The Bridge Newsletter - April 2024

THE BRIDGE

Historic Investment Announced for Trailer Bridge’s Puerto Rico Army Terminal

This month, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi visited Trailer Bridge’s Army Terminal in San Juan to announce the investment of $85.3 million into the rehabilitation of the terminal’s finger pier.

The funding, which comes from the island’s CDBG-MIT infrastructure program, is key to improving terminal efficiencies during our weekly barge sailings to the island. Rehabilitation efforts will also address structural improvements to make the terminal more resilient against future damage from rising water and natural disasters.

“The foundation of our business began by serving the people of Puerto Rico and this historic investment is one worth celebrating,” said Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano. “As a critical piece of the supply chain serving the island, funding projects like this are essential to our ability to develop and maintain continuity of service.”

Read the full story on our blog.

TB Tradeshow World Tour

Last month, Trailer Bridge had international representation at tradeshows around the globe. There were even a few days where we could be found in Poland, Mexico, and California at the same time!

These events are especially important as we look to grow in markets such as Mexico and Europe. Our presence not only provides visibility, but it is also a testament to our service and commitment to forming relationships.

Combat Engineer & Logistics 2024

The Government division had a booth at Combat Engineer & Logistics 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. Chris Goss, Chad Yarbrough, and James Cox represented Trailer Bridge at the event, making connections with potential customers and vendors. VP of Caribbean, Jacob Wegrzyn, who is a Poland native, also joined them at the event.

Expo ANTAD 2024

In Guadalajara, Mexico

Trailer Bridge held a booth at Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria, which hosts more than 10,000 food and retail professionals a year. Jeff Vaughn, Roberto Trevino, Abraham Aguilar, and Luis Ramirez were present at the show and used the opportunity to speak to potential customers about our Cross Border services in Mexico.

TPM24

Jeff Vaughn, Kyle Jones, and Sebastian Auerbach attended TPM24, one of the largest conferences for ocean shippers and carriers, where they met with decision makers about Trailer Bridge’s Ocean service offerings.

Natural Products Expo West

Trailer Bridge’s L.A. branch showed up for Natural Products Expo East, including Garrett Higginbotham, Aren Sassounian, Jeanine Mader, Samuel West, and Daniel Tuit. The team walked the show and scouted for potential retail shipping opportunities.

Team Spotlight:

Trailer Bridge Intenational

Trailer Bridge International provides our global customers’ a single-source logistics solution with NVOCC and freight forwarding services across air, sea, and land. The team is one of Trailer Bridge’s fastest growing divisions, tripling in revenue and doubling in load count from 2022-2023. To find out where the team plans to go from here, we spoke to NVOCC Team Lead and 2023 President’s Award recipient, Kari Gomez.

What is unique about the NVOCC team?

The combination of professionals with a deep expertise in logistics including transportation, documentation requirements, supply chain management & customs regulations.

The unique aspects of our team include our expertise in shipping logistics, the ability to tailor solutions based on customer needs, our global network of partners and agents across different regions, the flexibility to accommodate any type of cargo, and our excellent customer service which strives to maintain open communication with our clients.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is the combination of professional growth, personal fulfillment, the challenge of solving complex logistics puzzles, building strong client relationships, and seeing the tangible results of our efforts.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

There are several challenges that require a combination of industry knowledge, strategic planning, operational efficiency, and adaptability to navigate successfully the NVOCC industry.

What is one project or initiative that your team is working on now?

One of our main initiatives has been growing the Puerto Rico trade lane. The competitiveness of the Puerto Rico shipping industry in terms of lanes and NVOCCs is influenced by a combination of pricing strategies, service quality, and operational efficiency.

If you had to describe the NVOCC team in 3-5 words, what would they be?

Efficient, Dynamic, Adaptable, Solution-Oriented, Global Logistics Specialists.

Zach Monger Named to 2024 Pros to Know List

Trailer Bridge’s Director of NVOCC and Compliance, Zach Monger, was recently named to the 2024 Pros to Know – Rising Stars list by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. This list recognizes professionals in logistics and supply chain whose accomplishments are creating forward momentum in the industry.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Zach said “Winning the Rising Star award is truly an honor. It validates my efforts to do my part in shaping the supply chain industry. It’s a powerful motivator to continue pushing boundaries and driving positive change as a young leader.”

Read the full blog here

Sales Tip of the Month: Securing Spot Freight

Procuring spot freight is essential to meeting our load count goals. Consider these tips from the recent Freight and Fortune call to increase your chance of success.

