Pilot Exhibits Retail Logistics Expertise at ShopX! National Meeting

Today, Pilot's Bill Welsh, national account manager, special services/home delivery, is exhibiting at the ShopX! 2018 National Meeting in New Orleans. This meeting brings together decision makers and experts in the retail industry, who relate the best practices that they employ to keep operations relevant. “From state-of-the-art lighting setups to digital technology displays, this show will run the gamut of ideas that retailers use to add value to the in-store customer experience,” says Bill. “Retailers are investing more in that experience—whether it’s in a supermarket, big box, boutique or chain store—as a way to not only increase foot traffic, but also compete with online sales.” Bill will speak with attendees about Pilot’s expertise in retail logistics and our flexibility to provide services when others can’t. “We are willing to deliver to the store at 3 a.m. when the store is closed,” he says. “We take pride in tailoring a solution that fits a customer’s unique requirements and situation, even if that means delivering in the middle of the night.”

Pilot's CTO Leads Technology Modernization Efforts

Mark Baker, Chief Technology Officer, is modernizing Pilot's technology, internal and customer facing, so that communications remain efficient and customers receive superior service. This includes managing, directing and selecting cutting-edge logistics software and technology that drive Pilot’s core business processes. Baker brings more than 23 years of senior IT management experience to Pilot, operating exclusively in the transportation and logistics industry since 2003.

https://www.ajot.com/news/pilot-freight-services-welcomes-chief-technology-officer-mark-baker

Pilot Hartford Management Honored for Role in Relief Shipments

Pilot's Earl McClain, left, and Kim Gajewski, middle,
joined Pratt and Whitney's disaster team
 when the entire crew was honored with the company's
Leadership Award, recognizing their joint efforts
to get relief shipments to Puerto Rico
shortly after Hurricane Maria hit last year. 

Congratulations to Kim Gajewski, regional vice president, and Earl McClain, international operations manager, BDL, who recently joined employees from Pratt and Whitney to accept a leadership award honoring the team’s efforts to get relief supplies to Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria hit last year. For their part, Kim and Earl sourced and coordinated supply pickups in five different U.S. locations and also secured three separate charters to get much-needed provisions out. “That was a wild couple of days and not without hiccups caused by the ground handlers and charter operators,” says John Hill, president and chief commercial officer. “In situations like these, it is all about the communication through the execution even when it means not sleeping and giving hourly information through the night. Kim and Earl were all over this and simply amazing!” 

Two Pilot Teams Give Back to Texas Community

Pilot’s Dallas team recently participated in the annual Cinemark charity dinner and auction in North Dallas at the historic Southfork Ranch where the television series “Dallas” was filmed. Throughout the night, the team was also able to contribute to charitable organizations, including the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, Carry the Load, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum and Variety's Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children.

In El Paso, Pilot was the title sponsor for the annual Highlander golf tournament held at Butterfield Trail golf course. The tournament is a fundraiser to provide college scholarships to underprivileged high school teens in the El Paso area. Over 100 players participated, raising more than $20,000 for scholarships.

Pilot Moves and Expands Columbus-Based Facility

Pilot recently moved its combined station and logistics facility in metro Columbus, OH, to a new, expanded location. The CMH warehouse occupies about 35,000 square feet of the new building, has nine dedicated dock doors and a drive-up ramp. The remainder of the 85,000-square-foot space is dedicated to logistics customers, who utilize Pilot for a variety of supply chain services. The larger facility, now at 6540 Port Road, Groveport, OH, better positions Pilot in this region for linehaul recoveries and transfers. In fact, the new building is located less than half a mile from Pilot’s NET facility, where the company consolidates nationwide-bound freight, providing a value for its customers with less time-sensitive shipments. Also close by is a hub for Forward Air, one of Pilot's largest transportation partners. The building is also under one mile from the cargo access point at Rickenbacker Airport (LCK), where many international freighter and charter flights arrive. “Positioning ourselves close to the ground linehaul hubs and the growing amount of distribution centers in this area, makes recovery and tenders of freight much quicker and more convenient for our CMH staff,” says Tom Drake, executive vice president, domestic & Canadian operations & traffic. “It also brings our station much closer to Pilot’s core customer base, which will be a huge service improvement in the CMH market for us.”

