Posts Tagged “Allen Lund Company”
By Makenna Christensen ALC Logistics
In 1970, the Federal Clean Air Act granted California special authorization to “set its own separate and stricter-than-federal vehicle emissions regulations to address the extraordinary circumstances of population, climate and topography that generated the worst air in the nation.” Under this legislation, the state is required to obtain special waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before implementing such regulations. Subsequent regulations were very successful and are credited with reducing the smog that once blanketed Los Angeles and improving air quality across the state.
Now, California’s leadership has a new goal: to reduce greenhouse gases 85 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The key to their plan is phasing out the sale of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles. The state sent several waivers for approval to a sympathetic EPA from 2022 to 2024 with mild success. “The waivers granted during the Biden Administration were for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, Omnibus NOx rule and Clean Cars II rule. Notably, California withdrew its Advanced Clean Fleets Rule from EPA waiver consideration before the Inauguration.” Soon after these waivers were imposed (re-imposed in some cases), stakeholders began to fight back.
On his first day in office, President Trump revoked nearly 80 of the previous administration’s executive actions with the simple stroke of a pen. Among these executive actions he announced his policy to unleash American energy and terminate the “electric vehicle mandate.” This included guidance to revoke California’s EPA waivers.
Last year, the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments about the legal basis for some of the lawsuits challenging California Clean Cars regulations. However, following Trump’s executive actions, the federal government has asked the Supreme Court to pause its schedule, arguing that a ruling was unnecessary considering Trump’s executive actions.
President Trump is far from the first president to undo his predecessor’s legacy with an executive order. The Advanced Clean Cars waiver has actually been granted and subsequently revoked by three different administrations. Leaving many in the transportation sector unsure how to move forward. While there is no immediate threat of enforcement, how do we know that won’t change four years from now?
If President Trump wants to enact lasting change and provide stability to our supply chain, he must codify these changes. By allowing the Supreme Court to weigh in, he can cement his legacy and stabilize the transportation sector as it searches for a path forward.
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Makenna Christensen graduated from Marquette University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Human Resources. In 2022, she started working as a Software Sales Coordinator for ALC Logistics, the software division of the Allen Lund Company. In February 2025, she successfully completed the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Apprentice program.
makenna.christensen@allenlund.com
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
The United States has experienced an unprecedented increase in severe weather events, with 2023 accounting for the highest annual total of severe storms and one of the highest financial costs on record. Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding severe storms, i.e., storms that cost the country $1B or more, “The 1980–2024 annual average is 9.0 events (CPI-adjusted); the annual average for the most recent 5 years (2020–2024) is 23.0 events (CPI-adjusted).” It is estimated that 23% of all road delays can now be attributed to weather, directly costing the industry between $2 and $3.5 billion dollars annually, not even including rising insurance premiums and maintenance costs. The total economic loss associated with climate risk in supply chains will reach $120 billion annually by 2026. As shippers plan for uncertainty, what kind of logistics partner will they be able to trust to be as adaptable as the times demand? Let’s discuss.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the supply chain collapse that went with it, emphasized the need for companies to add both resilience and flexibility to their business operations. The same lessons apply to the climate crisis. Traditional supply chains are already being disrupted, whether it’s due to drought conditions causing the Panama Canal to reduce shipments, more frequent and powerful hurricanes damaging both ports and roadways, or fluctuating temperatures and precipitation patterns making winter storms harder to predict. With an uncertain regulatory market and technological changes, the logistics world is looking at a significant shakeup.
Traditional wisdom has long heralded asset-based carriers for reliability and brokers for flexibility. However, as market dynamics change, so do long-held industry advantages. More and more shippers are shortening their bid timelines, acknowledging the increased market volatility over recent years. As mini bids take up a growing amount of total volume, carriers need to be able to adjust to constantly changing lanes and prices. Although brokers work with asset-based carriers to service our customers, they do not have the same large capital expenditures that make rapid operations adjustments difficult. As with everything in the transportation sector, collaboration is crucial, but as climate disruptions and regulations increase, brokers are better positioned to assist customers with sourcing resilient and flexible transportation options.
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Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.com
The recent California wildfires have left a haunting mark on our communities and hearts. At the Allen Lund Company, headquartered in La Cañada Flintridge, our employees experienced this devastation firsthand. Between the Palisades and Eaton fires, many of our team members (and family and friends) faced mandatory evacuations as the fires blazed through the surrounding cities, threatening homes, beloved restaurants, and landmarks that have long been central to our lives. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, and the impact is felt in every corner of our community. Families are displaced, cherished memories lost, and the collective sense of security is shaken.
