Press Releases Archives - Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics Company

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is honored to announce that it has earned its first Gold medal sustainability rating from EcoVadis, a leading global sustainability assessment organization. This milestone follows Trinity’s Silver medal rating received in 2024 and marks a continued upward trajectory since receiving its first Bronze medal rating in 2023. This newest recognition underscores Trinity’s commitment to environmental, social, and ethical performance, as well as its dedication to continuous improvement.

The Gold medal rating places Trinity among the top 5 percent of companies assessed worldwide, reinforcing the company’s consistent progress in core sustainability pillars:

Environment

Labor & Human Rights

Ethics

Sustainable Procurement.

This evaluation highlights Trinity’s ongoing initiatives for long-term emissions reduction goals, sustainable sourcing practices, and increased transparency throughout its operations.

“We’re proud to achieve a Gold rating and continue raising the bar in our sustainability efforts,” said Kristin Deno, Operational Risk Analyst at Trinity. “EcoVadis helps us benchmark our performance and identify areas where we can advance further.”

President Sarah Ruffcorn emphasized that sustainability is embedded in Trinity’s culture, not treated as a one-time initiative.

“Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox for us at Trinity,” Ruffcorn said. “It’s part of how we operate and make decisions every day. This recognition reflects our progress and helps guide how we can continue to grow responsibly, in ways that support people, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

Trinity Logistics plans to build on this momentum by continuing to integrate sustainable practices across its network, supply chain partnerships, and office locations.

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Trinity Logistics’ EcoVadis Gold medal reflects the sustainability performance of the assessed legal entity and is based on EcoVadis’ evaluation methodology.

The medal is valid for 12 months from the scorecard publication date.

View Trinity’s full EcoVadis Scorecard here:

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®.Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve.

For the past 45 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a Gold sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Dowdy as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). A recognized leader in logistics innovation, digital transformation, and AI adoption, Dowdy will guide Trinity in its technology strategy and oversee daily IT operations across the organization.

Dowdy brings extensive industry experience from more than two decades of technology and leadership roles across logistics, warehouse management, healthcare, and fintech. His proven record of building high-performing engineering teams supports the company’s rapid growth and technology modernization.

“Technology is a key enabler in delivering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. to the Shippers, Carriers, and Freight Agents we serve. Gary’s leadership, expertise, and people-first approach make him the ideal person to guide how we continue aligning technology with our business objectives,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “We’re incredibly excited to have him join us here at Trinity.”

As CTO, Dowdy will focus on strengthening Trinity’s strategic roadmap, modernizing infrastructure, expanding innovation capabilities, improving Shipper, Carrier, Freight Agent, and Team Member digital experiences, and introducing advanced solutions that support Trinity’s accelerated growth.

Dowdy expressed enthusiasm about joining Trinity, stating “My attraction to Trinity is its people, culture, and mission. I’m honored at the opportunity to help the Team build innovative, tech-enabled solutions that move the company, our customers’ businesses, and our industry forward.”

Trinity welcomes Dowdy with excitement and looks forward to the innovation, leadership, and momentum he will bring.

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We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a Gold sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is excited to announce its full acquisition of Granite Logistics, a long-time Freight Agent partner of nearly 14 years.

The milestone officially brings two new Regional Service Centers (RSCs), Sartell and Minneapolis, Minnesota, into Trinity’s growing national presence. Both locations will continue to operate under the leadership of Paul Nelson, SVP of Strategic Development, supported by the same trusted Teams that have served Granite’s Shipper and Carrier relationships over the years.

Known for its expertise in flatbed, over-dimensional, and heavy haul freight, Granite Logistics has built a strong reputation for reliable service and lasting business relationships.

“This is an exciting new chapter for both Trinity and Granite,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “Granite is known for their deep industry knowledge and commitment to doing right by their Shipper and Carrier relationships. We’re thrilled to welcome their incredible Team officially into the Trinity family and look forward to the growth and innovation this partnership will bring.”

Granite Logistics’ co-owners, Jeff Smiens and Pat Lynch, shared their excitement about joining Trinity after more than a decade of close partnership.

