The Official Blog of Penske Transportation Solutions

2024

Reading, Pa. – Dec. 4, 2024 – Penske Logistics was recognized for its industry-leading work in the automotive aftermarkets supply chain by Toyota North America with a 2024 Service Outbound Award. Penske was a recipient during Toyota’s supplier conference in Plano, Texas.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by our longtime customer at Toyota North America and we are sincerely appreciative of this award,” stated Jeff Jackson, president of Penske Logistics. “We are especially thankful to be supported on this account by an incredible team of associates who go above and beyond each day to serve our customer and accelerate the performance of their aftermarket supply chain.”

Penske Logistics earned the honor with its commitment to safety, quality and on-time delivery to support Toyota’s service parts dealer network in select Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets.

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.

Reading, Pa. – Nov. 25, 2024 - Penske Transportation Solutions has once again received confirmation of its excellence in the recruitment and retention of veterans by being named a 2025 Military-Friendly Gold Employer. Penske received this designation from VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business and the publisher of the G.I. Jobs and Military Spouses publications.

“Veterans excel at many different types of roles across our organization,” stated Jennifer Sockel, Penske executive vice president of talent and enterprise services. “Penske recognizes that veterans have a sense of teamwork, dedication, and commitment that enhances the company's workforce. We make a concerted effort to recognize and value their contributions to our success as a leading transportation services provider.”

Institutions earning the Military-Friendly Employers designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.

Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and promotion and advancement.

Kayla Lopez, senior director of partnerships at Military-Friendly noted: “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom.”

Please click here for a listing of Penske career opportunities for veterans.

Penske Transportation Solutions is the universal brand for Penske Truck Leasing, Penske Logistics, Epes Transport Systems, Penske Vehicle Services, Penske Energy LLC, and related businesses. Our businesses provide innovative transportation, supply chain and technology solutions to keep the world moving forward. Visit www.GoPenske.com to learn more.

Reading, Pa. – Nov. 18, 2024 - Penske Truck Leasing is lighting up a new solar-powered initiative seeking to boost efficiency, minimize energy costs, and reduce emissions initially at select truck leasing, truck rental, and truck maintenance locations in the U.S. with the installation and activation of its first-ever rooftop solar-powered systems.

The company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Channahon, Illinois, is now fully operational, and is predominantly powered by an onsite photovoltaic (PV) solar system, expected to generate roughly 80% of the building’s energy needs at 200 KW capacity. Any remaining required energy will be supplied by the local utility provider.

A Grand Rapids, Michigan, location will be active in the coming months and Penske’s Linden, New Jersey, location is expected to go online in 2025. These facilities are also new state-of-the-art locations.

The new facilities incorporating solar systems in Channahon, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Linden, New Jersey, are part of the company’s LEED building program.

Under a power purchase agreement with Sunrock Distributed Generation, seven additional Penske facilities in California are expected to be retrofitted with new PV solar systems in the next year, which are expected to yield roughly 600 KW of renewable energy across all locations. These facilities are located in Fresno, Hayward, La Mirada, National City, Riverside, San Diego and San Leandro.

Penske is collaborating with San Francisco-based ForeFront Power as its lead project consultant on this solar initiative.

“Our solar program is an important piece of our renewable energy strategy and ForeFront Power continues to be an outstanding partner in helping us bring these projects to fruition,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske. “These investments will allow us to directly generate our own renewable energy to power our locations and continue to support our customers with sustainable solutions.”

On average, four solar panel-powered Penske Truck Leasing facilities will generate an estimated 1-million-kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually and will result in an emissions avoidance of 442 metric tons (MT) CO2e, which is equal to powering nearly 90 homes for one year.

“The initiative to install solar systems at our locations is a part of our company’s LEED-certified facilities process,” explained Ivet Taneva, Penske vice president of environmental affairs. “Investing in solar has considerable economic impacts for our operations as well as the environmental benefits of further reducing emissions related to electricity use.”

Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 437,000 vehicles and serves its customers from nearly 1,000 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.

READING, Pa., Oct 22, 2024 – Penske Logistics is a 2024 Top Food Chain Provider as designated by Food Chain Digest, the official publication of the Food Shippers of America (FSA). The Top Food Chain Provider program recognizes third-party logistics providers and related companies that excel in food and beverage capabilities and services.

“Many supply chains in the food industry are struggling due to sluggish consumer demand, economic headwinds driven by high inflation and interest rates, geopolitical instability and continued fragmentation of global trade,” explained Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director of Food Chain Digest.

