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FOOD CHAIN Digest
EDITION 2 • 2025
Published three times a year for:
Food Shippers of America
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Editorial Content This Edition:
Courtney Bloom, Faith Boone, Brian Everett, Karen Kroll
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Food Shippers of America Leadership Team
Brian Everett, Publisher Senior Partner, MindShare Strategies 952-442-8850
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Navigating Supply Chain CHALLENGES
Supply chains in the food industry are caught between the urgency to navigate complicated challenges and the pressure to deliver under the pressures of cost control. This has never been so apparent to me in my 30-plus year career working in the supply chain industry – and based on the many conversations I had at the 69th annual Food Shippers Conference in March.
Between geopolitical instability, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental pressures, food chains are being tested like never before. The resilience, agility, and sustainability of these systems are critical not only to business performance but to global food security. What I hearing from many food chain executives is that companies that prioritize endto-end visibility, invest in people and technology, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning will be best positioned to meet these challenges head-on.
Check out the recap article “Food Shippers Conference Highlights Key Focus Areas: Technology, Theft, Tariffs” on page 20. In particular, here are key takeaways on supply chain challenges, solutions, and emerging trends that were covered at the conference:
Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Disruptions Are Of Significant Concern. Geopolitical conflicts, such as ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea, have created unpredictable trade environments.
In particular, continued instability in Ukraine disrupts global grain markets, particularly wheat, corn and sunflower oil. Ukraine also is a major exporter of grains and fertilizers, so the conflict has constrained exports and has driven up global food commodity prices.
Labor Shortages and Talent Gaps. The supply chain workforce crisis persists, with skilled labor in transportation, logistics and warehousing in short supply. Many food companies are investing in workforce development programs and automation, but attracting and retaining talent— especially with the rise of digital supply chains—remains a major challenge. As one executive from a major food distributor noted, “Technology can optimize routes, but it can’t replace the institutional knowledge of planners and seasoned drivers.”
Technological Integration and Data Silos. Despite a wave of digital transformation, many food chains still struggle with fragmented systems and poor data visibility. Integrating new technologies such as AI-driven demand forecasting, blockchain for traceability, and IoT sensors for cold chain monitoring requires not just investment but organizational alignment. The challenge is not just adopting tools, but fully integrating them into operations. Check out the article “Name of Technology Article” on page 16
that highlights what innovative food shippers such as Rise Baking Company, Schwan’s Company, Sunsweet Growers are doing to leverage technology to power and drive efficiencies in their supply chain operations.
Seek Out Efficiencies from Your Partners. Food shippers are leaning heavily on their logistics partners to maintain a productive, resilient, safe food chain. One example I’ve recently heard about is how shippers are driving down freight costs through one of the nation’s largest for-hire multi-temp fleets, Coastal Carriers Truck Lines. By combining frozen and refrigerated goods in a single trailer—with independent temperature zones—food shippers are able to gain efficiency without compromising product integrity. Strategic consolidation and full trailer utilization reduce LTL exposure and lower per-case costs.
Rising Costs and Inflationary Pressures. While global inflation has eased compared to 2022–2023 peaks, cost volatility—especially in transportation, energy and packaging— remains a significant challenge. The need to balance cost control with long-term investment in resilience has become a critical strategic tension. Passing costs on to customers is increasingly risky in a competitive marketplace.
While these are some of the biggest challenges for food shippers, there are many more. So buckle up – and continue to leverage your FSA membership, resources and network to navigate, adapt, and remain resilient.
Food Brands Build FutureReady Supply Chains
With today’s global disruption, rapid technological change, and elevated customer expectations, the concept of a “future-ready supply chain” has shifted from a visionary concept to a strategic necessity for leading food brands. Food companies are reimagining their supply chains—not just to survive, but to thrive amid rapidly changing uncertainty.
A future-ready supply chain is one that is agile, resilient, digital-first, and purpose-driven. It adapts swiftly to disruptions, leverages data and automation, operates sustainably, and delivers meaningful value to both customers and stakeholders.
Core Pillars of a FutureReady Supply Chain
More and more, supply chain leaders are prioritizing capabilities that will ensure the success of their supply chains of tomorrow. Food Chain Digest has looked at some of the most successful food chains to identify six key pillars that form the foundation of such a supply chain.
1. Agility and Adaptability. Agile supply chains can pivot in real time. Whether it’s a geopolitical shift, a spike in demand, or a material shortage, future-ready supply chains quickly adjust sourcing, production, and logistics to meet evolving needs.
One of North America’s leading branded food companies, Chicagobased Conagra Brands, takes pride in combining a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company, along with some of its peers in the snack segment, has been facing slowing demand in an uncertain economy.
To adapt, Conagra has been offering promotions to keep demand intact.
Conagra’s CEO Sean Connolly addressed the supply chain disruptions impacting the company’s frozen and refrigerated food segments on a recent earnings call: “While shipments lagged consumption largely due to the discrete supply constraints we announced in February, we are making solid progress in restoring inventory and improving customer service levels.”
2. Digital Enablement.
From AI-driven demand forecasting to IoTenabled inventory tracking and blockchain-powered transparency, digital transformation is at the heart of modern supply chains. Real-time data enables smarter, faster decision-making.
PepsiCo is one of many leading food brands leveraging the digital supply chain. For example, the company is using AI and predictive analytics to forecast demand across SKUs and regions, optimize routes and delivery schedules, and adjust inventory in real time based on sales and supply conditions. PepsiCo also has integrated smart factory technologies, including IoT sensors, robotics, and automated production lines into many of their plants. These enhancements have resulted in reduced downtime, improved yield and quality, and provide real-time data for better decision-making.
PepsiCo also uses digital control towers to monitor its entire supply network, including supplier performance and logistics movements. This supports faster responses to disruption and better transparency.
“Digitalizing our company by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to gain more consumer insights and
analytics, develop faster and more agile forecasting, and deliver better execution and performance from the plant to the shelf,” says Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo’s Chief Executive Officer. “Accelerating and expanding our productivity, with more automation at our plants and warehouses to empower frontline decisionmaking, greater optimization across our transportation and fleet network, and greater focus on cost management and eliminating waste.
3. Resilience and Risk Mitigation.
Organizations are moving away from cost-optimized, justin-time models and building in redundancy. Some are diversifying sourcing to avoid over-reliance on a single supplier or region, while others use modular plants and automation to allow quick adaption to supply chain needs.
“Our decentralized structure means we have deep local expertise. With short, integrated supply chains, we are close to consumers, our partners and the farmers that provide our raw materials,” says Laurent Freixe, Chief Executive Officer with Nestlé. “Our leaner Executive Board structure will increase simplicity, speed up
decision-making and strengthen the momentum behind global initiatives, as we build on the strengths of our people for consistent in-market execution.” This business approach underscores Nestlé’s strategic advantage stemming from its localized manufacturing footprint, which enhances its ability to mitigate risk and withstand global trade fluctuations and tariffs.
4. Sustainability.
Supply chains account for over 90% of many companies’ environmental impacts. Future-ready models emphasize regenerative agriculture, decarbonization, responsible sourcing, and circular packaging. Transparency and traceability are non-negotiable.