Be Competitive:

Used the load search in DAT to see what other brokers have lanes posted and use it as a benchmark.

Timing is Everything:

Same-day freight is more expensive to cover, and customers are usually in a tight spot so you can quote higher to start. The further out a shipment is, the more competitive you need to be. For future shipments be aware of any holidays or DOT shutdowns that may impact service.

Act Fast:

Customers may award freight faster than you expect. So, it’s important to react to spot boards and emails quickly to avoid missing an opportunity.

Leadership Group 11: Session 1 in the Books!

Leadership Group 11 started out strong with their first session! Group members from offices around the country joined Mitch Luciano, Whitney Ennis, and Kacy Swanson in beautiful Jacksonville Beach for 2 days of growth and connection. Topics of discussion included all things Trailer Bridge, company culture, and important leadership skills. We’re so excited to see where this journey leads them!

New Level Unlocked 400 Loads a Day!

It’s official: our logistics division has broken 400 loads in one day for the first time in company history!

This is a HUGE milestone, and an incredible testament to our grit and resilience amidst a tough market. Efforts like these show that Trailer Bridge can thrive if we are willing to put the work in.

Congratulations to everyone that helped to ‘Make it Happen’!

The Power of Partnerships

If you were writing a book on managing supply chains in 2025, what would be the longest chapter?

Mitch Luciano recently answered this question for Inbound Logistics magazine. The name of his chapter? True Partnership.

He says this will be especially important as the tides shift and the natural supply chain cycle brings higher rates and tighter capacity in 2025-2026:

“Many supply chain managers choose the lowest cost carrier that doesn’t have crappy service. When the supply chain shifts, these carriers immediately look for the highest paying freight or tell you their new high rates are effective tomorrow. What kind of partnership is that?”

Read the full article on Inbound Logistics here.

Support Services and Account Management

Tour ATS

Trailer Bridge’s Support Services and Account Management team recently visited the ATS facility to learn more about their operations and the partnership between our companies. For more than 30 years, Trailer Bridge and ATS have maintained a mutually beneficial partnership on the ocean side of our business. ATS contracts space on Trailer Bridge’s RoRo barge for flatbed or break-bulk items headed for Puerto Rico. In return, ATS is a source for Trailer Bridge loads that require flatbed and oversized transport.

Delivering Nutrition to Kids in Florida

Feeding Florida needed to get a truckload of fresh produce and yogurt to Children’s Day at the State Capitol and turned to Trailer Bridge to make it happen. Our team delivered on the request and transported Florida-produced celery, zucchini, squash, oranges, bell peppers, yogurt, strawberries, and carrots to the event in Tallahassee.

Introducing a New Approach to Upskilling

Trailer Bridge’s annual employee training program is getting a new look! Instead of Upskilling, we will continue to support your growth and success through the Skill Enhancement & Employee Development (S.E.E.D.) program.

What does this look like? Each month, beginning in April, you be assigned three micro-learning courses, which you will be notified of via email. These courses will focus on a specific theme each month and will be a mix of soft-skills and industry specific training.

Here are some of the upcoming themes:

• Conflict Management

• Customer Service

• Health & Wellbeing

• Mindfulness

• Personal Development

• Social Skills

• Trailer Bridge services

This new format is designed to provide you with short, impactful learning opportunities all year long that are beneficial and fit into your schedule!

If you have any questions, please contact Employee Engagement & Training Specialist, Becky Simon at bsimon@trailerbridge.com.

Stress Less: 3 Tips to Combat Overwhelm

April is National Stress Awareness Month. These techniques help to reduce the negative impact stress has on your physical and mental health. Benefits

1

Go for a Walk

You don’t have to do vigorous workouts to see the benefits exercise has on stress. Going for a walk is an easy way to incorporate exercise in your day and it can give you a break from regular stressors.

2

Deep Breathing

This can be done anywhere – even at your desk! Just close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. This helps to slow your heart rate and put you in a calmer state.

3

Make Time for Hobbies

Doing something you enjoy helps redirect your focus to the present, even if you only do it for a short period of time.

First Coast Games are in Full Swing

We are so excited for everyone that decided to represent Team TB at the First Coast Games! The event officially kicked off on March 9th and will continue until the closing ceremony on June 15th.

If you signed up for an event, please check the G Drive for the schedule, roster, and rules. Can’t make it to one of your events? Please reach out to the Wellness Committee as soon as possible so we can assign an alternate.

Most importantly – don’t forget to have FUN!

