We have all kinds of “Appreciation Days,” but I think we need to add one more to the list and call it “Owner-Operator Appreciation Day.” I came to that decision after meeting for the first time last week one of our owner-operators that regularly hauls loads for HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I must say that I now have a new found admiration for these guys.

He stopped in for a couple of reasons. One, he was picking up a partial load that had been refused at a previous delivery location. HG Logistics warehoused the product for a few days until he was able to reroute it to a new location. Secondly, he wanted to review with me his open invoices. While backing up his computer system, he lost a large portion of his data and had not yet been able to recover the information. Therefore, he was going back and recreating invoices from paper copies. I felt his pain. What a major undertaking that must have been for him.

Not only did he have to deal with this mess, but he still had to continue overseeing his everyday business operations. Through our conversation that day, I got a clear picture of what that all entails. He is a one man operation. He does it all. He is the accounts payable and accounts receivable department, as well as the company’s bookkeeper. He does the billing and the collections. He is the one and only salesman. He books and schedules his own loads, he drives the truck, handles all paperwork, maintains his vehicle, records his log books, and answers all incoming calls.

Even though he has to handle this wide spectrum of responsibilities, he remains committed and reliable and someone HG Logistics has come to depend on to haul our loads. From time to time, there is some mumble-jumble paperwork, but nothing that is not easily corrected, especially since he is always quick to respond to our inquiries and cooperative in correcting any errors.  

The more I came to understand his operations, the more I appreciated what he does on a daily basis. He even treated HG Logistics to a pizza lunch last Friday to express his thanks to us for helping him out in situations, like when his computer crashes or his load is refused.

However, I think we need to turn the tables and express our appreciation for his great performance record and dependability. Not only does HG Logistics like to thank him, but we also thank all the owner-operators who are out there giving their all to do it all.

I don’t know about any other third party logistics companies, but HG Logistics LLC marks this day, May 16, 2013, as our “Owner-Operator Appreciation Day.”

“Thank you Owner-Operators for a job well done.”

As I started to write this article, it came to mind how many of my blogs have been inspired by either the bus or the rain. I am convinced that these two things exist if not for any other reason but to teach me valuable lessons in humility, patience, and perseverance. So, it should not come as a surprise that I am once again writing about another life lesson that was poured upon me this past week.

Last week was a disturbing time for our nation after bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. It is one of those moments that make you ask, “What is this world coming to?” And for me personally, it causes doubts in human decency to keep popping into my head. I was just about to lose all hope when I had an experience that reminded me that you cannot completely write off society based on the actions of a few disturbed people.

My story starts with, of course, my bus ride home. It was 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, and my daughter had just dropped off my granddaughter at my work. She needed someone to watch her that evening, so Lyla was just going to ride home on the bus with me. Fortunately, the bus arrived on schedule and we hopped right on. My granddaughter loves riding the bus. I am sure one reason is because she does not have to be in a car seat. She likes the idea of “no restraints.”

I was enjoying my ride too, soaking up the infectious joy of my granddaughter. It is amazing how a simple bus ride can turn into quite an adventure and an educational experience for a toddler. She was curious about everything–the people, how the doors open and shut, why we had to put money into the money dispenser, the different smells (some not so pleasant), and of course, the bell ringing device. She could hardly wait for her turn to ring that bell.

My focus was all on her, answering her questions as best as I could hoping my words made sense to a two year old. However, as we neared our stop, I looked up and noticed us being surrounded by darkening clouds. Undoubtedly, the rain was coming soon, but I prayed we would make it home before the storm hit, especially since I forgot my umbrella that day. We made it to our stop and still no rain. I was hopeful. But then, just as our feet hit the pavement, the skies opened up, and the rain gushed down like a dam breaking loose. To make things worst, the wind decided to join in, increasing its wind gust to the point where walking against it was nearly impossible. I immediately picked up my granddaughter and threw my coat over the top of her. I started to run. Actually, it was probably more like a trot considering I was loaded down with a child, purse, and diaper bag.

