feeling like you have an immediate responsibility whether it be because of your title or because that’s naturally the person that you are. What gets you to be a great leader is to take on those initiatives.  

Jennifer: “Takes initiative” can align with empowering others. Take initiative can be raising an awareness, asking questions, or challenging yourself and other people. 

Question: How do you incorporate “inspires” and “develops” others in your role? 

Sarah: This links up to our company culture at Trinity. You’re truly working to remove obstacles for other people and get them to where they want to go. Encourage and offer your employees to get into other projects and educate themselves so that they can increase their skill set.  

Anne: Empowering the team so that they feel a shared sense of responsibility and mission. Listen to them and bring transparency into processes, emphasizing their critical role. Be a mindful cheerleader. Knowing that there’s mutual trust within your team. 

Jennifer: When we’re providing feedback, be specific. What specifically are you wishing to have this person know about their performance or leadership? Be mindful of the words that you’re saying to your team. 

Question: Collaboration & teamwork: why is it important to work together?

Sarah: We’re in a relationship-driven business. We all depend on relationships with our shippers, carriers, warehouse workers. Those relationships are necessary to make things happen in the supply chain. If we’re not pulling in the same direction, it all falls apart. 

Anne: I can’t know everything. It’s a win-win that we work together and give assignments to people who know more, have the experience, or relationships. It makes for a stronger organization. 

Question: High integrity & honesty: Why is that so important in what we do in the transportation industry? 

Sarah: At the foundation of every relationship is trust. If you don’t have that level of integrity and honesty, then trust goes out the window. Everything that Trinity does is based off of our words and so little is based off of contracts. It all ends and starts with our word and backing it up. 

Anne: This industry is based on relationships so you’re only as good as your word. If you want people to continue that relationship with you, you have to live by that. 

Jennifer: All the people we have doing business for us at any minute of any day are the faces of Trinity. Everything is visible and transparent every time we’re talking with people. High integrity and honesty  needs to be something that people live by each day. 

Question: What words of wisdom would you offer other women in the transportation industry? 

Sarah: Even when you don’t feel prepared, say yes. A lot of us hold back until we feel like we’re ready for something but always say yes. 

Anne: Go for it. What do you have to lose? Someone says no to you, that’s fine. Let people say no to you rather than saying no to yourself. 

Jennifer: One of my favorite words is “yet”. If you don’t have something or if you’re not good at something, I always say “yet”. You can achieve pretty much anything you put your mind to. 

Our Director of Marketing at Trinity Logistics, Brittany Seigel, recently interviewed Ava Pearson. Ava is a driver that has built a strong relationship with Trinity. We asked her some questions on how the pandemic has affected her life as a driver.   

Question: As an essential worker during this very difficult time in this past year, what was your experience like? 

Ava: Difficult in a way where we were not able to interact with other people. It was like us drivers were shut off from the world. 

Question: What were you faced with during the pandemic?  

Ava: Not knowing how to handle the situation. Am I going to be safe or protected? Why do I have to be out here when others are with their family? It was rough not knowing the unknown. 

Question: Do you see a lot of this carrying over to the next year or do you think things will start to improve? 

Ava: I think things are improving and they will continue to improve. It’s great that everyone is participating and doing their part of being clean, wearing masks, and keeping your distance. Doing your part really helped out. Now that the vaccine is out, it will probably help with future of normalcy. 

Question: Any advice for other women in this profession? 

Ava: Ask as many questions as you can, don’t be afraid to ask. Do your research. Help anyone else that you can along the way.  

This past year has earned the title of “unprecedented times”. We are appreciative of all the women in trucking and the leaders in our supply chain that persevered through the challenges we’ve had to face in the past year and a half. We couldn’t do it without you. 

Want to hear more about these women in leadership? 

Originally posted September 24, 2019. Updated by Christine Griffith.

The Trinity Foundation continues to support the local community by presenting Lisa Coldiron, Head of School for Sussex Montessori School, a $50,000 contribution that will benefit capital efforts to open in Seaford, Delaware.

“One of Trinity Foundation’s core focus areas is Youth Leadership Development. We are excited to partner with the new Sussex Montessori School that is coming to Seaford and help develop the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Parker, Trinity Foundation Director.

The Montessori Method, based on the scientific research of Dr. Maria Montessori in Rome at the turn of the 20th Century, is rooted in the belief that children are innate learners, driven by curiosity, and thrive in physical and social settings prepared specifically for them.

The Montessori Curriculum is based on the social and academic equally. Both are rigorous, individualized, and highly structured.

As a result of this focus on each child’s individuality and development, Montessori children are confident, intrinsically motivated, responsible, creative, cooperative, and respectful. They emerge more than ready for whatever is next in their lives: college, the workforce, or community service.

The Trinity Foundation is proud to support the school and its direct benefit to the Sussex County community and looks forward to future opportunities to volunteer.

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.

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.”

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.

Join Our Team

AUTHOR: Christine Griffith

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.

The recent acquisition of Trinity Logistics by Burris Logistics in April, offers Trinity customers greater service options with more end-to-end supply chain solutions. This also translates to an increased need for more offices and staff.

Since joining together three months ago, Trinity has onboarded offices in Des Moines, Iowa; Orlando, Florida; and is preparing to onboard an office in Elkton, Maryland. Momentum will continue as the 3PL expects to add three to four more offices in the next few years to keep up with the demand.

“Trinity and Burris share the idea of ‘stronger together’ offering customers a full supply chain solution with increased buying power, scale, and advancement in supply chain technology,” said Nick Falk, President of Trinity Logistics. “We are fiercely independent and our culture is one of the reasons why staff love it here. We won’t lose that, but we need good people to help us grow.”

By combining a Top 20 3PL with the 6th largest cold storage supplier in North America, Burris and Trinity employ over 2,000 team members and manage 21 offices. Trinity also operates one of the most robust and respected Independent Freight Agency programs in the country.

For more information on career opportunities at Trinity Logistics, visit our webpage.

Delaware Business Times has announced its Fastest 50 program and winners for 2019. “Ranging from small to large businesses, these 50 companies represent Delaware’s fast-growing business community,” said Rob Martinelli, CEO of Today Media and publisher of Delaware Business Times. “This special list reflects a great diversity of sectors. We are proud to add Fastest 50 to our stable of fine events that acknowledge Delaware’s innovative business community.”

Among the 50 businesses, Trinity Logistics has been named to the list.

“It’s an honor for Trinity Logistics to be recognized on Delaware Business Times’ Fastest 50 list,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, Trinity Logistics’ COO. “Our team has worked hard through the years to overcome the ever-changing, fast paced logistics industry. We attribute our growth to our Team and their hard work building relationships with customers and carriers, and providing best-in-class service for them.  We are excited to continue to grow as part of the Burris Logistics family.”

The Fastest 50 Awards is the largest and among the most anticipated Delaware Business Times awards programs this year. The 50 companies embody the entrepreneurial spirit critical for innovation, leadership, and success. The honorees for 2019 were selected based on a three-year average of revenue and employee growth. This group of 50 came from those submissions that fit the criteria. Not ranked, they are listed alphabetically in the July 23 issue of Delaware Business Times.

Read Delaware Business Times’ interview with Sarah here.