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Truck Ownership Opportunities & Industry Insights Will Highlight Event Hosted By Expediter Services
Featuring some of the trucking industry's most respected leaders and innovators coming together to share perspectives on key topics of interest for drivers, independent contractors and owner-operators as well as decision makers with fleets.
Expediter Services, a leader in offering capacity solutions and ownership opportunities within the trucking industry, today announced the featured speakers and general program for the company's upcoming ES Group Gathering, which will take place April 27-28. This year, the annual ES Group Gathering will be expanding the program's focus beyond the expedited trucking sector to also present capacity solutions and truck ownership opportunities tailored for the general trucking market.
The 2018 Spring edition of the ES Group Gathering (EGG) will take place at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, just south of Memphis and located off I-55. The Spring EGG features some of the trucking industry's most respected leaders and innovators coming together to share perspectives on key topics of interest for drivers, independent contractors and owner-operators as well as decision makers with fleets of all sizes, looking to increase their owner-operator capacity.
The expansion of topics and the overall program during the 2018 Spring EGG reflects a growing presence within the general trucking sector by the entire ES Network Team. Through the website SuccessInTrucking.com, ES has developed a highly effective platform for offering well-designed entrepreneurial opportunities in general trucking that are proven and market-tested. SuccessInTrucking.com highlights the various options and programs that ES has established, offering accessible market-rate financing and comprehensive business support to prospective owner-operators and fleet owners.
The deep scope of the truck ownership program developed by ES offers independent contractors and fleet drivers highly effective and cost-saving true ownership options with opportunities to achieve greater earning capacity. For fleets, the working model established by ES has opened a new approach to provide the kind of non-asset capacity growth that can assist in the efforts to meet customer demand in a tight freight environment. The carriers utilizing the capacity and other services provided by the ES Network feature some of the most recognizable names in the trucking industry, including Panther Premium Logistics (a service of ArcBest), Forward Air, FedEx Custom Critical and XPO Logistics.
The most recent example of the strength and expertise found within the ES approach to truck ownership can been seen in the success of the 150 Business Challenge. Launched as a collaborative initiative with the Women In Trucking Association, ES has developed an innovative program focused on assisting an effort to establish 150 new women-owned small businesses within the transportation sector during 2018. With this program to date, there have been 29 new trucking businesses launched through the 150 Business Challenge, featuring independent contractors utilizing the resources available through the ES Network. The 150 Business Challenge will be a featured topic during the 2018 Spring ES Group Gathering.
The 2018 ES Group Gathering will be highlighted by the following group of speakers:
Ellen Voie, President & CEO of the Women In Trucking Association.
Founding Women In Trucking in 2007, Voie has championed the effort to create greater opportunities for women within the trucking industry. Behind the wheel and across every job category in the industry, Women In Trucking has helped to promote the growth of women entering and advancing within the trucking industry. The organization has more than 4,000 members worldwide, and Voie began hosting a Women In Trucking Radio Show on SiriusXM's Road Dog Radio Channel in January.
Michael Miller, Managing Director of Stephens, Inc.
Serving as a Managing Director and head of Stephens' Transportation & Logistics Group, Miller is an expert analyst of the trucking industry with nearly 20 years of experience.
Leah Shaver, Chief Operating Officer for The National Transportation Institute.
Overseeing all business operations within NTI and serving on the Executive Committee, Shaver's career has been spent supporting long-term growth and expansion of the transportation industry while reinforcing its best resource - professional truck drivers.
Nick Burch, Director of Recruiting for Panther Premium Logistics, a Service of ArcBest.
With over 15 years of experience in driver recruiting, operations and sales within the transportation industry, Burch oversees the recruiting efforts and the growth of the owner-operator network for Panther in his current position with ArcBest.
Ryan Gilliam, Vice President of Recruiting for Forward Air.
With more than 12 years of experience in a variety of management roles across all aspects of trucking, Gilliam holds a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the industry.