Pilot Provides Forwarder Perspective on E-commerce Panel Discussion

John Hill, president and chief commercial officer, will participate in a panel discussion on Thursday, October 11, during the Cargo Facts Symposium in San Diego. John will represent the forwarder’s perspective in a dialogue about e-commerce and global expectations around package delivery, implications for freighter aircraft cargo and how airlines, airports and handlers are responding to industry demands of this category. At Pilot, e-commerce delivery in the H3D (heavy and hard to handle) category will account for at least 30 percent of overall business in 2018. Pilot recently integrated new last-mile-only solutions into its service offerings as a result of purchasing Minneapolis-based Manna Freight Systems this summer. The symposium is jointly produced by Cargo Facts Consulting and Cargo Facts.

Bravo National Customer Service!

It’s National Customer Service Week! Pilot would like to thank our talented and dedicated national customer service staff that works tirelessly to answer our clients’ needs and requests. They make sure each and every call is handled with an attention to detail unmatched in the industry. If fact, a hallmark of Pilot’s national customer service is hearing a friendly—not automated—voice on the other end. This team is prepared to answer the phone within the first three rings, even during peak times like the holiday season. Their ability to respond knowledgeably and resolve issues quickly are a big reason why Pilot is considered a world-class organization. So, thank you, Pilot national customer service team, for all you do to give Pilot customers the best experience possible!  

Pilot Receives Three More Industry Awards

Pilot was named as one of SupplyChainBrain’s 100 Great Supply Chain Partners, an annual peer-nominated industry honor. Over a period of six months, supply chain professionals submit vendors and providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company’s efficiency and overall supply chain performance.

In June, Pilot was awarded its 16^th Ryder Carrier Quality Award. The commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions company recognizes excellence through a variety of metrics, including on-time performance, claims handling, customer service, technology applications, economic value, and innovation for the last full calendar year.

For the ninth consecutive year, Pilot has been named to Inbound Logistics’ list of the top 3PL Providers. Each year, Inbound Logistics’ editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting interviews and online research, and comparing that data to their readers’ expanding global supply chain and logistics challenges to serve their unique needs better and with more efficiency.

Announced earlier this summer, Pilot received the nod as the top Airfreight Forwarder in Logistics Management magazine’s Quest for Quality. Pilot also scored top in both the on-time performance and value categories. 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 customer service, IT and equipment and operations.

Pilot Employees Get Active for Million Mile Support

Throughout September, Pilot is supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Million Mile fundraiser—the largest childhood cancer awareness challenge that funds research for cancer treatments and cures. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, employees are tracking their efforts to walk, run and bike, like Kevin Burrell, who works for Pilot Salt Lake City. At Pilot's corporate office, a volleyball match got employees into action and combined with 50/50 drawings, helped raised over $1,500 for the cause. Pilot launched its charitable initiative with ALSF this spring and has already donated over $50,000 to the foundation.

Heavy, Hard-to-Handle Cargo Gets Easier at Pilot

In this Air Cargo World article, John Hill, president and chief commercial officer, talks about Pilot's service to the H3D niche of the e-commerce arena, with a core focus on the furniture and appliance markets.

Pilot Piscataway Becomes Company’s First FDA-Regulated Warehouse

Pilot’s largest logistics-only facility is now the company’s first FDA-regulated warehouse. Situated in Piscataway, NJ, the central location in the Northeast translates into several transportation advantages for customers: one-day point to most of the Northeast; two-day point as far south as Atlanta; and prime inbound container location for port of New York/Newark. One of its newest customers collects canned food donations, which necessitated the FDA certification. Pilot must adhere to certain pest control processes, cleanliness and sanitation standards and is subject to inspection by the FDA. Pilot’s eWMS system allows products to be handled as FIFO (first in, first out), ensuring perishables are rotated and expiration dates tracked. At 65,000 square feet, the Piscataway facility gives Pilot excellent leverage to handle a variety of warehouse needs in the U.S.

