Star Trek Technology taking us to new worlds
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| Greg Syfan, President |
AI, automated driving, and other amazing advances in technology are all over the news these days. For me, it doesn’t seem that long ago when we adopted computers for the first time and typed our first email messages.
Lately, it feels like technology is snowballing with positive developments seemingly happening every day to help us work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. In fact, we have one IT staff member dedicated to exploring and testing any new technologies that can help our team members, customers, and carrier partners.
Here at Syfan Logistics, we have always sought to partner with companies who recognize transformative changes in the industry to help us build technology solutions.
Our own Syfan IT team is currently building a Rate Engine to train and update the digital “bots” that we are already using to turn around load bids much faster and more accurately. This helps our company secure more business while providing our customers with more competitive rates – a win-win for everyone.
Recent examples of other commitments include the adoption of several business process automation (BPA) tools that simplify some of our most basic work routines. The cool thing is that our team members don’t all need to be programmers to implement this technology. They are called ‘no code’ or ‘low code’ solutions – and they are changing how non-technical team members do day-to-day tasks.
And there is so much more. To further fine-tune our load-bid processes, we have signed a deal with a supply-chain management company that provides real-time data on shipper rates – from charges for specific lanes all the way down to accessorial charges – for thousands of loads across all lanes in the United States. We feed this fresh information to our bots (Is all this sounding like a science fiction movie?) to help us get even faster and more accurate in our bidding.
We’re even using these hard-working bots to make appointments for pick-ups and deliveries. The potential for other applications is limitless.
You may fear technology is taking away jobs, but we’re looking to use technology to enhance our team members’ experiences, freeing them up to perform more meaningful duties.
We’ll Never Stand Still
While we still have a way to go, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that our loads were up by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of this year – while business across our industry was down for the same period.
Far from distancing relationships, our adoption of new technologies at Syfan Logistics is strengthening our communications and partnerships with customers and carriers.
I can’t tell you where technology will take us in the next five years, or even over the next month. But I can confidently say that we’ll continue to explore and test new frontiers, never standing still.
Syfan Logistics embraces technology solutions.
Trilogy Improves Cash Flow and Fiscal Operations
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| David Caradine |
Factoring Company Supports U.S. Trucking Industry
Trilogy, our newest Syfan company, has hit the ground running ever since its launch last year as a commercial factoring company dedicated to providing cash-flow support specifically to the trucking industry.
Based at our Syfan headquarters, Trilogy directly supports the fiscal operations of its customers with factoring services, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
While the company is young, the experience level is not. There is over four decades of truck industry experience represented among David Caradine, Chief Operating Officer; Denise Nix, Chief Financial Officer; and Chase Syfan, Senior Vice President of Operations. They have all been involved on the billing and collections side of the transportation brokerage industry in their professional relationships with carrier partners.
“At Trilogy Solutions, exceptional customer service isn’t just a promise – it’s our foundation,” Caradine said. “Coupled with our deep industry expertise, we offer unmatched support tailored to the unique needs of
our clients, ensuring their success in the ever-evolving transportation landscape.”
While the factoring industry relies heavily on high-tech finance and accounting, Trilogy distinguishes itself by prioritizing a high-touch approach that puts people first – a longstanding focus across all the Syfan companies in the transportation field.
Trilogy’s advanced software systems automate many processes, but clients can always reach out to a member of Trilogy’s team 24/7 via phone or email. Trilogy’s client website portal also does a great job providing transparent communications and keeping clients up to date on their operations and cash flow.
For more information to get started today, contact the Trilogy team at 770-521-3045 or visit https://trilogy.money.
Turbo Expands Nationwide Leasing Program
Turbo Terminal Tractors, a Syfan Company, has ended its longtime TICO dealership arm in a strategic move to expand its nationwide leasing program.
“While we will no longer be selling TICO terminal tractors exclusively, Turbo will continue our longtime relationship with TICO in purchasing their top-of-the-line equipment for our leasing customers,” said Chris Smith, Turbo’s Chief Operating Officer.
This decision aligns with Turbo’s long-term vision to streamline its operations and focus on delivering exceptional leasing solutions to a broader base of customers and market areas.
“We will be forever grateful to TICO for helping us get started in this business,” Smith said. “That is why our decision comes with mixed emotions. But it is necessary in our evolution to meet the growing demands of our customers and not be limited to one manufacturer’s brand or production capacity.”
In addition to TICO, Turbo leases Ottawa, Terberg, and Capacity terminal tractors to customers at ports, warehouses, and distribution centers across America.
Along with the expansion of Georgia’s ports and a future inland port in our Northeast Georgia region, Turbo has been raising its visibility in ports and railyards up and down the East Coast. In addition to Savannah, Turbo currently leases terminal tractors in Port Everglades, Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa Bay, and railyards from Chicago to New Jersey.
The Port of Savannah is one of the ports Turbo serves
Don’t miss the fun. Register now for this year’s event.
Put On Your Running Shoes
Syfan Supports Rally | 5K and Fun Run Set for July 26
We hope you will join us for the second annual Syfan Supports Rally | 5K and Fun Run on Friday, July 26, at the Midland Greenway in Gainesville.
The event benefits the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, an organization committed to researching treatments and one day finding a cure for childhood cancer.
The Syfan Supports Rally | 5K and Fun Run promises to be an exciting experience for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you choose to run, walk, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, your presence will show support for children battling cancer.
