Flock Files – Meet Fred Virga – VP of Business Development

Name: Fred Virga, VP, Business Development

Education: St. Bonaventure University Olean, NY

Industry Experience: 16 years in dedicated transportation, specializing in design, modeling and sales

Number of Years with Cardinal Logistics Management: Four years

From the Nest to Transportation and Logistics

In 1991, I graduated with a degree in accounting and moved to Arizona to begin work towards becoming a CPA.  After a year working as a staff accountant for a rental car company, I decided that working behind a desk in a suit and tie was not for me. An opportunity came up with a recycling company in Phoenix which encompassed managing a private fleet of 18 drivers running specialty equipment. I accepted the opportunity and hit the ground running.

For 11 years, I was employed by Scully Distribution Services in Fontana, CA. It was there where I worked my way up from operations management to design and strategic planning.

I joined the Cardinal team nearly 4 years ago moving from operations to sales.  My customers will tell you that my success (and theirs) comes from living and breathing operations for nearly 20 years.

Fred’s Solutions > Any Logistical Problem

I am constantly working towards solving some of the toughest logistical nightmares. Over the course of my career, I have seen my fair share. Recently, I had a customer in the moving and storage business that delivers empty containers to households and then picks them up when the containers are full.  This customer was talked into specialty equipment with a leasing company that was extremely expensive, not fully effective, and locked in for 5 years regardless of utilization.

Cardinal helped this customer identify the right equipment for the job that was less costly, but could handle 30% more containers per load.  The change resulted in a customer friendly contract for equipment, less tractors and drivers needed with more capacity per load, and a reduced delivery cost. Cardinal also added technology at the stop level to provide our customer visibility of every route and container moving each day.

Did you know…

• During the summers, while in college, I worked as an automotive mechanic.  I had no idea that my knowledge of automotives would help me down the road in my career.  Knowing the workings of engines and mechanical systems helps when discussing equipment sourcing.

• I love to put my customers in contact with one another to see if there are synergies to reduce cost.  My customers appreciate me bringing them together, and this type of modeling is usually hard to beat.

Industry Challenges

Potential challenges for this industry include the rising equipment cost, upcoming driver shortage and uncertainty of fuel costs. Here are a few things that Cardinal and I are doing to combat these issues:

Running current equipment for a longer term is a solid strategy, but making sure it is maintained from day one is key.  Running equipment longer may save money, but not if the equipment is constantly in for repairs.

Combating the driver shortage is a function of being able to retain and recruit the best drivers for the job.  A best in class pay package is important, but designing the right model to delivery your customer’s products is just as important to the customer as it is to the drivers who run the routes.  Underutilized drivers and poorly designed modeling will not retain your superstars.  If you are paying hourly, it is time to rethink your strategy.  Cardinal continues to prove shifting from hourly to performance based, incentivized pay is both healthy for the drivers and customers (to the tune of 15% increase in productivity).

Although we cannot control the price of fuel, we can set up controls to make sure fuel is not being wasted.  Re-working routes from time-to-time may pinch a few miles here and there.  However, more times than not, when visiting a potential client, I see a truck idling in the client’s yard.  If the truck is idling in the yard, you can bet it is idling in the field.  Set up controls to cut the amount of idle time and measure the results by driver.  Drivers are very competitive so set up a simple competition around MPG.  For our sleeper tractors, Cardinal is investing in auxiliary power units to further cut down on idle time.

Straight From the Bird’s Mouth

“Deciding to outsource your fleet doesn’t mean you have lost your company’s identity…it means you have strengthened your company’s service network.” – Fred

Flock Files – Meet a Member of Our Flock

Name: Tim Voulopos                          

Title: SVP Business Development          

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee (Transportation & Logistics)

Industry Experience: 20+ years of supply chain operations, engineering and business development experience

Number of Years with Cardinal: Founding member of Cardinal – July 1997

Bird Tracks and a Few Facts

I grew up working at my family’s beer distributorship. Once I was big enough to put empty cases of beer on a hand-     truck and run them to the back of the warehouse, I was officially “hired.” I was about six years old. From then on, I worked there every week through high school and during college breaks operating forklifts, making deliveries (including home deliveries of beer) and running the business as needed.