The ES Group Gathering is one of the most unique events in the trucking industry. ES will be providing free lodging and meals for the attendees during the two days of the ES Group Gathering. There are a limited number of spots available for the 2018 Spring ES Group Gathering. Professional drivers who are interested in pursuing ownership opportunities backed by comprehensive business support are encouraged to contact the ES Team to learn more about attending the 2018 Spring EGG. During the event, ES will also be highlighting programs the company has specifically designed for owner-operators and fleet owners who are seeking capacity growth or equipment upgrades. Details on the event agenda and registration information can be accessed through the following link: https://expediterservices.com/upcoming-egg-2018/. The ES Team is also available by phone for all those who are interested in learning more about the 2018 Spring EGG. The ES Team will be available to take toll-free calls about the event during regular business hours at 877-349-9303.
Atlanta, GA, Feb 6, 2025 - Today Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics provider, announced the commercial launch of the Next Generation of Skypod®︎ system with higher performance, improved storage density, and advanced software features.
The Next Generation of Skypod comes with a number of design improvements including a new and more compact Skypod robot, a workstation for robot-to-robot picking, high-throughput Exchanger, and denser storage. These redesigns combined with new software features improve the throughput at a single workstation by 50% while also enhancing storage density up to 30% compared to the previous generation.
The key differentiator for the Next Generation of Skypod is the ability to handle both each and case picking, positioning Exotec to better address multichannel needs with a single solution. The system also natively supports a number of value-added logistics features that traditionally require external equipment and complex subsystems. This not only enables customers to simplify the flow of goods through the warehouse, but also significantly shrinks the system footprint by cutting down the need for conveyors, sorters, external storage, and packing stations.
Specifically, the Next Generation of Skypod supports:
Integrated Buffer: Next-Gen Skypod handles buffering within the system. Following order preparation at the Workstation, completed or semi-completed orders get automatically stored inside the racks until they are ready for outbound, or further consolidation. This helps reduce the need for staging areas or any other external buffer systems.
Perfect Sequencing: Next-Gen Skypod handles strict outbound sequencing prior to ejecting orders by using robots and the Exchanger. The robots group orders and deliver them in a specific arrangement to the Exchanger, which then routes the orders to outbound. This enables precise loading of pallets, containers, or trucks based on delivery routes, store planograms, or other unloading requirements, all without the need for external sorting equipment.
Pick-and-Pack: Next-Gen Skypod handles packing as an integrated part of the picking process. Operators pick directly into fulfillment containers, removing the need for manual packing operations downstream. This functionality pairs extremely well with right-size packaging solutions. These solutions can be integrated with Next-Gen Skypod to enable picking into right-size containers, significantly cutting last-mile costs.
“When designing the Next Generation Skypod, our goal was to create a solution that would set the industry standard of operational excellence and elegance for the next decade and beyond," said Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder of Exotec. “We’re already seeing our customers reimagine their entire supply chain around the transformative capabilities of this innovation, from combining case and each picking operations to leveraging outbound sequencing to improve transportation costs. Witnessing this level of impact has been incredibly rewarding.”
Exotec developed the Next Generation of Skypod in response to evolving market needs and feedback from the existing customer base, which increasingly demands warehouse robotics to address a wider range of processes within the warehouse walls. Over the past two years, Exotec has sold and deployed the Next Generation Skypod system globally in stealth mode. The company has successfully secured over 20 projects worldwide, totaling $400M to customers including Oxford Industries (Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, etc.), Grainger, and E.Leclerc to strengthen their supply chain operations.
“We chose Exotec for its storage density and its operational flexibility. Robotic advancements have enabled us to set up a larger buffer area for prepared orders within the system,” said Maxence Maurice, CEO E. Leclerc Seclin. “Previously, I estimated that the customer journey, from arriving at the drive to leaving with their groceries, took between 10 and 15 minutes. Today, with the Exotec solution, it takes less than 5 minutes.”
For more information on the Next Generation of Skypod system, please visit www.exotec.com.
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About Exotec Exotec is a global warehouse robotics company powering the world's largest brands. The company combines the best of hardware and software to offer elegant warehouse robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. 50+ industry-leading brands including Gap Inc., Carrefour, Decathlon, and UNIQLO trust Exotec to improve their operations across 100+ sites worldwide.
ATLANTA– February 5, 2025 – Vanderlande, the global partner for future-proof warehouse solutions, today invited ProMat 2025 attendees to visit booth #S1503 to learn more about the fully integrated technologies, best-of-breed solutions and comprehensive services available to warehousing operations regardless of where they are in their automation journeys. Vanderlande experts will also present two interactive conference seminars that will draw on real-world examples and lessons learned to show attendees how they can successfully deploy automation for the faster and more efficient warehousing needed to stay competitive and thrive.