Unilever has long been a pioneer in sustainability efforts, with ambitious goals such as net-zero emissions by 2039 and zero waste to landfill in its production. The company focuses on responsible sourcing, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting ethical practices across its value chain.
In fact, when it comes to sustainable sourcing, over 60% of its agricultural raw materials come from sustainable sources. With climate-positive actions, Unilever is targeting a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. In the area of water resource management, the company has made significant progress in reducing water usage in manufacturing, particularly in waterscarce regions. When it comes to packaging innovation, Unilever
“THE DEMAND FOR TOP TALENT IN SUPPLY CHAIN IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH. SUPPLY CHAIN TALENT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL FACTORS IN DETERMINING A COMPANY’S COMPETITIVE EDGE.”
— DOUG MCMILLON, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WITH WALMART
Sean Connolly Ramon Laguarta
Laurent Freixe
has committed to reducing plastic waste by making their packaging recyclable or reusable.
5. Customer-Centricity. Consumer demand is shifting toward personalization, speed, and social responsibility. Futureready supply chains respond with direct-to-consumer models, last-mile innovation, and tailored experiences.
“The journey we’ve been on to improve how we serve our customers and members while changing the shape of our business continues,” says Doug McMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer with Walmart. “The success we’re seeing is made possible by the hard work and dedication of our associates from around the world. We’re people and technology. We’re stores and eCommerce. We’re innovation and execution. We believe the combination of a purpose-driven, people-centric culture and world-class technology is the winning formula.”
6. Workforce Talent Management. Digitization brings opportunity but also fills a skills gap. Leading companies are investing in workforce upskilling, inclusive leadership, and new ways of working to stay competitive.
“The demand for top talent in supply chain is at an all-time high,” says a recruiting executive at Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm that serves the supply chain industry. “Companies are looking for professionals who not only have traditional skills but also the ability to innovate, manage disruptions, and leverage technology to drive efficiency. Supply chain talent has become one of the most critical factors in determining a company’s competitive edge.”
Integrate These Pillars Into Your Supply Chain
Leading brands such as Conagra, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilver and Walmart place the customer at the center of their supply chain strategy and operations by prioritizing responsiveness, quality, efficiency, sustainability, and transparency. These strategies help ensure that
the products customers want are available when they want them, while also meeting their evolving preferences and values.
By ensuring these six pillars are part of your supply chain strategy, you can not only anticipate future challenges but also turn them into opportunities for food chain growth and success.
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Cargo Theft Surges to Record Levels
Cargo theft has long been a concern for supply chains of high-value products such as electronics and other consumer goods, but in recent years food and beverage cargo is now one of the most stolen categories of freight, according to Thom Albrecht, Chief Revenue Officer for Reliance Partners, a fast-growing commercial insurance agency in trucking and logistics.
In fact, in the United States alone millions of dollars’ worth of consumables are lost each year to theft during transport, at distribution centers, or from unsecured warehouses.
But cargo theft doesn’t just hit the bottom line, Albrecht points out. It undermines supply chain trust, impacts insurance rates, and can even lead to shortages of food products on grocery shelves. In addition, food companies and their providers may suffer long-term reputational damage if stolen goods are tampered with or end up on the black market.
Quantifying the Problem
Record-breaking cargo theft activity across the United States and Canada reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with 3,625 reported incidents representing a stark 27% increase from 2023, according to an annual analysis by Verisk CargoNet, a business unit of Verisk which is a leading global data analytics provider. The estimated average value per theft rose to $202,364, up from $187,895 in 2023.
Geographic trends show California and Texas experiencing the most significant increases in theft activity, according to Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations with CargoNet. California reported a 33% rise in incidents, while Texas saw an even more dramatic 39% surge. Other states with high rates include Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Arizona.
Unlike electronics or luxury goods, stolen food items can be harder to trace due to their lack of serial numbers or traceable packaging. This makes them attractive to criminals, especially when demand for certain products spikes due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, or natural disasters.
While 2023 saw frequent theft of high-value or high-volume food products such as energy
drinks, 2024 marked a strategic pivot by organized criminals. These organized criminals now are targeting specific consumable goods such as produce, avocados, nuts, vitamins and supplements, including protein powder.
Organized Criminals Dominate Food Cargo Theft
Cargo theft is a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise worldwide, and while both straight theft (otherwise known as “tactical”) and organized criminals engage in it, organized crime rings are proving to be far more effective, efficient, and damaging, according to Albrecht. What makes organized crime more successful and dangerous in cargo theft than their tactical counterparts?
Straight theft is done by tactical criminals who oftentimes are opportunists, according to Scott Cornell, National Practice Leader with Travelers Inland Marine, a major insurance provider that serves companies that haul cargo. “These typically are small crews, usually people who are related or have known each other since childhood, and they are relatively unsophisticated.”
“They are physically on location and they go straight out to the cargo, they steal it where it sits,” Cornell explains. “They rely on short-term planning, limited resources, and impulsive decisions.” A classic example might be a thief or small crew who target an unattended truck at a truck stop or an under-secured facility.
The significant cargo theft problem was the topic of discussion among Thom Albrecht with Reliance Partners Insurance, Will Johnson with BNSF, Scott Cornell with Travelers Inland Marin, and Keith Lewis with CargoNet at the recent Food Shippers Conference.
On the other hand, organized criminals operate like a business, says Cornell. They have structures, hierarchies, logistics networks, and sometimes even connections within shipping companies or logistics providers. They oftentimes work across multiple states or even countries, so if one operation is compromised, they shift to another. They diversify the types of goods they steal and can carry out multiple heists at once. This level of redundancy makes them more resilient and profitable and less likely to get caught.
Organized rings conduct strategic planning and surveillance on potential targets. They study patterns, track routes, and analyze vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Tactical criminals may strike when opportunity arises, but organized groups create the opportunity.
Organized criminals can gain access to insider knowledge such as real-time data on shipments, routes and security protocols by bribing employees. They also can use advanced tools to intercept communications, clone GPS signals, and hack into TMS or WMS systems to reroute shipments or impersonate legitimate carriers —techniques that are far beyond the reach of a tactical criminal opportunist.
Stealing a truckload of goods is only half the battle. Cargo thieves oftentimes have pre-arranged channels to offload and resell stolen cargo—whether through gray markets, online platforms, or distribution networks. Tactical criminals, in contrast, often lack the means to convert goods into cash quickly or safely.
Ways to Combat Organized Cargo Theft
There are a number of ways to minimize the risk of cargo theft throughout the food chain. First, make sure your facilities and equipment are fully secure and proper security protocols
are in place. Incorporate into your operations tamper-evident seals and packaging to deter or reveal theft attempts. Whether cargo theft activities involve hijackings or breakins, physical attacks on trucks while in transit or parked overnight remain common—especially in known hotspot areas.
Second, food shippers need to thoroughly vet carriers and thirdparty logistics providers. This includes asking questions such as: What are your onboarding and monitoring processes? Do you post to public or private load boards? What are your verification and compliance policies, and what software do you use?