Pilot Freight Services Named Top Airfreight Forwarder for Second Consecutive Year

Pilot customers expect consistent, quality results and we are proud to deliver each and every time. This year’s ranking as the #1 overall airfreight forwarder in Logistics Management magazine’s Quest for Quality marks our 28th prestigious award from readers. We’re grateful that our dedication to both on-time performance and providing value was recognized with top scores in those categories.

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 customer service, IT and equipment and operations.

Our Pilot team is working worldwide every day—and with our customers foremost in mind—to be the best transportation partner on the planet. We are delighted and honored to be acknowledged for excellence again this year.

Delivery Experience Factors Greatly Into Final Mile Success

Pilot's George Balle, vice president, national accounts, west, lends his voice to this Transport Topics article that looks at the transportation industry's growing final-mile sector. George shares his insights on how successful providers are those that are willing to invest in the delivery experience.

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/fleets-target-opportunities-growing-final-mile-sector

Pilot Acquires Manna Freight Systems to Expand Final Mile Delivery Services

Pilot’s acquisition of Manna Freight Systems marks the expansion into an important final mile service category: H3D. With the purchase of the Minneapolis-based provider, Pilot gains leverage specifically in the furniture delivery and appliance delivery and installation markets, core areas in which Manna has been very successful. “In 2018, our e-commerce business has grown remarkably, so entering this new space with furniture and appliances not only enhances our final mile capabilities, it raises them to the next level,” says John Hill, president and COO.

http://www.pilotdelivers.com/about-pilot-freight-services/newsroom/news-releases/pilotnews.aspx?newsid=137

Pilot Begins a Fruitful Cherry Shipping Season

With favorable, warmer weather leading into June, Northwestern U.S. cherry suppliers were able to start the picking season slightly earlier this year. That means Pilot Seattle’s cherry operation is now in full swing with peak volumes expected to come in July. This year, the perishables industry forecasts 21.5 million 20-pound boxes of cherries will ship worldwide, which is down slightly from last year’s volume, mainly due to lost crops in California. Pilot Seattle, which ships millions of pounds of sweet cherries each season, is keeping pace with demand by servicing overseas markets that include China, Taipei, Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Korea is a new destination for Pilot this year, and the Seattle team expects significant traffic for this location throughout the course of the season. When it comes to this delicate commodity, Pilot Seattle is known for its ability to adjust volumes and react to the time-sensitive nature of shipping perishables, so that fresh produce can reach worldwide points in a timely manner! 

Pilot Opens Multi-Client Warehouse in Salt Lake City

Pilot’s newest multi-client warehouse is now operating in Salt Lake City, providing a gateway for West Coast distributions. The 44,000-square-foot facility is designed to give clients of all sizes and scope in the West Coast market the ability to store, distribute and manage transportation operations, all under Pilot’s trusted name. According to Steve Bullard, vice president, logistics services, Salt Lake City is an ideal West Coast distribution location for several reasons, including a desire to better service customers in the e-commerce sector, an area of significant growth for Pilot during the last three quarters. “Many companies are now moving warehouse operations out of California due to internal tax and cost implications of distributing e-commerce product from there,” he says. SLC is also geographically located to support 2-day deliveries to most of the western U.S., and Pilot’s multi-client warehouse is supported by ground, air and parcel capacity as well.

Pilot Freight Services Announces Zach Pollock in New Executive Role

Zach Pollock has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Pilot Freight Services, which has recently experienced months of double-digit growth and productivity improvements in many areas. The combination of Zach's strong sales, operations and management experience with Pilot gives him the perspective to think strategically from all points of view while keeping in mind long-term, company-wide goals. 

