Q&A with 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain – Rising Star, Tyler S.

Recently, we had the honor of announcing three of TA Services’ logistics professionals who were named as recipients of the 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain award presented by Food Logistics. The Rock Stars of the Supply Chain awards recognize influential individuals in the global food supply chain who have been described as collaborative, passionate, innovative, forward-thinking, inspired, driven, and dependable.

This year, the Rock Stars of the Supply Chain award was broken down into four categories:

• Top Warehousing Stars
• Top Shippers
• Rising Stars
• Lifetime Achievement

Each category consists of a collection of supply chain professionals who go beyond their everyday responsibilities to improve supply chain operations through strategic vision and innovative measures.

Today, we’ll get to know one of those Rock Stars a bit better as we talk with Tyler S., recipient of the Rising Star category which recognizes young or newer professionals (age 39 and under) whose achievements, hard work, and vision are reshaping the supply chain network.

Tyler began his career in logistics with TA Services five years ago as a logistics coordinator and has been climbing the supply chain ladder ever since. Join us as we sit down with him for a Q&A on his recent supply chain industry recognition.

Q: First, congratulations on receiving such an incredible recognition! Can you tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities at TA Services?

A: The responsibilities of my role include servicing a diverse book of business with various types of commodities—each with unique needs and challenges—and creating valuable transportation solutions for these challenges. This can be an intricate process that is more effectively achieved by asking the right questions, listening intently, having a deep understanding of the industry and current market conditions, and my favorite – thinking outside of the box. The process includes collaboration with the shipper, and I’ve found the best approach is to present multiple solutions allowing them to choose the best fit for their needs.

Q: In the press release for the award announcement, you mentioned how fortunate you are to have a great team by your side and how lucky you are to consider yourself their leader. Can you tell us more about your leadership style and how you keep your team running smoothly?

A: My preferred leadership style is to lead by example. I perform to the best of my ability day in and day out. My team routinely performs at the highest level also, but I feel as the leader I need to set the standard. I emphasize the need for us all to operate with high expectations for ourselves to ensure we will exceed our customers’ expectations every time. I also understand that everyone learns differently, so as a leader I tailor one-on-one interactions with each of my team members to help guide them along their professional journey.

Q: What made you interested in working in transportation logistics?

A: My route to logistics was by no means planned. To help pay for college expenses, I worked for a moving company while attending classes. Upon graduating, I accepted an Operations Manager position with that same company. One of the lead drivers who worked for me at this moving company ended up coming to work for TA and later contacted me to see if I would be interested in joining him. It seemed like a good fit for me, so I interviewed with TA and have been here learning and developing my skills in the transportation logistics industry ever since. Guess you could call it fate!

Q: When you started your career with TA Services five years ago, you were brought on as a logistics coordinator. Since then, you have risen the ranks and now act as a Director of Brokerage Operations for TA’s Leeds, AL brokerage office. What do you attribute to your quick ascent into leadership?

A: My professional ascent can be contributed to my previous work experiences and the knowledge and skillsets I’ve gained from them. I’m big on learning from previous successes and failures which in my opinion are all learning opportunities. Moreover, my progression in the time I’ve been with the company has been a direct result of the exceptional leaders I have been fortunate enough to learn from while at TA. I am constantly learning from my peers, absorbing as much knowledge as possible while deepening my cross-departmental relationships. I’ve learned that there is always a technique or new way of fulfilling customers’ needs that one can learn from another person in the industry that can be added to your repertoire.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge currently plaguing shippers?

A: The current market is more favorable for shippers than it previously was as there is more supply than there is demand. Because of this, shippers are homing in on differentiating their core service providers from the rest of the competition and choosing the best partners that will provide the most value when the market shifts. One of the main differentiating factors in today’s market is that disruptions in the supply chain are creating delays in getting products to their desired destinations, and ultimately the end consumers.

Q: How do you and your team help combat those challenges?

A: One of the many ways TA Services is continuously combating disruptions in the supply chain is through transparent solution offerings. As the market continues to fluctuate and evolve, we have found that when shippers have access to 24/7 live updates and shipment statuses, they are more trusting and comfortable with their third-party logistics provider. Visibility and exceptional communication are key to providing superior customer service and contribute to exceeding the service level norms in our industry.

Q: Being named a 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain in the Rising Star category is an incredible achievement! In your own words, could you tell us how it felt to receive this recognition?

A: Receiving this recognition is a huge honor, but it’s also a true testament to the foundation and atmosphere that we have created at TA Services. Just like in sports, individual acknowledgments are great, but the reasons for individual recognition can be attributed to the efforts of the entire team. My individual success would not be possible without the support from others as well as their hard work and dedication to achieving the mission that we are all focused on together. I am fortunate to have such a highly capable and performance-oriented team on my side.

Q: A supply chain rising star is just that – rising! What are some of the more long-term goals you have for your supply chain career?

A: My long-term goals are to continue to live out our company values – People First, Service, Safety, Results, and Innovation – which I think are the core of our success as an organization. The main thing I am focused on is developing the people around me and elevating them to a higher standard of performance while seeking out opportunities to provide positive impacts in the supply chain from start to finish.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get started in the transportation logistics industry?

A: There are so many tidbits that I would give to someone new to the industry, but there is one key piece of advice that I believe drives success in transportation logistics – focusing on the interests of all parties invested and affected when making decisions. This includes colleagues, shippers, venders, and carrier partners. It’s simple to go with the easiest option available to you, but the key to reaching that next level of success in supply chain management is leveraging the inventory of solutions you have to offer and supporting and servicing a customer including all key players based on their needs. Not every quick fix is the right choice. It’s about finding a way to synchronize the needs of all the players involved.

Looking for a logistics partner who has your back like Tyler? Get in touch with us today!