Bracing for Impact of the Electronic Logging Device Mandate

The transportation industry is approaching a big milestone as the electronic logging device (ELD) takes effect on December 18, 2017. That's when more than 3 million truckers will need to be using some form of ELD to record a driver’s on- and off-duty hours. Improved highway safety is the main goal of the mandate and will come via reduced driver fatigue by limiting truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 overall on-duty hours per day. Stricter rule enforcement throughout the industry is anticipated.

Shippers everywhere are concerned that the ELD mandate will lead to reduced truck capacity in 2018. Most industry sources are predicting a 2 to 5 percent decrease in availability, while others believe the impact will be larger and vary from lane to lane. Rate increases for interstate transfers—not local pickups and deliveries—will be common.

Since Pilot is a non-asset based company, we rely on many partners to make our ground transportation services successful. “All of Pilot's major line-haul providers are in compliance with the ELD mandate,” says Tom Drake, executive vice president, domestic & Canadian operations. For those smaller companies that put off implementation in the hopes it would be postponed by the federal government, Tom says the good news is they can get compliant relatively quickly. 

Ho, Ho, Home Delivery by Pilot

We’re in the thick of it now: the holiday shopping season! Consumers everywhere are click, click, clicking on computers, tablets and phones to secure their treasures. Adobe Digital Insights, which measures 80 percent of the online transactions at the 100 largest Web retailers in the U.S., says that Cyber Monday 2017 is now the largest online shopping day in U.S. history at $6.59 billion in sales, which is more than a $1 billion increase over last year!

But ordering may just be the easy part. As a logistics expert in the home delivery arena, we know the behind-the-scenes dance that is choreographed to deliver a smooth performance is nothing to be taken lightly. Oversized freight and large consumer products need to be handled with care and so do our customers. Since the early 2000’s, we’ve been working hard to ensure that our delivery options meet a variety of needs and requests, including weekend delivery and by appointment. For your convenience and our efficiency, we’ve developed COMPASS, an easy-to-use interface used to schedule the date and time you want that new elliptical, 4K TV or coveted massage chair to arrive.

Flexibility, dependability and superior service. When Pilot is driving, nobody makes it easier, at any time of the year!

Priority Customer Service

Nearly all of us have been there, especially during the holidays. It’s that breaking point where all you want is someone who will listen patiently as you explain your dilemma, hear the urgency in your voice, feel your frustration through the phone and solve your problem in a way that makes the call worthwhile in the first place. You want swift service from a confident, knowledgeable representative.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you call Pilot.

Year round—not just during the holiday season—you’ll reach a customer service agent, every time. At night, on weekends and during holidays, a friendly voice every time. In fact, 99% of the time, your call will be answered within 25 seconds of contacting Pilot.  Our team is prepared to answer the phone within the first three rings. No matter if we’re handling our daily average of 2,000 calls or 3,500 calls at peak times, you’ll be a priority. And you don’t have to worry about being bounced from person to person in order to get a resolution. Our agents are cross-trained in a way that empowers them to handle any customer need from start to finish.

Reaching the right person at 1-800-HI-PILOT is how we prioritize customer service every day. 

Pilot Phoenix Hits the Fairway with SALEO

Pilot Phoenix recently participated in and sponsored a golf tournament hosted by SALEO, the Southern Arizona Logistics Education Organization. This group’s mission is to educate, promote and grow the transportation and logistics industry by networking the logistics service providers and users in the Arizona-Mexico region. In the past four years, PHX has benefited greatly from its membership in SALEO. “Through this affiliation, we’ve been able to grow our local customer base, so we were more than happy to give back via this event,” says Mauro Rodriguez, sales manager, Pilot Phoenix. Pictured at left is Mauro and Jose Rebeil, account executive, Pilot Phoenix.

Making Technology Work Harder for Pilot Customers

Pilot technology keeps customers connected to shipments at all times, anywhere in the world. In just a few clicks on CoPilot—our online shipping navigator—users can employ a wide range of options, from booking and quoting to completing airbills and reporting.

