What’s a BDR? What does LS mean? What does an Account Manager do?

If these terms sound foreign to you, don’t worry. You’re not alone! Our Recruiting Team often fields these kinds of questions from those interested in Trinity Logistics careers.

Trinity Logistics is a nationwide company supporting thousands of shippers, carriers, and hundreds of Freight Agents. Over the years our Team size has grown to properly serve these needs, resulting in the expansive Trinity Team we have today!

While that alone may be overwhelming, it means we have MANY opportunities for you to find your ideal career here! But fear not; we’re here to break it all down and help you find your perfect fit.

Trinity Logistics Careers

• Sales and Operations
• Administrative Services
• Technology
• Other Departments
• Benefits

Sales and Operations

At the core of Trinity Logistics is the mission to arrange shipments between shippers and carriers. This is where most people will start their journey with us. They are our largest Teams and most often have job openings. These positions are also a great starting point if you’re new to the logistics industry.

Typically, roles in this department work with one of our two core clients—either shippers or carriers.

Sales – Shipper Focused Roles

Do you enjoy a little competition? Are you interested in having unlimited commission potential on top of a base salary? A sales career path at Trinity may be for you!

Most begin their journey in sales as a Business Development Representative (BDR). This role focuses on lead generation through prospecting, building, and maintaining shipper relationships. 

With experience and skill development, BDRs can advance into the Account Executive title, where their primary task is to keep and grow existing accounts. Career growth opportunities include Business Development Team Lead or Sales Executive.

Operations – Carrier Focused Roles

Are you a great negotiator? Do you enjoy creating strong connections while providing stellar communication? If you love seeing through a task from start to finish, our Operations track could be just for you!

Many Team Members start as Logistics Specialists (LS) or Logistics Assistants. These roles primarily book shipments with carriers, build and maintain their carrier relationships, track and trace shipments, solve problems, and maintain open and timely communication.

After gaining experience and meeting performance goals, LSs can advance to positions like Carrier Sales Representative, Account Manager, Operations Team Lead, or even Director of Operations.

Consider yourself more of a night owl? Awesome! We also have an After-Hours Team offering you unique, around-the-clock opportunities.

Administrative Services

Do you love providing people with a great experience? If making someone’s jaw drop from your sheer excellence and attention to detail motivates you, then our Administrative careers will bring you the satisfaction you seek.

Our Administrative roles are the second most commonly hired positions at Trinity. These roles handle back-end office tasks or projects and are crucial in maintaining our exceptional customer service while assisting our overall operations.

Teams that may need roles filled occasionally can include Billing, Accounts Receivable, and Customer Service. These Team Members will assist our Carrier relationships with getting paid, invoice our Shipper customers, help our Claims Team as needed, and create an all-around positive experience for our clients.

Team Members in these roles can expect to grow into senior and leadership opportunities such as Team Lead or Director.

Technology

Our next largest Team for hiring is Technology. In this day and age, first-class connections and visibility are essential, so these Team Members help provide and support the highest level of available technology software and applications to our internal Team and external clients. Technology Team Members will perform tasks such as developing and supporting our software, analyzing data for better decision-making, and coming up with innovating new solutions.

This Team includes all kinds of tech-savvy roles like Engineers, Analysts, and Data Scientists. Our recruiters are looking for more specialized backgrounds and experience in these roles. Often, we’ll require at least an educational background or prior experience in the technology field.

Career growth opportunities can include promotions to senior and leadership positions.

Other Departments

But that’s not all! We also have many other smaller Teams that, while not hiring as frequently, are just as vital to our success. These include:

Finance

Manages all financial aspects of the business.

Claims

Handles any potential freight claims, working to resolve shipment issues.

Education

Provides training and development resources to empower Team Members and enhance skills.

Recruiting

Sources and hires talented individuals to join and grow the company.

Agent Support

Assists Freight Agents with tools, training, and resources to ensure success.

Marketing

Promotes the company through branding, advertising, and strategic campaigns.

People Operations

Focuses on employee well-being, Human Resource functions, and fostering a strong company culture. 