“This isn’t about changing who we are,” added Smiens. “It’s about growing and expanding what we can offer our relationships. Our Customer, Carrier, and Team Member relationships will see the same faces, talk to the same people they’ve always known. Now, we’ll just be a closer part of a larger, nationwide brand and its People-Centric Freight SolutionsⓇ, through and through.”

“After nearly 14 years of working alongside Trinity as a Freight Agent office, this next step feels like a natural evolution,” said Lynch. “We’ve always shared similar values with Trinity – serving our Customer and Carrier relationships with integrity, respect, and excellence. This move simply gives us more support to do that even better.”

Through the acquisition, approximately 135 Team Members will join Trinity Logistics, marking a major growth milestone and reinforcing its commitment to investing in people and operational reach.

“Granite has been one of our most successful and respected Agent partners,” said Greg Massey, Senior Vice President of Agent Development at Trinity Logistics. “Over the years, they’ve built an incredible Team and culture that aligns perfectly with Trinity’s. We couldn’t be happier to officially welcome them as our newest RSC offices.”

Operations at both the Sartell and Minneapolis offices will continue without interruption during the transition, ensuring a smooth experience for existing Shippers and Carriers.

This acquisition strengthens Trinity’s nationwide presence and enhances its capabilities in specialized freight, further supporting its mission to improve lives and supply chains by solving tough problems across North America.

Learn About Trinity's Services Learn about Trinity's Freight Agent Program

We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce the appointment of Mike Bash as the Vice President of its Iowa Regional Service Center (RSC).

With a proven track record across both the asset and brokerage sides of the transportation industry, Bash brings years of leadership, operational expertise, and strategic vision to his new role. A proud graduate of Iowa State University, he has built a career grounded in integrity, innovation, and genuine commitment to people and performance.

“Mike is a seasoned leader who truly understands both the operational and relational sides of logistics,” said Hayley Dobson, SVP of Regional Service Centers. “His leadership experience and people-first mindset perfectly align with Trinity’s culture and vision for growth.”

Throughout his career, Bash has demonstrated his ability to transform logistics operations and drive substantial growth. He previously held pivotal roles with a track record of scaling annual revenue, improving efficiency, and strengthening long-term performance through strategic acquisitions and process improvements.

“Trinity Logistics has a strong reputation for its People-Centric culture and operational excellence,” said Bash. “I’m thrilled to join a Team that shares my passion for building trust, empowering people, and delivering exceptional service. Together, the Iowa RSC will continue to drive growth and innovations for our Shipper and Carrier relationships.”

As Vice President of the Iowa RSC, Bash will oversee operations and strategic initiatives there, focusing on strengthening partnerships, expanding capabilities, and supporting the company’s continued growth.

Trinity is thrilled to welcome Bash and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to our Iowa operations and beyond.

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We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce the addition of two accomplished leaders to its Team: Jason Varland as Director of Engineering and Nikko Navarro as Director of Marketing.

Jason Varland, Director of Engineering

Varland joins Trinity with a wealth of experience in as a senior engineering leader. He has a strong track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver exceptional, high-quality technical solutions across diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading Trinity’s software engineering teams, advancing the company’s technical strategy, and scaling its software platforms to support continued growth and innovation.

“I am incredible excited to join the Trinity Logistics family,” said Varland. “The company’s people-centric culture and commitment to innovation are values I deeply admire. I look forward to collaborating with the talented software engineering team to enhance our technology offerings and build robust, scalable solutions that create exceptional value for our Shippers, Carriers, and Team Members.”

Nikko Navarro, Director of Marketing

Nikko brings over a decade of experience in B2B SaaS and services marketing, with expertise in building scalable martech systems, optimizing processes, and driving measurable growth through analytics and advanced attribution models. His experience spans strategic planning, event management, content direction, data-driven execution, and advanced marketing operations. Known for leading high-impact initiatives and aligning marketing strategy with business goals, he combines a strong process orientation with a passion for innovation. A U.S. military veteran, he brings discipline, leadership, and a forward-thinking approach to strengthen Trinity’s marketing efforts and expand its brand presence.

