Category: Priority1 Blog

Each quarter, Priority1 aims to highlight a hard-working, dedicated employee who continues to fly high above their pre-set expectations. This quarter, Priority1 has the great pleasure of highlighting Jessica Smith. Originally a local of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jessica’s formal title is Financial Services Analyst, but her job description leans more towards Accounts Receivable. She manages a portfolio of direct and indirect sales accounts, working as a liaison between Priority1, the sales teams, and Priority1’s customers. Jessica is a problem solver through and through, and her second employment anniversary will be in March of 2021.

“Jessica is a huge asset to the Financial Services Department and Priority1. She is always going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.” — Carrie Alexander, Financial Services Manager.

A significant milestone of Jessica’s career occurred in June 2020 when she smashed her goal of less than 25% on beyond terms, ending with 11% total. Jessica is motivated by “the profuse ability we have to change our circumstances at any given time.” When asked, she compares life to standing in an endless valley. “When you’re standing in the valley, looking up at the peaks, it can seem intimidating, but when you just take one step, then you’re already one step closer to an entirely different view.”

Jessica sows her positive attitude into province or family with two children, two dogs, and a house on four beautiful acres of land. Hiking, fishing, and road trips are the mere tip of her passions, including studying law. With a bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Central Arkansas, Jessica plans to attend law school this Fall. Her advice for new employees is short and sweet: take ownership of your position by using your problem-solving and analytical skills.

“The one thing that drew me to Priority1 was how it takes care of the employees. From great benefits, incentives, flexible schedules, and understanding management teams, it is effortless to give your all, plus some, for a company that does the same.” — Jessica Smith, Financial Services Analyst.

From all of us at Priority1, thank you, Jessica, for your hard work and commitment to our Financial Services Department. Tune in next quarter for another employee highlight!

By: Caela Fugate

Priority1 is a modern transportation company that prioritizes experience without cutting corners. We intertwine this policy throughout our company, including how we treat our employees. Priority1 strives to go beyond simply offering jobs. We foster careers by creating a stable and ever-growing working environment. We hire talented individuals who will provide the best support and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing world of logistics. These talented men and women drive our business, and we are committed to their success. With that in mind, we strive to provide them with the best benefits, profit-sharing opportunities, and a family work environment.

Unmatched Benefits 

At Priority1, we have an array of lucrative benefits offered to all our full-time employees. These benefits can range from dental insurance to a 401(k)-retirement account and more. The health and safety of our hard-working employees rank above all in our minds. Because of this, we also provide medical insurance with a premium paid at 100% for your family. This benefit is the most appreciated and indispensable, especially for Priority1 employee Hunter Alford.

“My wife and I recently had a beautiful baby girl.  We were in the hospital with my wife for seven days before her birth, and after my daughter made her appearance seven weeks early, she had to spend 24 days in the NICU receiving care as a preemie. You can only imagine how expensive the medical bills were racking up during that time.  Our insurance providers were extremely helpful, being just a phone call away and consistently sending us letters in the mail explaining what was going on with the billing. We are still in the process, but with Priority1’s benefits, they have covered close to 100% of the medical bills that we have gotten so far, which is phenomenal. It is great to know that you work for a company where the owners care about their employees and are willing to take money out of their earnings to provide health care for their employees.” — Hunter Alford, Inside Sales Representative

Below is a complete list of our offered benefits for P1 employees. 

• Competitive pay 
• Medical insurance (with a premium paid at 100%) 
• Vision insurance 

• Dental insurance 
• Prescription medical drug program 
• Life insurance 
• Short & long term disability  
• Profit-sharing plan

• 401(k) plan 
• Paid holidays & vacation leave 

Profit-sharing 

Historically, Priority1 has also offered a 15% annual profit-sharing opportunity to every employee. Our unique profit-sharing opportunities allow each employee a transparent look into our company and promote productivity and loyalty amongst each department. 

According to a Human Interest blog post, “In a profit-sharing plan, an employee receives a percentage of a company’s profits, either in cash or company stock, based on the company’s quarterly or annual earnings…Profit-sharing is a great way for owners to share business profits with the rest of the company and compensate them in a tax-friendly way — both employers and employees benefit from this approach.” 