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Third, invest in technology, whether that includes cybersecurity technology, GPS tracking and geofencing for real-time location monitoring and alerts. In fact, some industry experts recommend using at least two tracking devices per trailer. Lastly, thoroughly train your employees to recognize signs of
fraud or infiltration. They should be trained to recognize any bill of lading or other fake documents that look suspicious. Train them to recognize a fictitious pick-up that could involve a nervous criminal posing as a legitimate truck driver and ensure they verify drivers they don’t know.
Food & Beverage: Locations of Theft in 2024
Moving Forward with a Secure Food Chain
While tactical criminals may pose a nuisance, it’s organized criminal groups that represent the real, sustained threat to global cargo security. As global food supply chains become more interconnected, protecting cargo from theft must be a top priority. The stakes are high—not just in dollars lost, but in consumer safety and supply chain resilience.
Source:
In a world where the efficiency of the supply chain is more critical than ever, food companies must shift their focus from just protecting assets to fully understanding and disrupting the organized networks that threaten them. When they invest in smarter logistics, stronger partnerships, and a culture of security awareness, they effectively defend against the evolving threat of cargo theft.
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Iconic STORIES
By Sportscasting
Legend
Bob Costas
Bob Costas is more than a sports broadcaster. He’s a storyteller, a voice of nostalgia, and a walking archive of some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Costas has covered 12 Olympic Games, countless World Series, Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and everything in-between. But what truly sets him apart are his stories—moments behind the mic and behind the scenes that reflect both his personality, his art for storytelling, and his passion for sports journalism.
Through creative humor and storytelling, Costas shared plenty of experiences he had with renowned celebrities and athletes during a keynote at the recent Food Shippers Annual Conference in Palm Desert, CA. He also shared how he got into sports broadcasting: “I grew up listening to sports commentators such as Red Barber, Mel Allen, Vin Scully, Lindsey Nelson, and Marty Glickman—and couldn’t even separate the games from their voices. Then, in high school, my baseball coach suggested I consider broadcasting because I knew a lot about baseball and was always talking.”
Howard Cosell: Finding Someone To Look Up To
In business, it’s important to find mentors—or at least someone to look up to. The same is true in broadcast journalism.
Costas cited sportscaster Howard Cosell as a key influence to him, although he didn’t mimic Cosell’s style. Where Cosell was fire, Costas was finesse. Coming onto the national stage in the 1980s, Costas took a more polished and intellectual approach to sports broadcasting. With a deep knowledge of history, an unmatched gift for language, and a love of sports, he brought storytelling to the forefront of coverage. Instead, he respected Cosell’s substance: the belief that sports
matter because they reflect culture, identity, and values. Like Cosell, Costas was never afraid to speak his mind, but he did so with a more measured tone.
Bob Uecker: Being His Authentic Self
Common advice from business coaches is that you should be your authentic self. This is reflected through Costas’ stories of Bob Uecker, which are legendary and endlessly entertaining. One of the
Legendary Sports Broadcaster Bob Costas remembers Howard Cosell, one of his idols, during his keynote speech at the 2025 Food Shippers Annual Conference.
most beloved stories Costas tells about Bob Uecker (otherwise known as “Mr. Baseball”) is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Uecker was authentically himself— famous for his dry, self-deprecating humor. He used to tell people that whenever he went to baseball games, he always got “the best seats in the house.” One time, Costas was with Uecker at a game when Uecker proudly pointed out his seat—front row, just as he said. But there was a catch.
“It was in the front row, yes, but directly behind a steel pillar,” recalled Costas. “You couldn’t see anything. He thought it was hysterical—and honestly, it was.”
Yogi-isms: Berra’s Famous Malapropisms
Costas has told a few memorable stories about famed baseball player Yogi Berra over the years, usually centered around Berra’s famous mistaken use of words in place of similar-sounding ones, and his oneof-a-kind charm. Costas reflected on how Yogi Berra was much smarter than people gave him credit for. His “Yogi-isms” were funny, but they also carried a surprising depth.
“Yogi had a way of saying things that made you laugh and think at the same time,” Costas said. “He was unintentionally profound.”
The most famous “Yogi-ism” by Berra is almost certainly: “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Why is it so iconic? At first, it sounds obvious, but it perfectly captures the spirit of perseverance. It has been widely used in sports, politics and business. In fact, even people who don’t know Yogi Berra know this quote.
Berra said it during the 1973 baseball season when his New York Mets were struggling but still had a shot at the playoffs. And sure enough, the Mets came back and won the division, proving Yogi right.
DON’T ALWAYS TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY IN YOUR CAREER. WITH THIS IN MIND, COSTAS TALKED ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE
DURING THE 2014 SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS, WHEN HE CONTRACTED A SERIOUS CASE OF PINK EYE—ON LIVE INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION. WHAT COULD’VE BEEN EMBARRASSING TURNED INTO A SELF-DEPRECATING SAGA THAT FANS STILL JOKE ABOUT TODAY.
Pink Eye at the Olympics
Don’t always take yourself seriously in your career. With this in mind, Costas talked about his experience during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, when he contracted a serious case of pink eye—on live international television. What could’ve been embarrassing turned into a self-deprecating saga that fans still joke about today.
Costas said he powered through a few days before having to step back temporarily. “I don’t know what they’re putting in the borscht,” he quipped, always able to find humor even when things got weird. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a guy usually in full control—and it made him more relatable than ever.
Debating the Greatest Basketball Player Question
Costas said a common sports debate involves the question: Who is the best pro basketball player in history? He believes the debate comes down to Michael Jordan versus LeBron James.
He quoted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as saying that he’s not offended his name isn’t mentioned in the debate because it just means people didn’t see him play.
Costas argued that LeBron James, despite his skill, hasn’t had the same impact as Michael Jordan. Jordan was 6 for 6 in the NBA Finals (winning the championship in all six seasons he played), while LeBron was 4 for 10.
Michael Jordan had many “endow moments” such as winning an NCAA championship as a freshman and being part of the first true Dream Team. Also, the NBA’s transition from CBS to NBC during Jordan’s era meant his games were heavily promoted on popular network television shows.
Costas laments: “No little old lady has ever said ‘I’d love to play bridge with you tonight, Mildred, but I have to watch LeBron.’ But a million little old ladies like that said that about Michael Jordan.” Michael Jordan had a star presence and charisma that is hard to quantify.
A Voice That Will Echo in Sports Broadcasting
During the Baseball Hall of Fame induction for Mickey Mantle in 2001, Costas gave a eulogy that’s often cited as one of the most powerful speeches in sports broadcasting history. With poise and emotion, he spoke of Mantle’s flawed humanity and enduring greatness.
It was the kind of moment that proved Bob Costas isn’t just about stats or play-by-play. He’s about heart. He understands the narrative power of sports—the joy, the tragedy, the redemptive arcs.
As in all his tales, Costas’ stories aren’t just memories—they’re part of the sports culture itself. His voice is woven into moments of magic, and his tales bring those moments back to life.
Tech-Driven Strategies THAT MANAGE CHANGE
From real-time data analytics and automation to advanced forecasting and digital collaboration tools, supply chain leaders are leveraging technology to make smarter decisions, optimize processes, and respond swiftly to disruptions.