“A common denominator for the providers selected to the 2024 list is their ability to help food shippers navigate these complicated challenges by providing creative solutions, supply chain visibility, streamlined processes and dependable services,” he continued.

Penske Logistics provides fresh, on-time delivery and cold storage solutions. Penske is a reliable logistics and supply chain partner that aids companies in the food and beverage space to solve the supply and delivery challenges unique to their businesses.

“We are honored that food manufacturers, retailers and distributors voted for Penske Logistics to be recognized as a top 3PL in this space,” stated Jeff Jackson, Penske Logistics president. “We are very pleased to partner with some of the most prominent brands in the grocery and retail food and beverage space. Our goal is always to collaborate closely with our customers and accelerate their supply chain performance.”

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.comto learn more.

READING, Pa., Oct 1, 2024 – The 2025 Third-Party Logistics Study, spearheaded by Dr. C. John Langley of Penn State University and developed in collaboration with NTT DATA and Penske Logistics, was unveiled today at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE. In its 29th year, the study delves into the evolving dynamics of the supply chain under the theme Navigating Change, reflecting the current challenges within the industry.

The research highlights three pivotal areas: Change management in shipper (companies that manufacture goods or provide services) and 3PL (third-party logistics providers) relationships; artificial intelligence; and the importance of the direct-to-consumer experience.

The research provides a deeper dive into the current state of the 3PL market, and contemporary issues like nearshoring and trends in commercial real estate and supply chain labor are also contained within.

Some key learnings from the 2025 3PL Study include:

  • Change management is essential to keeping pace in the marketplace: Shippers (61%) and 3PLs (73%) both agree that supply chain change management is vital. Demand for change management is driven by customer experience, economic factors and technological advancements. Among survey respondents, 58% of shippers and 76% of 3PLs are currently employing a change management framework.
  • Artificial intelligence is a supply chain competitive advantage: Both shippers and 3PLs are in agreement that AI can be pivotal in automating data analysis, identifying patterns, solving problems and automating repetitive tasks. Results uncovered that 33% of shippers are seeking implementations related to supply planning and demand forecasting, while 19% of 3PLs reported planning implementation in this area. Also, 27% of shippers expressed an interest in transportation and route optimization technologies, while 22% of 3PLs noted they are planning to install these capabilities.
  • The continued e-commerce effect is shaping the direct-to-consumer experience: 48% of shippers and 53% of 3PLs reported that customers routinely expect deliveries in less than two days, and 27% of shippers and 26% of 3PLs noted that there are three-day or less delivery expectations. Shippers (44%) and 3PLs (38%) are willing to absorb a small percentage of the costs related to shipping speeds. Both shippers and 3PLs view delivery speed and further delivery visibility as strong areas of differentiation.

The study surveyed 3PL providers and users of 3PL services to understand the current state of 3PLs and how 3PL relationships are evolving with their customers. The research continues to capture and measure this evolving industry and document the transformation of the third-party logistics sector as new challenges and opportunities emerge. The 2025 study and past versions are available for download at www.3PLStudy.com.

“While users and providers of 3PL services continue to report successful relationships, they find themselves having to deal with an increasingly wide range of challenges,” said Dr. C. John Langley, Professor, Supply Chain & Information Systems, Penn State University. “While examples include economic concerns, geopolitical unrest, and changing markets for supply chain services, they also are taking advantage of change management processes to benefit from new and improved capabilities such as AI and direct-to-customer proficiencies.”

“This year’s study once again achieves success with providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the key issues facing our supply chains today,” said Ramu Pannala, Vice President of Supply Chain Technology, Penske Logistics. “Technology will drive the industry forward in many exciting ways.”

“This reinforces what we see in the market regarding businesses trying to manage through the volatility of day-to-day operations, relying on new capabilities like AI, and deeper partner relationships,” said Shanton Wilcox, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Consulting, NTT DATA. “All of these efforts and investments rely on change management to increase the likelihood of success.”

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at nttdata.com.

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.

Supply chains are investing in technologies to accelerate resilience, agility and flexibility to better navigate current and future disruption.

LOMBARD, Ill., June 18, 2024 -- The 2024 State of Logistics Report was unveiled at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. today, with the 35th annual publication finding that U.S. supply chains pressured by global economic volatility -- including inflation, climate change and geopolitical conflicts -- are enhancing their capabilities by investing in supply chain technologies to accelerate resilience, agility and flexibility to navigate current and future disruption.

