Posts Tagged “Allen Lund Company”
- When COVID-19 hit a lot of businesses switched from restaurants and other foodservice to retail. What are your biggest challenges making the transition from a logistics stand point?
When the pandemic hit, ALC was very busy and actually increased our business because we are deeply imbedded in the food and beverage space. Our customers were required to help feed even more people than ever before. Our foodservice businesses were of course more stressed as restaurants, schools and big venues were closed or cancelled, so we helped by working on other strategies with our customers and worked to pivot into retail whenever possible.
2. How much of your perishable freight is handled by owner-operators and small fleets and do you see this changing at all?
We have a mix of owner-operators and smaller fleets as well as some of the biggest trucking names in the produce industry hauling loads for Allen Lund Company. In order to service our clients, we need all of our carrier relationships to work together to solve the complex transportation issues for our shipper clients. In general, the trucking industry is made up of wonderful people that follow the American dream of owning their own businesses and I hope that doesn’t change. The one thing I hope people realized through this crisis is that all of the drivers across the U.S. have kept the flow of goods moving – without these drivers this pandemic would have been much worse – so thanks again to all those drivers out there!
3. What trends do you see in the coming months regarding truck and driver availability, as well as freight rates?
Well with what’s going on in the economy we should not see a driver shortage in the near term. We do not see the purchasing of many trucks right now, as class 8 sales are way down. Freight rates have been all over the place this year, and we all want to make sure the trucking companies stay in business and are treated fairly. However, we do live in a supply demand market – which can really be difficult to maneuver through during these major disruptions. Overall we see this year as a roller coaster, but feel truck rates will be going up later in the year and into next year as we hope the economy gets back on its feet.
4. What are the biggest changes you have seen in recent years making trucking more efficient such a communication, dock scheduling, etc.
You know everyone is talking about data, but truly accurate data that tells a good story is still a few miles away. We all like getting packages in just a few days so the systems to make that happen will require trucking to continue to change, but that change will be substantial as we work out all the kinks. We need all of our carriers to get on a network of some sort so they can all play in the successes of this new market we are entering in. It’s funny that you mention dock scheduling as our AlchemyTMS has solved major issues for our customers – carriers and shippers with that software module. The more we can automate systems that help our carriers and shippers alike, less manpower and frustration exists – which is a great thing. We have spent a lot of time and money to develop systems to make sure our customers get their products to market safely, secured and on time.
Bob Rose is Vice President, National Produce Sales, for the Allen Lund Company. While ALC is based in LaCanada, CA, Bob is based in the San Francisco office and has been with company 34 years.
Allen Lund Company is a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 500 employees working with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange for dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight. Additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a Logistics & Software division, ALC Logistics, as well as an International division.
By Bob Rose
Vice President, National Produce Sales
Allen Lund Company
My daughter is a smart and caring teacher of young children in Seattle. She has been out of work for months and is doing fine, but obviously concerned about the job she loves.
Teachers’ salaries deserve more debate, but we acknowledge the societal importance. While I understand some companies have no choice but to lay off their workforce, what is surprising is the substantial number of layoffs and even changes in compensation plans for those employees in essential businesses that our society depends on.
The first quarter of 2020 was difficult for the produce industry and transportation providers like the Allen Lund Company. We are proud of how our company remained loyal to our customer base while truck rates skyrocketed. We added people to our staff to fill in key spots, quickly adapted new protocols to maintain clean and safe work environments, and we are flexible with some of our team members working from home in order manage the needs of our customers during these difficult times.
As we speak, my 401K looks a lot less like Swiss cheese and feels more like I can breathe. I’m sure this is more of a reaction the world will come back from this over time and erase the initial reaction we were all doomed, which we are certainly not.
What we should see is a speeding up of certain trends that were going to happen, just a lot earlier than we all thought. Trends like home delivery and home health care are at full speed.
Produce should be foremost in our thoughts as a process of health and wellness. I would imagine restaurants, gyms, and sporting events will return, but I’m hoping it would be a safer, new normal that will be better for everyone in the future.
Our produce clients have many challenges going forward. Innovation is all around us as change can be very positive and profitable once we all get over the shock of the suddenness of this movement. Stores such as 7-11 were born from the off shoot of their primary business of selling ice before the invention of refrigeration.
We are witnessing much stronger communication and collaboration from all parties and are hopeful our new way of working will continue as these issues subside. We expect the utmost ethical business practices are used as the economy rebounds and we all work together to ensure a robust and hopefully v-curved economic recovery!