Now, I am at the part of the story at which my faith in humanity was restored. Not one, not two, but three people stopped in the middle of busy Glenway Avenue, ignoring beeping horns and flicking fingers, to offer us a ride. Each time, I was torn as to what to do. I so appreciated their kindness, but at the same time, we are always instructing my granddaughter never to go with strangers. My dilemma was: Do I break the rule and hop in or keep fighting the elements? We did not have much further to go to my house and there was no lightning threatening our safety, so I decided, with gratitude, to politely decline their offer.

I hope my declining will not discourage these people from reaching out and helping others in the future. The more I thought about what they did–how they were willing to take the time out of their busy schedule, to put their own agenda on hold, and possibly put themselves at risk to help me–really lifted my spirits. It proved to me that even when the world around us looks grim and evil, goodness does exist in the heart of some. I was in the right place at the right time to be a recipient of that goodness.

At the end of the day, I once again found myself being thankful for the bus and for the rain that I experience as I travel back and forth to my job at HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio. I actually now look forward to both, rain and bus, because I know, more than likely, there is a lesson somewhere in there to be learned.

p.s.–My granddaughter found the whole incident to be quite hilarious. She loved running in the rain. She even asked if we could do it again.

My co-worker here at HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio, was sharing with me about a school play his ten year old son was in the other evening. The storyline was about grandparents who come to stay with their grandchildren while their parents were away for the day. Before the sun went down, they lose all power at the house making televisions, DVDs, computers, iPads, and even cell phones inoperable. The children were devastated, but the grandparents teach them that with a little creativity and imagination they can still have fun. While there was still sunlight, the grandparents introduced the children to new concepts like designing and conducting their own Great Indoor Olympics.  They also played board games, made paper airplanes, and had a jump roping contest. When night came upon them, they played Flashlight Freeze Tag and told stories around a campfire.

The same day my co-worker shared with me about the school play, I heard my manager telling another employee about how years ago he use to dispatch his drivers from information he would scribble on a sheet of paper. At that time, he admitted he hated using the computer. He even had another employee enter the data in the computer from his notes in order to avoid dealing with it. However, today he tells a different story. Today, he stated that he does not know how he ever did it that way because, now, he cannot function without the computer.

Hearing these two encounters at work started me thinking about how we have become so technology dependent. Technology consumes our world. In no means is this blog meant to ding technology because I understand its considerable advantages and how it has opened a world of opportunities in both our business and personal lives. However, I do think that more often than not we lean too much on technology to do our thinking and provide our entertainment.

In some ways, we have lost the art of brainstorming. We think brainstorming is searching the Internet for ideas and answers. In other ways, technology dismisses one-on-one interaction and face-to-face conversations. When we choose to play a video game or watch TV, we lose the social benefit of spending time with family and friends. We miss that connection with others.

Even at work, we often spend more time emailing people instead of just talking to them. This is true even with people who sit directly across from us. I was just discussing this with a customer the other day. Together, we were trying to make heads and tails out of numerous emails that were sent in regards to rescheduling a shipment. I made the comment that it would be much easier to just call the receiver and let them explain exactly what they want and when they want it. I posed the question, “Why don’t we do that anymore? Why does it have to be through email?” We concluded the answer to be that we prefer email because email provides a record of what transacted and we don’t have to rely on “he said–she said.”  Regardless, in some instances, I still think a quick, direct conversation would eliminate any confusion and save us some valuable time.

Technology has been incorporated into almost every area of our lives and I don’t see that trend reversing. What I am really amazed at is the young age at which children are grasping a hold of technology. Even infants are fascinated with their parent’s cell phones. My two year old granddaughter knows all about them. The other day she was holding her puppy and showing him a picture of her with Santa. She proceeded to tell her puppy all about Santa, and then she looked at Santa in the picture and said, “Santa, if you have any questions just text me.”

