March LIL

Ladies in Logistics- March Edition

It’s only fitting for our March LIL to be our latest team member- Victoria! She has been with PGT for several months now and she is definitely thriving!

Victoria decided to follow in her brothers’ footsteps and try out in the industry to see if it was something she’d enjoy. She got into the industry when she was just 18 years old, right out of high school. Her first experience in the industry was working night dispatch. She admittedly had no idea what she was doing.

Now, years later, Victoria’s favorite part of the industry is the fast paced environment and that it requires quick, on the spot, thinking and problem solving. “It’s true that the industry can be stressful at times, but I really enjoy it,” Victoria explained. “PGT has a lot to do with that.”

She further explained that she’s worked with both the “big dogs” and the “little ones” and each place had their own pros and cons. What sticks out to her the most about PGT is the way everyone is willing to step in and help in every aspect. Whether you need help with scheduling, questions, contacts, communication, etc, someone is always willing to lend a hand. “Everyone really wants to see the person sitting next to them succeed,” she said.

Her advice to anyone considering getting into the industry is: “Be ready! It is not easy in the beginning. There’s a lot of information to absorb and you can quickly become lost if you don’t keep yourself organized and just stick with it.” She added that it’s important to lean on your leaders and mentors for help so you can succeed in the industry. 

Victoria is leading the way for future sales administrators and we look forward to her continued growth and success! We are happy to have you, Victoria! Keep doing your thing!

October LIL

A Newbie's Perspective

Sometimes it’s great to hear from someone with years of experience in the industry because they have been around. Other times, it’s better to hear from someone brand new…and that’s what we bring to you today!

Our October LIL is Jenny Wagoner who just started with us about a month ago! So let’s dive right in.

Jenny is not only brand new to PGT, but she is also brand new to the logistics world. Before taking a leap of faith on us, she worked in the medical field for the last eight years. After all those years, she felt it was time for a change and she liked what she saw at PGT. It seemed like the perfect fit even though she truly had no idea what to expect. All she knew was that it was something completely different than what she was used to.

When Kandra asked Jenny if she thought women and men are treated differently in the industry she replied, “it’s hard to say exactly as I don’t know how men are treated, but it is very clear that some people I talk to don’t take me seriously. I have to push a little harder than the guys in the office just to get the info I need and to reach the correct person.”

Jenny’s best advice to any women thinking about joining the industry is “just join us!” She feels very confident when she says, “there’s no reason this should be a male dominated industry. It’s a great way to step out of your shell as a woman and build your confidence.”

For the men out there, she asked for some compassion. “Be gentle with us. It doesn’t always come as natural to women because it has been dominated by men for so long.”

Her favorite part about being in logistics and at PGT is that it is a laid back atmosphere. “You decide how your day goes. The harder you work, the bigger the payout.”

She is very excited to keep climbing and we couldn’t be happier to be part of her success!

Kandra enjoying getting to know Jenny as they work through this interview!

September LIL

The Author Herself

By: Kandra Dauwe

Who better to talk about being a lady in logistics than the author of this segment- Kandra Dauwe. She wrote down her thoughts on being in a male-dominated industry and the progress through the years. Here’s what she had to say.

I wanted to share a little about myself. I have been in the logistics industry for a little over twenty years. I have been in various areas of the industry- recruiting, administrative, logistics coordinator, etc. To be completely honest, I got into the industry because of the earning potential. I saw the dollar signs and couldn’t resist. If you put in the time and effort necessary, the money is bound to come back to you- I am proof of that!

As I sit and reflect on what I expected when I first got into this line of work, I think it’s safe to say that it is what I expected. I have had several family members own companies in this field for many years, so it gave me some insight into the industry ahead of time. 

My aunt was the first woman I knew in the industry. She owned her own trucking company. Watching her work so hard and grow her business was an inspiration to me. 