We have found each employee benefits from this by incorporating a small piece of their hard work into the growth of the business, thus feeling more connected and included in the company’s inner workings.

Family Atmosphere 

Priority1 has a work culture unmatched by other industry-leading companies outside of our high-quality benefits and profit-sharing plans. We have an open-door policy that allows every employee to come to their superiors for assistance and advice. Our CEO, Daniel Berardi, or our VP of Truckload, Chris Olsen, welcomes each employee into our corporate office with a building tour and personally introduces our new hires to the current staff. In our minds, each position is valued and provided with the resources necessary for success.

So, if you are considering a position at any of our nationwide locations, please apply today to get started! 

By: Caela Fugate

The freight industry sees a monumental rise in its business from October through December. One fundamental reason for the shipping spike during these months is the holidays.

According to US Cargo Link, “Trucks travel an average of 500 million miles during the holidays — to put it in perspective, the distance between the Earth and Jupiter is 483 million miles!”

During these months, shippers scramble to get their products on the shelves or to customers’ doorsteps before significant holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. With longer weekends approaching, the pressure is on for the freight industry to meet deadlines and deliver promptly, despite certain circumstances set against them.

“Peak holiday shipping is projected to be even more elevated in the latter portion of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected consumers’ purchasing habits. This combined with the already limited trucking capacity has put heavy pressure on the freight industry this holiday season.” — Chris Olsen, Vice President of Truckload

Below is a list of the upcoming holidays for the United States that impact the freight industry:

Thanksgiving — Thursday, Nov. 26 

Black Friday — Friday, Nov. 27 

Hanukkah — Tuesday, Dec. 22 – Friday, Dec. 30 

Christmas Eve — Thursday, Dec. 24 

Christmas Day — Friday, Dec. 25 

Kwanzaa — Saturday, Dec. 26 – Friday, Jan. 1  

New Year’s Eve — Thursday, Dec. 31 

New Year’s Day 2021 — Friday, Jan. 1, 2021

Outside of these dates, let’s dive into three factors to consider when shipping during a peak freight season.

Weather

Whether we like it or not, the weather is an uncontrollable factor of every shipment. Snow, rain, heat, or hail, drivers brave it all to deliver their loads. However, when delivering during a peak, shipments may be stalled due to special circumstances like weather. This is a factor that should be considered before, during, and after a shipment.

Customer Service

We all know that communication is key, but do we practice what we preach? Communicating with your lead customer service reps during a delay or stall could be a serious step in meeting your deadlines or obtaining an extension. Outside of the drivers, logistics and shipping companies must put customer service as their top priority during peak seasons as drivers and customers rely on communication to guide them throughout the shipping process. Stellar customer service is a key factor to a successful shipment.

Relationships

Keeping weather and customer service in mind, a relationship with your insurance provider or supplier can make or break a vital shipment.

According to the International Business Times, “If a shipment is damaged in transit, basic carrier liability typically does not cover the full value of the shipment. With shipment insurance, you are more likely to recover your loss and the process for filing a claim is often easier.”

In other words, maintaining a stable relationship with your contacts, especially in insurance, will benefit you in the long run.

Though weather, customer service, and a relationship with your insurance provider can affect freight, especially during the peak holiday season, at Priority1, we prioritize your shipping experience year-round. Check out our previous blog posts to see our solutions to the top three challenges in shipping outside of the holiday season.

As always, drive safe!

By: Caela Fugate

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies thrive on numerous essential qualities to set them apart in the marketplace. At Priority1, we thrive on consistently bettering our business, software, and customer service to provide the best 3PL service available to all current and prospective Agents. Below you will find the top three qualities to look for in your partner 3PL company as an Independent Agent. 

1. A Strong Back-Office 

The backbone of a successful 3PL is its back-office. Qualities of a dedicated back-office could include, but are not limited to, strong communication skills, the ability to multi-task and understand specialized software like a complex TMS, a steady hand under heavy pressure, and deep-rooted professionalism in and out of the workplace.  