This generation of children is going to grow up in a tech savvy world. There is no question about that. But I think it would be nice to shut the power off from time to time (just like in the play) and have them engage in some good old fashion fun.

Actually, HG Logistics has experienced at least three power outages in the past few years. Yes, at first we panicked and yes, it did slow down communication. But in the end we managed to get creative and still conduct business. We even got to sit around and eat lunch by candlelight and share some stories and laughs.

There is no doubt that technology is good. I guess the thought I am trying to convey in this blog is the same as the 4th grade school play:–Life can exist beyond technology, and occasionally, let us not deny ourselves the privilege of seeing life on the other side of the television set and computer screen.

When I woke up this morning and looked out my window, I saw a 3″ blanket of snow, and the first thing that popped into my head was that song, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Now, I know Christmas is a few months past, but I was reminded that some people dream of this Winter Wonderland, and it truly does have a picture perfect look. The snow makes everything glisten with a purity and cleanliness. It lightens up surrounding areas. It even dresses up the naked, bare trees with a gown of white beauty. My eyes stared in amazement at how nature could paint such splendor with just a few strokes of snowflakes.

I am sure, as well, that this March winter snowfall was a dream come true for several school-aged children. Today, they can sleep in and then later spend the afternoon sled riding, making snow angels, and having snow ball fights. That is much more inviting than sitting behind a desk and listening to a teacher lecture them on the proper use of pronouns and subordinate clauses.

Aww dreams! Are we not a nation that encourages dreams? After all, this country was built on the dream of a few English settlers. Do we not tell our children to reach for their dreams? Dreams are good. Dreams inspire us. They give us focus. Dreams plant the seed of hope, and they motivate us to work and push forward. They encourage us not to give up. Even if life crushes one dream, we have the freedom to find another.

Last night as I watched American Idol, I was reminded that these young men and women are pursuing their dream of making it in the music industry. For at least one of them, American Idol will be the platform from which they will build their dream. And as I wrote this blog, it came to mind one of the most famous speeches of all times– Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. His words have been quoted over and over again.

Unfortunately, some people like to be dream crushers. They approach dreams as fantasy, never to be realized. I sometimes wonder if this is part of the world’s problems. So many have stopped dreaming and are content to just stay put in their current circumstances, never striving to improve or change their life for the better. What they don’t realize is that dreams have such potential to become reality, right within their grasp, if only they are willing to work hard enough to achieve them.

Well, here at HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio, we are not afraid to admit that we are “Dreamers.” Businesses are no different than individuals because they too have dreams. Businesses may not call them dreams. More than likely, they will refer to them as their “Five Year Plan” or their “List of Goals & Objectives,” but those are their dreams.

HG Logistics LLC has painted a picture, our dream, of where we want our company to be in all areas–economic health, customer satisfaction, innovative services, driver safety, problem resolution, and employee teamwork. This picture is our focus, and we strive for picture perfect. Until every stroke is strategically placed and until every piece is perfectly blended, we will continue to push forward until we complete our “look,” our “dream.”

I must be honest and admit that this Wednesday’s morning snowfall was not part of HG Logistics’ dream. Yes, it was a dreamlike sight to behold, but for us, it is more like a nightmare as we must consider the safety of our drivers on the road and the timely delivery of our customers’ goods.  Although snow is not HG Logistics’ dream, we would never discourage anyone from dreaming–not school-aged children nor make believe characters like Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas.

Dreams are good. Dreams are healthy, so HG Logistics is going to keep on dreaming, and we encourage America to do the same. Our dreams are what set us on track and what pushes us to the next level.  And what results?–A transformation of visions from dream to reality.

I have been given a tremendous privilege and responsibility in writing blogs for HG Logistics LLC’s web page, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have also been given much freedom in choosing what to write. In no way would I want to abuse or misuse that freedom, so I think carefully about what to say. However, I like to write from experiences because that is where life is lived and lessons are learned.

