Back It Up: April 2024 Market Report
From the noncompete ban to Baltimore bridge cleanup efforts, explore our April transportation market update.
From the noncompete ban to Baltimore bridge cleanup efforts, explore our April transportation market update.
The people who form the PGT Services team are crucial for our company and customer success. That is why we are committed to supporting our employees in their career development. Our workforce is made up of a team of dedicated individuals who are actively involved in ensuring smooth operation of processes with the best possible service. We strive to deliver a positive experience for both our carrier and our customers, especially with the dedicated team we have put in place. PGT Services ensures that we have the most capable individuals managing each department with unmatched service.
We recently caught up with Lauren Akran, one of our dedicated Carrier Solutions Reps, about the importance of her role at PGT Services. Here’s what she shared about the future and her experience in the transportation industry.
“I have worked for PGT Services a little over a year, and originally came from the insurance Industry!”
During Lauren’s time here at PGT Services she has helped develop our carrier relationships and dedicated capacity network. Just one year ago she started her career here as a Carrier Capacity Representative and has already contributed so much to the success of the company– we are so excited to see where she will be in the next year!
“My day-to-day role as a Carrier Solutions Representative has many moving parts. Simply put, my job is to build relationships with carriers to successfully transport our company’s freight across the country!”
Lauren has done an amazing job at creating relationships with her dedicated drivers that resemble friendships. She even had a driver stop in last month just to say hello and meet the team in person. She has fun with her job everyday and truly feels like this industry is where she belongs!
“The most challenging part of my job is adjusting to the ever-changing market conditions and understanding exactly what that means for the drivers/customers/us.”
Although there are challenges, this role is so exciting because every day is so different! This line of work can be unpredictable at times, but that’s what makes it exciting! Sometimes things may go off track during the day, but overcoming those challenges with the team makes it all worthwhile.
“My favorite part of my job is the dynamic nature of every day. I really enjoy that each day brings new experiences as I interact with different carriers and stay connected with those I work with regularly.”
Learning about different drivers’ backgrounds, families, experiences, and stories is one of the most rewarding and wholesome parts of the job. For 8 hours a day our Carrier Solutions Reps get to know these individuals on a personal level, build trust, and grow the dedicated network of PGT Services.
Although the industry is crazy at times, we are working diligently every day to deliver the best service to our carriers and customers. Lauren said it best, “I truly love my job and am grateful for the carriers I’ve worked with. I’m also excited about the opportunity to work with new ones.”
PGT Services encourages ongoing growth and internal development by recognizing operational needs and introducing new positions to improve our business operations. Our team, composed of dedicated professionals, consistently delivers excellent service to our customers.
From the Port of Baltimore cargo ship crash to the red sea decline, explore our March transportation market update.
Leveraging our carrier relationships in our Dry Van network, we have not only the capacity, but also the knowledge of what it takes to manage your truckload shipments.
We’re industry leaders in transporting pipe commodities. Our specialized equipment and experienced team ensure secure and efficient deliveries, meeting all your pipe transportation needs.
The team at PGT Services is vital to our company’s success, and we’re committed to supporting their career development. Our workforce comprises dedicated individuals who ensure smooth operations and top-notch service. We aim for a positive experience for both our carriers and customers, especially in specialized project freight. Managing complex projects is challenging, but PGT Services ensures capable individuals handle it with unmatched service.
We recently caught up with Abby Peduzzi, our Capacity Supervisor, about the importance of her role at PGT Services. Here’s what she shared about the future and her experience in the transportation industry.
How long have you worked for PGT Services?
“I have worked at PGT Services since November 2021 for just under 2 and a half years. Before working at PGT, I was a waitress.” During Abby’s time here at PGT Services she has helped drastically develop our capacity team. She started her career here as a Carrier Capacity Representative, then transitioned to a Carrier Capacity Advisor. Now Abby works as a Capacity Supervisor where she is a resource to her peers for any questions.
At PGT Services, we promote from within whenever possible. Encouraging internal advancement across the organization enables our employees to understand every aspect of the business, making them well-rounded team members.
What is your current job description:
“In my position, I am a capacity supervisor. My day-to-day operations include supervising a small team of capacity representatives. I also field phone calls, and form relationships with trucking assets.”
Abby recently accomplished a huge milestone of moving 10,000 truck loads with PGT Services. She executed on this and developed her success over the last 2 and a half years. This is a tall task and we are honored to have someone like Abby who is now helping train our new hires, a wonderful role model to have in the office!
What is the most challenging part of your job:
“The most challenging part of my job is working through issues at times that are out of my control.”
This industry can be unpredictable, but that’s what adds excitement and enjoyment to it! There are moments in the day when everything seems to go off-track, yet overcoming these hurdles with the team makes it all worthwhile.
Your favorite part of your job:
“My favorite part is the satisfaction and hard work that comes out of a productive day. I really enjoy the culture PGT provides.”
Abby said it best herself, “this industry will always keep you on your toes, due to its dynamic environment.” Her commitment to excellence and ongoing development exemplifies the values embraced by PGT Services. We are proud of Abby for her recent accomplishments of moving 10,000 loads, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
PGT Services supports ongoing growth and internal development by recognizing operational needs and introducing new positions to enhance our overall business operations. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who consistently deliver excellent service to our customers.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT—Paul Kurlfink, Account Manager
The people who form the PGT Services team are crucial for our company and customer success. That is why we are committed to supporting our employees in their career development. Our workforce is made up of a team of dedicated individuals who are actively involved in ensuring smooth operation of processes with the best possible service. We strive to deliver a positive experience for both our carrier and our customers, especially with the dedicated team we have put in place. PGT Services ensures that we have the most capable individuals managing each department with unmatched service.