“Trinity has such a strong reputation for its People-Centric service, and I’m excited to help share that story in new ways,” said Navarro. “My focus will be on leveraging modern marketing technology and insights to deepen the relationships we have with shippers and carriers while positioning Trinity as a trusted partner in the logistics industry.”

“These additions to our leadership reflect our commitment to building a strong foundation for the future of Trinity,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “Jason and Nikko both bring unique expertise and fresh perspectives that will support our goal to deliver well-known, exceptional, People-Centric Freight Solutions®.”

With these new hires, Trinity Logistics continues to strengthen its leadership. Bench and align its strategy with evolving industry demands, ensuring that both technology and marketing are position to drive efficiency and long-term growth.

Trinity warmly welcomes Varland and Navarro and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll undoubtedly bring to our Teams and partners.

Learn About Trinity's Services View Career Opportunities

We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider offering supply chain and freight solutions nationwide, is proud to announce it has once again been named a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) for the 7^th consecutive year. This recognition reflects Trinity’s continued dedication to building an inclusive, supportive workplace for women in an industry where they have historically been underrepresented.

Each year, WIT honors companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to gender diversity, a positive and inclusive company culture, competitive compensation, flexible work options, and meaningful opportunities for career advancement. This year’s list was determined through a nomination process followed by a nationwide vote among over 30,000 transportation professionals.

“Receiving this recognition again is an incredible honor and a reflection of the people who make Trinity special,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “We’re intentional about building a workplace where our Team Members are valued and where they can grow, lead, and belong to something bigger than themselves. The continued recognition from Women In Trucking is both humbling and energizing. It pushes us to keep raising the bar in our industry!”

Trinity has a commitment to empowering Team Members at every level. Offering flexible scheduling, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and clear pathways to leadership, supporting women and all Team Members in building meaningful, long-term careers.

“This recognition is a powerful reminder of who we are at Trinity,” said Gabi Macy, Vice President of Administrative Services. “We’ve created a space where women don’t just belong—they lead, innovate, and drive the industry forward. Great things happen when driven, capable people are empowered to lead—and our Team proves that every day. The strength, resilience, and vision of the women in trucking continue to raise the bar. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re not done yet. We’re committed to building a future where every woman in transportation feels seen, supported, and unstoppable.”

Trinity employs over 420 Team Members across six Regional Service Centers, with almost half of them being women. Notably, 14.8 percent of these women hold management or leadership roles, including the current President, Sarah Ruffcorn, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Women in Logistics Committee with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), continuing her advocacy for women in the logistics industry.

Trinity congratulates all companies recognized by WIT and remains committed to fostering a more inclusive future for transportation and logistics.

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We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and hold a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) services, is proud to announce its recognition as one of Armstrong & Associates’ (A&A) Top 100 Domestic Transportation Management (DTM) 3PLs. This honor places Trinity among a select group of industry leaders acknowledged for excellence in managing and optimizing domestic freight transportation solutions.

The Armstrong & Associates Top 100 list celebrates the dedication, innovation, and commitment of 3PLs that play a critical role in supply chain management across the United States. This recognition highlights Trinity’s strong track record of customer service, operational expertise, and continued investment in technology-driven logistics solutions.

“We are honored to be included in Armstrong & Associates’ prestigious Top 100 Domestic Transportation Management list,” said Hayley Dobson, Senior Vice President of Regional Service Centers. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our Team and our ongoing commitment to delivering reliable, flexible, and innovative logistics solutions for our customers.”

As one of the nation’s top 3PLs, Trinity Logistics helps businesses navigate an ever-changing logistics landscape with customized solutions such as truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, managed transportation services, and more. This achievement underscores Trinity’s position as a trusted provider for companies seeking to optimize their supply chain performance.

“At Trinity, our people are at the heart of everything we do,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our Team members who go above and beyond every day to serve our Shipper and Carrier relationships. We’re proud to see their efforts recognized on such a respected industry stage.”