“Back office support is the financial powerhouse supporting an Independent Agent’s business. It is the reason that many utilize this service rather than operate under their own authority, bond, and insurance. Choosing the right company to run your business with should not be taken lightly.” — Omar Alami, Senior Vice-President of Business Development 

2. Innovative Technology 

Along with a steadfast back-office, a successful 3PL will have innovative technology available to its customers and Agents. This technology includes a web-based, proprietary TMS that is price competitive, innovative, and user-friendly. Having access to powerful technology saves users time and money. Priority1 offers its partners competitive and exclusive TMS technology that propels user experience into the future.  

3. Transparency 

Whether the 3PL you are considering is a smaller, family-run business or a larger corporation, it is vital to educate yourself on their reputation, including their level of transparency. Do their employees work well under pressure? How is their customer service? Are they honest about their history with freight and financials? The answers to these questions will lead you to the appropriate 3PL. At Priority1, we are looking for growth-minded entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a successful logistics company. We are honest about our intentions, visions for the future, and plans to get there. 

We understand the difficult decision of choosing a stable 3PL partner to work within the ever-changing freight business, so we maintain each of these three qualities at the root of our company. With our premier freight Agent partnerships, we can offer you no hidden fees, no territory restrictions or restrictive covenants, and an unsaturated agent network. We take care of the billing, collections, and disputes, so you can focus on growing your business. With our premier back-office services and agency support, the right 3PL for you could be right around the corner. Give us a call today to get started! 

By: Caela Fugate

Each quarter, Priority1 aims to highlight a hard-working, dedicated employee who continues to fly high above their expectations. Though the company has taken a long hiatus from pointing out a specific employee in recent years, this quarter, Priority1 takes great pleasure in shining a light on Kyle Morton, one of our esteemed Software Engineers. Kyle’s diligence, self-motivation, and dedication to achieving the best possible results have not gone unnoticed.

“Kyle’s background and experience in enterprise software development make him an invaluable development resource on the team. He continues to be a major asset to the organization as we integrate the Truckload functionality into our TMS.” — Phillip Scholtes, Vice President of Technology.

A native of Paragould, Arkansas, Kyle’s motivation is his family, claiming, “I always want to be someone they can be proud of.” Kyle aims to be dependable in and out of the workplace for his peers and supervisors. He strives to improve his skills as an engineer daily and often admires others who do the same—though he admires his father most. His career goals include improving his skills in software development, project management, and mentoring while simultaneously never missing a basketball game. While Kyle has been with Priority1 for well over a year, he encourages new employees to learn as much as they can, always do their best, and “never be afraid to take a chance on something you believe in.”

A family man at heart, Kyle is surrounded by an extensive support system: two boxer pups, his spouse, Kaylee—who is currently expecting another child next month, Bennett—and his son, Dean. He spends most of his free time grilling and enjoying cartoons with his son.

“The people at P1 [are what I love the most]. You work hard like any job, but you always feel welcomed, appreciated, and like a part of the family… It’s been the best job I’ve ever had, without a doubt.” — Kyle Morton, Software Engineer.

From all of us at Priority1, thank you, Kyle, for your hard work and commitment to making our IT department as seamless as possible. Tune in next quarter for another employee highlight!

By: Caela Fugate

We often view our country as a steady, constant machine always working overtime to uphold the economy, provide for our education systems, and strive toward an optimum quality of life that citizens appreciate and expect. However, truck drivers are a dedicated group of essential workers, often overlooked for the long hours they put in daily. 

From the merchandise lining the shelves of grocery stores to the life-saving health equipment utilized by health care workers, each of these necessities was delivered by a truck driver. This year specifically, Priority1 wants to pay extra tribute to our tenacious truckers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which falls on the week of September 13-19^th. According to the American Trucking Associations, “This week is a way to show appreciation to the 3.5 million professional men and women who not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but also keep our highways safe.”  

The U.S. trucking industry, netting over $700 billion a year, hauled 72.5% of all freight transported in the United States in 2019, equating to 11.84 billion tons. Truck drivers often leave their own families behind to provide necessary goods to cities across the nation. Minorities account for 40.6% of all driver positions, while only 6.2% of drivers are women.  