Pilot also offers shorter residential delivery time windows than others in the transportation industry. How? Our proprietary COMPASS program offers the fastest, most reliable system for scheduling and managing home deliveries. Our drivers also use this technology to record consignee signatures electronically for proof of delivery.

At Pilot, we’re dedicated to helping customers streamline processes, enhance communication and provide instant access to information. Our attention on function-focused technology means we deliver solutions that are specifically designed for each customer, situation and logistics need. To learn more about how our technology is Piloting business every day, call us at 1-800-HI-PILOT.

Pilot at Annual Meeting and Expo for Government Transportation

Greg Forgrave, Move One, joined by Bob and Larry

Larry Wenrich, vice president, government sales, and Bob Moss, Saint Louis franchise co-owner, recently attended the NDTA-USTRANSCOM 2017 Fall Meeting. This is an annual meeting between two organizations: National Defense Transportation Association and the U.S. Transportation Command. For many years, Pilot has traditionally participated in the expo to be available to the customers and vendors on site. “Many of the Department of Defense decision makers that we deal with on a daily basis are present,” says Larry. This year, several of the military’s overseas agents participated in the meeting, and it was valuable for the Pilot team to spend time with them. Since 2008, Pilot has proudly served the Department of Defense (DOD), including all branches of the Armed Forces, GSA, NASA and other Departments of the U.S. Government.

Building Confidence to Deliver Assurance

It’s that time of year when not only the pace and volume of shipments increase, so does the workforce needed to guarantee success. In order to handle the record breaking months Pilot anticipates for November and December, our national customer service team in Lima, PA, will hire 47 seasonal hires to answer calls and track home deliveries for Pilot’s largest national accounts. A handful of these include returning agents, who not only bring experience but also act as resources as newer agents get oriented.

Training begins in earnest during the last week of October and continues through Thanksgiving. During this time and leading up to the holiday rush, seasonal agents become familiar with the transportation industry and Pilot’s services. At the same time, they develop a strong foundation of how Pilot differentiates itself as a provider. A visit to the local Pilot operation is an integral part of their training and builds firsthand knowledge of freight handling procedures. 

“These experiences build confidence and prepare new agents to handle calls in a professional manner, and ultimately provide assurance to each customer about their important delivery,” says Lisa Coyle, Chief Administration Officer. “We strive to build confidence in our agents. If they are secure in their customer service skills, then our customers will feel assured in Pilot.” NCS expects call volume will average 3,000-3,500 inbound calls daily in early to mid-December. Outbound calls average 2,000-2,300 during this time. Last year, Pilot received 4,675 calls in one day! 

Pilot Preps for Record Months Ahead

As Pilot heads into the heart of the fourth quarter, the company expects the handle record volumes in November and December, fueled largely by the e-commerce category. Managing this boost was among the discussion as the company’s senior leaders—representing its nationwide locations—gathered recently in Chicago. Operationally, Pilot’s network expects to handle an average of more than 5,500 daily e-commerce deliveries in its system during the course of the holiday season. Pilot’s national customer service workforce will increase by 65 percent with seasonal hires to answer calls and track home deliveries for the largest national accounts. Pilot closed 2016 with record revenue of $579.5 million and 1.6 million shipments and looks to be well beyond the $600 million threshold this year.

Global Customer Chooses Pilot for Relief Transportation

When disaster strikes, you need a trusted partner that can navigate the challenges with you. Pilot has that experience. Recently, our Hartford team was called upon to help a global customer that has employees located in Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island, Pilot not only sourced and coordinated relief supply pickups in five different U.S. locations, but also secured three separate charters to get much-needed provisions to the employees. “Initially, we faced some difficulties finding dedicated vehicles going to Miami because the city was just recovering from Hurricane Irma,” says Earl McClain, international operations manager, who was the key coordinator for all three charters. Earl has worked seven days a week, communicating with all parties involved to ensure a smooth delivery in Puerto Rico. Among the more than 220,000 pounds of freight employees received were generators, bottled water, insect repellent, fans, portable stoves, propane, ice makers and ice bags.

Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges

John Hill, Pilot’s president and chief commercial officer, presented at the Manufacturing and Quality Expo in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 2. During his presentation, John spoke about several supply chain challenges facing today’s manufacturers, highlighting the evolution of e-commerce, mobile technology, the labor force and logistics site selection as four major catalysts of change in the supply chain landscape. Since Pilot is a strategic partner to many manufacturers, John offered attendees several ways to mitigate the risk of disruption in their own supply chain by looking at legal and regulatory, environmental, technological and economic factors. To learn how Pilot can make a significant impact on your company’s efficiency and supply chain productivity, visit www.pilotdelivers.com. 

Pilot Houston Connects with Customers and Families During Appreciation Event

On September 23, Pilot’s Houston station hosted an event for its customers and their families at the Houston Zoo. Spending the day at the 55-acre zoological park was a welcome distraction for the 154 guests, many of whom were directly affected by Hurricane Harvey. In fact, the Pilot staff actively secured additional tickets after the storm in order to accommodate as many guests as possible. “Even though this event was planned prior to Harvey, the timing worked out well as reflected in our turnout,” says Brian Nelson, district manager. “Plus, our customers appreciated meeting the Pilot staff in person and making connections that are only possible face-to-face.” In addition to all-day access to the zoo, the attendees were treated to a catered lunch and a raffle for Pilot items, gift cards and Texan game tickets. The zoo only suffered minor damage during Harvey, and all exhibits were open to guests.  

Pilot Customs Brokerage Petitions for Support of Industry Issues

Ilyse Dawicki, managing director of customs services, recently attended the Government Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., representing Pilot Customs Brokerage. Ilyse, along with peers from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, lobbied for support of the issues facing the transportation industry. “We need our politicians to actively address the major concerns around protecting our importers and the security of the U.S.,” says Ilyse. In addition to gathering with members of Congress, the group met with Kevin McAleenan, acting commissioner of customs, and Brenda Smith, executive assistant commissioner, office of international trade.

Pilot has offered in-house customs brokerage services since 2013, adding significant value to our international portfolio. “We handle a vast array of customers, commodities and entry types, including FDA-regulated products,” Ilyse says. “Choosing Pilot for worldwide shipments brings customers a greater peace of mind, knowing one partner can handle every step in the process of delivering goods. Our customers can also be reassured that outside of our day-to-day operation, Pilot is engaged in making sure the right regulations for the transportation and logistics industry are enacted."

Pilot Seattle Recognized for Excellent Service

Pilot’s largest international customer and perishables supplier recently presented our Seattle station with a distinguished service award, recognizing the collaborative 25-year relationship. In particular, Pilot Seattle was acknowledged for its ability to adjust volumes and react to the time-sensitive nature of shipping perishables in order to deliver fresh produce to points around the globe in a timely manner. This supplier wrapped the cherry shipping season with a 50 percent increase over record 2016 volumes and pointed to Pilot’s ability to rise to the challenge as key in another record year. Patrick Allen, franchise owner, Bill Raine, perishables manager, and the entire Seattle staff were described as dedicated professionals who perform above expectations and make seemingly impossible tasks look easy, day after day!

Build a Career with Pilot

As highlighted in Wonolo’s recent job market report, Pilot is a leading warehouse employer in the Philadelphia area. We happen to be searching for new talent to add to the team and currently have openings in our Philadelphia station, located in Folcroft, PA. For those of you living outside the Philadelphia area, check out our career page for additional organizational openings. Making a move to Pilot means joining a company with a remarkable history of stability, growth and quality in the transportation and logistics industry. 

Appreciating Pilot Drivers

When you choose Pilot as a transportation partner, we know you trust us to keep your freight on track and deliver your shipments on time. We couldn’t do that without our drivers, who play a critical role in our success. From pickups to deliveries and with every transaction, they each put their best foot forward to represent our company’s commitment to our customers. We’re saluting our drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in thanking them for all they do to transport your goods safely, quickly and reliably.

Pilot Delivers … and That’s No Bull!

