As with anything, there are several stereotypes toward brokers. The reality is, most aren’t true. The problem is, most people simply do not understand everything a broker does on a daily basis. It doesn’t start and end with covering a load. There is much more to it than that.
In today’s Table Talk, you’ll hear the truth about brokers.
In today’s world, jobseekers have their choice of jobs. It’s no secret there are MILLIONS- over 11 million to be more precise- of job open, so the options are endless. Yes, you read that correctly- millions of openings across the United States alone.
The logistics industry is no different. There are thousands of jobs to choose from and your choice of companies as well. In fact, there are five million more job openings than unemployed people in the U.S. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So how do you decide?
We can’t answer that entirely because it’s different for everyone. All we can do is tell you why you should come join the PGT team.
So why should you pick PGT over the millions of other options? The top 4 reasons are below, but really, we could talk about it for days.
The pay. People often save the best for last, but let’s be real- this is what most people care about first. We pay above the industry average. We are always hiring sales brokers. Why? Because we are always growing to better serve our customers. Our brokers make base + 40% uncapped commission! No, that’s not a typo. FORTY PERCENT UNCAPPED COMMISSION! Why? Because we want you to join our team and stick around for the long-term. What better way to do that to pay you what you deserve?
What about everyone else? Our logistics coordinators make a very competitive base salary plus uncapped commission on their broker’s book of business. Our back-office associates make at the high end of the industry standard! We believe in our people and are willing to pay what they are worth!
The atmosphere. Relaxed. Casual. Fun. Sound good yet? PGT is all those things and then some. We want everyone to enjoy coming to work. Sure, there are always going to be bad days, but we believe there are more good days than bad here. There are TVs going, music in the background, and often jokes and stories flying back and forth. We enjoy simple things like casual attire, walks around the building, flexibility, and team events outside of the office.
The benefits. Our list of benefits continues to grow as we grow. We currently offer a 401k with a 401k match! We want you to be with us until you retire, so let us help get you there. We pay a cell phone stipend and paid time off at time of hire. In addition, we can get you set up with medical, dental and vision insurance. Not bad for a company less than two years old, right?
Growth potential. New company = endless opportunities. We have a solid staff that has laid the groundwork for success, now we just need you to help build the foundation of our future. As we grow, so do the opportunities. The potential to move up into various other roles is endless. You can do as much as you want with us and go as far as you want to go. You control your destiny when you work at PGT. How far do you want to go?
Come join our team! Apply on Indeed or just give us a call at 513-453-6046 to set up an interview.
Sam grew up down the road from where he attended high school and college at the University of Dayton. While in college, Sam started working for Kroger where he did almost every job possible at the store level. After 10 years at Kroger, Sam left to work for a small grocery chain in Northern Ohio. He helped them devise and roll out their new online shopping platform. Sam has also dabbled in web design from time to time, briefly having a website devoted to all things “The Bachelor.” After over a decade in retail, Sam decided it was time for a change and accepted a position with PGT.
Sam lives in Cincinnati with his loving wife, their two-year-old daughter, and two “misbehaved” rescues. When Sam isn’t working, he enjoys time with his family, traveling, and punishing himself by cheering on his beloved Chicago sports teams.
Sam has participated in sports his entire life, both as a player and as a coach. He’s seen every extreme of success with those teams- from nearly none all the way up to a “dynasty” track program. His experience with athletics has provided a lot of life lessons. “Individual effort and recognition only get you so far,” Sam learned, “but teamwork will lead you to greatness.”
One of the best parts of working at PGT goes back to that life lesson. “We are a team every single day. When one person needs help, multiple people jump in to solve the problem,” Sam said.
He enjoys coming to work every day because it feels like he’s going into an office with his buddies. “Since day one, I was treated like everyone knew me for years,” he explained.
For Sam, his main goal is very cut and dry. “I want to wake and do the best I can to make an honest living for my family because they deserve best!”
Did you know PGT is a proud supporter of the communities in the tri-state? We have associates from Ohio, Indiana & Kentucky, so helping out where we can is a priority for us!
