MAY/JUNE 2019
Future Leaders Share Their Perspectives on Intermodal Careers
There apparently are as many different routes to an intermodal career as there are modes of transportation and related businesses.
That fact became clear when Intermodal Insights received comments from six participants in IANA’s Future Intermodal Leaders Program who were asked to share their experiences and perspectives. For more information about IANA’s Future Intermodal Leaders Program, visit www.intermodal.org/membership/filp.
Robin Tull, senior manager of specialized logistics, Choptank Transport
What attracted you to the intermodal industry?
Five years ago, Choptank Transport offered me the opportunity to create and head up a new intermodal department. After being in [over the road] and distribution for 30 years, I jumped at the chance to learn something new. I had no previous experience with intermodal, but luckily, one week after I accepted the position, IANA had its annual conference. At this event I learned the expansive potential of rail. It was also a time when truckload pricing was exceptionally high, which meant that intermodal was getting a lot of attention.
Why stay in intermodal, when supply chain and logistics positions are plentiful?
Intermodal is an important and necessary mode we need to be able to offer to our customers, as part of a total logistics package. I also feel as though I am continually learning. The international aspect of intermodal is especially rewarding. We are quoting the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, Japan and Australia, just to name a few.
What professional qualities have been enhanced by your intermodal experience, and what qualities of your work are particularly helpful in your job?
Learning and knowing a whole new market has expanded my knowledge of the industry. Intermodal is a completely different world from anything I ever experienced in the OTR sector. My attention to detail has improved along with my understanding of different markets. Many of the skills I had perfected in my years in trucking and brokerage were equally important in the intermodal space — qualities like good customer service and knowing the importance of clear, concise and frequent communication.
What advice would you offer about what makes intermodal rewarding?
It is rewarding because you are providing and promoting an underutilized mode of transportation that also happens to be very 'green.; It is also gratifying when you can find and offer your customer a solution to one of their logistics problems that they hadn’t thought of previously, especially when it is reliable and cost-effective. If you are offered an intermodal position, my advice is that you should grab it!
David M. Miller, Jr., vice president, The Marino Group
What attracted you to the intermodal industry?
Growing up in a ‘port town’ of Charleston, South Carolina, I always saw the benefit of being involved in the port as a way to make a good living. Graduating from The Citadel granted me fortunate opportunities to network with alumni that were already involved in the industry. I was immediately attracted to the fast-paced, ‘blue-collar meets white-collar’ environment. Serving an organization such as The Marino Group, which is involved in many different aspects of the intermodal industry, was a perfect fit for me as I am able to be immersed in multi-faceted aspects of what drives intermodal.
Why stay in intermodal, when supply chain and logistics positions are plentiful?
Working directly with people not only digitally, but face-to-face, and having interactions daily with the men and women of our industry to solve problems drives me and provides new challenges every day to make all of our operations safer and more efficient. Problem-solving with the people is what keeps me loving the intermodal industry.
What professional qualities have been enhanced by your intermodal experience, and what qualities of your work are particularly helpful in your job?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors in this industry. Customers, competitors, colleagues and vendors have helped me see a multitude of perspectives, and have enhanced my ability to listen and learn from those around me. The late Jim Reo was a huge influence because he challenged me to solve problems by looking beyond individual agendas and work towards common goals as partners. The same goes for the leaders of the International Longshoremen’s Association. They are among the smartest and most hardworking men and women of our great industry. Observing and learning from them makes me a better leader every day.
What advice would you offer about what makes intermodal rewarding?
Say 'yes.' In not only intermodal, but in many industries, the path of least resistance is to decline, or to say no. I urge specifically the younger members of intermodal to say yes to opportunities, and seek opportunities that are not always obvious to solve problems with your partners.
Trace Haggard, co-founder and partner, IMG West
Haggard freely admits he was attracted to what he termed the “adventure” of intermodal, where his first position was at a 3PL in Puerto Rico, immediately after his final year of graduate school in Spain. Later he moved to 3PL Alliance Shippers, with its broader market focus, gaining exposure to the full spectrum of intermodal beyond simply moving containers to and from Puerto Rico.
Today, his business embraces the same spectrum of services, including container and trailer storage and fleet maintenance, as well as a drayage carrier serving Southern California.
“I like to hear and see the trucks, lifts, containers and trailers every day,” Haggard told Intermodal Insights. “I couldn’t see myself working in an office. It can be mundane. It’s not my personality.”