Winnie the bull had quite a ride from Winnipeg, Canada, to Collinsville, Texas, and Pilot’s shipping specialist ensured he made it safely! The fiberglass statue of a Charolais bull was purchased by J.R. Martin to adorn the entrance to her ranch, where she raises the real version of the special cattle. Winnie, named after the city of his creation, measures nine feet long, five feet tall, and three feet wide. At 125 pounds, it wasn’t the statue’s weight that posed a shipping challenge, but rather his awkward shape. With the just the manufacturer’s rudimentary crate made from a pallet and posts, Pilot and its partners made sure the unusual cargo made the long trip to his new home without incident. As you can image, when Winnie arrived on the dock at Pilot DFW, he immediately stirred up conversation.

On delivery day, the sun was shining bright at the Rockin M Ranch as the huge bull was unloaded in front of the American, Texas and Christian flags that will fly proudly over him night and day. J.R. waited a long time for this bull, and she and Pilot’s driver laughed as the truck ramp slowly lowered Winnie to the ground. The registered Charolais cattle grazing in the pasture looked on with curiosity. “He’s finally home,” J.R. said, to which the driver responded, “Pilot delivers, and that’s no bull.”

New Home for Pilot Albuquerque

Pilot Albuquerque is now servicing New Mexico customers from a new facility. The 12,000-square-foot station features a larger dock area and spacious offices. In its new location, Pilot ABQ is also more centrally located to both customers and transportation partners. You'll find the Pilot ABQ team at 5821 Midway Park Blvd NE, located just off the Jefferson corridor. Stop by for a visit or to talk about your next transportation project. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pilot Air Charter to the Rescue!

At Pilot, we know things don’t always go as planned. That’s why we offer aircraft charter services for emergency shipments. From Learjets to Boeing 747s or Antonov cargo planes, we’ll find the right aircraft to meet your specific shipment needs. In fact, Pilot recently handled an urgent request for a key, global customer on a tight time frame. The 145,000-pound charter shipment consisted of seven 20-foot ocean containers and three crates, all filled with tools and parts to fix a downed power plant. The shipment loaded on Friday, August 18, and departed from Rickenbacker International Airport on Saturday, August 19, on the Antonov 124 pictured above. With this charter, Pilot helped get the operation back online, saving the company from further costly downtime. 

Pilot Honored with 15th Ryder Carrier Quality Award

John Hill, president and chief commercial officer, along with Phil Annese, senior director, automotive services, and Stephen LeBeau, national account manager, automotive, recently accepted the 2016 Ryder Carrier Quality Award on Pilot's behalf. This is the 15th time Pilot has received Ryder’s award in the freight forwarder category and the third year in a row that Pilot was recognized for both its domestic and international services. Last year, Pilot handled approximately 5,000 shipments for Ryder through various accounts, mainly connected to the automotive industry. Since 2007, Pilot’s automotive specialists have been adding value to supply chains by offering customized programs and just-in-time solutions that streamline operations and improve cost efficiencies and responsiveness. Pilot is proud to be consistently recognized by Ryder and others for exceeding on-time performance demands and delivering superior customer service and new technology solutions.

The Harder the Destination, the More Pilot Wants Your Business

For some providers, this philosophy may not match their capabilities, mindset or willingness to go above and beyond for the customer. But at Pilot, it’s what motivates us, especially when it comes to government shipments. Since 1998, Pilot has routinely delivered our troops their required cargo, regardless of location. Our vast partner network means we can move supplies from routes like New York to Mongolia or Guam to Korea, just as easily as San Francisco to Seattle. We’re proud to serve the Department of Defense (DOD), including all branches of the Armed Forces, GSA, NASA and other Departments of the U.S. Government. From uniforms to combat zone equipment, it’s what Pilot does best: deliver the gear wherever it’s needed so our troops can get their jobs done. We consider it our duty and privilege to be a worldwide government service provider.

Pilot Seattle Finds Sweet Success Shipping Cherries

Pilot Seattle is celebrating another successful 12-week cherry season, during which the station moved 11 million pounds of the fruit over 6,000 miles from Washington state to the Far East. After 28 years of shipping cherries, Patrick Allen, franchise owner, and his team are well versed on the delicate process of moving the fresh produce. “One mistake and you could lose a ton of fruit," he says. "That’s why year after year the importers and growers trust Pilot.” The intricate operation involves numerous variables from space availability to arrival times and document preparation to order specifics. The SEA team works seven days a week from June to August to make sure cherries are readily available in markets around the world. In July alone, Pilot Seattle shipped over 7.3 million pounds, mostly to Asia. During that time, the station even sent four 747-400 jet airline charters of cherries to Shanghai and Hong Kong! 