While attending college, I worked the docks on 3rd shift at Yellow Freight. The LTL world is a tough place to work. Moving freight by hand from midnight – 8:00 am insured I had the proper motivation to pursue my college degree.

I’ve climbed Mount Sinai and highly recommend it.  It may have nothing to do with logistics, but it is an experience that sure made an impression on my soul.

Among other jobs, like the 3^rd shift at Yellow Freight, I worked my way through college as a photographer.

It isn’t in the Guinness World Records, but during a “Griswold-like” family vacation to the Lebanon Bologna Drop in Pennsylvania, I made the world’s sharpest u-turn in a 42’ RV. My wife and children were doubtful, but onlookers applauded. The experience gave me an appreciation for driving large trucks in difficult settings, and it’s always nice to feel appreciated.

Before Cardinal

While at the University of Tennessee, I majored in Transportation & Logistics. My professional career began at Ryder as a Logistics Analyst. Next, I moved on to business development where I realized my knack for assisting companies in finding more efficient ways to run their operations.

I continued and expanded my knowledge at JB Hunt DCS (also as a founding member in this role) both in business development as well as recruiting and managing other successful Business Development Executives.

For the past 14 years, I have worked at Cardinal Logistics Management. During my time here, I’ve developed new markets with large, national companies in multi-location operations. These developments have included introducing new business methods and ideas, assembling the best team from all disciplines and working with clients to successfully implement new practices.

If you are ready to evaluate your current private fleet, current provider or network in general, I have the skill set, experience and resources to help you implement the best solution for your unique needs.

Predictions for this Industry
I firmly believe drivers will be the key asset moving forward. Equipment is becoming more complex and expensive as regulations force higher costs, but the key will be recruiting and retaining high quality drivers who are customer-focused, safe and productive. All the stats point to lower driver supply in the future.  How many parents do you know that say to their kids, “Hey, why don’t you grow up and become a truck driver?”  Yet, the fact is driver jobs can be an excellent career choice in many instances with very good pay and full benefits.   But supply is expected to dwindle.

Solutions that Work
The Cardinal team is the expert when it comes to redesigning not just a better transportation solution (routing, scheduling, truck specs, location selection, technology), but a better driver pay package, too. Cardinal is a “pay for performance” company. We want our drivers to make a great living, but only when their productivity is excellent. We commonly drive 15-25% gains in driver productivity – hence less fixed and overall costs.

The Supply Chain Future
Faster, leaner, more responsive, higher visibility supply chains will rule. Fuel prices, driver shortages and equipment costs will change the logistics landscape. More smaller DCs closer to market will drive down transportation costs while truckload inbound continues to be pushed more and more to intermodal (less drivers, lower fuel costs).

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp
The Cardinal team is deeply experienced and hands on so it isn’t uncommon to hear a new customer say after a startup, “You said your guys were good, but your team blew me away.”

Talk to our customers – any of them, including former customers. Nothing I can write or say will convey how we are regarded in the market better than a conversation with our customers.

Bird Brains

Cardinal’s systems development team has really given us something to chirp about…

Cardinal is spreading its wings and flying into the future of supply chain technology solutions with its new Software as a Service offerings.

Bird’s Eye View
Cardinal Hosted Logistics^TM, a division of Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation, offers customized technology solutions as Software as a Service (SaaS). These integrated solutions were originally created to meet the varying needs of Cardinal’s customers’ operations, and because of the internal success, we now offer the same technology throughout the industry.

Cardinal Hosted Logistics provides companies the ability to choose the technology solutions that best fit their specific supply chain and logistics demands. Each solution is flexible and integrated to make deliveries easier and more efficient. Our user-friendly and flexible Dynamic Workflow^TM solution provides customized event triggers and instructions for each stop via a handheld device. It eliminates the guess work for drivers and provides thorough tracking.