Supply Chains Embrace Technology
But with the application of technology comes the need to manage change in operations and strategy. This point was highlighted at the recent annual Food Shippers Conference when several supply chain professionals described how they apply technology to their business operations. The conversation was led by Zach Schuchart, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales with Optimal Dynamics, a provider of nextgeneration artificial intelligence
solutions. In preparation for the session, he surveyed 90 food companies and their logistics partners to explore their technology initiatives and resulting change management.
Food supply chain professionals have been heavily leaning on hightech solutions in recent years. In
fact, 88% of respondents said their company has implemented supply chain technology within the past three years. A majority (41%) said they implemented a transportation management system (TMS), while another 14% said they implemented optimization and/or automation technology. Approximately 9% cited visibility solutions, while another 8% said they implemented procurement technology.
Schuchart said that 62% are planning to implement supply chain technology in the next year. The kind of technology they are planning to implement next year.
According to Schuchart, more than one-third of respondents (34%) said they believe optimization and automation technology will drive the most value in the future, with another 25% predicting procurement technology will drive
Zach Schuchart with Optimal Dynamics discusses supply chain technology with Brian Wnuk (Rise Baking Company), Melanie Foster (Sunsweet Growers), and Peter Zedler (Schwan’s Company) during the recent annual Food Shippers Conference in Palm Desert, CA.
Rise Baking Company: Taking It In-House
Rise Baking Company manufactures a broad range of recognized brands in North America, including Brill® baking solutions, South Coast Baking® cookies, Table Talk® pies and desserts, Henry & Henry® fillings and glazes, Karps® cookies and muffins, and New French Bakery® and Bakestone Brothers® breads. Walk into a bakery section of most major grocery chains and you’ll likely find products made by this leading baking goods company, according to Brian Wnuk, Director of Transportation.
Formed in 2013, Rise has been rapidly growing through acquisitions – and with that comes a lot of change management.
“Every time we acquire somebody, they have a different way of running their freight,” says Wnuk. “They have a different ERP system, different TMS systems, different cultures. We try to figure out how we get everybody under the same way of doing business so we can leverage our spend and service our customers in the best way possible.
That has been quite a journey for us.”
Wnuk says that 2022 was a pivotal year when Rise evaluated its entire portfolio and made major changes. At that time the company was using a third-party logistics company to manage all freight, including procurement, payables, and planning.
“We didn’t have a transportation team at that time,” says Wnuk.
“The Brill side of business, where I came from, had our own internal transportation team and our own TMS. We had a lot of experience in how we wanted to go to market and how we wanted to collaborate with carriers. So after Covid hit and we saw some resemblance of a normal market again, we decided to bring all of that business in-house.”
“We brought it in-house because we wanted to leverage the relationships with our carriers to gain better control,” continues Wnuk. “We also wanted information faster and we found that sometimes going through a middle person took longer.”
What does Rise’s significant operations and supply chain look like today? Rise maintains 20 manufacturing plants and 44 distribution warehouses, says
20 manufacturing plants and 44 distribution warehouses
30,000 Full Truckloads
16,000 LTL orders (95% Temp Controlled)
944m pounds shipped (782k pallets) 80 carriers 11 internal associates
Wnuk. Each year, through 80 carriers and 11 internal associates the company manages 30,000 full truckloads and 16,000 LTL orders – of which 95% are temperaturecontrolled. It ships 944 million pounds, which equates to 782,000 pallets.
“Of course a lot of sophisticated technology is linked into our network,” notes Wnuk. “Through our TMS system we get great data on how our carriers are performing, how we’re performing to the market, where we need to buy more and where we need to buy less.”
He also notes that the company leverages rate, network and capacity analytics technology platforms to ensure competitive rates and that they’re treating carriers fairly based upon what the market is showing. In addition, Rise uses an eProcurement tool to cut costs and add value, and currently is implementing a new platform that enables the company to evaluate carrier performance, track on-time delivery, and manage mini-bids and annual RFPs.
“So we have a number of these different market tools where we can see how we’re performing,” concludes Wnuk.
Brian Wnuk Burnaby,
Schwan’s Company:
Technology and Benefits Driving the Business
A subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, a South Korean international food company based in Seoul, Schwan’s Company’s product portfolio includes trusted brands like Red Baron®, Freschetta®, Big Dadd’s™ and Tony’s™ pizza, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s® desserts, and Bibgo® and Pagoda® Asian-style foods. The company is launching many more brands in both the U.S. and Canada, and has become the top-ranking player in foodservice pizza, according to Peter Zedler, Director of Transportation.
“We still do direct-to-store delivery on the frozen side and not a lot of players still do that,” says Zedler. “We have 18 manufacturing locations in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas. Each year we deliver directly to 20,000 stores and serve 1,800 foodservice distributors, and we have various DCs for both our consumer brands and our foodservice network.”
Supply Chain Initiative
Integration of CJ Foods
Employee Turnover
Market Changes/ Volatility
Shipper of Choice
Strategy That Tech Solution Addressed
Volume growth, bigger geographical area
Tribal knowledge transfer
Move with the market, enable partners to pay drivers
Remove risk by acknowledging reality
Mode Diversification Growth
Spot Market Usage Mitigation of high-cost freight
Rate Transparency Pair fuel with activity and location
Freight Visibility
Data
Table stakes
Blind spot in supply chain
Schwan’s Company At A Glance
Sunsweet Growers: “Doing A Lot With Little”
Sunsweet Growers is the world’s largest handler of dried tree fruits, including cranberries, apricots and prunes. A grower-owned marketing cooperative representing more than one-third of the prune market worldwide, Sunsweet processes more than 50,000 tons of prunes each year.
Sunsweet ships prunes globally through three plants – in Yuba City, CA, Fleetwood, PA, and Santa Cruz, Chile, according to Melanie Foster, Distribution & Transportation Manager, who has been with the company for 35 years.
Like many food shippers, Sunsweet Growers relies heavily on its sophisticated network of third-
party logistics providers to leverage their technology investments to bring efficiencies and visibility to the cooperative’s supply chain. Foster says that Sunsweet Growers utilizes warehouse consolidation programs and their technology. She says the organization has planning software and utilizes SAP for their ERP system and WMS.
She also notes Sunsweet Growers uses EDI to transfer data between Sunsweet and its third-party providers.
“Because we handle such a heavy volume of prunes worldwide, I spend most of my time currently
on the import side and I work with a very small team,” says Foster. “We do a lot with a little, as we have not made technology investments on the transportation side.”
Foster notes that Sunsweet relies solely on its thirdparty warehousing partners to leverage consolidation programs to deliver to their customers. “We do a lot with emails, Excel spreadsheets, a lot of old tried-and-true methods. We get the job done, in large part through the support of our 3PLs who are very good partners. They’ve invested in the technology of the TMS and other systems that can help us communicate and get the information back to us.”
Sunsweet processes more than 50,000 tons of prunes each year.
Successful Change Management Through Technology
How do you increase your chances of successful change management when you’re planning and implementing technology into your supply chain strategy and operations? It requires a carefully planned and meticulously designed blend of tools or platforms, processes, and people.
Zedler says there are three big steps he learned while implementing all the tech-driven initiatives at Schwan’s.
“You’ve got to communicate, communicate, communicate,” he emphasizes. “Talk with your internal stakeholders, your external carrier base, your warehouse base. Let them know ‘here are the changes coming and here’s why.’”