Most recently, PGT sponsored a hole at the Annual Benefit Golf Outing for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With our donation, and the donations of thousands of others, we are helping to fund life-saving research and services that provide hope, help, and healing to patients and their families.
Our entire team is proud of where we are from and want to do anything we can to support our communities. No matter how small, anything can help. We will continue to do our part, will you? It’s a no-brainer for all of us at PGT. We don’t think twice about it.
“Community support is important because without it, so many communities will collapse. If we are able to, why wouldn’t we?”
– Tony Uhrina, president-
To learn more about this great organization, you can visit their website.
Did you know PGT can help in many areas of your business? It doesn’t have to stop with moving your freight. We have an incredible team with decades of experience in other areas of the supply chain.
Dispatchers. Routers. Data Analyzers. Cost savers.
It’s no secret that some of the largest expenses any company faces are shipping and logistics. It only makes sense to take a step back and see if there are any ways to improve.
One of those low hanging opportunities is generally in the routing of product.
In our experience, even those most disciplined, experienced, and largest companies can improve their routing. By doing so, costs can be reduced drastically.
PGT has multiple members of our team that can help with this, one of them being our Director of Administration, Cassie Laker. She started in the industry almost 15 years ago at a company that was very established as the leader in their market. As she was promoted through her time there, data analysis became her primary role.
“I was tasked with bringing our raw materials in house on our own equipment. Through that process, it became very clear that we could save a lot of money if we routed our trucks differently,” Cassie explained.
The results didn’t come overnight, but through the years, she managed to save the company MILLIONS of dollars. Yes, millions.
Everyone likes to save money, right? Even if you think everything is as good as it can get, let us look at it. You’d be surprised what a new set of eyes can find. What’s the worst-case scenario? We ask a few questions that trigger some ideas that you look into yourself? Sounds like the conversation would be worth it if you ask us!
In May, you’ll be introduced to several of our associates that joined our team at PGT without any (or minimal) industry experience. They are all achieving a great deal of success and doing it quickly.
How? Is the job THAT easy?
Well…yes and no.
The job itself isn’t difficult, however, there can be difficult days, if that makes any sense. The challenges arise with breakdowns, carrier fall-outs, and unexpected issues that arise with moving freight. The good news is, they are all manageable. For someone new to the industry, however, it takes some time to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
One of the perks of joining our team now is that we aren’t a huge company with formal training that everyone goes through. We adapt it to the individual.
Do you have years of experience in the industry?
GREAT!
We will take some time to provide you with hands on training to learn our software and then set you free to start making as much money as you want. For someone coming in with years of experience in the industry, the transition at PGT is very smooth. Our TMS software is customized based on our needs and requirements. The bonus? It’s VERY user-friendly.
We have no doubt that joining our team will have you earning commission in no time!
Do you have a few years of experience, but have been out of the industry for awhile?
AWESOME!
We will give you the opportunity to sit with brokers and logistics coordinators to listen to their daily conversations with customers and carriers. Once it all comes back to you, we will give you the opportunity to switch roles- you will have the conversations and one of our leaders will listen! This will give you the chance to get some feedback and learn the systems in place.
It will only be a matter of time before the money starts hitting your pockets!
What if you’re complete new to the industry?
NO PROBLEM!
You’re not alone. We have established a process that seems to be working. The good news is that the process continues to grow and expand as we learn what works best for everyone. Everyone learns differently, so we adapt to the individual. You’ll get to listen, do it yourself, and will have the opportunity to learn from the president of the company. He takes time to break it down in a classroom setting.
The best part about it? You’re in control from day one. On average, it takes less than three months start seeing those bigger paychecks! Totally worth it!
No matter where you fall, we will make it work! It’s all one on one (or two 
) training! You’re free to ask questions anytime. Everyone is given the time to learn at his/her own pace because the ultimate goal is for you to be successful!
Come join us! At least give us a call and talk through any doubts you may have- no commitment required!
In today’s Table Talk with PGT episode, Kandra, Taylor & Jake explain why shippers/manufacturers should partner with PGT. They touch on several important pieces to the industry. Check it out in the video below.