Cardinal’s SaaS includes:

• Customer Portal and Route Monitor
• Handheld Solutions
• Standard Transportation Management Solutions
• Courier Management Solutions
• Order Management Solutions
• Warehouse Management System
• Integrated Voice Technologies
• Routing/Scheduling
• Data Management

Cardinal’s Driver Handheld Solution offers:

• Status Updates
• Electronic Signature Capture
• Dynamic Workflow™
• Exception Code Logging
• Scanning
• GPS
• Cell phone capabilities

And we have good reason to shake our tail feathers about it…
Within six months of launching Cardinal Hosted Logistics, we have received two awards: We were presented with the TMWSuite 2011® Technology Award and named to Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s Top 100 Great Supply Chain Projects.

We want to hear from you!
What solution(s) do you currently have in place?  Are they working? What feature(s) or function(s) do you look for when selecting the right software as a service product for your company?

You can reach Cardinal Hosted Logistics via email SaaSSales@Hostedlogistics.com or phone (704) 886-9000.

Flock Files – Meet Our Champion Angler

Did you know our SVP of Sales is also a Champion Angler?

Name: Skip Stritzinger, SVP of Sales and Marketing

Education: University of Rhode Island
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Industry Experience: 30+ years of Supply Chain experience in Sales and Operations

Number of Years with Cardinal Logistics Management: 6 years (Since 2005)

Hobbies: Fishing, Running, Red Sox, and transporting world-record breaking pumpkins

So you’re wondering what supply chain management and fishing have in common?

Skip Stritzinger, who happens to be proficient at both!  In 2003 and 2004, Skip was acknowledged as the America Striper Association’s “Angler of the Year.”

Skip had a passion for working on cars and all things mechanical from a young age. From lawnmowers to boats to fishing, he enjoyed the challenge of solving mechanical and logistical like problems.

His first job was working on an “offshore” lobster boat and he spent most of his summer days fishing the continental shelf. While in college, Skip purchased a 36’ lobster boat. He enjoyed the planning and analysis that is involved with commercial fishing, not to mention time spent on the open ocean.

Combined with his passion for mechanics, Skip suspects the love of a good challenge is part of what drew him to the world of transportation and logistics. “It is very satisfying to be a part of bringing unique and creative solutions to our customers. Our Operations, IT, and supporting cast are passionate about just that.  There is a tremendous mutual respect within the Cardinal organization.  Customers can feel that, and they trust us.”

Skip’s Net is Cast Wide

• His career began with Roadway Express, where he spent two years as an Inbound Freight Supervisor at a 40-door terminal.
• Next, he spent 20 years with Ryder Transportation and Logistics. As a Director of Business Development, Skip implemented numerous leasing and supply chain solutions for various clients. Also during his tenure with Ryder, he managed the Pepsi Food Services account which serviced Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell stores with a fleet of more than 350 tractors and 425 multi-temp trailers.
• After Ryder, he served for three years as Director of Transportation, Logistics and Network at CVS/Pharmacy, overseeing inbound transportation and distribution to more than 4,000 CVS stores from ten distribution centers

The Expert Opinion
Skip’s focus is on his customers’ need. He explains, “It is import to understand what the customer really wants and needs. At Cardinal, we take pride in being flexible and being able to provide customized solutions that best fit each customer’s individual needs.”

Skip’s Final Thought: Why Choose Cardinal Logistics?
“WE REALLY CARE! Cardinal has some of the best people, with the most experience, and innovative technology solutions that the industry has to offer. It is that personal touch that really differentiates us from all the rest.”

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

September 11 – 17, 2011

HONK! HONK! – This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Have you thanked your local drivers?

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 11 – 17 and Cardinal Logistics would like to sincerely thank our dedicated drivers for a job well done.