Zedler also recommends creating a clear scope of work with all vendors.
“Make sure you’re all on the same page of understanding the problem you’re trying to solve, and make sure it’s all reflected in the scope of work with the end-game in mind so that we come up with a good solution.”
Lastly, he recommends thorough testing prior to actual implementation of the technology solution: “Make sure that everything’s going to work with your business.”
Follow these three practical tips and you’ll increase the likelihood of success in implementing the technology solutions in your food chain operations.
Em E rging Truck
TE chnologi E s
IMPACT FOOD SHIPPING
The food supply chain, transportation and logistics industries are on the cusp of a technological revolution, and one of the most significant changes on the horizon is the rise of such emerging technologies as autonomous trucks. This is the broad assessment by a panel of executives who participated at the recent annual Food Shippers Conference in Palm Desert.
What’s All The Buzz About Autonomous Trucking?
Driving 11 hours a day is both demanding and uncertain. That’s part of why the industry faces tremendous difficulties attracting and retaining professional truck drivers. But the heavy increase in consumer demands, particularly in the food industry, trucking has to move more freight than ever.
Executives on the panel discussed that not only will autonomous trucks help to address this increasing demand but also can improve safety and efficiency of moving freight, help companies with private or forhire fleets to scale operations, and ultimately increase revenue and profit.
Aurora: Commercial Driverless Trucking in Texas
As these vehicles transition from prototype to widespread deployment, their impact on food shipping—one of the most timesensitive and high-volume logistics sectors in North America—will be profound, according to Andreoni. Since the panel discussion at the conference, Aurora has successfully launched its commercial self-driving
Executives discuss the benefits and pitfalls of emerging trucking technologies. Pictured here at the recent annual Food Shippers Conference in Palm Desert, CA: Chris Caplice, Senior Research Scientist, MIT and Chief Scientist, DAT; Zac Andreoni, Vice President of Business Development, Aurora Innovation; Andrew Culhane, Chief Commercial Officer, Torc Robotics; and Michael Wiesinger, Vice President of Commercialization and General Manager-Transportation Sector, Kodiak.
trucking service in Texas. Following the closure of its safety case, Aurora began regular driverless customer deliveries between Dallas and Houston in May 2025. Since that time, the Aurora Driver has completed over 1,200 miles without a driver. The milestone makes Aurora the first company to operate a commercial self-driving service with heavy-duty trucks on public roads. Aurora plans to expand its driverless service to El Paso, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona by the end of this year.
Aurora’s flagship product, the Aurora Driver, is an SAE L4 selfdriving system that is first being deployed in long-haul trucking. Trucking is a trillion dollar industry in the U.S. but it faces challenges, including an aging driver population with high turnover rates, skyrocketing operating costs, and underutilized assets. These intensify every year, making the value proposition of autonomy – a solution that will offer safe, reliable capacity without an impact to jobs
– highly attractive to the trucking industry.
Aurora’s launch customers are Uber Freight, a market-leading enterprise technology company powering intelligent logistics, and Hirschbach Motor Lines, a veteran-owned carrier that delivers time- and temperature-sensitive freight. Both companies have had long-standing supervised commercial pilots with Aurora.
Torc: Leveraging AI in Autonomous Trucking
All executives on the panel agree that artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on autonomous trucking. The consensus is that AI is the driving force behind autonomous trucks, enabling these trucks to perceive their environment, make real-time decisions, and navigate safely. Advanced AI algorithms process data from sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar to detect obstacles, interpret traffic conditions, and follow routes. Machine learning
The Daimler Truck eCascadia autonomous electric truck was previewed at the conference. Built on the all-electric Freightliner eCascadia platform, it combines battery-electric propulsion with Level 4 autonomous driving technology and is equipped with advanced sensors and AI-powered systems by Torc Robotics for safe, driverless highway operations.
helps these systems improve over time by learning from past experiences. AI also powers predictive maintenance, fuel optimization, and dynamic route planning, making autonomous trucks safer, more efficient, and more reliable in transporting goods like food.
“We refer to our AI software suite as Torc’s Virtual Driver—our advanced approach on seeing, thinking, and acting for selfdriving trucks,” says Culhane. “This combines cutting edge end-toend learning and verifiable AI with algorithmic redundancy that allows Torc to quickly evolve and scale to interpret the world around it, as well as adapt and absorb new sensor technologies and customer routes.”
When speaking about autonomous trucking in general, Culhane emphasizes that it has to show the benefit to the fleets using it.
“Whether it’s safety, reliability, service levels, costs or whatever, if you can’t show the benefit you’re
left asking the question: What’s the value?”
Torc is not just working on the software and hardware, Culhane explains: “We are working closely with fleets to better understand their needs, their existing network infrastructure, and their pain points, so that we have the right application and tooling when the autonomous trucks are on the road.”
Daimler Trucks announced its agreement to acquire a majority stake in Torc Robotics in 2019 to accelerate the development of Level 4 autonomous trucks in the U.S. market. Industry observers suggest that Torc’s extensive experience in autonomous vehicle technology compliments Daimler’s expertise in truck manufacturing.
Kodiak: Single-Platform Automated Driving System
The Kodiak Driver combines AI, modular hardware, and offboard services into a single, integrated platform—built for a wide variety of vehicles and designed for maximum efficiency and scale, according to Wiesinger. This leads to increase reliability, scalability, and efficiency while continuously learning across domains. The truck has logged more than 2.6 million autonomous miles in real-world conditions and has been developed for scalability and adaptability to all vehicle types. Some of the key features to Kodiak’s technology include:
• Fully Active Driverless Semi-Truck Operations
• Commercial Trucking Business Generating Recurring-Revenue Today: Kodiak’s Driver-as-aService business model charges customers either a per-truck or per-mile recurring license fee.
• Strong Customer Traction Across Multiple Target Applications. Kodiak’s partner-first approach has resulted in collaborations with major industry players including Bridgestone, C.R. England, J.B. Hunt, Martin Brower, Werner Enterprises.
• Kodiak also is working with the U.S. Department of Defense to adapt autonomous technology for U.S. Army vehicles.
The Future of Trucking
Autonomous and electric trucks represent a transformative shift in the food supply chain, offering a powerful combination of efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. By reducing emissions and operating costs while ensuring consistent, around-the-clock delivery, these technologies address the industry’s growing demand for speed, safety, and environmental responsibility. The future of food logistics will not be just automated; it will be electric and intelligently connected.
2025 FSA Conference Highlights Technology, Theft, Tariffs
The global food industry currently is navigating a complex landscape of supply chain challenges that are impacting production, sourcing, logistics and distribution of food materials, ingredients and products. Solutions and best practices were covered at the 69th Annual Food Shippers Conference, which took place March 2-4 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA. More than 1,300 supply chain professionals and providers in the food industry attended.
“This year’s conference brought together the food supply chain industry where meaningful collaboration, sharing of best practices, and peer-to-peer networking happens,” says Eric Missil, Executive Director of Food Shippers of America (FSA).
“There was a lot of conversation around relevant topics and timely concerns — ranging from shipment visibility, supply chain security and theft, autonomous trucking, the freight economy, and the current impact of tariffs. We appreciate
THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE BROUGHT TOGETHER THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRY WHERE MEANINGFUL COLLABORATION, SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES, AND PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKING HAPPENS.