Chicago Branch Gets Moving

As part of TBWell’s Run Club initiative, Mike Davis and Zach Strehlow laced up their sneakers on St. Patrick’s Day weekend for the Chicago Beer Run & Brew Fest 5k! Don’t forget, TBWell will cover the entry fee for one 5k a quarter for each employee. Simply email the details to wellnesscommittee@trailerbridge.com and we will get you signed up!

Tax Deadline Coming Soon

Don’t forget! The last day to file your 2023 taxes is April 15, 2024. Also take this opportunity to double check your tax setup in Paycor to make sure you are having the proper amount withheld for 2024.

TB Bucks: Pass Along the Gratitude

Has a coworker done something to make a difference in your day? Keep the good feelings going with a TB Buck!

Each month, you can send one TB Buck to someone whose efforts have made your day brighter, your job easier, or the workplace better.

To send a TB Buck, submit a request here or under the Quick Links section on The Bridge, or click here.

“Cehila, despite her relatively brief tenure at the company, she has quickly become an invaluable asset. Her knack for fostering strong connections with both existing and prospective customers, alongside her positive contributions to our internal team dynamics, she has been remarkable. Amidst a challenging market environment, she consistently exudes positivity, enhancing the morale of the TB team. Demonstrating the tenacity and drive of a true hunter, Cehila plays a pivotal role in propelling us forward.”

“Cheyenne saw that there were potential safety concerns in the JAX Brokerage office & took it upon herself to take OSHA safety courses to become a OSHA certified.”

“Christy is always helpful, kind, and efficient!”

TB12 of the Month: Be Accountable for Your Actions

“Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions.”

– John Lemme

We Make It Happen

Jorge Monzón Driver of the Month

This is what the Truck Ops and Safety Team had to say about TB’s Driver of the Month:

Jorge is one of three brothers who work for Trailer Bridge. He is a very responsible, humble, and helpful driver. When Jorge comes to the office, he makes everyone laugh. Jorge is very flexible regarding the time we offer him loads.

We recognize and express our sincere appreciation for his contributions to our company, his hard work and dedication. We say thank you because we have him on our team.

New Commission Opportunity!

Attention all sales positions! There is a BRAND NEW commission opportunity available to you. For every new customer that you refer to the NVOCC team, you will receive a 4% commission upon their first shipment with Trailer Bridge.

New Hires

Promotions

Debbie Osorio LOGISTICS ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Christopher Hearn VESSEL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Avery Bintliff LOGISTICS SALES AND OPERATIONS

Denigh Elizabeth SR. ACM/CARGO MANAGEMENT

Rosa Hernández DIRECTOR, SUPPORT SERVICES

Chad Lee SENIOR RPG PROGRAMMER

Heather Hensley INTERMODAL SALES AND OPERATIONS

Luis A. Rodríghuez SPECIALIST, SENIOR CREATIVE SERVICES

April 2024

April 1st

TB Spirit Day

April 5th

Rally for Kate

April 8th

Fruit Cove Coffee Co at NBR

April 16-18

TB Onboarding

April 23rd

Town Hall & Quarterly Awards

April 26th

Rally por PR

April 30-May 1

TB Onboarding

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Birthdays

April 2

Maggie Cabrera

April 7

Kyle Olsen

Melvin Rivera Rodríguez Vinh Tran

April 8

Mark Jolliff

Salvador Pons Colom

April 10

Samantha Gurliaccio

April 13

Lindsay Brunson

Morgan Cox

Kayleigh Parker

April 15

Logan J. Stoldt

April 19

Chad Lee

April 20

Eric Foster

Nathan Rapue

April 24

Carolina Cardona

April 25

Leonardo Chaboudy

April 26

Hannah Davis

April 28

Jake Willis

Work Anniversaries

Daniel Daragjati 6 Years

Carmen Vivas 6 Years

Alfonso Camacho 5 Years

Breanna Mayorga 4 Years

Jacqueline Alvarez 3 Years

Madison Coulter 3 Years

Whitney Ennis 3 Years

Zach Monger 3 Years

Bradley Schummer 3 Years

Sam Anderson 2 Years

Luis Ramirez 2 Years

Melvin Rivera Rodríguez 2 Years

Kacy Swanson 2 Years

Ron Lewis 1 Year

Sandy Marchaza 1 Year

Neyshailii Morales 1 Year

Eric Presley 1 Year

Wilniady Sepulveda Lopez 1 Year

Paul Sinchuk 1 Year