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2018/06/12/pilot-freight-service-coo-pollock-fy17-revenue.html

Pilot's Lemonade Days Boost Donation to ALSF

Today, Pilot Freight Services CEO Gordon Branov and president and CCO John Hill presented Liz Scott, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) co-executive director and mother of Alexandra “Alex” Scott, with a $50,000 donation as part of the annual Lemonade Days fundraising at Pilot’s headquarters in Lima, PA. The money was raised in 36 hours during Pilot’s annual national meeting in late April. Today, employees at Pilot's corporate headquarters were thrilled to meet Liz while enjoying lemonade and water ice at Pilot’s own lemonade stand, which raised an additional $3,000 for the fight against childhood cancer. Pilot announced ALSF as its official national philanthropy partner just six weeks ago and with company-wide participation at Pilot's national
offices has already raised enough money to fund more than six months of cancer research.

Pilot's New Home Delivery Service Caters to E-commerce Niche

Pilot started its new home delivery service with the e-commerce customer in mind. Since this last-mile residential product does not require a consignee signature or an appointment to complete a successful delivery, it often shortens the time from order to delivery. “We developed this service as a way to satisfy the consumer's desire to receive home deliveries in a much faster manner,” says Tom Drake, executive vice president, domestic/Canadian operations & traffic. These shipments are integrated right into a station’s daily routes rather than waiting in queue for an appointment. Tom points out that it is not meant for every e-commerce shipment—like high-value items—but several customers have already determined that it fits their shipment profile. For example, big box retailers and e-tailers have engaged this service option on items ranging from slides and deer fencing to appliance doors and utility carts. There's also a cost savings factor with Pilot's service. “Other carriers may classify these items as heavy/oversized and not conveyable, so these shipments would be subject to additional charges with them,” says Tom. 

Pilot's new service officially started in mid-April and deliveries have continued to increase as e-commerce companies have taken advantage of the offering.

Pilot Chooses Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation as National Philanthropy Partner

Pilot employees, vendors and partners wasted no time generously supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation when our company unveiled the new corporate charity at a recent national meeting. In just 36 hours, attendees pledged $50,000—more than six times the $8,000 goal that was set to fund one month of childhood cancer research. The enthusiasm continues across the Pilot network as local stations prepare for the upcoming Lemonade Days, the foundation’s nationwide event where supporters host a lemonade stand or an event. This year, Lemonade Days run from June 2-10, but in Pittsburgh, the team rallied early thanks to district manager, Joe Johnson, who made good on a promise to shave his head once his staff raised $500. “The way the Pilot team has responded to this cause is a great example of how our people commit to something with full excitement and drive,” says Amy DePaoli, director of marketing. Pilot carefully selected ALSF for several reasons, including its similarities to Pilot: it’s Philadelphia-based, has a nationwide presence and is staffed by passionate people. To date, ALSF has raised more than $150 million to fund more than 800 cutting-edge research projects at 135 institutions and develop programs to support families.

Pilot Tampa Valuable Partner to Girls on the Run

Congratulations to Girls on the Run Tampa Bay on its recent successful 5k. According to Laura Moore, executive director, the event was the "biggest, best and sparkliest yet!" More than 1,400 registered runners and 160 volunteers came together for the special day, and $7,000 was raised for the organization's scholarship fund. Pilot Tampa has been a supporter and sponsor of the non-profit program that works to encourage pre-teen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games, culminating in a celebratory 5k run. Katie Bulso, daughter of Kristi Bulso, terminal manager, and Danny Bulso, account executive, participates on the Apollo Beach Elementary GOTR team. "Thank you for being our incredible partner and making our 5k day one where our girls truly learned that the seemingly impossible IS possible!" says Laura.

Mother's Day Guaranteed Fresh by Pilot

Are you among the 86 percent of Americans who will celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13? If you are purchasing flowers in the Midwest, you might just have Pilot to thank for your fresh token of bloomed affection! By Thursday, May 10, the Pilot Chicago team will sort, tag and send more than 2,700 cases of mixed flowers and roses to 88 Midwest-based home improvement stores, where they will be sold at check-out displays. Pilot moves the product in plastic-lined boxes, where the flowers are packed in a bucket with one inch of water to ensure they stay as crisp as possible en route. Flowers will arrive at stores in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio via 2-day transits from Chicago. “Flowers are one of the top three gifts for Mother’s Day, and Pilot has a proven track record for timed perishable deliveries like this special occasion,” says Shannon Donahue, account executive. “Our teams understand the intricacies of handling delicate product and are well equipped to deliver fresh-to-store product like flowers.” According to a National Retail Federation survey, 2018 spending for this holiday is expected to reach $23.1 billion, with flowers sales predicted at $2.6 billion.