With that said, I maybe walking a fine line by what I am about to share because mixing religion and business is not always well received. However, it is not really “religion” that I am promoting but a valuable principle I want to emphasize. This principle involves leadership which is so prevalent in both our professional and personal life. I was reminded of this principle while reading a devotional from Our Daily Bread. In the January 27, 2013 entry entitled “The Mark of Leadership,” David McCasland shared the following story:

While visiting the campus of Purdue University on a frigid winter day, I came upon two young men chipping away thick ice on the sidewalk next to a fraternity house. Thinking they must be underclassmen who had been assigned the tough job by older fraternity brothers, I said, “They didn’t tell you about this when you joined, did they?” One looked up with a smile and said, “Well, we’re both upperclassmen. I’m the fraternity vice-president and my friend here is the president.” I thanked them for their hard work and went on my way having been reminded that serving others is the mark of a true leader.

David McCasland concluded by saying, “The mark of true, godly leadership is not power and privilege, but humble service.”

I must confess, I have not always associated humbleness with leadership, but the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the idea. Somewhere along the line, I had come to perceive leaders as those who are calling all the shots, giving the orders, and telling everyone else what to do. I don’t know if anyone else has developed this same erroneous image of leaders, but after reading what David McCasland had to say about the mark of a true leader, I had a paradigm shift in my way of thinking.

I then became curious as to what other sources might say about leadership qualities, so I did a little research. What my research turned up is that those sources too refer to “humbleness” as a key characteristic of a good leader. However, they do not call it “humbleness,” but instead they refer to it as “commitment.” As they expressed, one of the greatest employee motivators is seeing the boss working hard alongside of them to produce quality services and products. They also stated this as a key element in gaining the respect of your team. One thing I can definitely say about my General Manager, Doug Bierman, is that he is not afraid to work every area of the business from calling customers, quoting, booking loads, dispatching, entering orders, doing check calls, and even driving the trucks himself.

As I continued to ponder this whole leadership idea, my focused shifted to Webster’s definition, which stated: “A leader is one who guides the way.” This definition really struck a nerve with me because according to what it says many of us are leaders. What is scary is that we are oblivious to the fact that we are leaders, and leaders have a tremendous responsibility. I have never considered myself in a leadership role, but Webster has taught me that this is not always true.  What many of us don’t realize, or we simply forget, is that there are little eyes and hears watching and listening to us, and they are following our lead.

My two year old granddaughter convicted me of this truth just the other day. She called me at work and proceeded to tell me that she was putting on her makeup so she could come to work and get money. I asked my daughter, “Where did she come up with that?” My daughter replied, “From you. Whenever Lyla ask why you are at work, you reply that you go to work to earn money.” In other words, I have ”guided the way” for my granddaughter to think that work is all about money. Although money is a key factor, by no means should I be teaching her that it is the only reason. Hopefully, it is also because you enjoy your work and the contributions you make to the company and to society as a whole.

Well, Lyla and her mom did end up coming to my work that day to pick me up, and they stopped in for a quick visit. I told Doug what Lyla had said earlier about getting money, and he immediately whipped at a $1 dollar bill and gave it to her. She was so excited. She did not let go of it all night. Now, not only do I have to teach her that money isn’t everything, I will have to teach her that the normal protocol is that you perform some type of work before you get paid.

The more and more I think about leadership and what it is, the more multifaceted it becomes because it entails so many concepts and characteristics. However, I walk away from this whole experience, convinced of two things: First, leadership is a growth process, and we all eventually end up leaders in some capacity or another. Secondly, I agree with David McCasland that an effective leader starts with a humble spirit.

There is something refreshing about the start of a new year. It is a chance to put things behind us and start anew. On January 1st, many of us develop this overwhelming sensation to make changes that will bring about better health, improved relationships, and successful endeavors. We go into the New Year with great enthusiasm and high expectations of what will come about from our newly committed promises to ourselves, our families, and to our employer.

