How would you describe your current position to someone that doesn’t work in the transportation logistics industry?
Problem solving in its basic form. The melding of mind, man and machine.
How did you end up working in logistics?
Just stumbled into it through a mutual friend. I was room-mates with him and another buddy at the time. It was either go back to Missouri and move home or get something quick and pay rent. I went to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale FL and Schaumburg IL which don’t even exist anymore, due to some predatory-like practices. I started as a night dispatcher doing a lot of tracking. I worked from the bottom up understanding every facet of this business from tracking to dispatcher to account management and even office management. I am back in a Carrier sales roll now.
How many years have you worked in logistics?
Approximately 18-19 years.
What are some of your favorite things about working in logistics?
Meeting people from every walk of life. Just the small talk, learning things about different backgrounds and people that have different ideologies or are from other countries too. It’s interesting to learn new information from the conversations we have. To even bigger things: I have known some people so long that they are retired now, while some people I talk to are half my age now. I have matured in this industry.
What surprises do you encounter?
I always come back to problem solving. On a day to day basis it’s literally trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, sometimes in terms of making sure that a customer doesn’t suffer a delay due to any issue in transit. In recent years scamming activity has been a major one. Especially this last year, it’s amazing the amount of people stealing other companies’ identities.
Do you have any fun work stories you’d like to share?
Most of my fun stories are just learning about the background of the people and carriers I work with. It is always really interesting. From companies that specialize in moving lights and other things for traveling stage productions or concert circuits or other musical and entertainment venues. I did have a company I work with that just literally hauls red carpet for about any celebrity-clad event you could think of – to stuff like SouthXSouthwest or Bonnaroo.
Do you have a favorite saying?
“10-4 over and out.” – when I get confirmation and get off a phone call. Or “Turn and burn” or “Book ‘em and cook ‘em” – when it’s busy and we are slammed covering freight.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my wife and my dog and try to see as many friends and family members as possible. I also have been on a labor of love working on my house that’s old in the tooth.
What advice would you give your 21yr old self?
“Don’t stress out as much”, also “Get off your butt and live your life. No one’s going to do it for you.” “Eat better and exercise more too” lol.
What are some challenges that you see in the future of supply chain, and what do you think will happen?
Scamming again is a huge one. More automation and how the industry handles that will be challenging and also just how everyone settles into that will be interesting. I also think the human component cannot be overlooked. Everyone’s got to have some compassion for everyone from the ground up from Shipping to Consignee and Customer to Carrier. These are challenging times and unless everyone rises to the occasion and works together we won’t make it through the darkest part of the night. I do have a positive feeling that the newer generation will have a little more empathy and everyone will know what the other one’s dealing with and have a better understanding in the years to come.
Thanks, Will, for doing such a great job and being a joy to work with at Sleek!
This blog was written by Will Doyel. Will is a driver engagement representative that has been working within the supply chain industry for almost 20 years.