Pilot Freight Services Leads the Pack in the Quest for Quality

Pilot was named the top Airfreight Forwarder in the 2017 Quest for Quality awards from Logistics Management magazine. Among the five ratings criteria, Pilot also scored the highest in the customer service and on-time performance categories. This seal of approval comes from readers of the industry’s top trade publication for supply chain professionals. As the actual users of freight forwarding services, this audience understands and appreciates the value of service and performance. This recognition is widely regarded in the transportation industry as the most important measure of customer satisfaction and performance excellence. Readers also rated providers on value, IT and equipment and operations. Pilot has earned more than 25 Quest for Quality awards in the past three decades. Congratulations to the entire Pilot team for continuing to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to our customers and the industry!

Pilot Salt Lake City Hosts Customer Appreciation Event

Bees, baseball and bonding! Pilot Salt Lake City recently hosted more than 75 people at its customer appreciation event held at a Salt Lake Bees baseball game. The large crowd turned out for a family-friendly evening of baseball and dinner. “This is a great way for us to thank our customers for their loyalty and business," says Shawn Burrell, district manager. "It's also a chance for our customers and station team to get to know each other on a personal level and in a fun, casual setting. Plus, we get to connect face-to-face, and we love meeting our customers’ family members.” The first-place Bees play minor league baseball in the Pacific Coast League and look to be in a great spot to play post-season playoff ball. The team is also the Triple A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels. Shawn says that a great time was had by all.

Pilot's Newest Offering: Airport-to-Airport Ground Service to Mexico

Pilot recently introduced an alternate, cost-effective way for customers to ship freight to Mexico. The

airport-to-airport ground service functions in the same manner as air service, but the cargo moves on the ground at an economical rate. Launched in May, it is currently available through the Dallas gateway (DFG) to the following stations: GDL, MEX and MTY.

With this ground option, the cargo clears at the destination airport (GDL, MEX or MTY) and not at the U.S./Mexico border, which avoids any potential congestion there, resulting in quicker clearance and faster overall transit time. “This service should appeal to shippers with smaller shipments and low volume of traffic,” says Abe Achackzad, executive vice president, operations and transportation. “By providing a predictable transit time, we’re also helping customers better manage their supply chains.”

Since freight transportation to and from Mexico is somewhat complicated, these shippers are guaranteed Pilot’s expertise on requirements and formalities during the process. Pilot looks to target both manufacturers and retailers that conduct trades between the two countries. “Since Mexico is the United States’ third largest trading partner, it’s important for Pilot to offer any and all kinds of solutions to our customers,” says Abe. Plans are for the program to roll out at the Los Angeles gateway (LAG) later this summer.

Schedule: Transit Times from Dallas Gateway (DFG)
Guadalajara (GDL)
Monday– Friday: 1 Day Transit 

Mexico City (MEX) 
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2 Days Transit 

Monterrey (MTY) 
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2 Days Transit

Pilot Makes Aviation Logistics Take Flight

If size matters, then Pilot’s latest logistics venture is the one to beat. The operation—which eventually will grow to 200,000 square feet and could potentially more than double when the program is final—supports a world-leading provider of aviation jet engines and components. Pilot now manages this company’s largest global logistics facility, providing the type of creative solutions other 3PLs were struggling to resolve. 

Since assuming control in mid-March, Pilot now has more than six full-time employees managing the warehouse operations, which contains both tools and parts required to support grounded aircraft. These tools and parts, which must be ready to ship anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours, can be massive as well as very sensitive. 

The scope of the program changes almost weekly with the provider bringing new global and domestic opportunities to Pilot for solutions. “Eventually, it will grow to a worldwide focus with Pilot managing in some capacity multiple global centers, handling various degrees of field support, including facility solutions, IT solutions and unique scopes of work,” says Stephen Bullard, vice president, logistics services. The most immediate next steps will focus on solutions in airport support centers in the U.S., U.K. and Europe.

