Information Highway – September

Wrapping up Driver and Support Staff Appreciation Month

Throughout Driver and Support Staff Appreciation Month, we celebrated the incredible contributions of our drivers, technicians and support staff with events held across Canada and the U.S. These gatherings were filled with gratitude, camaraderie and a few laughs, providing an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of the everyday champions that keep Trimac running smoothly.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our team members’ commitment and efforts. Their professionalism, safety-consciousness and dedication do not go unnoticed. Here’s to celebrating our amazing team and looking forward to more great years of Delivering Products that Help Improve People’s Lives.

A Legacy in the Making: Garry Peacock’s 45 Years with Trimac

When Director, National Tank Services (NTS), Garry Peacock joined Trimac on Sept. 4, 1979, no one could have ever predicted the impact he would have on the organization.

Over the past 45 years, Garry has been a cornerstone of Trimac, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his career. Starting as a Highway Transport Mechanic in 1979, Garry quickly moved up the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles. As Shop Foreman, he oversaw the maintenance of transport equipment and managed a team of 15 technicians.

His career continued to progress as he became Shop Manager in Grande Prairie, AB and later in Edmonton, where he played a pivotal role in turning around the profitability of the shop and washrack operations. From 1999 to 2010, Garry’s expertise in safety and compliance, along with his ability to grow and develop his teams, led him to manage entire regions, including the Prairie Region and Western Canada, where he was responsible for multiple shops and washracks.

In late 2010, Garry became Director, Maintenance Facilities for Canada, where he implemented strategies to ensure regulatory compliance and maximize fleet maintenance. In 2014, Garry shifted his focus to NTS as Director, Maintenance Facilities. By 2021, he expanded his leadership to oversee fleet maintenance across North America, further enhancing Trimac’s operational efficiency and safety standards.

“My experience working in the field in Saskatoon, SK gave me a lot of experience so that I can relate to the people on the floor,” said Garry. “I am not a suit, I am more hands-on and happy to help where needed.”

Today, as the Director, NTS Maintenance Facilities for Canada Northeast and U.S. South, Garry manages 25 shops and 20 washracks, continuing to set the standard for excellence in maintenance and safety. His commitment to developing Area Leads in the region, ensuring employee safety and maintaining Trimac’s fleet at peak performance is a testament to his unparalleled expertise and dedication.

Driving our NTS shops forward?

Garry has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of NTS shops, driving innovation and growth. One of his most significant contributions was the development of a commercial strategy for the expansion of third-party work. This strategic move not only opened up NTS shops to more external business but also projected over $51 million in revenue. By transitioning from focusing solely on internal work to embracing outside commercial opportunities, NTS could showcase the exceptional skills of its technicians while simultaneously filling revenue gaps during slower periods.

The shift to include third-party work wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, it was a tough transition, but Garry’s leadership and the clear benefits of the change helped others to see the long-term value. His philosophy of embracing change has been a cornerstone of his approach to leadership. “Change is good; it’s important to embrace it,” Garry shared, embodying his forward-thinking mindset.

Over the years, Garry’s leadership has continued to strengthen, as evidenced by the recent creation of the Peacock Safety Award. This award was designed to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of NTS and Bulk Plus Logistics teams that are taking safety to the next level. The NTS Guelph, Ontario branch, for instance, was the first branch to achieve this remarkable safety milestone, which includes meeting its High Consequence Reporting goal and logging an impressive 27,981 injury-free hours.

Garry’s commitment to his team is unwavering, and he has always been a vocal advocate for recognizing his team’s contributions. Understanding that their efforts are just as critical as those of drivers, he initiated the creation of the Peacock Safety Award to ensure shop teams have something to strive for and celebrate. His determination to speak up for his people and ensure their contributions are recognized has made a lasting impact on Trimac’s culture.