We start with good intentions, but often our good intentions hit a bump in the road that takes us off course for a while.  One of those bumps can be the flu. Think about it. January is right in the midst of the flu season and many of us are struck down by it just as we begin to make those all important changes in our lives. Right off, we can become bedridden and discouraged.

Well, at HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker located in Cincinnati, Ohio, our General Manager, Doug Bierman, decided he was not going to take the chance of his employees getting sidetracked by the flu. Therefore, on January 10, 2013, after hearing report after report about how the flu is going to strike in epidemic proportions this year, he announced that he was going to pay for everyone in the company to get a flu shot.

Some of the employees jumped right on this offer and went immediately down to the health center for their shots. However, there are a few skeptics like me who are not sure they want to get a flu shot. I have never had the flu shot, mostly because of the stories I have heard where people claim they contracted the flu right after getting the shot.

Nevertheless, I was not going to dismiss the idea right away. I decided to research the pros and cons and get some medical advice from the experts. My research uncovered the following information:

 ** Abbate, Emily. “10 Flu Shot Pros & Cons to Help Decide If It’s For You.” Healthy Living: 10/15/2012.

The above data was informative, but it was not enough to convince me to get the flu shot. I have gone 52 1/2 years without ever having one, so I am going to continue to take my chances and hope my luck does not run out. As for my co-workers, about half were vaccinated.

I guess only time will tell if I made the right decision. Hopefully, I won’t be writing my next blog from my sick bed, and hopefully, I will still be on pace to accomplish all my goals for 2013.

What about the rest of you? Are you going to get your flu shot?

I really struggled with writing a blog this week because nothing seemed appropriate. Although we are in the midst of the most festive time of the year, it has been darkened by the overwhelming sorrow caused by the Sandy Hook Elementary School’s tragedy. And to take this moment to write about the economic outlook, or the freight transportation’s upcoming business prospects, or holiday activities or traditions, or any other every day activity–DID NOT SEEM RIGHT.

As a matter of fact, I struggle to know what to say at all because at a time like this no words seem appropriate, no words can take away the pain, no words can be a substitute for those lost. So with this blog, I choose not to say anything, but to be silent and remember in my mind and especially in my heart the victims and their families….

HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker in Cincinnati, Ohio, and our parent company, Hill and Griffith, started bringing in the Holiday Season early this year. On December 5, 2012, we had our Christmas Company get together. This year we opted for something different. Instead of the traditional sit down dinner in a cozy, little restaurant, we went to a bowling alley. Yes, we went casual and it was a blast.

In a rented party room at Super Bowl in Erlanger, Kentucky, we enjoyed a catered meal courtesy of Friday’s. After stuffing ourselves with ribs, chicken, salmon, potatoes, salad, and vanilla bean cheesecake, we all spent a couple hours bowling together.

Now, in my case, I attempted to bowl. I don’t think what I did would necessarily be classified as bowling being that the object of the game is to knock the pins down and not hit the gutter. But in spite of my measly scores of 67, 80, and 89, I had a good time. It was fun sharing some laughs with fellow employees even if they were laughing at me. Seriously, it was a relaxing time, a fun-filled atmosphere. No one was out to become the next King of TV Bowling Champion. We were just there to enjoy each other’s company. However, my husband did have to go and show off by bowling an impressive 257 in his last game. He had the highest score of the night and I would bet to say I had the lowest.

By the end of the evening after a great meal, bowling, and door prize giveaways which included a flat screen TV won by our HR Manager, Sarah Dixon, I concluded with confidence that the Christmas Party was a success. And what I heard the next morning at work confirmed what I already knew. Everyone was buzzing about the party and how much fun they had. It was great to hear–music to my ears.

On that note, I think I can speak for all who attended–Thank you Hill and Griffith, HG Logistics LLC, and all who organized this terrific event. We appreciate your generosity and the opportunity to have a “Merry Ole Time” this Holiday Season.