Known for providing leading global brands with the most advanced distribution centers (DCs), Vanderlande offers the fully-integrated and comprehensive suite of solutions dynamic retailers, including omnichannel brands and e-commerce companies in the general merchandise, apparel and food sectors, need to excel. The company’s automation technologies encompass the systems, software, robotics and services needed to optimize throughput, order accuracy and storage capacity in the most demanding fulfillment and store replenishment operations.
With a consultative approach, Vanderlande meets organizations where they are, whether they are moving to build the most advanced greenfield facility or embracing automation for the first time. The company also works closely with numerous suppliers to identify, vet and deliver the most effective and proven solutions in order to deliver the flexibility customers need to confidently address widely varying materials handling demands, budgets and timelines.
“Every customer is unique and requires a tailored solution for automating their journey,” said Greg Conner, president of warehouse solutions, North America at Vanderlande. “Our fully-integrated suite of technologies, our collaboration with best-of-breed suppliers like Hai Robotics and our close connection with our partners in the Toyota Automated Logistics family reflects our commitment to provide end-to-end solutions that meet our customers where they are. Our goal is to help them achieve success whether they are a large-scale facility or a smaller warehouse that needs to address labor shortfalls, be more competitive or decrease workplace injuries.”
Experts from Vanderlande will be on hand at booth #S1503 to answer any questions on warehouse automation strategies and to showcase available technologies, among them:
STOREPICK: Vanderlande’s modular, robotic, end-to-end case picking solution upends retail store replenishment. Utilizing the company’s ADAPTO shuttle-based Automated Storage & Retrieval System, depalletizing and palletizing robots and Pallet AV load carriers and Automated Mobile Robots, STOREPICK automates the most labor-intensive tasks in the retail supply chain.
Load Forming Logic (LFL): A component of STOREPICK, LFL uses advanced software to replicate the most efficient and effective case pickers while overcoming the challenges encountered in food and grocery stocking operations. Employees or robots can use LFL’s powerful algorithms to quickly create the ideal pallet or roll cage based on which aisle SKUs are located in, the ideal order in which they are unstacked and shelved and how they can be arranged to maximize pallet stability or other imperatives, such as pallet density when striving to lower transportation costs.
FASTPICK: Drawing on ADAPTO’s exceptional speed, sequencing capabilities, and flexibility to work with a variety of cartons, trays and totes, Vanderlande’s high-performance item picking solution enables omnichannel and e-commerce distribution centers to effectively handle peaks in demand like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the constantly evolving holiday shopping season. Modular by design, STOREPICK also features Smart Item Robotics and enables employees to immediately excel in picking operations with the industry’s most advanced and intuitive Goods-to-Person workstation.
Hai Robotics’ Automated Case-Handling Mobile Robot (ACR): Offered in Vanderlande’s Tote AV tote-to-person picking and storage solution, Hai Robotics’ ACR is a highly effective alternative for materials handling operations that need to increase the effectiveness of their picking and storage operations, but do not have the resources or time to deploy Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) like Vanderlande’s ADAPTO. Utilizing traditional racking, the ACR can be deployed and begin delivering a proven return in just a few weeks.
“When considering any investment in warehouse automation it is imperative to ask the right questions and to work with providers to develop a detailed business case that looks at how various approaches, including investments in greenfield or brownfield sites, impact short-term and long-term goals and costs,” adds Conner. “At ProMat, we’ll explore the many ways automation can help address constantly evolving needs.”
Interactive, Educational Sessions
Experts from Vanderlande will also present two interactive sessions at ProMat that reflect the company’s extensive track record of success delivering solutions that help customers optimize and future-proof their operations. Details include:
Transforming Material Handling with Auto Case-Picking Robots – Theater B on Monday, March 17 from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. CST: Case-picking robots are a transformative innovation in materials handling and offer a wide range of benefits. Presented by Andrew Lockhart, director of strategic engagement, and Terrell Anthony, solutions consultant – this interactive session will explore how such systems enable continuous 24/7 productivity while lowering costs and eliminating many of the repetitive tasks that result in workplace injuries. The session will be particularly salient for professionals who want to understand the impact of robotics on their warehouses and how to integrate them into their operations.