When asked what has kept him in intermodal, he says frankly that industry people are a large part of the reason.
“Our industry is extraordinarily generous with mentorship. Once you begin to put yourself out there in terms of industry involvement like IANA or other associations, then veterans take you under their wing. Not only do they help you learn about all the different parts of the business, they actually try to help you advance your career and/or business.
“In intermodal, you get out of it what you put into it,” Haggard said when asked about advice to other future leaders. “When I talk to finance and consulting people, they don’t seem to have any real connections outside their own business. In intermodal, you will see a number of people. If you make an effort to create relationships and put yourself out there you will have a rewarding career. At the end of the day, your success is all about your network, how strong are your relationships and whether you continue to grow it.”
Trevor Ash, vice president, sales and marketing, CIMC Intermodal Equipment
“To be honest, the industry picked me more than I picked it,” Ash said when Intermodal Insights asked him about his entry into the intermodal business.
Ash, who is from Newfoundland, Canada, explained that an executive who represented a container stacking equipment manufacturer approached him. At the time, Ash was working in Ontario at a dealership where Caterpillar heavy equipment was sold; he met the owner of Toplift Enterprises through a contact at the dealership.
Ten years later, Ash is still in intermodal for multiple reasons.
“It has provided lots of room for advancement over the last 10 years,” he related. “I enjoy the business and the people. They are very like-minded about growth and potential. I enjoy the sales aspect.
“I like that intermodal is old-school in the way that hard work will be rewarded,” he added. “The potential for growth is very bright, and I want to be a part of that.”
There is much more to the intermodal story, as Ash sees it, with a focus on being responsive.
“There is a work ethic, and my willingness to put in the hours ties well into the business. Intermodal is 24/7,” he said. “Follow-up is always expected. When customers need an answer, I have to either answer their question right away or get back to them soon. There has to be a willingness to learn and understand their business, and what products and services we can offer.”
Asked about advice to those who are thinking about intermodal, Ash offered no illusions, and promise.
“Intermodal is not for the people looking for a 40-hour work week,” he said. “If you put in the effort, people will be there to work with you and mentor you. My career path has progressed quite well since I entered the industry.”
Michelle Michalski, director of operations, BNSF Logistics
What attracted you to the intermodal industry?
I grew up exposed to the industry. My family owns a container repair shop. Various family members branched out into other aspects of the logistics industry. I was attracted to the intermodal and supply chain industry because it encompasses so many different roles, with a fit for everyone.
Why stay in intermodal, when supply chain and logistics positions are plentiful? My experience has ranged quite a bit so far. I’ve worked at a customs brokerage and at an intermodal broker where I held roles in operations and pricing. I oversee an operations vertical where I have further branched out into OTR, air cartage, handling flat racks, etc. All the pieces of the industry interlock and skills learned can be transferred into various modes of transportation.
What professional qualities have been enhanced by your intermodal experience, and what qualities of your work are particularly helpful in your job?
Adaptability, communication and being proactive. The intermodal industry is ever-changing and collaboration is crucial. My current job is heavily focused around restructuring the operational vertical and developing intercompany workflow processes so decision-making, analyzing and leadership were helpful.
What advice would you offer about what makes intermodal rewarding?
The most rewarding part of an intermodal position is it touches a lot of pieces in the supply chain industry. You learn a lot and get to know a lot of great people. Invest time in learning about all the different industry stakeholders and understanding various roles within the industry.
Will Ashland, manager, intermodal operations, BNSF Logistics
What attracted you to the intermodal industry?
I went to school to be a teacher. After student teaching I knew it was not the job for me. I worked in a warehouse for three years in school, and knew I could work my way up in the logistics world. After a couple of supervisor jobs I knew I wanted to get into something that involved more problem-solving but I still wanted to stay in the industry. Why stay in intermodal, when supply chain and logistics positions are plentiful?
The thing I enjoy the most about the job is it involves a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving. No two days are alike. The fast pace makes the job exciting.
What professional qualities have been enhanced by your intermodal experience, and what qualities of your work are particularly helpful in your job?
One of the biggest qualities that has been enhanced is my communication skills. Communication in this industry is very critical in all aspects. If you leave certain details out, you have a customer calling when their load does not show up.
What advice would you offer about what makes intermodal rewarding?
If you are looking for a job that is fast paced and solutions driven this is definitely the industry for you. Another cool thing about the industry is it is very relationship driven. I have vendors I have been working with for years and know I can make a call and ask questions or rely on them to help me out in a pinch.