Working with a Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partner

Who helps power your supply chain? Pilot Freight Services works with customers to effectively help improve efficiency, customer service and overall performance. In fact, Pilot’s outstanding service and solutions in this area have prompted industry professionals to recognize us as one of the 100 Great Supply Chain Partners as compiled by SupplyChainBrain, a comprehensive supply chain management information resource. All of Pilot's efforts focus on helping our customers succeed, thrive and grow. And since partnership is the core of everything we do, success only comes when we’ve made a significant impact on a customer’s efficiency and supply chain productivity. Pilot employees nationwide work hard to deliver value to customers every day. We couldn't be prouder of this recognition!

Pilot Freight Services: Your Retail Logistics Expert

You may know and trust Pilot to get your freight from point A to B, but our services extend much further than just delivery. Take our retail services program for example. Pilot’s expertise in retail logistics delivers solutions that generate sales and success across a variety of areas. 

Pilot provides customers with the highest level project-specific standard operating procedures managed solely by Pilot throughout the entire project. Meyers, a valued Pilot customer for five years, designs and produces innovative large-format graphics, displays, labels, cards and coupons for its own retail customers. Whether it’s highly-sensitive and secure deliveries for the video gaming industry or a retail project with many different components and shipping requirements, Meyers trusts Pilot to handle the challenge by accommodating schedules, minimizing downtime, preempting potential problems and preparing for any contingency. Plus, Pilot's technology infrastructure gives Meyers the visibility it desires and the timely, accurate information it needs.

New store openings, new display rollouts, remodeling of one store or many – Pilot’s retail services team will help your brand stay fresh, relevant and profitable in the retail market. To learn more, please email Bill Welsh or visit pilotdelivers.com.

Asian E-commerce Boom Brings Creative Delivery Methods

Asia is estimated to surpass North America as the e-commerce spending leader in 2017. Anyone in transportation and logistics knows that translates into a lot of product to get into consumers' hands. Pilot Hong Kong's John Savioa, general manager/director, shares three unique means of delivery that Asian shoppers will likely see in the near future there: 

PIN Lockers – These lockers are placed in shopping centers or housing estates and offer secure holding of e-commerce purchases until the buyer is ready to collect. The buyer is issued a PIN code via SMS and can collect their purchases 24/7.

Tuk-tuks – Popular in South and Southeast Asia as a mode of transport, this auto rickshaw is being developed as the base for delivery vehicles for e-commerce goods. Both standard and refrigerated (for food purchases or pharmaceuticals) models are currently being manufactured in Thailand.

GOGO vans – Based in Hong Kong, GOGO vans are described as “Uber for Logistics.”  These cargo vans can be booked just like an Uber car – with one catch – they have to be used to deliver cargo packages. This allows non-asset based forwarders and delivery companies to compete without having to invest in drivers or delivery vehicles.

Pilot Indianapolis Donation Helps Special Olympians

Job well done! Pilot Indianapolis helped deliver 2,500 pairs of shoes to athletes of Special Olympics and the Finish Line Youth Foundation by donating the use of its truck and driver to the foundation.

Pilot Portland: Your Official Trade Show Carrier

For the third year in a row, Pilot Freight Services was named the official show carrier for IMATS—International Make-up Artist Trade Show—in New York City. This large-scale trade show, featured exhibits from international make-up companies and was attended by some of the most famous industry artists. Pilot’s Portland station represented the company in this effort and also handles cargo for other IMATS exhibits in Los Angeles, London, Sydney and in Canada. According to the Portland station's regional sales support manager, Pilot was on site at the NYC show to more efficiently service the exhibitors. “The ability to scan and prep the freight prior to pickup makes it easy and comfortable for exhibitors to use Pilot’s services,” she says. Pilot can take the stress out of shipping any trade show materials, even if it’s a last-minute request. For more information about our customized trade show solutions, call 1-800-HI-PILOT today.