It’s also important to note that not all career growth is vertical! Many of our Team Members begin their career in one department and work their way to another, finding their perfect fit along the way!

Find Unlimited Potential with Trinity Logistics Careers

As you can see, countless opportunities exist to find what you love and excel at Trinity Logistics. Whether you’re just starting to figure out your place in the working world or know precisely where you want to be, we want to help you find joy in your day-to-day work while seeing long-term success.

Besides all our incredible job opportunities, Trinity offers our Team Members a supportive environment that encourages you to be creative, collaborative, and experience growth. Our long-lasting People-Centric culture is built on a history of values focused on family and servant leadership. You’ll notice and appreciate this in many of the perks that come with the job, like:

• Uncapped incentives
• Mentorship programs
• Full medical benefits
• Wellness program
• Ample paid time off
• 401k match
• Tuition reimbursement
• FUN team-building activities
• Strong focus on internal advancement and promotion from within
• And much more! 

See? Your best, authentic self is within reach.

Are you ready to find out just how great you can be?

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Trinity Logistics, a leading, nationwide third-party logistics provider (3PL), is thrilled to announce the appointment of Gabrielle Macy as its Vice President of Administrative Services. 

Macy comes to Trinity Logistics with a well-rounded history of roles that made her an optimal choice for the position. She brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in administrative leadership and organizational development. Her expertise in transforming administrative functions and driving organizational growth aligns perfectly with Trinity’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

“Gabrielle’s broad and extensive background in various positions including her previous roles as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer certainly made her stand out for the position,” said Doug Potvin, Chief Financial Officer at Trinity Logistics. “She also has significant knowledge of technology and how it should be implemented to improve efficiency and effectiveness. But what truly set Gabrielle apart from other candidates is her incredible personality and dedication to nurturing others, making her an ideal fit for Trinity’s People-Centric culture.”

In her new role, Gabrielle will oversee all aspects of Administrative Services, including Credit, Collections, Risk, Invoicing, Carrier Compliance, and Claims. Her commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment will make her a notable addition to Trinity’s leadership.  

“The logistics industry is ripe with opportunity to drive meaningful impact, particularly in today’s fast-paced and interconnected global economy,” said Macy. “I am honored to join Trinity, a company that not only delivers exceptional logistics solutions but does so by prioritizing relationships, empowering its people, and embracing innovation.”

Macy is eager to foster growth within Trinity by enabling teams to reach their fullest potential. By cultivating a culture of trust, engagement, and continuous improvement, she aims to inspire and support every Team Member to deliver their best work and achieve shared success.

“This is more than a career step for me; it’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger – a company that aligns its actions with its values and sets a standard of excellence in the industry,” Macy added. “I look forward to contributing Trinity’s legacy and shaping its future as we deliver value to our partners, customers, and communities.”

Trinity looks forward to the insight and experience Macy will bring to its back-end business operations and dedication to offering exceptional service and experiences to our business partners.

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 Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics, and holds a silver sustainability rating by EcoVadis.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is thrilled to share that its Technology Team has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Technology Teams by OnConferences. This prestigious award honors organizations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering leading solutions. 

Trinity’s Technology Team plays a vital role in supporting the company’s operations and delivering exceptional service to its clients. The Team is responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and drive growth. 

“The Trinity Technology Team continues to deliver innovative solutions driving business outcomes and effectively supporting our Team Members,” said Russ Felker, Chief Technology Officer at Trinity Logistics. “From cybersecurity to integrations to data availability to custom development, they consistently provide exemplary service and support for Team Trinity and its partners.” 

OnConferences is a leading provider of educational conferences and networking opportunities for professionals across many industries. Its Top 10 Technology Teams award is determined through peer and community voting. Voters are instructed to select teams that they have seen make a significant impact on their own organization or within the broader industry, contribute to their professional community through thought leadership, drive innovation, and demonstrate exceptional leadership. 

Trinity’s Technology Team and their dedication to excellence, innovative practices, and leadership have set them apart as a top-performing team. The Team has made remarkable achievements like a full migration to the cloud in only eight months, multiple new customer and vendor integrations, improved and differentiated functionality within Trinity’s custom Transportation Management System (TMS), and increased data availability for Team Members and the company’s Agent partners. These accomplishments helped them stand out from the rest of the submissions, distinguishing them as an outstanding Team.   