Produced annually for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) by global consulting firm Kearney and presented by leading third-party supply chain provider Penske Logistics, the annual report offers a snapshot of the American economy via the lens of the logistics sector and its role in overall supply chains.

The report is a comprehensive compilation of leading logistics intelligence from around the world and shines a spotlight on industry trends and key insights on ever evolving supply chains across a number of sectors.

The report found that uncertainty is now a near constant in the global economy, and that the smartest way to respond to steady times is to rekindle strategic projects and gather resources to improve resilience. The global economy is expected to experience sluggish 2.5% growth across 2024, which would represent the slowest half-decade of output in 30 years. Demand has not yet fully recovered, with myriad forces at play, and new growth engines will need traction before the tide turns.

Report highlights include:

  • A notable report statistic, U.S. business logistics costs, is $2.3 trillion, which translates to 8.7% of the national GDP.
  • There are multiple reasons why demand has not yet fully recovered, chief among them are simultaneous geopolitical conflicts around the world, climate change (which has affected shipping lanes), high inflation, high interest rates, and apart from the U.S., sluggish demand.
  • As a result of the economic headwinds and geopolitical instability, the continued fragmentation of global trade is complicating supply chain transactions. There were over 1,000 U.S. freight brokers that shuttered their doors since the 2023 report was released.
  • Some of the largest manufacturers and retailers are seeking to monetize their own logistics capabilities while viewing their supply chain successes as a service to market and profit from.
  • Carriers have been plagued by high operating costs, while lackluster demand, and the capacity glut, have made it hard for them to charge the kinds of rates that would allow them to sustain rates and protect their margins.
  • Third-party logistics providers continue to work through significant challenges right now, which includes high operating and insurance costs, low freight rates, and excess capacity. Will this lead to further industry consolidation?
  • Investments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, end-to-end visibility, and advanced automation are expected to drive competitive advantage and greater resilience to future disruption in the logistics sector.
  • Major global corporations have adopted rigorous environmental goals. Further government funding programs have been launched to encourage decarbonization initiatives, which indicate progress in both the public and private sector, toward higher levels of sustainability.

CSCMP President and CEO Mark Baxa brought the significance of the research to the fore: “I believe CSCMP creates the very finest and most comprehensive unbiased research with ready access to solutions supply chain leaders seek. After reading the report cover-to-cover, I encourage you to ask, ‘what’s different’, and do I understand the course of action to ensure maximum logistics success on the road ahead? Whether you are the senior leader or an entry-level analyst, you have decisions to make that will make a difference in your supply chain’s performance. The CSCMP State of Logistics Report presents powerful and timely insights that bring to life critical data and insights that will help readers develop solutions to their logistics challenges.”

Josh Brogan, Kearney partner and lead author for the State of Logistics Report: “Continued volatility drives our clients to rethink and rewire the logistics capabilities that drive their supply chains. Both shippers and carriers find that the people, processes and tools that move goods and information in global supply chains are often inadequate for their needs and require accelerated investment. The State of Logistics Report shows what is happening, where and why.”

Andy Moses, senior vice president of sales and solutions for Penske Logistics stated: “Our customers, as well as the industry, continue to face significant challenges in maintaining both a consistent and cost-effective supply chain. Investing in technologies to help improve agility and resilience will better position organizations and the industry as a whole to seamlessly navigate future disruptions. The State of Logistics Report provides an excellent explanation of what we are all currently experiencing.”

Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been a trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we work alongside our clients to regenerate their businesses to create a future that works for everyone. www.kearney.com

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.

Since 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has supported the supply chain management community through their mission to lead the supply chain profession by connecting, developing and educating the world’s supply chain management and logistics professionals throughout their careers. With more than 10,000 members globally, representing business, government, and academia from 62 countries, CSCMP members are the leading practitioners and authorities in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. To learn more, visit cscmp.org [cscmp.org]

LAS VEGAS – May 21, 2024 – Penske Transportation Solutions and ForeFront Power have formed a new joint venture named Penske Energy LLC. The new venture aims to help commercial fleet operators plan, design, and deploy optimized EV charging infrastructure capabilities that support and safeguard their operations.

“Together, we will create synergies benefitting commercial fleet customers by leveraging Penske’s deep fleet expertise along with ForeFront Power’s infrastructure and renewable energy development expertise,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facilities at Penske Transportation Solutions.