Pilot Safeguards Shippers Via Amber Road's On-Demand Export Service

In an effort to safeguard shippers, Pilot Freight Services has chosen Amber Road's Export On-Demand solution to automate the restricted party screening (RPS) process. This compliance solution enables international shippers to quickly screen customers, suppliers and other trading partners against over 590 lists from government institutions worldwide. Pilot executives say this product reduces risk by driving educated decision-making, increases efficienty and enhances the development of Pilot's global trade compliance program. Read more about Pilot's ability to protect its customers via Amber Road:

http://markets.on.nytimes.com/research/stocks/news/press_release.asp?docTag=201804240900BIZWIRE_USPRX____BW5616&feedID=600&press_symbol=73059375

Foreign Trade Zone Delivers Competitive Edge and Added Value for Pilot Customers

Pilot El Paso is now operating as a Foreign Trade Zone, a factor that will appeal to many Pilot clients in the automotive, healthcare, electronics and aerospace industries. An FTZ is an area authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows U.S.-based companies to defer, reduce or even eliminate customs duties on its products admitted to the zone. “We envision customers that import raw materials from the Far East and Europe to their manufacturing plants in Mexico, will use the station’s FTZ capabilities to hold product here until they are ready to send it south,” says Hector Martinez, Pilot El Paso’s in-house customs broker. “That way they have their inventory nearby as opposed to overseas, and thus avoid paying U.S. duties.” When ready, the ELP team will prepare the goods for export and the team will assist with the necessary document preparation.

Last summer, ELP doubled its warehouse space to 40,000 square feet in preparation for the FTZ activation. In order to do so, the facility has established a new inventory and security system. “Since the merchandise is considered an in-bond shipment and not technically entered into the U.S., there are several special accommodations we’ve established at the station in order to meet FTZ requirements,” says Hector. “This value-added service will also allow Pilot to remain competitive as there are a dozen or more FTZs in the city currently.” In addition, the station is situated close to the Zaragoza Bridge, which allows for shorter transit times to the Mexican border, a factor that is appealing to many customers.

Pilot's Double-Digit E-commerce Growth Fueled by Strong Commitment to Sector

Today, Pilot Freight Services is a featured exhibitor at the fifth annual Home Delivery World Show in Atlanta, GA, an event that draws attendees and exhibitors to discuss the latest delivery operations challenges and trends, specifically in home delivery. For the first quarter, Pilot has reported growth in the e-commerce sector of nearly 21 percent and significant growth across all service areas. As more countries embrace online ordering and home delivery of heavy weight products, Pilot has developed expedited shipping solutions for its e-commerce business, both locally and internationally, with faster delivery times and more transparency through the shipping process. Read more about it here. 

Buffalo Remembers Opening of Pilot Field as Baseball Season Starts

Thirty years ago, Buffalo's downtown ballpark opened as Pilot Field and remained the stadium's name during its iconic opening years. Many Pilot employees sat along the first baseline on that opening day, including Charlene Matie, district manager, who now runs Pilot's Buffalo station. "I have many customers tell me that they will always think of and refer to that field as Pilot Field," she says. "It was really something special to be there at the beginning and witness a part of the city's history." This week marks the opening of the baseball season in Buffalo, so take a minute to enjoy a little bit of nostalgia for the sport that America loves!

http://buffalonews.com/2018/04/12/sean-kirst-buffalos-pilot-field-an-urban-ballpark-vision-that-swept-nation/

Introducing Pilot Milwaukee’s New Global Home Base

The Pilot Milwaukee team is enjoying its 49,000-square-foot facility and the significant process improvements the new building brings. The warehouse includes nine dock-high doors—one for drive-in—and parking for 25 trailers. A digital security system provides coverage inside and outside, and the building infrastructure employs state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technology. “The growth of several Fortune 500 accounts, as well as imports and exports, dictated the need to expand,” says Jim Best, franchise owner. “Our home delivery business also continues to grow, which requires additional warehouse space.” In the near future, the facility will be bonded so that the station can hold imports on its docks, a value-added service for Pilot customers. "Our expansion came at the right time, as the Wisconsin economy continues to grow and demand is increasing for expedited domestic and international services," says Jim.