Trinity Logistics is committed to investing in purposeful technology and great talent to ensure its respected culture and exceptional service stay at the forefront of its continued success. As the company continues to grow and evolve, this recognition serves as a testament to that ongoing promise. 

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 Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics, and a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association.

About OnConferences

OnConferences is a leading organization that connects top professionals across various industries, promoting collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership. Through conferences, awards, and networking opportunities, OnConferences provides a platform for executives and organizations to exchange insights, fostering growth and development within their respective fields.  

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce the promotions of two dedicated Team Members, Kimberley Pant and Tracy Mitchell.

Pant, who has been with Trinity Logistics for an impressive 18 years, has been promoted to Director of After Hours Operations. Throughout her tenure, Pant has held various positions, such as Carrier Sales Representative, Senior Account Manager, and Operations Team Lead. 

“I am thrilled and truly honored for this new opportunity,” said Pant. “My path has been marked by a steadfast commitment to operational excellence and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a talented and dedicated Team. My primary focus in this new role will be enhancing the quality and efficiency of our services during non-business hours. I will continue ensuring that we meet and exceed expectations of our customers and stakeholders. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me and am eager to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with this new role.” 

Mitchell, who is celebrating nine years at Trinity, has progressed through several roles in the Billing Department, now promoted as the new Director of Accounts Receivable. In this new role, Mitchell aims to develop strategies for fraud prevention, enhance operational efficiencies, and strengthen partnerships with relevant organizations, like the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). 

“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of Director of Accounts Receivable,” said Mitchell. “This promotion is a significant milestone in my career growth, and I’m eager to contribute to the continued success of Trinity. I look forward to being challenged by my new goals and responsibilities, with my primary focus being on developing the Accounts Receivable Team to their fullest potential while elevating Trinity’s brand recognition as an exceptional logistics provider.”  

These promotions highlight Trinity Logistics’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent within the organization. Both Pant and Mitchell bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles and will undoubtedly continue to make significant contributions to the company’s success. 

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 and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

While many of us are soaking up the last of summer’s sun and fun, food manufacturing supply chains are readying for the upcoming holiday food rush.

Have you ever noticed a lot of our favorite memories are surrounded by food? When we go to celebrate something like a birthday, anniversary, or special achievement, it usually involves food. It’s no surprise then that over the holiday season, nearly 165 million consumers across the U.S. purchase food and beverages to celebrate, according to a study from Cornell. As the holidays soon approach, food consumption surges, with the average American indulging up to an extra 440 calories per serving!

The increased demand and tight holiday deadlines can present challenges for many food and beverage companies with their logistics. This is in addition to already facing a competitive peak shipping season! However, by understanding the dynamics of this unique period of time, shippers can ensure success is ahead of them. First, let’s dive into some fascinating facts and insights about food during the holiday season. Then, we’ll follow that with some essential tips so your company can be prepared for the holiday food rush!

Holiday Food Supply Timeline & Stats

The Holiday Food Surge Begins with Fall

The holiday food rush first begins with the arrival of fall flavors. Pumpkin spice, now seen as the quintessential flavor of fall, has seen a 47 percent increase in sales, as reported by The Guardian, within the past five years. In 2023 alone, Datassential reported 144 new limited-time offers that featured pumpkin on major restaurant menus. From the infamous Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSLs) to pumpkin soups and ravioli, this flavor dominates the season. But we can’t forget another fall favorite – apple. Food and beverage items with caramel apple were one of the highest-indexing flavors last fall.

Halloween Signals Significant Holiday Food Consumption Increase

Halloween is a major milestone in the holiday food timeline, with 65 percent of consumers participating in the festivities. In fact, of all 172 million that celebrate the spooky season, 95 percent of them purchase candy. Even more staggering is that a quarter of all the candy sold annually comes from Halloween sales. It’s not all about the sweets, though! Pizza is the most popular dinner staple on All Hallow’s Eve, according to Grubhub. There’s also the annual tradition of carving a pumpkin, with Statista reporting roughly 154 million Americans partaking in the activity in 2023.

Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations Begin to Trend

Datassential reports that 10 percent of consumers in the U.S. report celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This holiday is gaining popularity, which means so are the celebratory foods associated with it! Pan de Muerto is one traditional sweet bread that’s essential to the celebration.

Thanksgiving Continues to Drive Food Supply Chain Demand

Thanksgiving remains the most popular fall holiday, with 83 percent of Americans celebrating the tradition. A whopping 46 million turkeys are consumed each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Other top holiday staples include cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin and apple pies. That’s a lot of food to prepare for a meal, so 23 percent of consumers will buy a full, ready-made meal from a restaurant. Another 22 percent will supplement with some food from restaurants for part of their feasts.

Sweets, Candy & Chocolate Build Holiday Food Demand at Christmas & New Year’s

Leading up to Christmas, many enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and other treats. 1.76 billion candy canes, a holiday staple, are made annually for this joyous time of the year. 70 percent of Americans make Christmas desserts, with frosted sugar cookies being the top ones consumed annually. Don’t forget the eggnog! 122 million pounds of it is poured and drunk each year.

When it comes to Christmas dinner, pork dishes are the most popular globally, but turkey still trumps all for the U.S. Other winter feast staples include roasted or mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, gravy, stuffing, shrimp, and lots of Christmas pudding, cookies, and pies. Sweet tooths rejoice as 83 percent of consumers fill stockings with treats like candy and chocolate.

Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest holidays for restaurants. Both holidays also see a spike in alcohol consumption, with New Year’s Eve being the second most alcohol-associated holiday behind Mardi Gras. Champagne is the fan favorite for those ringing in the New Year.

Logistics & SHipping Tips for Holiday Food Shipping

The holiday season often brings those in logistics the gift of increased demand and decreased capacity. Like most Americans, truck drivers aim to be home for the holidays, trimming the number of available carriers down. Freight of all kinds can increase during the period, further cutting the number of trucks available. Shippers with more specialized requirements, like temperature control, can find even less capacity. Shippers also have tighter deadlines to meet at this time to make the most of the seasonal business.

Overall, the holiday season can be a time of heightened stress and disruption. Given these unique challenges, it’s crucial for food and beverage shippers to prepare thoroughly to appease customers.

Five Tips for the Best Holiday Food Shipping Logistics Outcomes

Tip 1: Keep Inventory Stocked

Running out of stock during the holiday season is a surefire way to lose customers. Track your inventory levels closely and replenish supplies early to ensure you’re well-stocked. By keeping orders moving consistently, you’ll be able to meet consumer demand and avoid causing any disappointment.

Tip 2: Have Backup Shipping Plans Ready

The chances of any disruptions or delays happening during this season are increased. Having backup shipping plans already prepared is essential to keep your goods moving.

Build relationships with multiple carriers and suppliers, or even a third-party logistics provider (3PL). This way, you’ll have known contacts ready in case you need any help. 

Look at alternate modes of transportation and be prepared to quickly shift plans should something happen. Exploring multimodal options can be a great way to diversify risk, add capacity, and protect your freight budget. Having this flexibility available and ready can help you stay on track and your supply chain running smoothly.

Tip 3: Real-Time Visibility is Needed for Success

In today’s supply chains, having access to the visibility you need is crucial. You should either work with a provider that offers it or invest in your own technology, like a Transportation Management System (TMS).

A TMS can be very helpful during the holiday season. It can help you with routing decisions by matching your freight with the best carriers, lanes, and rates. In addition, it will allow you to optimize the in-house processes of your transportation network – which can be helpful during busy and slow seasons. By selecting the best carriers and optimizing your routes, you’ll not only increase your service but reduce your risk.

Using a TMS also gives you data-driven insights to better manage disruptions, reduce downtime, and budget your logistics spend. Data analytics can help you recognize which carriers are most likely to have the capacity, saving you time arranging your shipments.

Tip 4: Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is key to a successful holiday season. Regularly communicate with all stakeholders, including suppliers, carriers, and customers. Collaborating with your partners during the seasonal planning phase can provide valuable insights and help you identify potential issues before they arise.

