The BRIDGE
Letter from the CEO Three Guiding Truths for 2025
In this season I’m often asked what’s essential to succeed as we begin to reflect on what worked and what didn’t and setting goals for the new year.
If I had to choose three guiding truths – essentials that I’ve learned within my 25-plus year career in the industry - for 2025, here’s what I’d say:
Trust Your People
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to think technology can solve everything, especially when it comes to cutting costs. But remember, businesses are built on relationships—not just systems. Technology is a tool, not a substitute for the trust and connection that come from truly valuing your team. Keep believing in your people; they are your greatest asset.
Know Your Customers
We’re entering a time where the customer truly holds the power. In a down economy, they have more choices than ever and are looking for partners who understand them. This isn’t just about demographics or purchase patterns— this is about really knowing what makes your customers tick. How do they want to be served? What challenges are they facing? The businesses that thrive will be the ones who show their customers they care and are willing to go the extra mile.
Get “Lucky”
Now, when I say get “lucky,” I don’t mean relying on chance or good fortune. I’m talking about the kind of luck that comes when hard work meets opportunity. That’s my definition of being lucky. It’s about being adaptable, staying ready for change, and continuously pushing yourself to grow. Luck isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.
So, as we move into 2025, remember these three truths: trust your people, understand your customers, and always be ready to seize the moment.
Wishing you a successful new year, Mitch
Trailer Bridge Strengthens Partnership with Scan Global Logistics
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the end of December to further their collaboration in 2025 and beyond. This non-binding agreement solidifies the growing partnership that began in 2023, focusing on leveraging the unique strengths of both companies to better serve their global customer base.
The expanded partnership will enhance their ability to support both government and commercial clients, with a key focus on increasing capabilities in the Caribbean market. One notable aspect of the agreement is the companies’ commitment to deepening their collaboration within this region, driving greater operational efficiencies.
Honoring the Partnership with Anderson Trucking Service (ATS)
Trailer Bridge recently presented the Anderson Trucking Service team, here in Jacksonville, FL, with a replica of our Roll-on, Roll-ff barge in honor and thanks for their strong partnership over three decades. The barge then made its way to the Anderson Family in St. Cloud, MN, the company’s headquarters.
In his LinkedIn post, Mitch Luciano shared these thoughts about the relationship: “Thank you to everyone within the TB and ATS families for making this happen every day. It is that hard work and love that keeps building on our 30+ year partnership. Thank you to the Anderson family for continuing to believe and support our efforts in supporting the amazing people and island of Puerto Rico.”
ATS handles the landside transport of the over dimensional and breakbulk freight that ships to the island. They also partner with Trailer Bridge to host the annual Rally for Puerto Rico Charity Golf Tournament each year – covering a portion of the cost so all the money raised goes directly to supporting Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico.
Meet the 2024 Class of Winners
Trailer Bridge is proud to announce this year’s class of winners!
The President’s Award, presented annually by CEO Mitch Luciano, honors three individuals who embody the company’s culture of love and kindness in every interaction from customers to colleagues.
Here’s what each recipient had to say about receiving this special honor:
Lynette Delgado National Sales Account Executive - Caribbean
“Receiving this award is a privilege and an honor I don’t take for granted. It means validation and a testament to our personal and professional character. It’s also an additional energy boost to keep growing and expanding, by offering the best personalized service in the industry! Here’s to 2025!”
Jake Willis Operations Manager Kansas
“Being selected for Trailer Bridge’s President’s Award is an incredible honor. It reaffirms that living authentically and treating others with fairness can have a positive impact on those you work with daily. It also fuels my passion to keep putting in the hard work and dedication to TB.”
Jasmine James Talent Acquisition Specialist
“I am deeply humbled to have received the President’s Award, and I couldn’t be more proud of the journey that led me here. It serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, focus, and a positive mindset, anything is possible, and I hope that this encourages others to keep striving for excellence.”