People in our industry have always been able to work through challenges and adapt to whatever curveball is thrown. We are smart, focused, and live in an ever-changing environment. We are resilient in our business practices and the current extraordinary circumstances will be met with a positive “get it done” attitude.
bob.rose@allenlund.com
By Tracy Lewn
Vice President of Sales and Operations
Allen Lund Company
We are living in unprecedented times. It is probably safe to say that in our lifetime, none of us have been faced with a global challenge the likes of COVID-19. It is at times overwhelming – both emotionally and practically speaking. For the better part of nearly eight weeks now, most of us have been inundated with a barrage of mostly negative information and data, coming at us from every angle and every source. In the context of our essential industry, that of arranging and providing transportation and logistics for all kinds of businesses, the reports of impact have varied from doom and gloom, to mixed, to positive.
I am thrilled to report that the Allen Lund Company is bucking the trend of a downturn during this economic anomaly, as our company is realizing some very positive impacts. Where it is reported that others are losing market share, losing customers, cutting their workforce or otherwise struggling, we have consistently grown over the past two months and in fact, are currently looking to hire and looking to expand. We have pivoted, when, where, and how we needed to pivot to meet our customer’s new and unique challenges.
We figured out very quickly how to make working remotely a seamless move. So much so, that even when presented with this particular challenge of having as many as two-thirds of our workforce switch to working from home, our volume has grown tremendously during this time. We are privileged to have such a strong foothold and strong reputation in the perishable and refrigerated transportation segment and with over 44 years in business, our company has a wealth of experience and expertise both at the back of the house as well as the front. We are focused, we are flourishing and we are fortunate.
It is an interesting position to write from; one whereby what we are hearing and reading about mostly contradicts what we are feeling and seeing within our organization. We are facing the daily challenges COVID-19 is bringing to our marketplace, and we are meeting them head-on and with great success.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t tip my hat to our highly reliable and dedicated carrier network, many of whom have been with us for nearly all of our 44 years and who help make our success possible. We are always grateful for these relationships, but even more so these days. It is very rewarding and humbling to know how much good we are doing to help our country’s supply chain and food supply keep moving, in unison with these great carriers of ours.
We wish all of our colleagues, associates, customers, and carriers, health, and safety as we endure this unthinkable situation together. Please let us know how we can help you.
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Tracey Lewin is VP of Sales and Operations, and has been with the Allen Lund Company 31 years. Lewin started with the Allen Lund Company’s accounting department and in 1991 transferred to the Los Angeles refrigerated division; was promoted to assistant manager in 1997, and promoted to manager in 2011. In 2019, she was promoted to her current position.
Bill Bess, director of carrier development for The Allen Lund Company of La Canada Flintridge, CA has been awarded the inaugural Allen Lund Legacy Award.
The new award, given to Bess at the company’s recent annual managers’ meeting and awards banquet, recognizes employees who exemplify the leadership qualities and character of company founder Allen Lund, according to a news release.
Bess said Lund has been the most influential person in his life.
“It was his example as a businessman, a family man and a Christian that has guided most of my personal decisions over the last 35 years,” Bess said when he accepted the award, according to the release. “He set the bar high and encouraged you to be the best that you could be.”
Allen Lund’s wife, Kathie Lund, announced Bess as the recipient.
“I am so proud of all of our employees and I can say with confidence Allen would be as well,” she said, according to the release. “After much reflection with the family, we created this award to continue Allen’s legacy and recognize a truly outstanding employee that exemplifies his qualities.”
Mr. Lund died in April 2018.
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PHOTO:
Bill Bess was recently honored with the inaugural Allen Lund Award. Anna (Lund) Clapp (from left), Kathie Lund, Bess and his wife Gaye, Christina (Lund) Doerfler and Natalie (Lund) Peterson attended the award ceremony.
By Allen Lund Company
Allen Lund Company is proud to announce its fourth-year completion of Acts of Kindness totaling 86 good deeds for 2019. This tradition kicked off in 2016 to commemorate ALC’s 40th year in business and has only grown since. ALC’s 35 nationwide offices, support departments and corporate have devoted their time to some worthy causes and have surpassed goals this past year.
President of ALC, Eddie Lund commented, “I am very pleased with how our Acts of Kindness initiative has progressed over the last four years. By doing these purposeful acts, we are showing communities how grateful we are for their support which has always been important to my parents as well as promoting kindness to others. Encouraging philanthropy is a cornerstone for our company and we are thrilled to continue to see our employees getting involved with organizations that are meaningful to them and helping people that are in need.”