Tip 5: Partner with a 3PL

Working with a 3PL can be a game-changer during the holiday season. A 3PL offers access to a larger network of carriers, advanced technology, and expertise in managing complex logistics challenges. With their support, you can ensure your supply chain remains resilient, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Treat Yourself with Easier Logistics This Holiday Season

Navigating the holiday food rush can be overwhelming, and that’s why Trinity Logistics is here to be your guide. Like Santa, we’ve been around a while, with 45 years of experience handling logistics during holiday seasons.

Right away, you’ll gain access to our large network of vetted, quality carrier relationships to cover your shipments. But that’s just the start! There are many more benefits to working with Trinity, including:

• Multiple modes of transportation to find the best bang for your buck, support your business growth, or just have a backup plan ready
• Best-in-class technology and customized Managed Transportation solutions available, giving you the exact visibility and data you want
• 24/7/365 support, so no matter what day or time it is, you’ll have the help you need

One benefit that tends to shine above all else? Our exceptional People-Centric service. It’s the trait that makes Trinity different from other 3PLs and keeps our customers returning time and time again. It’s truly our care, compassion, and communication that you’ll notice and appreciate.

Everyone wants to enjoy the holiday season. Why not let Trinity focus on the logistics for your business, so you can go back to doing what you enjoy – helping consumers savor holiday treats and create memorable moments with your product.

Are you a Freight Agent that stumbled across this article?

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce its recognition as a Green Supply Chain Partner for 2024 by Inbound Logistics. This prestigious accolade highlights Trinity’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly logistics practices. 

Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select 75 Green Supply Chain Partners, otherwise known as the G75, that go above and beyond in their efforts to improve supply chain sustainability. These companies demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to environmental responsibility and are selected based on their initiatives to reduce their impact, improve efficiency, and overall promote a more sustainable future. 

Trinity has a long history of implementing innovative solutions to minimize its environmental footprint including:

• Reducing emissions with an Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership
• Practicing chemical safety as a member of Responsible CareⓇ
• Offsetting carbon emissions by collaborating with ClimeCo 
• Making sustainable choices in Trinity’s owned offices
• Offering environmentally friendly transportation options, like intermodal

“At Trinity, we’ve always believed in doing the right thing,” said Kristin Deno, Director of Operational Risk at Trinity Logistics. “Being so exclusively recognized for our sustainability efforts is a true testament to our focus in this area. This recognition provides additional drive for us to continue improving practices to support building a greener future.”

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 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to share its recognition by Transport Topics as a Top Freight Brokerage for the 22^nd consecutive year. Securing the 23rd spot in the rankings, Trinity continues to demonstrate its industry-leading expertise and unwavering commitment to excellent service. 

Transport Topics is a leading publication within the transportation sector and conducts annual rankings of freight brokerage firms based on gross revenue and services offered. Securing a spot on this list for 22 consecutive years is a testament to Trinity’s exceptional performance and endurance through several years of change faced by the logistics industry. 

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized once again by Transport Topics,” said Doug Potvin, Chief Financial Officer at Trinity Logistics. “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire Team, who consistently go the extra mile to ensure our customers’ and carriers’ success. Maintaining a top position for 22 years demonstrates the strength and stability of our company, and we are confident in our ability to continue exceeding expectations well into the future.”

Trinity Logistics continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the logistics industry, leveraging its extensive experience and innovative solutions to deliver exceptional value to clients worldwide. 

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 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is thrilled to announce that President Sarah Ruffcorn has been named the recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA) by the Women in Trucking Association (WIT). The announcement took place during the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona, April 10 -13, 2024. 

The DWLA is an annual award that recognizes outstanding women in various logistics fields and underscores their significant contributions to an industry traditionally dominated by men. The winner is chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from WIT, Truckstop, and the TIA. Sarah’s win highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication to driving positive change within the logistics sector. 

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Ruffcorn. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible Team I am honored to work with, the influential leaders, mentors, and family that have challenged and encouraged me. This is a great reminder of the power of collaboration and empowerment to drive positive change. I hope this award inspires others to pursue their goals and aspirations!”