“Drivers are the backbone of the American economy. Priority1 takes great pride in keeping our drivers safe and healthy while on the road. We appreciate all the hard-working men and women who spend days, weeks, or months at a time away from their loved ones to keep the goods moving. Without their commitment and perseverance, our country wouldn’t be able to function.” — Chris Olsen, Vice President of Truckload.

So please do your part and thank a driver today for their pledge to provide! From everyone at Priority1, we thank you, drivers. To us, you are more than essential. You are exceptional.

By: Caela Fugate

Priority1 is a forward-thinking transportation solutions provider who will help you solve the complex riddle of optimizing your supply chain. Relying heavily on analytics and business intelligence, we analyze your data to produce a tailored solution to drive optimum levels of service and savings. We have long-standing relationships with a lineup of carriers across all surface transportation modes, providing you the options to meet virtually any need. Not every customer or supply chain is the same, thus the reason we have over 100 less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier partnerships, including the entire list of top 25 providers in the industry.

Priority1 also knows how to maximize cost savings while maintaining your carrier efficiencies. Specifically, within the LTL and Enterprise Department, we will negotiate best-in-class pricing with the carriers that fit your specific needs. The key to locking in a competitive price is providing us with complete data and information on your load, company, and freight history. We understand your possible caution in releasing your data to an outside organization. Still, we assure you our goal is to develop a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, both short and long term. After compiling and comprehensively analyzing this data, we will create a national, regional, and macro-regional strategy that fits these needs to a ‘T,’ and almost like magic, you now have a fully customized and optimized supply-chain solution.

Priority1 has built a foundation of supporting customers who had less than ideal experiences juggling a host of carriers while also searching for a solution that took the ‘heavy lifting’ out of their everyday tasks. They found large portions of their day burdened by the daily nuances of freight management: damages, lost shipments, rating, tracking shipments, missed pick-ups, setting appointments, and the list goes on. However, after contacting Priority1, these companies experienced a swift turnaround within their logistical operations, having the burden of dealing with these issues lifted from their shoulders. They now had a champion who could assume the lion’s share of these exhausting tasks and work to ensure a smooth freight transaction. 

A pharmaceutical manufacturer previously partnered with Priority1 to aid in these everyday freight challenges. We dove in and participated in a bid with three other providers based on a blanket cost to become the exclusive transportation provider, knowing that we could provide the transparent relationship the company craved. The customer chose to partner with Priority1 because of our excellent reputation, referrals, and the detailed information we provided, which compared costs and demonstrated actual savings. Furthermore, based on the customer’s data, Priority1 concluded that the customer was service sensitive, thus aligning them with carriers that fit this need while also providing cost savings. The ownership appreciated that Priority1 took the time to understand their needs versus pushing a one-size-fits-all solution.

In a similar situation, another customer—specializing in home improvement material for bathrooms—needed to expand their vendor portfolio to meet the demands of a second shipping location. The company’s biggest customer asked the supplier for help with LTL freight costs. The customer provided Priority1 with a month’s worth of shipping data. We extrapolated this data and formulated a customized solution that delivered 10-15% cost savings across the board to all shipping points while utilizing multiple carriers, leveraging and positioning them to their respective strengths. As a bonus, Priority1 also provided complimentary auditing software, which substantially reduced the amount of time and valuable resources the customer exhausted previously through their internal accounting department.

Here at Priority1, it’s our goal to provide you with a personalized experience and tailor a solution that fits your specific needs with an equal focus on both cost and service. So, in the words of Will Sison, Priority1’s Director of Pricing, “Let us do the heavy lifting and build a fully customizable solution that makes your job easier, while at the same time delivers value…all while acting as an extension of you.” 

To get started with Priority1’s expert LTL department, contact one of our offices today to begin the booking process! 

By: Caela Fugate

Priority1—a modern transportation company that prioritizes experience without cutting corners—offers multiple options for all your shipping needs. However, as these shipments travel hundreds of miles, challenges might ensue while moving from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’ Here is a list containing the three most common challenges you might face when booking and completing a shipment and the solutions that coincide.