Trinity Logistics is grateful for this outstanding recognition that reflects the dedication of our entire Team to our company goals of raising the bar in logistics services provided by a 3PL. We look forward to continuing to deliver the reliable, innovative solutions that we believe our business providers deserve.

Learn About Trinity's Services Check Out Trinity's Freight Agent Program

We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Food Logistics Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), has introduced a new load verification tool aimed at helping carriers safeguard themselves from rising scam and fake load activity across the freight industry.

With freight fraud and impersonator scams becoming more sophisticated and widespread, Trinity’s latest innovation offers carriers a fast, reliable way to verify that the load they’ve booked is legitimate and actually arranged by Trinity Logistics.

Available on the company’s website, the tool is free, easy to use, and helps ensure carriers can confidently move freight without the risk of being duped by fraudulent actors posing as Trinity.

“Trinity created the load verification tool as a direct response to the rise in fraud targeting carriers,” said Kristin Deno, Operational Risk Analyst at Trinity. “Scammers have unfortunately impersonated trusted brokers, like Trinity, in an effort to trick carriers into taking fake loads. This tool gives our Carrier relationships a simple and secure way to confirm a shipment is legitimate – before they ever roll a truck.”

To verify a load, carriers visit the verification page on the company’s website and enter the Trinity load number along with their company DOT or MC number into the secure online form. Within seconds, the application will promptly confirm whether the load is valid and backed by Trinity.

This launch is part of Trinity’s broader commitment to safety, security, and service across its across its nationwide Carrier network.

“Our Carrier relationships are at the core of what we do, and this is one more way we stand behind them – protecting their time, their equipment, and their trust in us,” said Deno.

LEARN ABOUT TRINITY'S LOGISTICS SERVICES CHECK OUT THE LOAD VERIFICATION TOOL

We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), proudly hosted its first-ever Week of Wonder, an internal initiative designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among its Team Members. Its goal was to empower Team Members across departments to develop forward-thinking solutions aimed at improving Trinity’s operations, customer experience, and service offerings. The event took place from February 24^th to the 27th.

Rooted in the Working Genius model, Week of Wonder encouraged Team Members to group up and tap into their individual strengths and collective ingenuity to address and solve real-world logistics challenges. After months of planning and collaboration, finalists presented their concepts to an esteemed panel of judges from the fields of logistics, academia, and technology.

“Innovation isn’t just about big, flashy ideas—it happens at every level, in every role, when people are given the space to think differently,” said Russ Felker, Trinity’s CIO. “Week of Wonder showed that creativity and problem-solving aren’t limited to a single department or title. The energy and collaboration we saw this week is exactly what drives our company and industry forward.”

Meet the Finalists

Out of several teams, three emerged as finalists with solutions focused on improving operational efficiency, fraud prevention, and Carrier relationships:

Trinity CarrierOne Experience

Left to right: Donnie Burris, James Beveridge, Michael Adams, Amanda Ashford, Donna Palumbo-Miele

Submitted Pitch: An enhanced Carrier Portal offering Carriers a streamlined, user-friendly space with improved access to key tools.
Team Members: Michael Adams, Amanda Ashford, James Beveridge, and Jessica Clapp
Executive Mentor: Chad Taylor

Fraud Force

Left to right: Tracey Mitchell, Kristin Deno, Angela Smith

Submitted Pitch: A fraud detection and prevention program using advanced technology to protect Carriers and Shippers.
Team Members: Tracy Mitchell, Kristin Deno, and Angela Smith
Executive Mentor: Derek Wise

The Predictive Profits

Submitted Pitch: A Carrier grading tool that uses data-driven insights to rank Carriers and enhance routing decisions.
Team Members: Chris McAvoy, Laura Willey, Cheryl Swain, and Zach Howard
Executive Mentor: Greg Massey

After careful deliberation, the Trinity CarrierOne Experience team was crowned the inaugural Week of Wonder winner. Their upgraded Carrier Portal pitch stood out for its immediate usability, long-term scalability, and potential for cross-functional impact.