Yet, amid the destruction, we’ve witnessed incredible resilience and humanity. Neighbors helping neighbors, first responders risking everything to save lives, and countless acts of kindness remind us of the strength within our community. The transportation and logistics industry plays a critical role in ensuring resources like food, water, and building materials reach those in need. Together, we are not just moving freight but helping rebuild lives.
As we look to the future, we focus on coming together to heal and rebuild. The fires may have destroyed physical structures, but they cannot extinguish the spirit of our community. At the Allen Lund Company, we are committed to supporting our neighbors, customers, and team members as we navigate this recovery together. Whether through donations or simply showing up for one another, we know that unity is the foundation for rebuilding stronger than ever.
On Saturday, December 14th, the Allen Lund Company coordinated logistics for the delivery of donated food and joined volunteers to assemble and distribute grocery bags.
“20 years is a big commitment, and that’s how long the Allen Lund Company has supported Navidad en el Barrio. It started with a few trucks moving donations. Now, we coordinate almost all the donated food, plus provide the logistics to the warehouse. We even organize volunteers at several locations on Saturday, December 14th, to assemble and hand out the grocery bags to thousands of the most in-need families in Southern California thanks to the generous donations of many individuals and companies,” said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing and Communications at ALC.
“At Allen Lund Company, logistics is what we do best – but our favorite logistics services are those done to help others through our ‘Acts of Kindness’. For 20 years now, we have been working with great organizations, including Catholic Charities, St. Vincent De Paul, Navidad en el Barrio, many customers, and our employees who volunteer to build and distribute tens of thousands of grocery bags full of much-needed food for members of the community. As a member of the Catholic Charities board, I see firsthand how this labor of love impacts the families and strengthens all involved in this wide-ranging endeavor. We look forward to many more years of putting the ‘Happy’ in Happy Holidays,” said Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President of ALC Logistics.
We couldn’t have done it without you. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors:
Cacique | Coca-Cola | Costco | Faribault Foods | The Farmlink Project | Grimmway Farms | Minute Maid | Mission Produce Inc. | Mother’s Nutritional Center | Northgate Market | Penske | PepsiCo | Randall Foods | R.W. Zant | The Salvation Army | Taylor Farms | Wada Farms | WM Ground Beef | Wonderful Citrus
We are grateful for your support and are making a real difference together. Here’s to many more years of spreading holiday cheer!
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| Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company has supported the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio. Established in 1972 by former NFL player Danny Villanueva, local Hispanic radio, and students from UCLA, the organization is dedicated to helping underserved families around the Los Angeles area by providing the makings for a Christmas dinner. |
By Josh Mason ALC Salt Lake City
Shipping perishable goods doesn’t have to mean choosing between high costs and high risk. Refrigerated less-than-truckload (RLTL) shipping offers a versatile middle ground, giving businesses the ability to transport smaller shipments without sacrificing the temperature controls needed for quality and compliance. For industries that rely on cold chain logistics, RLTL represents a smarter way to ship, saving money while ensuring products reach their destinations in perfect condition.
Of course, shipping perishable goods isn’t without its hurdles. Maintaining consistent temperatures, navigating mixed freight loads, and avoiding transit delays are just a few of the challenges businesses face with RLTL. But with the right systems in place—like temperature monitoring, carefully vetted carrier networks, and proactive communication—these obstacles can be overcome. RLTL shipments can move seamlessly, ensuring product integrity and on-time delivery, no matter the complexity of the route.
The true advantage of RLTL lies in combining its efficiency with the expertise of a 3PL. By leveraging relationships with a diverse network of carriers, 3PLs can provide tailored solutions for even the most complex shipments. They can aggregate volumes across customers to negotiate competitive rates and bring a wealth of experience to troubleshoot potential issues. With a 3PL in your corner, RLTL becomes more than just a shipping option—it’s a strategic advantage.
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Josh Mason began his logistics career in 2019 and has focused on LTL freight and solutions. He joined the Allen Lund Company in the summer of 2024 when they opened their ALC Salt Lake City office in Ogden, UT.
josh.mason@allenlund.com
As the nation adjusts to the results of the 2024 election, agricultural leaders and third-party logistics (3PL) providers are positioned to play pivotal roles in addressing challenges and opportunities within the produce supply chain. Decisions made in the coming months will directly influence how agricultural products move efficiently from farms to consumers.