With over two decades of experience at Trinity Logistics, Ruffcorn’s journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment and expertise. Starting as a dispatcher in Carrier Sales, she progressed through various leadership roles before being appointed President in 2019. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping Trinity’s success while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. 

“At my very first meeting with Sarah, I knew she was a special talent,” said Catherine T. Pulos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Wawa, Inc. “Sarah is an expert in the field of logistics and a true servant leader. She is humble, dedicated, and truly cares about the development of her people. She believes in making a difference and her actions certainly prove that.” 

This latest accolade only adds to Ruffcorn’s growing list of achievements. In September 2023, she was a recipient of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain award by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Further, her dedication extends beyond Trinity Logistics as she is actively involved in industry advocacy and empowerment initiatives. Ruffcorn serves on the TIA Board of Directors and co-chairs its Women in Logistics Committee, advocating for diversity and inclusion with the logistics landscape. 

“Sarah Ruffcorn is in a leadership class that very few women will occupy and is completely deserving of this prestigious award,” said James T. Kenny, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Marketing. “Many organizations have sought Sarah out to serve in leadership positions or speak at their conferences because they see what I’ve seen in Sarah for over twenty years: a woman of impeccable character.” 

Ruffcorn’s recognition by WIT further amplifies the impact women are having on the logistics industry. All of Trinity congratulates Ruffcorn on this esteemed honor and celebrates her continued success.

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 40 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 on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious “Fiercely Good Award” by BlueTriton Brands Inc., a prominent player in the beverage industry. The award was presented to Trinity Logistics during BlueTriton’s Annual Carrier Meeting, which saw the attendance of over 150 carrier and 3PL companies.

“The BlueTriton Brands, Inc. 2023 ‘Fiercely Good Award’ is to recognize our colleagues that embrace being fearless business owners, boldly innovative, deeply committed, and fiercely good,” said Tilde Zimmerman, Transportation Procurement Director at BlueTriton Brands, Inc. “In 2023, Trinity Logistics went above and beyond what was asked or expected of them. We like to appreciate and recognize the efforts of those who collectively make us better. Thank you for being FIERCELY GOOD, Trinity Logistics Team!”

Zimmerman specifically recognized Trinity Logistics for its exceptional commitment to service and its invaluable contribution to a community initiative spearheaded by BlueTriton Brands, Inc. Trinity Logistics played a pivotal role in facilitating the delivery of a much-needed donation of water by BlueTriton to support a local high school football showcase in Broward County, Florida, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of logistics.

Delivering the donation posed unique challenges, including the absence of a loading dock at the school premises and the logistical intricacies of offloading the shipment directly onto the football field. Despite these obstacles, Trinity Logistics executed the task with precision and efficiency, ensuring the timely and seamless delivery of the water donation. 

Representing Trinity Logistics at the event were Fatima Adams, Director of Operations at Trinity’s Florida Regional Service Center (RSC), and Jared Lineweaver, Senior Sales Executive. Their presence underscored Trinity’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and delivering exceptional service.

“We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Fiercely Good Award’ from BlueTriton,” said Adams. “This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment in providing exceptional service to our customer relationships. We are immensely proud of the solution our Team assembled and their dedication and resourcefulness in overcoming this challenging task.”

Trinity Logistics is grateful to BlueTriton Brands, Inc. for the recognition and remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative logistics solutions while positively impacting the communities it serves.

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 40 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 on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

After several record setting years, 2023 saw shifts to the freight market. How did the 2023 freight market affect shipper and carrier businesses? Did other businesses have the same struggles as yours? Are they expecting to face similar difficulties in 2024? How are their partner relationships? 

Trinity Logistics wanted to get answers to these questions for you, so we asked a random sample of our shipper and carrier relationships to gauge the effect 2023 had on their business and what their expectations for 2024 in our first Freight Market Survey. Here’s what we found out:

2023 SHipper & Carrier Data: Freight Market Survey Results

Past Challenges – Same, But Different

Considering the recent turndown of demand and the freight market, it’s not a big surprise that money was the biggest issue for shippers and carriers alike. Shippers answered that transportation costs were their biggest challenge in 2023, with supply chain delays/disruption and capacity not far behind. Low rates and increasing operating costs were the main challenges facing carriers. 