More than 1,300 supply chain professionals and providers in the food industry attended the 69th Annual Food Shippers Conference, which took place March 2-4 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA.
the insights that our speakers brought to the event and how our attendees can translate this information to their respective companies.”
Large Legends Share Their Stories and Advice
Two widely recognized and beloved professionals in the American world of sports were bookend keynotes at the conference.
Opening Keynote Bob Costas is an acclaimed American sports broadcaster, journalist, and author who has been a prominent part of the coverage of every major sport over the past three decades. Renowned for in-depth interviews with famed celebrities such as Howard Cosell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Mohammad Ali, Costas has won multiple Emmy Awards and has been recognized for his talent to blend sports coverage with cultural insights. (See page 14 for more on Bob Costas).
FSA conference attendees also had the opportunity to hear advice first-hand from Hershel Walker how to overcome obstacles, reinvent yourself, and be fluid in your career and personal life.
THERE WAS A LOT OF CONVERSATION AROUND RELEVANT TOPICS AND TIMELY CONCERNS — RANGING FROM SHIPMENT VISIBILITY, SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY AND THEFT, AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING, THE FREIGHT ECONOMY, AND THE CURRENT IMPACT OF TARIFFS.
FSA President Dave Domencic of Armada introduces the 2025 FSA Officers: Vice President Darica Schneider of Univar Solutions, Treasurer Earnie Seibert, Secretary Lori Lammers of Dawn Foods, Chairman Steve Stein of Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Executive Director Eric Missil.
Power networking between supply chain peers, providers and partners happens on a regular basis at the annual conference. Nowhere else can you swap insights with the best and brightest in the food chain business.
The FSA Shotgun Golf Tournament took place on March 2 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, which boasts two 18-hole championship courses that are set against the towering backdrop of the scenic Santa Rosa Mountains.
From side to side. And front to back.
From side to side.
And front to back.
Walker explained how as a child he was overweight and had a stutter - but such challenges haven’t stopped him to succeed. Walker became a football running back who won the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award; played 15 years professional football in the USFL and NFL; competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics on the U.S. bobsleigh team; and as an entrepreneur, Walker has led ventures in the foodservice industry.
The Importance of Technology in Food Chains
Freight visibility is crucial for optimizing supply chain operations. Corey Ritenour of Lindt & Sprungli explored freight visibility and its evolving role in the logistics
landscape with leading industry tech innovators: Ross Hickey of Shippeo; Kris Bjorlin of FourKites; and Dan Cicerchi of Descartes Systems Group. The group discussed a number of issues ranging from technology that enables real-time capabilities, monitors temperature for food safety, and mitigates the potential of fraud.
Big Concerns: Cargo Theft & Supply Chain Security
Did you know cargo theft costs the supply chain up to $35 billion? Strategic theft has risen 1,500% since the first quarter of 2021 and the average value per theft is over $200,000.
Thom Albrecht, CFO with Reliance Partners, led a panel of these
cargo theft and security experts at the 69th Annual Food Shippers Conference: Will Johnson of BNSF Railway; Scott Cornell of Travelers Inland Marine; and Keith Lewis of CargoNet. All panelists agreed that high-value food and beverage products are big targets of this crime category (See Page 11 for more details).
Unique Networking, Relationship-Building
The 69th annual Food Shippers Conference incorporated a powerful mix of networking, relationship-building, and celebration of the industry during Monday evening’s Cocktail Reception, Annual Banquet, and Dessert in the Desert.
This year’s conference featured emerging technologies: the Kodiak Driver autonomous truck that combines advanced AI and modular hardware in a system designed to integrate seamlessly across vehicle platforms (see above), electric autonomous truck equipment by Daimler Truck North America, and the WITney® Educational Trailer by the Women In Trucking Association.
2025 FSA Conference
The conference closing keynote was Hershell Walker, the American former football running back who won the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award; played 15 years professional football in the USFL and NFL; competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics on the U.S. bobsleigh team; and as an entrepreneur, has led ventures in the foodservice industry.
The FSA conference hosted several networking receptions, including one focused on bringing together new conference attendees.
On Monday evening, the annual banquet event attract more than 1,000 guests, followed by an after-dinner dessert reception to facilitate networking, friendships and fun.
Driven to Deliver: Future Supply Chain Leaders Earn FSA Scholarships to Fuel Their Dreams
Six ambitious students gained some peace of mind about pursuing their educational and career dreams in the supply chain industry, thanks to the Food Shippers of America (FSA) John J. Murphy Scholarship. First place winner Courtney Carlson, a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, discovered the FSA scholarship after being accepted into the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at the University of Notre Dame. Thrilled to receive the scholarship, Carlson said the funds will go far beyond just financial support.
“It’s a recognition of the people and values that have shaped me, especially the women who came before me,” Carlson says. “Education has always been a core
value in the Carlson household. My grandmother, who never had the chance to pursue higher education, made it her mission to ensure that my mother attended college. In turn, my mother worked tirelessly— commuting long hours and making countless sacrifices—to guarantee that I would have the same opportunity.”
Carlson’s mother passed away from cancer during Carlson’s junior year of college. Carlson promised her mom she would finish her degree.
“Graduate school, to me, represents more than professional growth,” she says. “It’s a testament to my mother’s legacy. Thanks to the John J. Murphy Scholarship, I now have the opportunity to carry that legacy forward.”
Runner Up
Alicia Peterson is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management at Winona State University in Winona, MN. Through her deep respect for her father’s commitment to Bush Brothers & Company, and with her own experience working for the organization, she applied for the scholarship. Peterson says she also applied in hopes of finding some personal validation on choosing the right career path.
“I have been a hard worker throughout high school and in my daily life,” she says. “I wanted to see
Alicia Peterson
that hard work and dedication pay off in my studies, and it has. I chose to pursue human resource management as my major because I have a deep passion for people. I love to see people succeed and to help them in that process. I firmly believe that a company’s only competitive advantage is its employees, so I knew this would be the right major for me.”
According to Peterson, receiving second place helped her see that her dedication to her studies and future career was worth the effort.
Nicholas Ferrel, this year’s thirdplace winner, received the runnerup position in 2024.
“It feels surreal that I was able to win again,” Ferrel says. “Winning the scholarship again helps me to acknowledge that I am on the correct path towards realizing my dreams. This acknowledgment motivates me to work harder in my studies and involve myself within my department and community.”
Ferrel currently is majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Alabama. Coming from a family with strong ties to supply chain management—his father worked in the field and his brother studied it—Ferrel found that the FSA scholarship perfectly aligned with his interests in both food distribution and aerospace.
“It is because of these personal ties that I have been acquainted with the supply chain management and logistics industry since I was a child,” he says. ”Being able to apply the teachings and problem-
solving of the engineering discipline to the supply chain management industry will allow me to combine both of my two favorite careers into one.”
Fourth place winner Emma Bausch is headed to Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. Bausch has planned to major in marketing and planned to apply her skills in the food shippers industry.