Some of the project’s offices were involved in included:
| The Cardinal Manning CenterALC corporate employees served food and engaged with individuals at the Cardinal Manning Center, a homeless shelter in Los Angeles, CA. It opened in 1955 and offers a comprehensive program for homeless men transitioning off the streets and into housing. |
| Gilda’s Club of MadisonALC Madison office served dinner to families at Gilda’s Club which is a cancer support organization that creates a community of free emotional support, cancer education, and hope for children and adults with any cancer diagnosis and those who care for them. |
| Great Cycle Challenge USARD Castro from ALC San Antonio participated in the Great Cycle Challenge USA riding 116.3 miles to fight kids’ cancer which is the largest killer of children from disease in the U.S. with over 15,700 children diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, 38 children dying every week. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it. |
| We Care LAALC Los Angeles sales office gathered donations at headquarters and fed and clothed over 150 people of the LA homeless community. In addition, employees prepared 500 sack lunches, hygiene packets, and distributed clothing. |
| Kids’ Food BasketALC Grand Rapids office purchased items to put together 300 supper sacks for Kids’ Food Basket to help nourish children living at or near the poverty level. |
| Flood Support – Little RockThe ALC Little Rock office got together to help their community after the floods in June 2019. The office spent the day bagging up sandbags and donated water and Gatorade for people in need. |
- Wreaths Across America – Corporate, Boston, Phoenix
- Navidad en el Barrio – Corporate
- One80 Place – Charleston
- Therapeutic Riding Institute – Cincinnati
- Military Heroes 5/10K Run – Dallas
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Orlando
Allen Lund Company is proud to continue an impactful tradition. These acts of kindness are our way of giving back to the communities that have supported us over the years, as well as encourage ALC employees to give back their time.
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 550 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was recognized by Food Logistics magazine as a 2019 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider for TransKool Solutions, Logistics Tech Outlook for our software division ALC Logistics as a 2018 Top 10 Freight Management Solution Providers, 2018 FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers, 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100, 2017 Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Tech Provider, a 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company manages over 365,000 loads annually, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011, the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at allenlund.com
La Cañada Flintridge, CA.-based Allen Lund Company (ALC) has been named as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Los Angeles for 2019.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized in the “Fastest Growing Private Company” category as we see ourselves as a growth company, even though we have been in business for almost 44 years,” Edward Lund, president of ALC, said a news release. “We look to continue to grow in the very dynamic logistics industry for many years to come.”
The Allen Lund Company is a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 550 employees, according to a news release and also has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics and an international division.
By Allen Lund Company
Allen Lund Company has kicked off its Christmas in July Toy Drive to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Los Angeles. ALC welcomes local communities to donate toys for underserved families at Christmas. Donated toys will be presented to families along with donated baskets of food at Christmas to help families and children who are suffering. The Christmas in July Toy Drive will run from July 1st to July 31st. The Allen Lund Company wants every child to have a very Merry Christmas this year and no donation is too little. We hope the community joins us in collecting toys for the most needful in Los Angeles.
- Toys must be NEW and UNWRAPPED
- Sports equipment (Ages 3-17)
- Gift cards welcomed
Drop Off Location
Allen Lund Company
Marketing Department
4529 Angeles Crest Highway, Suite 101
La Cañada, CA 91011
800.475.5863
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 500 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was recognized by Logistics Tech Outlook for our software division ALC Logistics as a 2018 Top 10 Freight Management Solution Providers, 2018 FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers, 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100, 2017 Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Tech Provider, a 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company manages over 365,000 loads annually, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011, the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year.
By Allen Lund Company
La Cañada Flintridge Calif. –Allen Lund Company has announced the promotion to vice president of three current office managers. These promotions include Bob Rose (in photo), manager ALC San Francisco promoted to vice president produce sales, who will report to ALC President, Eddie Lund; Tracey Lewin, manager ALC Los Angeles now vice president brokerage operations and Lenny Sciarappa, manager ALC Boston also promoted to vice president brokerage operations. Lewin and Sciarappa will both report to Executive Vice President, Jim McGuire.
“The Allen Lund Company has made changes to the organization, elevating current vice presidents to executive vice president status,” stated Eddie Lund, president of the company, adding “this gave us the ability to promote three very successful managers to vice president positions. Both Tracey and Lenny will oversee brokerage operations which will enable them to mentor offices and provide additional leadership. Bob will work with specific ALC produce customers and continue to focus on the development of larger accounts.”
“I look forward to working with even more ALC people along with some of the best customers in the produce industry,” stated Bob Rose, “In my 33 years with the company, I’ve had the good fortune to work with and witness many market changes, technology innovations, and forward thinkers. I thank the leadership team for giving me this opportunity.”
“Joining the Allen Lund Company 23 years ago was one of the best decisions in my career. After meeting Allen, it was clear that this was a high integrity company, and that people that worked within the organization were a true extension of his family,” Lenny Sciarappa stated. “I am honored and thankful to the executive team who gave me this opportunity.”
