The Cutting Edge of Tech Today
Greg Syfan, President
In our early days of operation, we were eager to stay on the cutting edge of technology. And being on that cutting edge, well – we bled. Risky investments that didn’t pay off cost us. After some evaluation, we decided to stay about a year behind the newest innovations, and that’s how we’ve carried on the past 25 years. However, at the current speed of technological developments, there’s no way around it: the industry is going to have to take some gambles.
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Currently, we use AI for several mundane things around the office. AI bots, which we call ‘agents,’ take phone calls, check in on our drivers, and scan emails to automatically place orders. AI also analyzes all traffic in and out of our building for security purposes.
While still moving quickly to stay caught up with current tech, our onboarding system for any new software takes about six months, allowing us to be more confident that we’ll benefit from a partnership.
Once a team member comes to our IT department with a need, we’ll research about five companies who could get the job done. The very first step is meeting with each company to determine if our work cultures and communication styles are compatible. Even in our technological projects, human relationships are at the core of what we do. After the list is narrowed down to two companies we hit it off with, we run each software in different divisions for a trial period. From there, whoever can do the best job for the best cost wins. We are currently in this final test stage with Drumkit and Zoom, looking to incorporate AI more fully into our phone system.
Despite our best efforts, not every attempt works out. We recently found ourselves at that bleeding edge again after an investment didn’t go our way. We loved what the technology was supposed to do, but we didn’t love the interaction between our companies. However, that cloud had a silver lining; if we hadn’t failed first, we wouldn’t have found Tabi. Tabi is a software that combs through the information in our load boards and rates it accordingly. It has a better interface, is more user-friendly, and most importantly, the company communicates the same way we do.
So far, I believe the benefits of investing in new software have tremendously outweighed the risks. Ask me again in six months, and I hope I can say the same. All of this new technology is just the latest tool in our toolbox; something we’re using to help each team member grow.
Today is different than yesterday, and tomorrow will be different from today. All we can do is take it day by day, doing what we do best: relationship-powered logistics.
Running to Benefit Love Your Story
Syfan Supports 5K and Fun Run set for July 18
This year’s Syfan Supports|5K Fun Run benefits Love Your Story.
We invite you to participate in the third annual Syfan Supports 5K and Fun Run on July 18 at the Midland Greenway in Gainesville.
This year’s 5K and Fun Run supports Love Your Story, a local nonprofit that is dedicated to providing free temporary housing for families with disabled children traveling to Gainesville for their child to receive care.
The Syfan Supports 5K and Fun Run offers an exciting experience for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Regardless of whether you choose to run, walk, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, your presence will demonstrate support for the families of children battling disabilities.
“This event is not just an opportunity for us to gather as a community; it’s a chance for us to unite our efforts and make a meaningful difference in the lives of visiting families,” said Greg Syfan, President of Syfan Logistics. “We hope everyone can join us for this important cause as we work together to help lighten the load for families dealing with high medical costs and expenses.”
Last year’s 5K and Fun Run was a tremendous success, raising $50,000 to fully fund a grant for childhood cancer research. The race attracted over 260 participants, including runners from many local charities and companies. If you can’t run or walk in the race, come out to cheer on the participants.
Gloria Syfan Shares Her Message of ‘Let the Hat Go’
Gloria Syfan is joined on stage for her presentation by her sons, Greg and Steve.
Gloria Syfan, known for her resilience and positive spirit, shared a life-altering challenge that tested her with the Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association’s 2025 Winter Chautauqua meeting at The Boathouse on Lake Lanier.
In April 2024, Gloria was involved in a boating accident on Lake Lanier, resulting in the partial amputation of her left leg. Gloria fell into the water while trying to retrieve a hat that had previously fallen in.
Despite this setback, Gloria has demonstrated remarkable courage in her recovery, adapting to her new circumstances with grace and determination.
Her story serves as a reminder of the power of positivity and the importance of support from loved ones during challenging times.
She spoke to the travel industry group a short distance from where the accident occurred.
Her message to the group was “Let the hat go. Life will challenge us in ways we never expect, but we get to choose what we hold onto. Prioritize what truly matters—faith, family, courage.”