“Collaborating with Team Members across departments to solve this problem for our Carriers was an exciting experience,” said Amanda Ashford, Analyst II at Trinity and member of the winning team. “By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we created a solution that not only serves Carriers better but also improves experiences for Shippers, Team Members, and our Burris Logistics relationships.”

A Judging Panel of Industry Experts

Finalists presented their innovations to a distinguished panel, who evaluated each concept based on problem relevance, impact, and feasibility:

Left to right: Dr. Raj Agnihotri, Joe Negron, Donna Palumbo-Miele, Zach Buckner, Donnie Burris

Dr. Raj Agnihotri, PhD – Industry Engagement Dean, Iowa State University
Donnie Burris – CEO, Burris Logistics
Joe Negron – Owner, NGS Logistics
Zach Buckner – CEO, Glyphic Software
Donna Palumbo-Miele – Executive Director, Center for Supply Chain Research, Penn State

“Learning about all the creative and impactful ideas was fun, but what stood out most was the thoughtfulness behind each presentation,” shared Dr. Raj Agnihotri. “It was refreshing to see diverse teams from Data Science, Compliance, Carrier Development, and Operations come together. The experience was wholesome, and I appreciated the opportunity to be part of it.”

A Culture of Innovation Takes Root

The success of the first Week of Wonder reinforces Trinity’s commitment to cultivating a workplace where innovation is not only encouraged but expected.

“Week of Wonder was a perfect example of how collaboration, guided by the Working Genius framework, can turn ideas into real impact,” said Carlie Crouch, Senior Director of People Operations. “Seeing our Team Members challenge themselves and create solutions that will shape our future was truly inspiring. This is just the beginning.”

Trinity Logistics looks forward to making Week of Wonder an annual tradition by expanding its scope and continuing to drive meaningful innovation throughout the logistics industry.

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We are currently recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage by Transport Topics, a Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, has named Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics company, as one of the recipients of its 2025 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award. This annual award spotlights the leading companies that are working to ensure the safe, efficient storage, and transport of food and beverage products throughout the cold chain.

“Many of today’s 3PL providers are challenged with rising fuel costs, the race against electrification, ensuring driver safety, complying with ever-changing regulations and more. But, thanks to the implementation of emerging technologies, cutting-edge transportation management solutions and end-to-end visibility solutions, 3PLs in the cold food chain space continue to keep on truckin’,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “In the same token, cold storage providers are challenged with slowdown in inventory levels and meeting ‘audit-ready’ mandates, but are still implementing robotics, wearables and multi-temperature solutions to better meet ever-changing demands of the temperature-sensitive market.”

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by Food Logistics as a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider for 2025,” says Amy Proctor, SVP of Logistics Solutions at Trinity Logistics. “At Trinity, we know that food and beverage shippers face increasing pressure to maintain quality, safety, and speed—and we’re committed to helping them meet those challenges through innovative logistics solutions and exceptional service.”

“This award reflects the dedication of our Team and the strength of our partnerships,” says Hayley Dobson, SVP of Regional Service Centers at Trinity Logistics. “Our Team Members work tirelessly to ensure that temperature-sensitive products move efficiently and safely across the supply chain, and we’re honored to be acknowledged alongside the best in the industry.”

Trinity Logistics has deep expertise in the food and beverage sector, working with thousands of shippers across the U.S. and leveraging advanced logistics technology to ensure reliable cold chain management. Backed by parent company Burris Logistics, and working alongside sister company Honor Foods, Trinity continues to bring value and visibility to its partners across the supply chain.

To view the full list of 2025 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers, visit www.foodlogistics.com

Learn how Trinity supports food and beverage companies

About Trinity Logistics
Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve.  

For the past 45 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions. 

We are currently recognized in the Top 25 freight brokerages on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, an Inbound Logistics top 100 3PL, and hold a silver sustainability rating from EcoVadis.

About Food Logistics
Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and grocers, as well as transportation and warehousing providers. Food Logistics also operates SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Learn more at www.FoodLogistics.com.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, from trucking and warehousing to risk management and professional development. Learn more at www.SDCExec.com.