Throughout the years, I have witnessed firsthand how differently women can be treated in this industry. In fact, I have been treated differently just because of my gender throughout the years. There is a perception that men can handle this industry better than women and often that felt like the reason I was treated differently. The good news? I am seeing a shift in that mentality now more than ever. 

There are more women getting into the industry, but on top of that, more and more women are confident enough to own the role they are in and are able to take charge. My advice to both  women and men would be to stay strong and true to yourself. It is important to know your worth and refuse to settle for anything less than that. Be supportive and treat ladies as equals because at the end of the day, we all have the same end goal!

When I first started at PGT, almost half the office was women. I feel like an equal part of the team here. I feel like I’m part of the family that comes in those doors every day to be successful. I have such a great support system here and it just continues to grow.

Let’s be honest though…the women rule this office, no matter what those guys say!

LIL from a Male Perspective

Perspective Matters

We have been sharing a monthly segment called Ladies in Logistics for a few months now. Instead of interviewing one of the other women in the office, Kandra took a different route this month. She interview Jake Garn, one of our top brokers. She asked him questions about how he views LIL, especially at PGT.

Jake has been in the logistics industry for almost four years. He has worked with his fair share of women in that time who have all been very successful. He shared some advice for ladies looking to break into the industry: “Just dive in and be prepared for a fast paced working environment.” He back-tracked after that and acknowledged that he’d actually tell anyone that, regardless of who it is. 

When Kandra asked Jake if he sees a difference in how women are treated in the industry compared to men, he was very quick to answer “No, I believe our office goes out of the way to make sure everyone is treated equally. Our management makes it a priority to make sure everyone is given the same platform to be successful!”

He did admit that it wasn’t always that way everywhere he’s been. “It’s unfortunate, but some places and people don’t treat everyone the same and kind of look down on women in the industry,” Jake shared. “I’m proud to say it isn’t that way at PGT in any capacity. The reality is, the women at PGT actually rule our office when it comes down to it!”

LIL: June Lady of the Month

June LIL

By: Kandra Dauwe

Each month, we are recognizing the women in the office. I (Kandra) am interviewing these awesome ladies to show that women can work in logistics even with the stereotype that it is a man’s world. So, let’s get started with our first “Lady in Logistics.” She’s the first LIL you think of at Premier Global Transportation. This month, I sat down with our Director of Administration, Cassie Laker.

"A strong woman looks at a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink."

As we said in our previous blog, we are so excited that ladies make up 20 percent of our office, not to mention we are bringing on more as we go. I asked Cassie questions about the industry, her feelings about it, and her experiences.

One of the biggest hurdles Cassie sees that causes lower number of women in the logistics industry is that most people get hung up on the idea that logistics is only doing the dirty work- loading and unloading trailers, transportation, being on the dock, etc. However, there is so much more to logistics and many different opportunities available. 

Cassie has been with PGT since the early days, for over a year and half. When asked what advice she had for women considering a career path in logistics, her response was pretty simple. “Just look at all of your options,” Cassie explained. “See if any of those opportunities fit into your goals and if they do, take the leap of faith. Really, that applies to anyone, but I think women are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to the unknown.”

As someone who has been in various roles in logistics for almost 14 years, she encourages employers in the industry to make hiring women a priority. “You’d be surprised at the different dynamic women can bring to this industry,” she stated. “Just reach out to them, educate them, and make your presence known in their world.”

Many women feel like they are treated differently in the logistics world, but luckily Cassie has never felt that. “I have always worked for great companies with bosses who value everyone equally.”

That is definitely the norm here at PGT. Cassie’s final comment was, again, pretty simple: “I never thought I’d be in this industry. It wasn’t even something I considered. I was given the opportunity and it has stuck. PGT offers me the ability to do the things I love with the people I love, so I think it will be for the long haul (no pun intended)!”

Cassie with her niece at the Duke vs Louisville game this past season as one example of doing the things she loves with the people she loves most! (GO DUKE!)