Pilot GDL Marks Two Years of Growth in Mexico

Pilot GDL’s new warehouse spans 10,000 square feet and 

has 1,100 pallet positions. The station's value-added services 

include picking, packing, quality inspections, light 

assembly and cross-dock for local and domestic distributions.

Pilot Guadalajara is celebrating two years of operating in Mexico by unveiling its new, full-service warehouse. Part of the facility is used by GDL’s first success story: a leading international automotive supplier that uses Pilot as a national spare parts hub. For this client, GDL provides a complete supply chain solution that includes both accurate inventory and visibility to it. “Since our station began handling this business, we have been able to reduce our client’s inventory for low and non-rotation product by about 30 percent,” says Humberto Bastida, district manager. GDL can also handle inbound container business into Western Mexico, support intra-Mexico deliveries and provide factory support for U.S. companies operating in Mexico. Contact Humberto via humbertobastida@pilotdelivers.com to find out how you can benefit from Pilot’s expertise and services in, out and around Mexico.

Making over Warehousing to Handle E-commerce Deliveries

Steve Bullard, vice president, logistics services, lends his voice to this Air Cargo World article that looks at the e-commerce impact on logistics providers and the necessity to rethink warehouse operations. Steve shares insights on how Pilot has employed technology advancements in systems, equipment and design in order to remain adept to the demands of this vertical.

https://aircargoworld.com/allposts/clicks-bricks-orders-warehousing-gets-an-e-commerce-makeover/2/

Fresh Flowers for Your Valentine

The weekend before Valentine’s Day is a busy one for retailers and Pilot, too. One of the world's largest online floral and gift merchants is turning to Pilot again this year for two nationwide Valentine’s Day distributions.

The first undertaking involves coordinating and delivering 444 shipments totaling more than 11,000 roses to major department stores as part of a fragrance promotion. Six Pilot locations—Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Newark—will receive the roses just a couple days before delivery to ensure they are as fresh as possible. From there, the flowers will be distributed regionally to reach destinations within one or two days. In order to minimize splashing, the roses are packed in a bucket with one inch of water and then a plastic-lined box. “Most Valentine’s Day purchases occur either on the holiday or the day prior,” says Shannon Donahue, account executive, who is based in Chicago and is managing the project for Pilot. “In this case, timing and handling are critical considering the delicate nature of the product. This fits our business model and we do it well.”

Pilot will also send more than 2,000 cases (with 10 dozen flowers each) of mixed flowers and roses to 105 Midwest-based home improvement stores. Pilot Chicago will sort, tag and move the flowers—which are shipped in the same manner as described above—just one day before they are transported to chain stores in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi , Missouri and Ohio. “It’s especially crucial on delivery day to be able to provide status updates and reports, and is one factor that has helped keep this relationship growing,” says Shannon. 

Pilot to Connect Fans with Big Game Gear

Pilot understands the immediate need for fan gear, especially when your favorite team is crowned the winner. This Monday, we are doing our part to expedite delivery of the big game championship merchandise to select sporting goods retail stores across New England or Pennsylvania and New Jersey. So whether you root for the Eagles or Patriots, you'll be the first to score because Pilot is part of the game plan.

Satisfying Customer Demand in a 365 E-Commerce Market

John Hill, president and chief commercial officer, observes how omnichannel retailing has forced a supply chain evolution. He examines the year-round needs of handling shipments for the e-commerce segment and how customer service has to keep pace with technology-savvy customers in order to be successful.


http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/satisfying-customer-demand-in-a-365-e-commerce-market/