(Below are some of us in action. Those of us that were photographed are glad these pictures were taken from our backside making us less recognizable to viewers. However, check out our great form.)

It is Thanksgiving week, and I can’t help but anticipate the fine Thanksgiving meal I am going to sit down to on Thursday, November 22, 2012. As I was envisioning all these delicacies in my head, weird thoughts started to cross my mind–thoughts of how I would compare HG Logistics LLC to a Thanksgiving meal. I said to myself, “Seriously? Am I really thinking these thoughts? Has my imagination got the best of me? Are those creative writing lessons in English 101 coming back to haunt me?” Then I thought, “What the heck. I am going to write these visions down and yes, daringly share them in this blog.”

My Vision: HG Logistics LLC a Smorgasbord of Thanksgiving Delicacies

HG Logistics LLC brings the TURKEY. Our turkey, the hearty meat of our business, comes in the way of reliable transportation of our customers’ products from origin to destination. We serve the breast meat, not the giblets, so you can count on a full meal of dedicated services.

Our turkey is stuffed with savory DRESSING because inside every transaction is a team of dedicated employees working to get you an excellent rate, booking a dependable, reliable carrier, paying careful attention to specifics and details, and monitoring loads from pickup to delivery. At HG Logistics LLC, every load we haul is stuffed with this perfect mix of good customer service.

HG Logistics also provides the MASH POTATOES by means of our safety program. The mash potatoes is that one item on the table that appeals to everyone, and they mix well with all the other items on your plate. Stir a little bit of mash potatoes in with your turkey or vegetables and it taste great. Safety does the same thing. It is appealing and it is a priority with everyone at HG Logistics. We mix it in with every area of our business to ensure our carrier base operates in accordance to our safety standards. The end results is that it makes everything go down smoothly just like mash potatoes.

We then like to top it all with some GRAVY. The gravy gives everything else that extra boost of flavor. So for us, we like to add extra flavor through our affiliation with TIA and SmartWay. As a TIA member, HG Logistics adheres to the professional standards and business values promoted by the TIA Code of Ethics. We also are a SmartWay Partner committed to their mission to: “save the environment, save fuel, save money, strengthen our economy, and enhance our national security.” With our membership to TIA and SmartWay, our turkey (loads hauled), our dressing (customer service), and our mashed potatoes (safety program) just became a little more delectable.

Hopefully, you still have room for DESSERT because HG Logistics has plenty to offer. Of all the items served at Thanksgiving, desserts offer the greatest variety. Usually you have a pick of apple pie, pumpkin pie, or chocolate pie. Often cheesecake and peach cobbler are included as well. There is just so much to choose from. Well, at HG Logistics LLC, we too have a variety of services to offer–heavy hauls, oversized, bulk materials (dry & liquid), specialized projects, temperature controlled, expedited services, LTL & full-sized shipments, export shipping, and hazardous material loads. Just name it and we offer it. So if you want to top your load off with a variety of some sweet choices, HG Logistics is the broker for you.

Now Thanksgiving is not just about the great food, but it is also about the wonderful time you get to spend with friends and family. HG Logistics LLC looks at our customers as family, and we would love to sit down with any of you and discuss how we can serve you best.

Best of all—at HG Logistics LLC, Thanksgiving does not just come around once a year. It is an everyday experience. We provide the full package from the turkey to all the trimmings. So if you want to indulge in a Thanksgiving Feast that comes by way of transportation services, HG Logistics LLC is the right choice for you. With HG Logistics LLC, you will come away full and satisfied.

One of our salesmen here at HG Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company and freight transportation broker in Cincinnati, Ohio, had a wonderful opportunity this summer to visit many exciting places in Europe. During his trip, Eric Fiehler captured some great pictures of the various places he toured. I don’t think I have to say much more because the pictures speak for themselves. Click on the slideshow below and enjoy.