The 2024 Bad Ass Honoree is Leah Nowak, Controller at TB.
This award is selected by CEO Mitch Luciano and presented to a member of TBNation who goes above and beyond every day.
Leah shared what winning the award means to her: “It is an honor and a reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance. It means being part of a culture that celebrates hard work, dedication, and supporting one another to achieve great things together. I am looking forward to 2025 and all the great things we are going to accomplish!”
The 2024 Kerry Shughart Awardee is Corey Richards.
The Kerry Shugart Award is presented in honor of its namesake who left a lasting impression on Trailer Bridge after more than 18 years of service. This award goes to the individual who displays a true love for TB, consistently shows up as their authentic self, and may even have a fun and crazy side that shines through from time to time.
Corey shared these reflections on receiving the award: “So proud to be a part of a company that I love so much! I was presented with the Shugart award on Saturday night, For dedication, perseverance, and giving it my all, and most importantly being myself! Thank you Mitch Luciano and everyone for the wonderful years and looking forward to more! Love you all!”
600-Pounds
of Oranges Donated to Local Charity
Trailer Bridge partnered with Jacksonville-based non-profit, Waste Not Want Not, Inc., to donate 600 pounds of fresh oranges to be distributed to families throughout Northeast Florida through the organization’s network of charities. The oranges were trucked to Jacksonville from South Florida for TB’s annual holiday party.
Waste Not Want Not, Inc., is a volunteer-based group whose mission is to prevent the discarding of food and other items that can be used to fight hunger and poverty in North Florida. Volunteers rescue food daily from numerous sources for distribution to local charitable organizations, and through other cost-effective initiatives.
“We are thrilled to receive this donation because fresh produce is such a vital part of a healthy diet and through this donation, we will serve roughly 1,000 people within the community,” said Kathleen Spears, Executive Director, Waste Not Want Not, Inc. “We believe that just because some of our neighbors and fellow community members are confronting hunger and food insecurity doesn’t mean they do not deserve nutrient-dense foods that are good for their health.”
Your new 2025 Dental ID Card is available through your SunLife online account.
You can access your account at www.sunlife.com/ account. For a step-by-step guide on how to access them, watch a short tutorial vid eo provided by Sunlife available here.
As you work to reach your health goals in 2025, remember Trailer Bridge provides you with 12 credits each month through ClassPass to participate in various health and wellness activities. You also have access to confidential virtual therapy and psychiatry through Teladoc. Learn more through your HealthJoy app.
Becca Sutton, Benefits Specialist II, is always your go-to resource for all things Benefits. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to her at rsutton@trailerbridge.com or 904.751.7192.
TB team members from our Jacksonville locations and Puerto Rico participated in the annual Wreaths Across America event at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Trailer Bridge Driver Kenneth Fooshee was a member of the Wreaths Across America Jacksonville Convoy delivering wreaths for the organization’s annual event to remember the fallen and honor those who serve. The TB team joined other volunteers to help unload the trailer and place the wreaths throughout the cemetery for the formal program later that morning.
This is the 10th year Mr. Ken has been a member of the Wreaths Across America convoy and Trailer Bridge is proud to support the organization’s important work to honor our nation’s veterans. TB Gives
returning for 2025!
For those of you unfamiliar, Chicken Lights are the exterior lights you see on semitrucks at night that make them stand out, and our award recognizes stand out performance!
In 2025, we are incorporating both ACM and CAM roles into the award. We will rotate each month highlighting two key roles in our Logistics Division.
Our January winner spotlights a stand-out ACM, Brock Weinfurter from the Kansas City office.
In a traditionally challenging month, Brock was able to grow his accounts 59% in margin, 43% in revenue and 25% in volume.
A few highlights which led to his successful month:
Offer Response Time
Brock averaged 3 minutes to respond to an offer, beating the goal of 5 min.
This highlights his decisiveness and ability to move quickly when an offer presents itself.