In addition to these scholarship recipients, there were two fifthplace winners, including Aubrey Pixler, currently pursuing an aerospace engineering degree at the University of Notre Dame, and Elise Robbert, who has planned to pursue a business and logistics degree at Peirce College this fall.
Nicholas Ferrel
Emma Bausch
Making A Difference: FSA Continues Commitment in 2025 to Charitable Giving
Disruptions caused by extreme weather events are set to remain a key risk in 2025. More disruptions mean longer delivery times in food supply chains, higher transportation and logistics costs, and lower productivity and output. The economic risks of climate change to global trade are predicted to be around U.S. $81 billion.
Because of the impact natural or man-made disasters can have on global food supply chains, the Food Shippers of America (FSA) has a long history of giving back to the industry and community at-large. In fact, FSA has donated tens of thousands of dollars to various organizations that can have a direct and positive impact on lives throughout North America and across the globe.
Supporting Those Impacted by LA County Wildfires
The January 2025 wildfires in southern California have significantly disrupted regional supply chains. While Los Angeles County has long been vulnerable to wildfires due to its dry climate, rugged terrain, and strong seasonal winds, this major wildfire disaster has sparked controversy around government readiness and response efforts locally and at the state level.
These wildfires had notable impacts on the region’s food supply chains, affecting various facets from agriculture to distribution and
retail. While Southern California is not the primary hub for the state’s agriculture, the wildfires have still affected local farming activities. Urban farms experienced significant damage, disrupting local food systems and communitybased agricultural initiatives.
Although major warehouses and logistics centers were largely outside the fire zones, the broader disruptions led to challenges in the distribution network. Companies with operations in the region faced operational difficulties due to poor air quality, mandatory evacuations, and damaged infrastructure –
resulting in delivery delays and a decline in sales, particularly in affected regions.
Of course the devasting fires also left more than 75,000 homeless and has exacerbated an already existing housing crisis. FSA is supporting local communities in Los Angeles County by donating to West Side Food Bank (a central hub that distributes food to 60 partner agencies in the region) and World Central Kitchen (a non-profit, non-government organization that provides food relief also to this devastated region).
Kathy Fulton, Executive Director at American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) receives a donation check from FSA’s President David Domencic, Senior Director Transportation Procurement at ARMADA Supply Chain Solutions.
FSA Supports ALAN To Save Lives Through Logistics
Each year for the past several years, FSA has supported the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), which saves lives and reduces suffering for disaster survivors in the United States and internationally by engaging industry to supplement non-profit organizations’ logistics capabilities. ALAN serves by coordinating logistics, providing education, and building cross-sector relationships before, during, and after disasters.
ALAN has mobilized resources and provided significant support to those impacted by a number of recent disasters, including the devastating wildfires in southern California; and Hurricane Helene in Florida’s Big Ben, western North Carolina, and other parts of the Southeast.
FSA Supports Other Charities That Fight Hunger
Approximately 47 million people face hunger in the United States each day—including nearly 14 million children. Hunger knows no boundaries; it touches every U.S. community, including yours.
With this challenge in mind, FSA donates significant amounts of money to two charities that fight hunger.
FSA has routinely donated each year to Feeding America, which is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. Feeding America partners with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger throughout the country.
FSA also donated a significant amount this year to FIND Food Bank. This regional food bank serves over 5,000 square miles in southern California. FIND is dedicated to mobilizing the resources of our community through education and awareness
to relieve hunger, the causes of hunger, and the problems associated with hunger. FIND provides food to a network of 140plus other non-profit community agencies including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, after-school programs, and homeless shelters.
FIND also manages USDA Commodities for The Emergency Food Assistance Programs in the desert region. Through these affiliations, FIND represents the desert communities in southern California at the Regional, State and National levels to advocate for the most vulnerable populations who suffer from food insecurity.
Robert Levy, Senior Director of Transportation of Feeding America, accepts a donation check from FSA’s Immediate Past President David Domencic with ARMADA Supply Chain Solutions.
Kelly Mui-Chesterton, Senior Development Officer with FIND Food Bank, accepts a donation check from FSA’s Immediate Past President David Domencic with ARMADA Supply Chain Solutions.
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS
BUYER’S GUIDE
Welcome to the 2025 Food Chain Providers Buyer’s Guide! This resource is published by Food Chain Digest to help supply chain professionals find potential providers of valuable services, including for-hire motor carriers, 3PLs, brokers, drayage, maritime, rail, intermodal, expedited, warehousing, air cargo, TMS, and last-mile/final mile. All companies listed in this Resource Guide are paid advertisers and are not in any way officially endorsed by Food Shippers of America (FSA).
20 25
American Brokerage
www.american-brokerage.com
Temperature controlled LTL and truckload services including transportation, cross dock, short hold, and redelivery.
Bettaway
www.bettaway.com
Leverages its experience, data, and technology to deliver smart, comprehensive, supply chain solutions.
BTR
www.bigtruckrental.com
At BTR, we specialize in providing terminal tractors and yard truck fleet solutions that keep supply chains running smoothly. From food and beverage to retail and distribution, our equipment is built for uptime, safety, and performance in demanding logistics environments. We help shippers reduce downtime, boost productivity, and streamline yard operations through flexible rental programs, maintenance support, and expert fleet management. Whether you operate a single facility or a national network, BTR delivers the reliability and service you need to stay on schedule and on budget.
Catch-Up Logistics
www.catchuplogistics.com
A customer-oriented logistics company that has been providing dedicated service since 1995.
Coastal Cold Storage LLC
www.coastalcarriers.com
Coastal Cold Storage LLC, centrally located in Foristell, MO, delivers advanced cold storage solutions backed by its sister company, Coastal Carriers Truck Lines LLC. Combining state-of-the-art warehousing technology, real-time WMS visibility, and a dedicated refrigerated fleet, Coastal offers complete frozen and refrigerated logistics services. From precision inventory management to cross-docking and just-in-time distribution, Coastal helps food supply chains maximize efficiency, protect product integrity, and optimize nationwide reach.
Continental Express
www.continentalexpressinc.com
Truckload carrier and full-service logistics company specializing in the transport of temperature-controlled and dedicated-route freight.
Doug Andrus Distributing LLC
www.dougandrus.com
Strives to be an organization that provides a total logistics service, not just another trucking company.
DTS Logistics
www.dtslogistx.com
Non-asset-based domestic freight carrier partnerships enable broad geographic reach and exceptional depth of service offerings.
Dynamic Logistix
www.dynamiclogistix.com
End-to-end logistics solution that manages and tracks your shipments, automates status updates and reduces risk.
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution
www.eastcoastwarehouse.com
Since inception, has evolved from a family-run business into a national powerhouse with global reach.
EPA SmartWay
www.epa.gov/smartway
Helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency.
First Logistics Management Services, Inc.
www.firstlogisticsllc.com
First Logistics delivers tailored 3PL warehousing and transportation from five Chicagoland facilities, with 1.8M sq. ft. of food-grade space. Backed by food-safe practices, tier-1 tech, and responsive support, we ensure compliance and speed. Explore solutions designed to protect product integrity, reduce delays, and keep your food supply chain moving.
GENPRO Inc.
www.genproinc.com
Solutions to fulfill all of your delivery needs and offer complete visibility throughout your shipments journey.