Tailor Made Strategies for Automated Piece-Picking – Theater B on Wednesday, March 19 from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. CST: Piece-picking efficiency dramatically impacts throughput and order accuracy. In this interactive session, Jake Heldenberg, director of systems engineering, and Nabil Hasan, solutions consultant – will help attendees learn how to assess the needs of their warehouse operations and use proven data analysis techniques to create a successful automation strategy. Heldenberg and Hasan will also examine the different piece picking technologies available today and how to effectively integrate them into an end-to-end solution that’s tailored to address each business’s unique needs.
ProMat will bring supply chain professionals and solutions providers to Chicago from March 17-20, 2025. To schedule an appointment in Vanderlande booth #S1503, visit ProMat 2025 on Vanderlande.com or email info.us@vanderlande.com.
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About Vanderlande
Established in 1949, Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
Owned by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and a part of Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG), Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a revenue of $2.4 billion, it has established a worldwide reputation over the past seven decades as a global partner for future-proof logistic process automation. Learn more about Vanderlande here.
Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warp, a tech-powered network of cross-docks and carriers offering various vehicle sizes, announced that 2025 it will extend its solutions and services to the U.S. government. Warp aims to modernize government freight logistics with machine-learning-driven planning, optimized network strategies, and flexible solutions to create efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain transportation.
Focused on optimizing every load, every time, Warp employs machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and groundbreaking consolidation techniques to blur the traditional lines of freight shipping by combining the best elements of LTL, FTL, and parcel delivery. Using its homogenous fleet including cargo vans, sedans, box trucks, and 53-foot trailers, Warp facilitates carrier injections, inbound vendor consolidation, pool point distribution, zone-skipping, store replenishment, and national retail distribution for some of the world’s largest shippers.
Unlike traditional FTL carriers, Warp offers per-pallet rates, ensuring customers pay only for what they use. Similarly, unlike traditional LTL carriers, Warp eliminates challenges such as unpredictable pricing, freight class adjustments, reweighs, and rebills. In the process of becoming an official government contractor, Warp will strategically align its technology, teams, and network to meet government needs while identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Many shippers that Warp has helped were previously paying for full truckloads without fully utilizing the space. Additionally, shippers relying on LTL services before switching to Warp often faced hidden fees, surprise surcharges, and unexpected rate adjustments. Our research indicates that these challenges are even more widespread in U.S. government transportation contracts.
“Partnering with Warp will save the government millions of dollars through reduced empty miles, shipment consolidation, route optimization, and scalable logistics—all without requiring government-owned infrastructure,” said Warp Co-founder and CEO Daniel Sokolovsky. “This is something we’ve been working on for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to showcase Warp’s capabilities and innovative logistics solutions on a national scale,” said Warp Co-founder and CRO Troy Lester.
About Warp Warp is a technology-enabled leader in middle-mile logistics, focused on creating efficient, scalable solutions for high-density, high-demand supply chains. By connecting shippers, carriers, and warehouses through an integrated platform, Warp delivers innovative freight technology solutions that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With a suite of tech-driven offerings, including real-time tracking, cross-docking, and route optimization, Warp provides unmatched reliability, visibility, and transformative impact in logistics and supply chain management.
For more information on how Warp can enhance your logistics network, visitwww.weareWarp.com.
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Toyota Material Handling and Toyota Material Handling MidSouth partner to donate 5,000-pound-capacity pneumatic forklift at Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.
The forklift’s winning bid of $40,000 significantly contributed to the auction’s total proceeds of $2.15 million, supporting CIM’s mission to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the concrete industry. Offered at five universities, CIM equips students with technical, communication and management expertise, preparing them for successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Proceeds from the auction are used to assist CIM in funding higher education programs that offer degrees in concrete industry management.
“Toyota is proud of our dealership, Toyota Material Handling MidSouth, for their commitment to philanthropy and the future development of our industry and workforce,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “We are extremely proud to partner with MidSouth on this forklift donation. With Toyota’s local and national involvement, we hope to highlight the incredible impact of the Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.”