Challenge: Communication is Key 

The most common disruption in shipping, whether in LTL or TL, is a lack of proper communication at the forefront of booking. Michael Catton, Priority1’s LTL Operations Manager, says it best, “Most situations that cause a disruption or stall in shipping can be boiled down to poor communication…” Even a single wrong number in the Bill of Lading could potentially cause a significant delay in the shipping process. However, despite this looming possibility, Priority1 ensures you are taken care of every step of the way.  

Solution: Double-check all information given and received upon booking to assure a seamless shipment experience. Priority1 repeats your shipment information back to you upon booking and is readily accessible over the phone and via email if this information changes. 

Challenge: Online Tracking 

After booking, many customers seek status updates for their shipments or call in directly to know the location of their loads. According to Chris Olsen, Priority1’s Vice President of Truckload, “A major concern for everyone is where their shipments are currently at.” 

Solution: However, Priority1’s TMS allows the company to locate their shipment’s current whereabouts based on check-in status. Utilizing a stable TMS software is a comparable solution to finding an off-track load or simply nailing down its current whereabouts. 

Challenge: On-Time Delivery 

A recent influx of drivers missing their pickups or arriving late to a drop-off has plagued the country and the transportation world. Though Priority1 holds mutually beneficial relationships with thousands of carriers nationwide, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many carriers are understaffed or below capacity. This causes their drivers to be overworked and sometimes even double-booked. 

Solution: At Priority1, we value your time and know it is indispensable when booking a shipment. If your shipment has been delayed or stalled, the fastest and simplest way of mending this challenge is to request immediate rescheduling. However, if you are on a rigid deadline, Priority1 also offers Expedited shipping to meet the time restraints of any rapidly expanding company. 

You Are Our Priority 

Like the inner workings of a rig, Priority1 has several departmental cogs that work together to create an enjoyable shipping experience. Though the challenges listed above may pop up, we guarantee a corresponding solution to ensure our customers experience a successfully completed shipment. Contact one of our offices today to book with a company that makes you and your shipment their top priority.

By: Caela Fugate

Little Rock, AR—Priority1, a national third-party logistics service, is thrilled to announce that our family is growing! Grant Crawford will be joining Priority1 as our Chief Financial Officer.

Grant has tremendous experience in the transportation industry, including working for FedEx for 23 years on both the ground and freight sides. Grant started as an hourly Dockworker and has over 18 years filled with 12 different roles, which included managing 4 separate terminals (Charleston SC, Tampa, Toledo, St Louis) and Director of Operations for 19 terminals in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, and Maryland. He also led the expansion of FedEx Freight into Canada and ultimately was Vice President of International Operations for 7 years.

After his time at FedEx, Grant served as President of Roadrunner Freight for 3 years and most recently served as President of Emerge. Currently, he is also serving on the Board of Directors for My Freight Staff, based in Ontario, California.

“As for why I chose Priority1, there were a few core reasons. First off, from a reputation standpoint, there isn’t a Logistics company out there who has a better reputation from top to bottom than Priority1. From working directly with Dan Berardi and Will Sison when I was at Roadrunner, I saw firsthand what type of people and culture Priority1 had. Having really ‘grown-up’ at FedEx, taking care of the internal customer [the employees] is the top priority. I consider myself a Servant Leader and am hungry to represent and lead an organization that aligns with my personal and professional beliefs and Priority1 absolutely allows me to accomplish that need. From a growth standpoint, the fantastic track record that P1 has established already is just scratching the surface to what we can do long term and I can’t wait to be part of leading us into a bright future we have,”
Crawford said on his decision to come to Priority1.

Grant will focus on several offerings in addition to serving in the CFO seat including leading Priority1’s expansion into an International offering and working hand-in-hand with our existing team on revamping the enterprise offering.

Currently, Grant is in the process of relocating to Little Rock and his official start date is June 15th, 2020. 

Landing a career in logistics is sometimes easier said than done. Here are some tips from Priority1’s recruiters on nailing the interview and scoring a career in the logistics industry.

Preparation is crucial before you even walk into the interview. Always research the company you are looking to work for; know who they are, what they do, and exactly what you are getting yourself into. A great tip is to bring at least two questions to ask the Hiring Manager. Make sure your resume is up to date and print at least two copies to bring with you. Pick out a professional outfit and plan out your route to get to the interview on time. Look the part, feel the part, be the part.