Business Impact – Could Have Been Better

Even with the change in consumer demand trending downwards throughout 2023, most shippers answered that their year was good overall. Carriers on the other hand seemed to face a rougher year in business with over half of them stating their year could have been better or was poor. 

A LOOK INTO 2024

Future Challenges – Money Problems

2024 isn’t looking much different in terms of challenges compared to 2023. Shippers look to have the same financial challenges as they did in 2023 with transportation costs, supply chain delays/disruption, and decreased demand being the top concerns selected. Carriers are still concerned about low rates, operating costs, and low freight volumes hurting their businesses. 

Hot Trends

Even though transportation costs are shippers’ strongest concerns in their previous answers, it seems the increased amount of supply chain disruptions and delays we’ve all experienced in these recent years have hit a nerve, with the majority answering that supply chain resilience is the trend their business is most interested in. Cybersecurity also looks to be a growing interest.

Carriers on the other hand, interestingly enough, look to the recent trend of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Also, as noted in the comment boxes of our “Other” option, increased rates and better fuel prices were trends they’d like to see in 2024. 

Load Volumes & Capacity – Slightly Positive Outlook

Overall, shippers are slightly more optimistic for 2024, thinking it won’t bring any change or the change it brings will be positive. Most think load volumes will stay the same or there will be a little more in freight volumes this year. As for truck capacity, they think it will be the same as 2023 or slightly tighter. 

Carriers also think 2024 will bring more freight volumes and that capacity will likely stay the same or get tighten slightly versus 2023.  

Spot or Contract?

Year-over-year, shippers aren’t looking to change much in terms of which market they turn to. Most look to continue to put most of their freight on the spot market.

For carriers, there looks to be some change anticipated. In 2023, most carriers ran spot market freight but in 2024, over half of them look to haul contracted freight. 

Do Shippers Have a TMS?

It’s 2024, so you’d think most shippers would have a transportation management system (TMS), and no surprise, they do. For those that don’t and answered, it seems they did not have a good experience with one in the past or don’t know enough about them. 

Brokers Are the Way to Go

When asked how they like to move their shipments, most shippers use a mix of carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) or just 3PLs. A few do use their own trucks. For those that do outsource to 3PLs, they usually just stick to one provider.

Shippers most often look to a 3PL for help with their everyday shipments, for transportation management, visibility, and access to their capacity. The main reason shippers choose not to work a 3PL for their logistics? They don’t like the risk. 

Transportation Modes – Staying Consistent

Overall, shippers aren’t looking to change what transportation modes they use for their shipments. Truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) are the primary modes they like to use, with a little diversification sprinkled in.

Exceptional Service Stands the Test of Time

When it comes to their logistics partners, shippers find the most value in receiving exceptional service, with costs coming in as a close second. 

Most Wanted: Long Mileage, Flatbed Shipments

When it comes to mileage, most carrier companies tend to run long-hauls or a mix of short and long shipments. Flatbed hauls are the type of shipments most carriers like to haul with dry van coming in as a close second. 

Load Boards are the Way

With 74 percent selecting this option, load boards are the norm for carriers to find available shipments. Sometimes they use their shipper relationships, and occasionally they make use of a 3PL. 

3PLs – Expanding a Carrier’s Reach

Carriers most often look to a 3PL for help with gaining access to available shipments that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Covering backhauls are another big reason carriers reach out to a 3PL. 

For those that choose to not work with a 3PL, it’s often because of money; rates not being high enough. Surprisingly in the comments, many are not familiar with what a 3PL or freight broker is as well.  

When it comes to measuring value in their 3PL partners, most carriers want good rates and great communication.

Fraud Concerns Growing

Fraud and scams have been growing in the industry, so we wanted to know what carriers think about it. Carriers are most worried about double and triple brokering affecting their businesses compared to concerns of identity theft or cargo theft.