“Toyota embodies the belief in supporting local communities and the future of others,” said Nick Edwards, TMH MidSouth Sales Manager. “TMH Midsouth is grateful for the opportunity to support a new generation that shapes the communities and industries we serve.”
This donation builds on Toyota’s legacy of giving back. Previously, TMH MidSouth has supported regional non-profit food banks, Goodwill Industries and flood victims of East Tennessee, further solidifying Toyota’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in the communities it serves.
By supporting programs like CIM, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to strengthening communities and empowering future professionals and supporting education programs that pave the way for tomorrow’s workforce.
Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s philanthropic initiatives here.
About Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.
About Toyota Material Handling MidSouth
Toyota Material Handling MidSouth is a full-service dealer for Toyota Material Handling North America, the leading forklift manufacturer. With locations across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama, TMH MidSouth delivers comprehensive material handling solutions, including new and pre-owned equipment, rentals, warehouse supplies, and maintenance services. Committed to enhancing efficiency and productivity, TMH MidSouth provides businesses with reliable, innovative solutions backed by the trusted quality and performance of Toyota forklifts. For more information, visit TMHMidsouth.com.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2,750 miles away from Silicon Valley, Matthew Chang, founder of Chang Robotics, today announced his next business venture: TheChang Robotics Fund. The Fund is targeting a $50M raise to address the numerous needs and market opportunities the Chang Robotics engineering team identified in their daily operations by investing in disruptive technologies designed to confront the industry's most urgent challenges—from labor shortages to energy efficiency to environmental remediation. By utilizing innovative intellectual property and the engineering and management expertise of Chang Robotics, the Fund seeks to scale its targeted innovations into impactful, transformative, and profitable businesses.
Global industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, face mounting pressures such as intensifying global competition, workforce constraints, escalating expenses, and the urgent need for environmental restoration. Tackling these issues demands a new paradigm of intelligent automation, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation.
The Fund's investments target early-stage innovators in smart manufacturing, robotics, industrial AI, and energy transformation, developing localized solutions with global applications.
“We don't just fund innovation—we build the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
The idea for the Fund was inspired by Matthew Chang's track record of collaborating with talented startups and investing in them using Chang Robotics engineering expertise. "Our company has a strong ability to spot ideas with real potential," said Chang. "Through The Chang Robotics Fund, we're investing in startups that will shape the future of their industries. I'm confident the companies we support will achieve great success in the years ahead."
The Fund team is a conglomerate of experts from various fields, bringing an unparalleled diversity of wisdom to this project. Matthew Chang, the General Partner, is joined by Dr. Don Capener, Fund Strategist, Forrest Hayes Jr., Fund Director, Robert Sterling, Chief Financial Officer, and Phil Hudgens, Fund Controller. Their fields of experience include asset management, serial entrepreneurship, engineering, venture capital, academia, corporate M&A, and investment banking, amongst others. Their ventures have reached across global markets—spanning the US, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific—demonstrating a deep understanding of diverse markets and economies.
The key to the success of this fund lies in the unique relationship that Chang Robotics has with each potential portfolio company. Whether it is engineering, robotics automation, or consulting, Chang Robotics will work with each portfolio company to ensure their innovations come to life. When asked about this concept, Forrest Hayes, Fund Director, said, "Those relationships with our investment companies, along with the insider knowledge we gain, are critical. Matthew has the vision to harness the intellectual property and capital to conceive a product that fits into the market and will lead to substantial returns for our stakeholders."
On January 29th at 2:00 pm EST. Matthew Chang will join Robert Sterling, CFO and friend of the Fund, to share more of the story behind the Chang Robotics Fund and dive into the trends reshaping automation and investment. If you are interested in investing or simply hearing more about the Fund's vision, you can register here.
About Chang Robotics Chang Robotics is a DBE-certified engineering firm at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, collaborative robotics, and disruptive automation. Founded in 2017, Chang Robotics has rapidly grown, delivering innovative, data-driven solutions, including some of the world's largest autonomous systems. Recognized as one of Fast Company's 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators, the company revolutionizes supply chain automation and enhances workforce productivity through human-focused robotics. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Chang Robotics empowers businesses across manufacturing, government, healthcare, and beyond. More information is available at ChangRobotics.ai and on LinkedIn.