As the Director of Administration, Cassie wears many hats. She handles accounting, human resources, onboarding, IT, payroll, marketing, reporting, and anything else that comes up throughout the day. She’s our go-to person in the office and is a key piece in our team’s success.

Flag Day 2022

Show your American pride!

We are proud to be Americans in our office. We understand the sacrifices our soldiers make every day to ensure we are the greatest country in the world.

On this day 245 years ago, the Second Continental Congress changed the appearance of the United States flag because the original was too similar to the British flag. George Washington decided that wasn’t a good confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he wanted a new symbol of freedom.

The new “flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag Day!

So, what do we do to show our American pride at PGT? Line flags all up our walkway to our main entrance for everyone to see.

Happy Flag Day, Americans!

Hurricane Season

It's Coming...

Did you know May is the least active month of the year? That only seems fitting as it leads right into hurricane season which runs from June through November, with September being the most active month.

What’s in store for 2022? Well, it doesn’t look promising.

While there are no active tropical storms at the time this blog is being written, that doesn’t seem to be the prediction for the rest of the season.

According to NPR, scientists are predicting at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes this season. Of the nine hurricanes, four are expected to be category 3 or higher.

Sounds like an intense season is upon us. Those numbers are all above average.

What does that mean for us?

The logistics industry will feel the impacts. Shippers and receivers in coastal areas will have the obvious impacts, but that doesn’t mean others won’t. Drivers will avoid going to certain areas, which will limit capacity. After a storm makes landfall, freight will increase to the impacted areas for recovery efforts, which will drive up rates to those areas. Often, in any natural disaster, fuel availability becomes a very hot topic.

The easy answer is to hope and pray their predictions are wrong. The more realistic answer is to prepare and stay current on the storms throughout the season.

One thing we can guarantee? Our team at PGT will stay on top of all storms and situations. We will provide you with any updates and help guide you through any challenges that arise because of it.

Give us a call at 513-575-7645 and we will prove it to you!

Roadcheck

Safety Blitz 2022

No time like the present to prepare. In fact, time is running out to prepare for the national truck safety blitz. How will it impact you? When will you start to feel the impact? How long will it last? Why does it impact you at all? We will answer those questions and more.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Administration (CVSA) conducts safety blitzes across North America around this time every year. They work closely with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)- an organization we are all too familiar with.

What’s the point? At their core, roadchecks are conducted to promote safety of all drivers, pedestrians and shipments on the highways. The CVSA partners with local highway patrol and inspectors at various inspection/weigh stations as well as temporary inspection checkpoints.

What are they checking for? There’s a primary focus every year, but it ranges from mechanical issues commonly found on commercial vehicles to driver credentials, health, and HOS compliance. This year, the focus is on wheel-end components. By narrowing the focus to one or two items, they are able to operate at maximum efficiency. To put that into perspective: the CVSA and their partners have been able to inspect about 15 trucks EVERY MINUTE.  

When is it? This year, it will begin Tuesday, May 17 and run through the evening of Thursday, May 19.

What will we start feeling the impact? Traditionally, the greatest impact is felt that entire week, but it often starts as early as the week before. For planning purposes, prepare yourself for impact to start as early as May 11 and continue through May 22.

“Truck capacity will tighten. Rates will escalate for a short period of time but will certainly bounce back. It would be a good idea to get ahead of freight the week before and game plan with your logistics providers.” – Taylor Allen, Logistics Coordinator

Why does it impact you? Truck drivers hate blitz week. It isn’t uncommon for carriers to sit out that week. Regardless, capacity becomes extremely tight and rates tend to skyrocket. If drivers are going to run during a safety blitz, they are going to demand more money to do so. If not, it’s not worth their hassle most of the time.

Broker Misconceptions

What's True?

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.

Jobseeker Market

Options, options & more options

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.

WE HAVE TWENTY SALES OPENINGS & SEVERAL OTHER ROLES WITH OPENINGS ALSO!

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.