With President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team preparing key appointments in the Department of Agriculture (USDA), early decisions on leadership will set the tone for the administration’s approach to pressing agricultural issues. For 3PL providers, leadership developments highlight the importance of collaboration with ag leaders to ensure reliable and efficient transportation solutions based on evolving policies. These appointments will likely shape trade policies, domestic farm support, and regulatory practices, potentially mirroring the significant shifts seen during Trump’s previous term, focusing on strengthening U.S. agricultural competitiveness globally.
The trucking industry’s strong endorsement of Sean Duffy’s nomination as Secretary of Transportation highlights the potential for alignment between industry needs and DOT goals. American Trucking Association’s President Chris Spear commended Duffy’s understanding of transportation issues, emphasizing his support for “pro-trucking policies to strengthen the supply chain.” This alignment could accelerate critical projects, such as reducing bottlenecks in transportation corridors, modernizing storage facilities, and improving logistics networks in rural areas. Ag leaders, working closely with the DOT, can advocate for targeted investments that address the unique demands of agriculture. One area of focus, infrastructure improvements, presents a significant opportunity to enhance the agricultural supply chain. Combined with Trump’s focus on efficiency and safety, these developments could revolutionize the movement of agricultural products, bolstering the role of 3PLs in seamlessly connecting producers to markets both domestically and internationally.
(Since this article was written the U.S. dockworkers and the U.S. Maritime Alliance have extended their existing contract through January 15. This will provide time to negotiate a new contract.)
Allen Lund Company
The East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers’ strike, which began on October 1, 2024, has disrupted port operations across major hubs from New York to Texas. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated the strike after failing to secure a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). The strike currently involves 45,000 union members and affects 36 ports. With dockworkers walking off the job, billions of dollars in goods—ranging from consumer items to critical industrial components—remain stranded at ports. The strike could significantly impact supply chains, especially for perishable goods, with estimates suggesting economic losses of up to $5 billion per day as the stoppage continues.
According to NPR, the primary issues of the strike include wage increases and concerns over automation. The union is demanding a $5 hourly wage increase each year for the next six years, which would significantly raise workers’ pay. Additionally, the ILA insists on strict language to prevent the introduction of full or semi-automation at ports, fearing job losses in the long term. Negotiations between the two sides have stalled, with no face-to-face meetings since June.
In response to the strike, we at Allen Lund Company are closely monitoring the situation. Our team is taking proactive steps to mitigate potential disruptions to our customers’ supply chains. We are actively communicating with our network of carriers and exploring alternative routes and logistical solutions to ensure minimal delays. In the meantime, we recommend that our shippers consider rerouting to West Coast ports for more efficient handling. The ongoing strike underscores the importance of adaptability in logistics, and we remain committed to finding timely and effective solutions for our customers during this critical period.
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Visit us at the
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, GA
October 17-19, 2024
BOOTH C1921
The Allen Lund Company was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Southern California by the Best Companies Group.
The selection process for applicants relied significantly on detailed employee surveys. Key factors such as corporate culture, training and development opportunities, salary and benefits, and overall employee satisfaction were crucial in identifying the top workplaces in Southern California.
Senior Director of Human Resources Matt Barnes stated, “We are excited to be recognized once again as one of the best places to work in Southern California. Our culture, growth opportunities, benefits, and especially our people, are all top flight. It is a well-earned acknowledgement that we will be proud to advertise.”
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with offices across North America and over 700 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers nationwide to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight. ALC manages over 550,000 loads a year and was designated by Transport Topics in 2024 as the 17th Top Freight Brokerage Firm. The Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, ranked 48th in the Transport Topics 2024 list of Top 100 Logistics Companies and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. Please click here if you want to join the Allen Lund Company team.
By Nick Mihalopoulos Controller ALC Finance
It was 1984, and Tina Turner had just released her smash hit, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” At this time, the U.S. was also exiting a period now known as The Great Inflation. During this period from the mid-60s to the early 80s, inflation peaked at more than 14% in 1980. The Vietnam War, increased government spending on social programs, and energy shortages all contributed to the Great Inflation. Now, fast forward 40 years to 2024, and we are exiting another period of high inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 and is now down to 2.9% as of July 2024.