Pilot Chicago Moves to Expanded Facility

The Chicago station and gateway operation moved to a new location in March. The building, which boasts 183,000 square feet, is more than double the size of the previous station and has several new features. These include: high-efficiency, motion-activated LED lighting; truck restraints and dock shelters on all 31 dock doors; two oversize dock doors for loading airline pallets (ULDs); 32’ ceilings; and over 60,000 square feet of racking. “We are now in close proximity to the air cargo facility at ORD, which was one of the deciding factors in choosing this location,” says a local regional vice president. The teams are also enjoying the new, customized office space. Outside, there’s parking for 40 trailers, while 70 security cameras monitor the entire property, inside and out. A fiber optic internal network and dedicated cable data circuit round out the new features. “We’re also excited about visibility of Pilot’s sign and eye-catching orange stripe from the I-294 highway,” he says.

Pilot Executives Take a Pie in the Face

Richard Phillips, Pilot Freight Services’ CEO, kicked off an employee

appreciation picnic Wednesday at the company’s headquarters in Lima, PA , by thanking those gathered for their dedication, loyalty and results. The picnic luncheon was also an opportunity to raise some money for charity. Employees donated $5 each to wear jeans to work, which raised $655 for the Wounded Warrior Project. And several Pilot executives agreed to take a pie in the face for a good cause. Employees donated $1 for each whipped cream pie toss, resulting in over $700 raised for Pilot’s neighbor, Fair Acres Geriatric Center.

Pilot LAX Wins Big with New International Customer

It's not often that you dispatch two 53’ trailers for an air export shipment, let alone as your first move for a new customer. But that's exactly what Pilot Los Angeles did with its first consignment for a LA-based leading personal care manufacturer. It all started when the local Pilot account executive capitalized on a connection to get a meeting with manufacturer's CEO and logistics team to discuss the company's international moves. The account executive, joined by a Pilot international sales director, listened to the requirements, which included a keen understanding of the product’s packaging, advanced communication with the manufacturer’s Singapore-based distributor and the desire for competitive pricing. Confident that Pilot could meet the company’s needs, the two immediately started researching service and pricing options. The resulting proposal and SOP for air exports to Singapore was met with a confirmation that the next shipment was Pilot’s!

The first move was originally estimated to be approximately 8,000 kilos and consist of 55-gallon drums of high-end body lotions. As the pickup date approached, the shipment literally doubled in size to over 15,000 kilos. This is when Pilot’s local gateway manager went to work securing the required space in what was developing as a tight air freight market from Los Angeles to Singapore. In fact, space was so limited that some carriers were reporting up to a five-day backlog. Not only did the gateway team secure the needed space, they even obtained a direct flight!

Pilot was even able to deliver in a quicker time frame than the manufacturer was accustomed to. As a result of the experience on this initial shipment, Pilot has since handled additional air export and imports for the company. Congrats to all involved for utilizing all available resources to land this impressive new international customer for Pilot!

Pilot Sacramento Delivers Despite TSA Challenge

Move 30 tons of pistachio oil via air freight from Sacramento to Stuttgart, Germany? No problem for Pilot Freight Services’ Sacramento team. The shipment, which totaled 23,770 kilos and encompassed 30 drums, was for a customer of Pilot’s German partner. The real challenge came when the TSA put a hold on a portion of the large load at the airport. “We had to return one drum to the shipper, coordinate recovery of the 29 drums left and then tender them to a new airline,” explains Pilot Sacramento's district manager. She credits the joint effort among her fellow Pilot teammates, the supplier and Pilot’s German partner for bringing the project to a positive completion!

New Home for Pilot Salt Lake City

The team at Pilot Salt Lake City is settling into its new space since moving in April. The operation had outgrown the previous location, so a bigger, more efficient facility was secured. SLC is now strategically located 10 minutes from the airport and next door to Forward Air, an important partner.  

A larger warehouse space and more loading docks were also needed. SLC’s new home has both with 20,000 square feet (double its previous location), nine dock doors and one ramp door. Expansion is also possible. “We have first right of occupancy to the adjacent suite which will allow for an additional 4,000-square-foot warehouse and two more dock doors,” says Pilot’s SLC district manager.