Birdseeds for thought…

• There are over 3.2 million professional truck drivers nationwide – delivering the goods U.S. consumers need every day of the year.
•  Professional truck drivers are more essential to the national economy than ever before, and Cardinal’s drivers are delivering their loads safely and professionally.

Proud of our Flock!

Our 1,680 Cardinal drivers have logged more than 90 million miles in the past year and rank in the top safest drivers as rated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new CSA program.  During this week, please take time to honor all Cardinal professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. Cardinal drivers, as well as other truck drivers, provide a critical service with the safe and efficient delivery of goods across our country.  They deserve our recognition and thanks for a job well done.

If you venture away from your nest this week…

Motor carriers, state trucking associations, manufacturers, along with shippers, customers, highway patrol and local communities are among those who have organized events to honor the men and women who deliver America.  Celebrations range from safe driving awards and cookouts at company facilities to windshield cleaning at travel plazas.  Many events include the families who support their loved ones out on the road.

Governors and local leaders are issuing proclamations in honor of the professional truck driver, and industry executives are hitting the airwaves to let America know there is a safe professional behind the wheel who deserves a “pat on the back.”

Join us in celebrating the men and women across the country who work hard every day to deliver life’s essentials.

Cardinal Drivers, We Appreciate You!

Resources:
http://www.trucksbringit.com/trucksbringit.com/docs/LEfacts4x8PalmCard.pdf
http://www.truckline.com/Programs/ntdaw/Pages/default.aspx

A Cardinal Feather in Our Cap

It’s been a HOT summer at Cardinal, and we certainly have a lot to chirp about!

During the past four months, we have earned recognition from leading industry publications. Cardinal continues to earn the same accolades year after year and build the list based on new verticals and forward-thinking efforts. Here’s a fly-over view of those accolades:

• Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine – Fleet Innovator – Vin McLoughlin
• ICIS Top 50 Chemical 3PLs
• 2011 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100 (for Cardinal Hosted Logistics^TM)
• Top 75 Green Supply Chain Partners by Inbound Logistics
• 2011 Great Supply Chain Partner by SupplyChainBrain
• Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics
• Top 100 3PL Provider by Food Logistics

And year after year, we are the proud recipient of awards from our great customers. In fact, of our customers who give awards for logistics, we have earned them all.

Customer recognitions we’ve received in the past year include:

• Dedicated Provider of the Year – CHEP
• Delivery Carrier of the Year – The Home Depot
• Dedicated Carrier of the Year – PetSmart
• Delivery Carrier of the Year – Lowe’s

Our customer base crosses a wide range of industries, from retail, manufacturing and building products to food services and bulk transport. As Cardinal Chairman Vin McLoughlin says, “Everyone at Cardinal, from field-level operators to back-office corporate support, understands the number one goal for our company is to make our customers’ operations successful. We consider ourselves as an extension of our customers’ businesses which is why we strive to be the very best.”

A little birdie told us how great it is to go green!

For the past few years, “green” has been a buzzword in nearly every industry, and the logistics and supply chain management industry is no exception. In fact, Inbound Logistics, a leading trade magazine in our industry, takes time to recognize companies that are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and green logistics initiatives.

And Cardinal is among the Top 75 Green Supply Chain Partners!

At Cardinal, our commitment to sustainability is a big deal. We’re constantly looking for new ways to make even the smallest changes to reduce emissions and other waste.

Whether it’s improving energy efficiency, making fleet modifications or testing renewable fuels, we are serious about making a lasting positive impact on tomorrow’s supply chain – all while saving money for our customers.

As you can imagine, with operations all across the country, it’s important to have internal support for our initiatives. That’s why we train our employees to use proper driving habits and use our technologies to monitor for efficient performance. This technology helps us keep track of how drivers and vehicles are performing, and lower fleet emissions and fuel usage by reducing miles.

At Cardinal, going green isn’t a fad; it’s a way of life. Now if you don’t mind, we’ll stretch our wings and seek new ways to reaffirm our commitment to our planet!