The trucking industry powers our country. Without it, shelves would be empty and we wouldn’t have access to nearly anything we need or use on a regular basis.
It is clear truck drivers are important. Aside from the driver shortage already plaguing the industry, another major concern is the high turnover rate. At around a 90% turnover rate for large fleets, it is one of the highest rates in the country.
Generally speaking, people often associate turnover with leaving the industry. When it comes to truck driving, however, that’s not the case. In a majority of cases, turnover in the trucking industry means switching companies. The kicker to all of that- in 2021, carriers lost about one new driver for every twenty they hired IN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS.
Turnover happens in every industry for various reasons. Truck drivers are in such demand that companies are incentivizing drivers to come work for them with huge sign-on bonuses and more competitive pay. In 2016, about fifty percent of companies were offering sign on bonuses that averaged around $2,000. It peaked in 2018 at 61% with a bonus of about $3400. Last year, wasn’t too far off from that peak- 60% of companies offered sign on bonuses that averaged almost $3300. Companies like Wal-Mart offered $8000 sign-on bonuses in 2021.
What does high turnover in the trucking industry mean for all of us?
It’s pretty simple- higher prices. Companies are losing a lot of money to turnover. The recruiting, hiring, training, and bonuses associated with hiring new truck drivers doesn’t come cheap. It costs thousands of dollars that essentially get thrown out the door when the driver quits for a new sign-on bonus. Companies don’t take on this cost without passing it through the supply chain, ultimately ending up to the consumer with higher priced goods. I think we are all feeling the higher prices at this point.
**All stats and graphics from Trucking Info.
He’s a team player beyond measure, and his background may have something to do with that. He did such a great job introducing himself, we thought we’d share it with you!
My name is Taylor Allen. I was born and raised in Worcester, MA. I attended Endicott College where I played football and earned my degree in Sport Management. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012 as a tight end and long snapper. I now live in Cincinnati with my wife and 3 children. Before working in transportation, I worked in education and was a head football coach in Massachusetts. I have been in the transportation industry for 2 years.
Growing up in a sports family, the lessons learned through the process of winning and losing is what drives me day to day. My father was a head coach for the Boston University and Holy Cross football programs throughout my childhood. Watching him lead by example and living by the “Golden Rule” is how I lead my life as well.
The Golden Rule? “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Working at PGT has been very rewarding for me. I feel that my efforts are always appreciated and valued. I leave every day feeling accomplished. Every day is gameday in the office and our team wants to win! If you like a fast-paced environment, being on a supportive team, and learning to accomplish your daily goals, then PGT is the place to be. The leadership in the office is fantastic and I look forward to growing with PGT throughout the many successful years ahead!
Happy Earth Day! Shouldn’t it be every day? We think so! But did you know that the first Earth Day wasn’t celebrated until 1970 and didn’t go global until 1990? That’s crazy if you ask us.
If we’re being honest, sometimes it feels like having an impact is impossible. It seems like such a huge task to help save the planet. Well, it is. But it starts small. All of us can do little things to help make the world a better, safer place to live.
At PGT we recognize that we don’t have the reach necessary to make a huge impact, but that doesn’t stop us from doing everything we can to help.
So that’s where we start…small.
We talked about a piece of the puzzle that is directed toward the transportation industry in last week’s blog. PGT has gone through the process of becoming a SafeWay Transport Partner to work with carriers who value protecting the environment. We make those carriers a priority because their values match ours.
Is it much? No, not really. We could probably do more- and we will! It’s important to all of us at PGT to take care of the world we live in! Happy Earth Day!
On a daily basis we do small things to help our environment- a lot of which people don’t even realize.
Paperless: for the most part, our company is entirely paperless. Our files are stored electronically, we opt for ACH payments whenever possible, and we utilize our software systems to build our databases.
Recycling: when we can’t be paperless, we recycle it. We make weekly trips to the recycling center to dispose of carboard, paper, cans, bottles, etc. We believe it is important to reuse as much as possible!
Energy-Efficient: we have installed energy-efficient lighting throughout the building to help keep energy usage as low as possible. We also keep our furnace and air conditioner units serviced and maintained to ensure they are running efficiently.