Actual Cost vs Max Cost
Brock was within $2, demonstrating his ability to understand and navigate a dynamic market, even with new accounts.
Putting in a realistic Max Cost will cut down the back and forth with countering offers and allows for quicker more efficient bookings.
Brock’s thoughts on being the first Chicken Lights Award winner for 2025:
“Appreciate the recognition! December was a tough month for everybody, but we made it through. I’m excited to hit the ground running in 2025 and continue pushing for even greater success. Cheers to another year of growth, teamwork, and achieving our goals together!”
The Truck Operations and Safety team would like to acknowledge Tom Bauser as our driver of the month for December.
Tom has been a dedicated member of the Trailer Bridge family since December 14th of 2016 and just celebrated his eighth year here at TB. Tom is a great TB representative while servicing loads. He strives to make appointments on time and always communicates quickly with the dispatch department if issues arise. His professionalism and courtesy are very appreciated, and we can always count on Tom to Make it Happen.
When Tom is not busy driving, he enjoys spending time with his wife Linda and their 6 year old granddaughter.
This month’s Sales Spotlight features two individuals who have had big wins for our Logistics Division.
Andre Santos, National Sales Account Executive, landed three big customers at the end of 2024 with a combined potential yearly revenue of $1.425 million.
Jake Langlois, Logistics Sales & Ops in the Raleigh branch, earned $50k in margin in one month by strategically focusing on growing his existing accounts and landing new business.
Thank you, Andre and Jake, for ‘Making it Happen’ every day to serve our customers and grow Trailer Bridge!
“Learn continually – there’s always ‘one more thing’ to learn!”
– Steve Jobs
Did you know?
January is National Mentoring Month. Be on the lookout for our 2025 Kick-off for TB’s internal mentoring program, Building Bridges. Join the 2025 program to enjoy quarterly group mentoring sessions with leaders from throughout TB.
Glossary Term of the Month Tarriff:
Definition: A tax imposed by the government of a country or by a supranational union on imports or exports of goods.
PROMOTIONS
Breana Mayorga
COORDINATOR, SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES
Naelis Fuentes DISPATCHER II, TRUCK OPERATIONS
Rubén Montero SENIOR LEAD TRUCK OPERATIONS
Jonathan Lantroop SUPERVISOR, MARINE OPERATIONS
NEW HIRE
Tubista Seyoum LOGISTICS ANALYST
UPCOMING EVENTS Upcoming Birthdays
February 11-12
EMPLOYEE ONBOARDING
February 19-21
SALES & BRANCH MANAGER CONFERENCE
February 26-27
EXTREME LEADERSHIP:
GROUP 12 SESSION 1
May 14-15
EXTREME LEADERSHIP:
GROUP 12 SESSION 2
Aug 13-14
EXTREME LEADERSHIP:
GROUP 12 SESSION 3
JAN 1
Cory Stanford
Nichole Scott
Catherine Boyer
JAN 4
Aidan Fahey
JAN 6
Ronald Lewis
JAN 7
Chris Goss
JAN 8
Zachary Alexander
JAN 10
Danny Torres
JAN 11
Jaime Kata
JAN 12
Michael Preamble
Jason Angell
JAN 13
Andrés Fonseca
JAN 14
Coulson Vaughn
JAN 19
Giovanni Nieves
JAN 21
Willie Williams
Jake Mordecai
Work Anniversaries
Miguel Reyes 28 Years
Terry Mickey 24 Years
Eddie Jay Jr. 12 Years
Cheryl Gurliaccio 10 Years
Scott Douthitt 6 Years
Eric Masotti 6 Years
Crystal Dîaz 8 Years
Jake Langlois 4 Years
Logan Stoldt 3 Years
Sebastian Auerbach 3 Years
JAN 22
Daniel Daragjati
JAN 25
Stephanie Frazee
Jason Thomas
JAN 27
Alana Lucas
JAN 28
Jorge Ortiz
JAN 31
Alicia Miranda
Brendan Fuller