We had a chat with Paul Kurlfink, our Project and Heavy Haul Manager, to explore the importance of his role at PGT Services. During our conversation, we discussed his thoughts on the future and gathered insights from his experience in the transportation industry. Here’s what he shared.
How long have you worked for PGT Services? Where did you come from (just job, you don’t have to say company):
I have been at PGT Services for a little over 1 year, starting as a Carrier Solutions Representative and now as an Account Manager. Before joining the team at PGT, I worked as a Client Solutions Manager in the transportation industry as well.
Here at PGT Services, we believe in promoting from within. With internal growth throughout the entire organization, this allows our employees to learn every angle of the business and be extremely well-rounded employees.
What is your current job description:
“As an account manager, my role is to see the process of each load from start to finish, coordinating pickup and deliveries and handling communication with our customers throughout the process.”
The ultimate goal is to grow relationships between PGT and the customer by providing exceptional service and communication. Prior to being an Account Manager, Paul spent several months working as a Carrier Solutions Rep where he developed relationships with dedicated carriers and helped vet new drivers to ensure we are giving the most reliable individuals the load to move. Now he works directly on the customer side.
What is the most challenging part of your job:
“The most challenging part of my role is the transportation industry is subject to various external factors such as fluctuating fuel prices just to name one. Staying updated with industry trends and being able to adapt quickly to changes is essential in this role.”
Despite the challenges inherent in the transportation industry, such as fluctuating fuel prices, Paul thrives on overcoming obstacles and delivering exceptional service to every customer. His favorite part of the job lies in building relationships, whether with carriers or customers, and seeing the positive impact of his efforts.
Your favorite part of your job:
“My favorite part about the job is growing relationships, whether it be with one of our carriers or new/existing customers. It’s fulfilling to garner trust and become a reliable source for any transportation needs.”
In Paul’s eyes, working in transportation is about bridging the gap between supply and demand, ensuring that products reach their destination safely and efficiently. His dedication to excellence and continuous growth is a testament to the values upheld by PGT Services.
PGT Services encourages ongoing growth and internal development by identifying operational needs and introducing new positions to improve our overall business operations. Our team consists of dedicated professionals who consistently provide excellent service to our customers.
ROCHESTER, PA, February 12, 2024 — PGT Services is proud to announce its distinction as the recipient of the 2023 Home Depot Flatbed Broker of the Year award. This recognition highlights PGT Services’ commitment to operational excellence and its pivotal role in supporting Home Depot’s transportation network. PGT Services is honored to be recognized with this award, the second time since 2021.
With a focus on efficiency and reliability, PGT Services has established itself as a trusted partner of The Home Depot, providing essential logistics support to ensure the seamless flow of products across the retailer’s supply chain. Through meticulous planning and execution, PGT Services has helped optimize Home Depot’s operations, enabling the retailer to meet customer demands effectively.
One of the key factors contributing to PGT Services’ success is its commitment to proactive communication and transparency. This approach ensures that Home Depot receives timely updates and support throughout the transportation process, ultimately enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
PGT Services’ dedication to excellence extends beyond its day-to-day operations. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or emergencies, PGT Services has demonstrated its agility and resilience by swiftly adapting its logistics strategies to support Home Depot’s relief efforts. By leveraging its expertise and resources, PGT Services has played a crucial role in delivering essential supplies to affected areas, showcasing its commitment to community support and social responsibility.
“We are honored to receive the Home Depot Flatbed Broker of the Year award,” said Matt Lyons, PGT Services Account Manager responsible for The Home Depot Account. “This achievement reflects our team’s dedication to delivering reliable transportation solutions and supporting The Home Depot’s mission.”
PGT Services looks forward to continuing its partnership with The Home Depot and contributing to the retailer’s continued success in meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
Media Contact
Gracie Voigt
gvoigt@pgt-services.com
About PGT Services
PGT Services is a nationally recognized transportation brand with nearly 40 years of history and an industry expert in managing transportation solutions across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Headquartered just west of Pittsburgh, they serve the steel, pipe, building materials industries and more. PGT Services remains faithful to its fundamental values: personal customer service, relationships, employee professional development and profitability. They strive to build long-standing relationships through services that give their customers the assurance that PGT Services will handle their shipping needs with the utmost attention to detail. With solutions in all modes of transportation, their industry leading expertise in the steel, pipe, metals and retail supply chain gives customers the confidence that PGT Services will always uphold the integrity and quality of their brand.
As February draws to a close, we look back on a month filled with both challenges and success. State officials celebrated the Port of Baltimore’s remarkable cargo handling in 2023, indicating a robust recovery from global supply chain disruptions. $180 million in federal funding will create 920 truck parking spaces along Interstate 4, addressing long-distance trucker’s rest stop shortages, with construction set to begin in mid-2026 in Seminole County. Continuing on with shortages, CDL schools are essential for addressing industry concerns by providing comprehensive education, effective candidate assessment, and preparation for diverse career paths.
Additionally, Commerce Department reported 3.2% GDP growth from Oct–Dec, slightly down from initial estimate. Despite this, US economy maintains growth above 2% for six consecutive quarters, showing resilience. Top shipping container manufacturer sees revenue surge in hydrogen sector, with projections for further growth by 2025, unveiling crucial technology for green hydrogen production. Discussions underway for new $1 billion container terminal at Tradepoint Atlantic, aiming to create 1,100 jobs by 2028, contingent upon addressing environmental concerns. As winter wraps up, we anticipate the industry’s upcoming events and developments.
With a seasoned team and specialized equipment, we excel in transporting steel commodities on flatbed trailers, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable delivery for your steel-related needs.