“This event not only allows us to come together as a community but also empowers us to make a meaningful impact in the fight against childhood cancer,” Syfan Logistics President Greg Syfan said. “We encourage everyone to join us to help create a brighter future for these brave young warriors.”
Last year’s 5K and Fun Run was a resounding success, raising $50,000 to fund a full research grant. The first-time event drew over 260 walkers and runners – including many young cancer survivors. An amazing 300 individuals turned out to cheer on the runners and walkers.
Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/GA/Gainesville/SyfanSupportsRally5kandFunRun.
Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to children battling cancer.
Playing Around The Schoolyard To Build More Inclusivity
Our company had a lot of fun recently with an incredible project building a more inclusive playground for children throughout our Gainesville-Hall County area.
The new playground at the Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligence Academy in North Hall provides much-needed space for children with disabilities in addition to a happy place to play and learn.
The project was driven by Hope for Hall – a nonprofit organization that strives to normalize disability through play, education, and technology – in collaboration with Hall County Schools. Syfan Logistics was one of several companies to fund a specific section of the playground.
The playground project was initiated by Caroline Filchak, the founder of Hope for Hall, whose daughter, Hope, lives with a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder called Microphthalmia with Linear Skin Defects Syndrome. Hope, who is deaf and blind, as well as having heart and brain defects, will attend the school in the coming years.
The playground boasts an array of features designed to engage and educate children of all abilities.
Supporting children and families is important to Syfan Logistics. We are already working on another plan to build a playground for neighborhoods along West Ridge Road near our headquarters. For that project, we are collaborating with Montgomery Memorial Baptist Church to provide a safe place for children to play. We promise to keep you posted on the progress.
Team Member Spotlight: Randy Coleman
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Randy Coleman |
Longtime Syfan Team Member Has ‘Best Two Jobs in the World’
To his fellow team members and drivers out on the road, Randy Coleman is a dispatcher at Syfan Logistics. To several generations of basketball players, he’s Coach.
Randy has worked for Syfan Logistics and its forerunner, Turbo Transport, for 20 years. In addition, he’s coached basketball and other sports teams while training players individually for 38 years.
“My job accommodates my coaching,” Randy said. “The Syfans allow me to make up time. That’s what is so great about this company. Steve (Syfan) tells me all the time you got the best two jobs in the world. You get to coach and work here. It’s true. I tell people that all the time.”
A longtime relationship with the Syfan family brought Randy to Turbo and Syfan Logistics. From the time he was 13 until it closed in 2005, Randy worked at the L&K Cafeteria, a local meat-and-three restaurant and gathering place. Jim, Steve and Greg used to eat there regularly, and Randy always waited on them.
When L&K closed, he was coaching Steve’s daughter, Brandi, on a travel basketball team. Seeing an opportunity to hire a sharp individual, Steve immediately reached out to Randy about an opening at his family business, Turbo. Randy accepted the offer to be a dispatcher and excelled in building his new career in transportation.
Randy’s coaching career started immediately after high school when he coached his younger brother Marlon’s football team. Later, his individual basketball training sessions with his son, Lee, and daughter, Kela, caught the attention of other parents. It resulted in Randy honing the skills of other young basketball players, including Greg Syfan’s son, Keller, and Steve Syfan’s daughter, Brandi, and son, Chase.
In addition to coaching travel teams, Randy had coaching stints at North Hall, Gainesville, Cherokee Bluff and Buford with Coach Benji Wood. He now serves as Lakeview Academy middle school head football coach, and as assistant coach to Wood on the varsity basketball team. This past year, Lakeview won the Georgia Independent Athletic Association state championship.
“My job as a coach is to never cheat a kid,” Randy said. “I’m going to give them everything I have, no matter who they are. That’s what God wants me to do.”
His son, Lee, followed Randy into coaching after playing football collegiately at Northwestern University. Lee just completed his first year as head football coach at Lakeview. Before Lakeview, Lee coached at Pittsburgh, Arizona, Arizona State and Georgia Military College.
We are proud of Coach Randy and his work with young people in our community.
Driver Spotlight: Johnny Tant
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Johnny Tant |
50 Years Behind the Wheel Began at Age 13
The first time Johnny Tant drove a truck he was 13 years old. And we are not talking about a pickup truck. While most teenagers were still riding bicycles, Johnny was already mastering the art of driving tractor trailer trucks.
“My dad drove trucks when I was a kid,” he said. “When I got old enough to reach everything, I’d drive them around in the yard.”
Growing up with a truck driver father, Johnny was exposed to the ins and outs of the industry from an early age. He tagged along with his dad on long trips, soaking in what it took to be a driver.
“I rode in the truck with him a lot,” he said. “As I got older and big enough to do things, I worked on the trucks with him. He taught me how to drive and how to handle the trucks.”
Johnny’s journey as a professional truck driver began in his late teens. Undeterred by his young age, he embarked on a solo trip to California, defying legal requirements.
“I made my first trip by myself to California when I was 17,” he said. “I did not even have the legal license.”
Johnny, who lives in Dublin, Ga., has driven for Syfan Logistics for nearly a year. When he’s not driving for work, he’s driving for fun – on his motorcycle.
We are glad that Johnny’s journey as a truck driver, which started at such a young age, brought him to our team.