Equity markets are celebrating inflation being back down below 3%, but consumers still haven’t been able to find relief. This is in large part due to the fact that prices of essential items, such as those found in grocery stores, have increased by 20% over the last four years. So, what’s transportation got to do with this 20% increase? According to the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, truckload transportation rates have increased by 5.9% over the last four years and have decreased by 23% from their peak in May 2022. Since transportation doesn’t queue up Tina Turner’s hit song, we’ll need to look at other costs. For example, the average grocery store hourly wages over the last four years have increased by 26.5% from $16.98/hr to $21.48/hr. This outpaces the 19.4% wage increase of all employees during this time period.
Given this data, the current prices of grocery store items and other goods are here to stay. The positive in this data is that wage growth has kept up with these price increases, but like in any economy, workers in some sectors have seen higher increases than others. Inflation and grocery store prices have become major headlines as we near the November election. Both parties are making their case to the American people as to how their platform will better benefit the economy and stave off future inflationary periods. And if 1984 happens to be on the minds of party leaders, let’s hope they’re listening to Tina Turner and not reading George Orwell.
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Nick Mihalopoulos began his career with the Allen Lund Company in 2011 after previously working at PepsiCo. Mihalopoulos is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned a dual degree in Finance and Accountancy.
nick.mihalopoulos@allenlund.com
By Kenneth Cavallaro ALC Boston
Some of my earliest memories involve fresh produce – watching cardboard crates of plump tomatoes and glistening peppers being unloaded at the docks of my family’s wholesale produce warehouse, sampling sweet berries, and vigilantly checking for damaged products beside my grandfather, father, and uncle. As the third generation of a produce family, fresh produce was a major part of my childhood.
At the time, I simply enjoyed the deliciousness of fresh fruits and vegetables and thought little of where they were grown or how they reached my kitchen table. As an adult, I now find myself fascinated by the process. How long does it take to pick a crop and get it from the farm to a customer’s table? What practices utilized during transport best preserve product quality? A great majority of our country’s produce comes from California and Mexico, with their ideal growing climates and lengthy growing seasons. In 2022 alone, 590,906 truckloads of imported produce were shipped from Mexico to the U.S. in 40,000-pound loads. How can so much perishable freight remain fresh when traveling across the country?
Danny Mandel, founder and former CEO of SunFed in Nogales, Arizona, has over 30 years of experience in the produce industry and was able to answer these questions. Mandel reports that it takes one day to pick, pack, and load a fresh crop and another two to five days to reach its final destination. What keeps fragile produce so fresh after this transport time? It requires growers to harvest produce at the optimal time and package it in sturdy containers that allow air to circulate while preventing bruising. Refrigerated van drivers and transport companies further extend product longevity with stringent adherence to temperature requirements – which vary by fruit and vegetable variety. Following temperature requirements on bill of lading instructions and carefully monitoring temperature gauges extend freshness and prevent the formation of mold. Furthermore, practices such as loading and unloading quickly help keep any adverse outside weather conditions or drastically different temperatures from damaging the product.
According to the USDA, Postmaster General Albert Burleson launched the Farm to Table program in 1914. The program consisted of picking up produce and other farm fresh items and delivering the goods as quickly as possible to retailers, ultimately reaching America’s kitchen tables with healthy products still as fresh as possible. Previously, unconsumed produce was destined for the compost heap. Now, growers could sell farm goods for financial gain to more consumers. The advent of temperature-controlled freight further made it possible to deliver products in a timely manner.
With the high demand for fresh produce, consumers can expect the industry to continue to advance in delivering produce as quickly as possible. Greenhouses could allow produce to be grown in colder states to lessen the stress of relying on warmer areas to support our heavy produce consumption and further decrease the transport time from farm to table. There will always be a need to transport the product, but more growing areas across the country would mean increased product freshness by reducing transport time.
Getting produce from the farm to your table as quickly as possible makes for a healthy and enjoyable meal. After 110 years, Postmaster Burleson’s Farm to Table idea continues to make great strides and improve consumer culinary options. The next time you stop by your local grocery store for salad fixings, keep in mind the growers who cultivated a beautiful crop, the dedicated drivers who quickly and safely transported thousands of pounds of product, and even the transportation broker who monitored the delivery of your load.
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Kenneth Cavallaro, Jr. is a carrier manager in the Boston office. He began his career at the Allen Lund Company in February of 2019. Kenneth has been in the transportation industry since May of 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salem State University.
kenneth.cavallaro@allenlund.com