Tracey Lewin added, “The day I landed at the Allen Lund Company over 30 years ago, was the beginning of some of the most rewarding parts of my life, to date, both personally and professionally. I discovered not only a second family at ALC but a sense of purpose and drive that was consistently met with trust and opportunity.”
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 500 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was recognized by Logistics Tech Outlook for our software division ALC Logistics as a 2018 Top 10 Freight Management Solution Providers, 2018 Food Logistics’ Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list, 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100, 2017 Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Tech Provider, a 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company manages over 365,000 loads annually, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011, the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at www.allenlund.com.
La Cañada Flintridge Calif. – Concluding its 15th year in participation, Allen Lund Company announces record produce donations for the 2018 Navidad en el Barrio event. Navidad en el Barrio, which was established in 1972 by Danny Villanueva, former NFL kicker, continues their mission to provide a healthy Christmas dinner to the most underserved families in Southern California.
“2018 was a remarkable year for Navidad en el Barrio,” states Nora Trueblood, MarCom Director for ALC, “we had growers from Texas, Idaho, Washington, and California participate this year, which translated to four full truckloads of fresh produce. We were able to provide an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to every family, which does not happen every year.”
“What made this year especially wonderful was the new growers, many of whom we met at PMA Fresh Summit, that were first-time donors to this program,” continued Trueblood. “From potatoes, and carrots to citrus, apples, pumpkins, mixed greens, and avocados, every family had fresh items in their dinner baskets.” The fresh items are added to a basket which includes staples featuring rice, tortillas, water, pasta, tomato sauce, beans, and fresh chicken.
ALC provided the coordination of donated product as well as the logistical support of moving produce from Texas, Idaho, Washington, and in-state California to the warehouse for distribution on December 15, 2018. ALC contract carriers, Wanship and Chevez Express stepped in and donated their time and equipment to assist in this year’s Navidad en el Barrio event.
2018 donors included: Rainer Fruit, Bonipak Produce, Wada Farms, Grimmway, Cacique, Inc., Coca-Cola Refreshments, Faribault Foods, Mother’s Nutritional Center, Northgate Supermarkets, Wonderful Citrus, Mission Produce, Garofalo Pasta/Advantage Solutions, El Dorado Growers, Naturipe, J & D Produce, Gem-Pack Berries, Sage Fruit Company, Novamex, and American Fresh Produce.
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 500 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was recognized by Logistics Tech Outlook for our software division ALC Logistics as a 2018 Top 10 Freight Management Solution Providers, 2018 Food Logistics’ Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list, 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100, 2017 Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Tech Provider, a 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company manages over 365,000 loads annually, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011, the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at www.allenlund.com.
By Allen Lund Company
La Cañada Flintridge Calif. – Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company has participated in Navidad en el Barrio. Over 75,000 people are served annually through the efforts of Navidad, which was established in 1972 by Danny Villanueva, former NFL kicker. “It is overwhelming to watch and read about the increasing homelessness in Southern California. The efforts of Navidad en el Barrio makes a small dent in the assistance to the most under-served families,” said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing at the Allen Lund Company.
Kenny Lund, Vice President adds, “My mom and dad instilled in us the value and importance of giving back and we as a company completely embrace that concept. Navidad en el Barrio is such an important effort and one that we are able to actually see the impact, by participating in the distribution of the dinners and meeting the grateful families. We plan to continue our commitment to Navidad en el Barrio for years to come.”
Navidad accepts and utilizes donations to assemble food baskets containing chicken, cheese, canned goods and various produce items for a hearty and healthy family holiday meal. ALC provides logistical support as well as produce donated by customers. The process of organizing donations of perishable products or food items from growers/shippers for the annual holiday food baskets has already started.
ALC is reaching out to shippers in the Western U.S. that often ship items which could be used to complete a meal for these families’ Christmas dinner. The logistics and transportation of the donations during the week of December 10-15, 2018 will be provided by the Allen Lund Company with meals being delivered on Saturday, December 15th. Donations are delivered via ALC to a warehouse location in Los Angeles and then delivered to agencies throughout Southern California for distribution to families. All donations must be usable beyond the date of distribution.
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 500 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. If you are interested in joining the Allen Lund Company team, please click here.
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was recognized by Logistics Tech Outlook for our software division ALC Logistics as a 2018 Top 10 Freight Management Solution Providers, 2018 Food Logistics’ Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list, 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top 100, 2017 Food Logistics 100+ Top Software and Tech Provider, a 2016 Top IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, 2015 Coca-Cola Challenger Carrier of the Year, 2015 Top Private Company in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2015 Top 100+ Software and Technology Providers, 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company manages over 365,000 loads annually, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011, the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at www.allenlund.com.