The next step is the interview itself. During this time, it’s important that you are professional, however, make sure you show your true and genuine self. This is a prime opportunity for the Hiring Manager to get to know you and for you to show your potential and value. Don’t be afraid to be respectfully upfront. Ask the Hiring Manager what it is they are specifically looking for in their next hire and make sure you are asking questions about the process of hiring, training, and upward mobility; show them you want to be there for the long haul. Keep in mind that during this time, you are also interviewing the company. It is important that you are asking questions to make sure that the position and company are also going to be a good fit for you.

Lastly, you are ready to head out. You shake hands with the Hiring Manager. You will thank them for taking the time to sit and speak with you, and then you leave. Afterward, consider sending the Hiring Manager a ‘Thank you’ email. In this email you are, again, thanking them for their time and the opportunity to hear more about the position and the company, and whether you would be honored to take on the position or if you don’t think it is a good fit for you. Honesty is key, not every job you interview for will be the best fit for you.

Follow these steps and you are bound to land that career in logistics. If you are interested in joining Priority1, check out our latest openings at www.priority1inc.com/careers.

By: Alexis Neuendorff, Business Developement

Less than truckload (LTL)—some may say it’s just a service in the transportation world, while some may have no clue what it even means. To us at Priority1, it means everything. It distinguishes where it all began.

With our strong partnerships of over 70 LTL carriers nationwide, we have been able to create our top of the line LTL Division, including the Enterprise Program that focuses on Customer Specific Pricing (CSP). This program gives us the ability to offer the most competitive pricing to our customers in the logistics industry. “Work the work.” – Maria Damaskina. That is what she does. As Priority1’s Strategic Pricing Manager, she and her team work exceptionally hard to get that pricing.

As Priority1 has grown. We have been able to tack on many special projects such as roll-outs and time-sensitive projects. We also offer instant access to shipment statuses and have integrated almost all our LTL carriers to provide live data interchange—showing when freight has been picked up, is in transit, and when it has been delivered.

“The very definition of a partnership is working together to achieve a goal. Our goal is to satisfy our customers and we are proud to have partners of like mind.” – Will Sison. As the bread and butter of Priority1, our LTL partners are truly important to what we do and what we stand for; we cannot stress that enough. Our partners make us go ‘round and without them, we would not be who we are today.

By: Alexis Neuendorff, Business Developement

Little Rock, AR—Priority1, an industry-leading third-party logistics company, founded in the heart of Little Rock, has recently rolled out a game plan to add over 200 jobs across the United States, 100 alone in its founding city in 2020. Positions will include accounting & finance, customer service & support rolls, operations opportunities, as well as a large amount of sales positions. Priority1 will also be leasing a third location in downtown Little Rock to support the exponential growth of their corporate teams. Some of the great things Priority1 offers its employees are 100% paid family medical benefits, a substantial profit-sharing plan, as well as opportunities for upward mobility.

“Priority1 is fortunate to be in the midst of a strong growth cycle. We have had exceptional success tapping into the Little Rock talent pool and we plan to continue to do so. We offer first in class benefits that include paid family health care and a very generous profit-sharing program. The human capital in the Little Rock area continues to be a huge advantage for our organization and it is a key contributor to our 25 years of growth. Little Rock has been good to us and it is nice to be able to continue to aggressively hire in the Little Rock market. Priority1 has far exceeded its commitments made last year to the AEDC, Chamber, and Mayor Scott.  To expound on that, we plan to add close to 100 employees in Little Rock and we will close to double our workforce nationwide in 2020.” — Dan Berardi, Chief Executive Officer of Priority1.

Priority1 was founded in 1995, and has morphed into a technology-enabled third-party logistics company deploying cutting edge automation.  Partnered with thousands of national and regional carriers, they offer full multi-modal transportation services, making Priority1 a true one-stop-shop for all your logistics needs. With their continuous technological advancements and core values, their mission is to become an innovator and continue to be a leader in the technology and logistics space. They are dedicated to establishing lifelong partnerships with customers, vendors, freight agents, and employees through their people, technology, expertise, and most importantly, their values. Their success is measured by how well they simplify your logistics needs.

By: Alexis Neuendorff, Business Developement