GSM Transport
www.gsmtransport.com
Provides fast customer service, clear communication, up-to-date tracking and profitable lanes. Specializes in overweight drayage.
Trusted Warehousing Solutions
With over 65 years of experience, East Coast Warehouse specializes in temperature-controlled warehousing for the food and beverage industry. Our strategically located, state-of-the-art facilities ensure your products are handled with care, precision, and reliability.
The East Coast Difference
In today’s fast-paced supply chain, reliable warehousing is essential. At East Coast Warehouse, we provide secure, temperature-controlled storage that protects product integrity and ensures compliance with industry standards. Our strategic port locations and experienced team help minimize delays, reduce costs, and keep your business moving forward.
TemperatureControlled Storage
Protects product quality and ensures compliance with food safety standards.
Experienced Professionals
With an average tenure of 20+ years, we provide personalized, reliable support.
Strategic Port Locations
Streamlines your supply chain for faster, smoother, and more efficient deliveries.
Helix Logistics
www.helixlogistics.com
Since 2008, Helix Logistics has delivered reliable shipping solutions nationwide. Our services include flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated equipment, offering full truckload (FTL), partial load, and are one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) providers in the industry. Our refrigerated equipment ensures optimal conditions for transporting temperaturesensitive goods. From food-grade products to electronics and raw materials, we securely handle a wide range of items. Committed to flexibility, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Helix Logistics tailors its services to meet the unique needs of industries across the country, providing efficient and dependable deliveries every step of the way.
Hermann Total Distribution Service
www.hermanntds.com
Family owned and operated business carrying on a tradition of going the extra mile to deliver on all of your expectations.
Interstate Cold Storage
www.interstatecoldstorage.com
Family owned refrigerated warehousing company that takes great pride in providing solutions to your business.
JT Logistics
www.jtlogistics.com
The choice of customers who depend on a robust and agile supply chain for their success.
Kenan Advantage Group
www.thekag.com/food-products
KAG Food Products, a division of Kenan Advantage Group, has been serving North America’s most prominent companies for over 80 years. We are backed by KAG’s 7,500+ professional drivers, a fleet of 7,600 trucks, 1,700 specialized food products trailers and a national network of over 300 strategically located terminal/satellite locations. As a SmartWay Excellence Award Winner, we adhere to stringent trailer cleaning and product integrity processes focusing on safety, security, service, and providing you with multi-modal solutions. We deliver to numerous end markets hauling products such as edible oils, sweeteners, dairy, agricultural supplies, pet foods ingredients, dry bulk and much more.
Kingsgate Logistics
www.kingsgatelogistics.com
With nearly four decades of experience, Kingsgate Logistics is a trusted, family-operated 3PL specializing in food and beverage freight. Our customizable technology, Compass 2.0, offers SKU-level visibility, forecasting tools, and LTL consolidation to streamline even the most complex supply chains. We pride ourselves on proactive communication and building long-term partnerships. Whether you need strategic support or daily execution, Kingsgate delivers with precision and care. Founded on hard work, exemplary service, and upholding the highest levels of integrity, we’re committed to moving your business forward so you can ship confidently. From reefer to full truckload and LTL - we’ve got your freight covered.
Koch Companies
www.kochtrucking.com
Dedicated, regional, flatbed, marine, and specialized fleets ensure the unique shipping needs of customers are satisfied.
Kottke Trucking
www.kottke-trucking.com
After eight decades of being in business, has established itself as an eminent presence in the transportation industry.
Legend Transportation
www.newlegendinc.com
Provides more than 1,000 tractors and more than 4,000 plated trailers throughout the Western Region.
Leonard’s Express
www.leonardsexpress.com
Committed to providing unparalleled solutions, fostering lasting partnerships, and driving innovation in the industry.
LST Group, LLC
www.lstgroupllc.com
LST Group is a family-owned logistics company based in Winter Haven, FL, serving all of North America, including Canada and Mexico. We specialize in van freight, reefer freight, drayage, and food & beverage distribution, providing reliable, efficient, and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Prosponsive Logistics
www.prosponsive.com
Industry leader in strategic supply chain solutions and 3PL services, fueled by the industry’s top talent and technology.
RLS Logistics
www.rlslogistics.com
3PL company offering a diverse list of cold chain solutions for frozen and refrigerated food manufactures.
Ruan Transportation
www.ruan.com
Ruan, one of the nation’s largest familyowned transportation management companies, delivers Integrated Supply Chain Solutions through Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, ValueAdded Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services. By combining asset-based and non-asset-based capabilities with advanced technology and industry expertise, we create tailored solutions that drive efficiency and value. At Ruan, personal connections form the foundation of everything we do. We deeply understand our customers’ operations, building trust through long-term relationships and a shared vision for success. Every day, we anticipate the needs of our customers and team members, ensuring our partnerships are defined by empathy, innovation, and reliability.
Schulz Logistics
www.schulzlogistics.com
Delivering seamless solutions and unmatched personal care in every freight journey.
YOUR CARGO,
SG Sales Corp
www.sgsales.ca
SG Sales Corp. is a Canadian Transportation Direct Asset Sales Agent Specializing in North American (MX/USA/Canada) Refrigeration Supply Chain. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain, I have built a unique business model and can deliver a superior cold supply chain network of direct Canadian carriers servicing both FTL and LTL over the road transportation services. With my team of seven contracted suppliers, I offer a pool and network of 500 refrigerated trucks. My job is to manage and develop the account by offering the best suited carrier(s) directly to the shippers.
Spoerl Trucking Inc.
www.spoerltrucking.com
Hometown Values, Nationwide Service!
Spoerl Trucking is your answer for Dry Van, Refrigerated, Flatbed, Step deck, RGN, double drop, LTL, dedicated, drop trailer pool, Intermodal and pretty much anything else. In addition to 100 assets, we also have a full service 3PL so capacity is never a problem. We hire safe and professional drivers that understand the value of your product. We have 24/7 support staff to make sure your needs are addressed around the clock!
Stokes Trucking
www.stokestrucking.com
Specializes in providing regional transportation services for dry goods and refrigerated items to customers.
Tippman Group
www.tippmanngroup.com
Your single-source provider for cold storage warehousing and construction for the food industry.
Uline
www.uline.com
The leading distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout the U.S.
Verst Logistics
www.verstlogistics.com
Verst extends expertise, capabilities, and reach of our clients by providing logistics solutions for warehousing, omnichannel fulfillment, contract packaging, shrink sleeve labeling, contract logistics, transportation management, and freight brokerage. A family-owned company for almost 60 years, we combine industry and technical expertise with a commitment to seamless customer relationships to help achieve goals.
YMX Logistics
www.ymxlogistics.com
Enterprise yard operations remain one of the supply chain’s most complex and overlooked links. YMX is the trusted national yard logistics partner for the world’s largest shippers, delivering integrated yard logistics operations, spotting and shuttling services, and yard management technology across North America. Whether at a single facility or across your network, YMX drives transportation and warehouse operations synchronization, ensures service consistency, and fuels continuous improvement through proprietary technology, data-driven processes, and high-performing equipment and teams. The result: improved safety, reduced emissions, and optimized labor and asset performance, transforming the yard into a fully connected, strategic part of your operations.