Team Member Spotlight: mark mason
Enjoys giving his time to community service
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| Mark Mason |
At Syfan Logistics, we believe in the power of community involvement and encourage our team members to actively participate and make a difference where we live.
No one takes that to heart more than Mark Mason.
Executive Vice President Steve Syfan has heard first-hand from friends who have seen Mark’s work in the community.
“I have received more than one call about Mark, but the one I remember most was from Miles Coker, founder of the Thumbs Up Mission,” Steve said. “This organization provides families who have a family member battling cancer the ability to go away for a weekend and be pampered and taken care of, giving them a respite from their daily worries.
“Miles commented, ‘In all my years of doing our getaways, I have never met anyone who genuinely cares about these families and will do anything to make them feel special more than Mark Mason.’”
In addition to Thumbs Up Ministry, Mark contributes his time to Good News at Noon, Daydream Sanctuary, the Orange Conference, Catalyst, Passion, Leadercast, and Live2Lead.
“God has blessed me with many talents and gifts, and this is my way of giving back,” Mark said.
“Honestly, it’s energizing. There is a lot of need in the world, if we all could just give a little more time.”
Mark, who joined Syfan Logistics four years ago, has worked for the last three years as a logistics coordinator on the Drayage Team. He was the first support personnel for the Drayage 1 desk.
“While my job title has not changed, my duties have evolved,” Mark said. “I build loads from our import customers’ work orders and schedule deliveries.”
Mark and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for nearly 13 years. Cheryl works as a part-time baker, and Mark says she always keeps his desk stocked with delicious treats.
While much of his spare time is given to others, Mark still enjoys tennis, pickleball, bowling, fishing, grilling, and kayaking.
We are glad Mark is part of the Syfan team.
“Mark brings this same giving attitude to us here at Syfan,” Steve said. “He gives his best to his customers and teammates daily.”
“dressed to kill cancer” Fashion SHow
We were deeply honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of Thumbs Up Ministry’s ninth annual “Dressed to Kill Cancer” fashion show. Thumbs Up Ministry’s work holds a special place in our hearts, as it seeks to support families navigating the challenging journey of having a parent or child diagnosed with cancer.
Their mission is to replace fear with hope, inspire laughter amidst the struggles, and provide a comforting perspective for each family they serve.
Division Spotlight:
Discover the Advantages of Choosing Syfan Logistics for Your Drayage Service
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| Matt Keadle, Import/Export Division Manager |
Syfan Logistics is redefining the standards of drayage service with a commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With years of experience working in U.S. ports, our Drayage Team specializes in transporting time-sensitive ocean freight, ensuring that your cargo reaches its final destination without unnecessary delays.
In today’s complex international supply chains, leveraging local capacity and team expertise is crucial. Syfan Logistics excels in serving all types of container drayage, including dry, flat, rack, high cube, open-top, and refrigerated containers.
We focus on cutting costs for our customers by efficiently moving containers from ships to their final destinations. We understand that time is money, and we pride ourselves on minimizing downtime and avoiding per diem or demurrage fees.
Currently, the biggest factor affecting business in the industry is the tariffs in place. These tariffs are slowing down container availability at ports when they arrive from other countries. With some of these tariffs being a new experience for many, port holds are taking longer to make sure the right product in these import containers has the correct amounts/tariffs paid before being released to a trucker to pull the containers for delivery.
“To help customers get through this as smoothly as possible, we continue to have drivers ready to pull these containers from the port, even if it means paying drivers a layover or a cancellation fee,” said Matt Keadle, Import/Export Division Manager. “It ensures deliveries are made as soon as possible with the conditions at hand.”
What Sets Syfan’s Drayage Service Apart?
• We avoid pulling containers on LFD (Last Free Day). This helps avoid delaying the delivery of products on imports. Once a container goes past LFD, charges accrue that can deplete profits.
• We also have more technical integrations than most other companies. We use container tracking platforms that update our team on estimated arrival time and any container vessel swaps while in transit at sea. Our AI platforms give us quicker real-time communication.
• We have a proven domestic trucking TMS system called McLeod that ensures high visibility for communication until final delivery inland for imports.