Penske Energy will provide fleet operators with comprehensive EV charging and energy infrastructure advisory consulting, including strategic and operational planning, technology assessment, infrastructure designs, and practical project implementation.

The Penske Energy joint venture will leverage the core strengths of both organizations, including Penske’s 55 years of experience providing commercial transportation solutions, and ForeFront Power’s deep experience as an award-winning developer and asset manager of zero-emission energy infrastructure.

“We’re pleased to form the Penske Energy venture to support the commercial fleet electrification work accelerating across the U.S.,” said Dan Taylor, chief strategy officer at ForeFront Power. “The ForeFront Power team brings over a decade of experience working together to develop critical energy infrastructure for organizations ranging from airports to manufacturing facilities, food and beverage organizations, hospitals, and universities. The Penske Energy team is here to guide organizations through the entire process, from system design, to understanding incentives, to assisting with implementation and ongoing operation.”

To guide fleet operators, Penske Energy brings unique expertise in assessing vehicle and route feasibility, tracking EV policy and incentive opportunities, and designing and sourcing proven EV charging infrastructure. By tapping its robust network of implementation partners and technology suppliers, Penske Energy can help streamline and simplify EV initiatives for its customers.

“We’ll work with our longstanding supplier partners in the energy and energy infrastructure sector and bring to bear the best possible solutions available for our commercial fleet customers,” added Cullen. “Penske Truck Leasing has long been a trusted advisor with fleet operators and Penske Energy will follow the same collaborative, customer-focused approach to solving customer infrastructure challenges.”

In a related move, Travis Hill has been named the new managing director of Penske Energy. He will focus day-to-day on leading the team, developing business, and collaborating with customers and partners. Hill joins Penske Energy from Penske Truck Leasing where he held numerous operations management and sales responsibilities for more than 20 years with the organization.

About Penske Transportation Solutions

Penske Transportation Solutions is the universal brand for Penske Truck Leasing, Penske Logistics, Epes Transport Systems, Penske Vehicle Services, Penske Energy LLC, and related businesses. Our businesses provide innovative transportation, supply chain and technology solutions to keep the world moving forward. Visit www.GoPenske.com to learn more.

About ForeFront Power

ForeFront Power is a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy and battery storage projects in the U.S. and Mexico, also offering vehicle fleet electrification services. Over 15 years of working together, the ForeFront Power team has developed more than 1,500 behind-the-meter and community solar projects, totaling more than 1.1 gigawatt-DC of renewable electricity. ForeFront Power serves business, government, education, healthcare and community solar customers with a broad array of development, asset management and advisory services from its San Francisco headquarters and via teams based in New York, Mexico City, and across the U.S. through a hybrid work model. For more information, visit www.forefrontpower.com.

About Penske Energy

Penske Energy, LLC is a joint venture of Penske Transportation Solutions and ForeFront Power. Headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, Penske Energy helps transportation companies ease their transition to a cleaner energy future with expert, zero-emission vehicle advisory consulting and infrastructure design solutions. A range of solutions are available from Penske Energy including feasibility studies, funding, engineering, as well as project design and management services involving construction and equipment sourcing, installation, maintenance, and a deep network of trusted and vetted suppliers. Visit www.PenskeEnergy.com to learn more.

Reading, Pa., March 8, 2024Penske Logistics is pleased to announce that Amy Ilyes, vice president of Logistics Engineering has been honored with the 2024 Pros to Know Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. This recognition is in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive, a leading publication covering the global supply chain, acknowledges individuals for their outstanding contributions to supply chain management. Amy Ilyes’ acknowledgment highlights her significant impact on the industry.

Throughout her career, Ilyes has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation within supply chain management. Her leadership roles and contributions have led to notable advancements and improvements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and strategic decision-making within Penske Logistics.

“This achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership – not only raising the bar for Penske Logistics, Amy also sets a benchmark for the overall industry,” said Andy Moses, senior vice president of sales and solutions for Penske Logistics. “Her expertise and hard work are truly commendable.”

Looking ahead, Amy aims to leverage data analytics and machine learning techniques to further enhance decision-making while fostering innovation and sustainability.

The Lifetime Achievement category honors company leaders who’ve made outstanding contributions to the supply chain space and have at least 10 years’ documented experience in supply chain and logistics. Recipients of the award, including Amy, will be featured in Supply & Demand Chain Executive's March 2024 issue, providing insights into their achievements and contributions to the field.

Penske Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, lead logistics, freight management, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.