Jim’s long-term relationship with FPT Logistics emphasizes the value of strong partnerships in navigating the complexities of the logistics & freight industry.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background and how logistics has played a role in your career?
A: Sure. I've been in sales and operations for over 40 years, covering all modes of transportation, mostly dealing with automotive logistics for companies like Toyota, GM, and Nissan.
Over the years, I've handled everything from general freight to air freight, ocean shipping, and eventually moved into intermodal and trucking.
Q: What can you tell us about your time with ADS Logistics?
A: I spent 28 years with ADS Logistics, which was bought and sold three times. When I retired, we were owned by Odyssey Logistics out of Connecticut.
I oversaw three terminals, managing intermodal and trucking operations out of Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle.
Our main focus was automotive steel and metals movement. We were (and still are) the number one carrier for automotive steel from Northwest Indiana to Detroit. We also handled aluminum can stock for canning plants nationwide.
Q: As a leader in the logistics industry, what are the critical keys to success?
A: The key is hiring the right people so you don't have to be there 24/7.
Meeting goals and expectations is crucial, and that's what keeps you at a company for 28 years.
Q: What were the most significant logistics challenges you faced throughout your career?
A: There were many, but the most recent was COVID-19.
We never shut down during the pandemic, which brought its own set of challenges. My job was to ensure our terminals ran properly, efficiently, safely, and profitably.
Also, handling big, heavy loads meant most warehouses weren't set up for our type of material.
We had to ensure the floors were thick enough and often had to work closely with railroads to accommodate our needs.
Navigating the American railroad system isn’t always a piece of cake either.
Q: In your career, how did you ensure consistency & reliability?
A: In 30 years, we never shut down a plant and never failed a customer. We always knew what was at risk and planned accordingly.
If there was a chance a load wouldn't arrive on time, we trucked it. We used systems and trusted people to manage everything efficiently.
Q: What were your expectations when working with logistics partners?
A: Be on time, do what you say you're gonna do, and hold firm to the rate.
That's all I really looked for. I only used carriers I trusted, and Kevin and Tammie were among the few I trusted completely.
Q: Could you tell me about your relationship with FPT?
A: About 20 years ago we started utilizing Kevin and Tammie for 'hotshot' trucking. But my relationship with Kevin goes back even further.
I started working with Kevin's dad and my uncle when I first got into the industry. Kevin was just starting out then, learning the ropes from his dad.
We built a strong professional bond over the years, moving from general freight to more specialized logistics.
Tammie is one of the best line dispatchers I've ever met, and Kevin has grown into an outstanding sales and relationship guy.
They make a great team.