Carrying on the Peacock family legacy

As we celebrate Garry’s remarkable 45-year journey with Trimac, it’s impossible to overlook the deep-rooted family legacy that has shaped both his career and our company. Garry is part of a lineage that has been intertwined with Trimac’s history for nearly seven decades. His father, Ed Peacock, started this legacy in 1955 in Moose Jaw, SK, laying the foundation for what would become a family tradition of service, commitment and excellence.

Garry is joined by several family members who have also dedicated their careers to Trimac. Together, the Peacocks have contributed an incredible 192 years of service.

Family values have always been at the heart of Garry’s approach to his work. He attributes the success and strength of the Peacock family to their close-knit bond. This sense of unity and support has not only been a cornerstone of their personal lives but has also influenced their professional contributions at Trimac. The Peacocks have embodied the spirit of teamwork, loyalty and dedication that Trimac values, enriching our company culture with their unwavering commitment.

In addition to their professional achievements, the Peacock family has also made significant contributions to charitable causes. Over the past six years, they have raised $170,000 through initiatives like Movember and they continue to support local charities such as STARS and the Children’s Hospital. This spirit of generosity and community involvement reflects the values that Garry and his family hold dear.

Reflecting on his long and fulfilling career, Garry proudly states, “Trimac has looked after me, and I’ve looked after it.” His words capture the essence of a relationship built on mutual respect, dedication and a shared commitment to a better future—a relationship that has spanned 45 years and continues to inspire those around him. As for retirement, Garry often remarks that he would consider it only after experiencing two bad days in a row, but fortunately for Trimac, those days have yet to come.

A true mentor

Garry attributes his success not only to hard work but also to the influential individuals who have shaped his journey at Trimac. Among these, Rick McBride stands out prominently as a mentor. With over 44 years at Trimac, Rick played a pivotal role in Garry’s career, moving him to Grande Prairie, AB entrusting him with the Edmonton facility, and supporting his return to Saskatoon, Sask., to further his career development.

Today, while Garry thoroughly enjoys his role, he finds his greatest satisfaction in mentoring others. He relishes the opportunity to guide new generations, helping them understand the business and navigate its challenges.?

Garry’s advice to those aspiring to have a long and fulfilling career at Trimac is straightforward yet profound: “Make sure you’re happy. Know that there are always opportunities at Trimac. Opportunities don’t always land on your doorstep. Don’t be afraid to go for it.” His career is a testament to the possibilities that arise when one combines passion with perseverance.

As we celebrate Garry’s 45th anniversary with Trimac, his story is not just one of personal achievement but an inspiration for all at Trimac. Through continuous learning and teaching, one can not only grow but also significantly contribute to the growth of others. Garry’s unwavering dedication and willingness to mentor the next generation ensure that the legacy of leadership and learning at Trimac continues to flourish.

We extend our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions and steadfast dedication. Thank you, Garry, for not only shaping our operations but also for inspiring and mentoring countless professionals within our organization.

Trimac kicks off planning for 2024 United Way campaign

Members of our 2024 United Way Campaign Planning Committee recently attended the United Way of Calgary and Area kickoff event in Calgary, AB, which brought together a powerhouse of hundreds of corporations, donors, volunteers and local agencies—all with one unified purpose: to create a lasting, positive impact in our community.?

This year’s United Way campaign will take place from Monday, October 21 to Friday, October 25, 2024. The weeklong event will host Impact Speakers from United Way, treats for sale, fun team games, different activities and a lip sync battle for the ages.?

In the recent United Way ambassador kick off meeting, 2024 Chair Jennifer Fraser, Co-chair Karen Nguyen and Executive Sponsor Karen Tsang introduced our 2024 campaign goal of $85,000. The event set the stage for an exciting season of events to support a great cause, reflecting this year’s theme of Hope is in Your Hands.

Why support United Way?

Trimac teams across Canada and the U.S. raised over $80,000 in 2023, which included Trimac drivers, the McCaig family, Owner Operators, vendors and customers all in the name of helping people in our communities have opportunities to thrive and achieve long-term financial stability.

Everyone needs a hand at one point or another, and everyone deserves a fair shot at a good life. That’s why United Way exists—to improve lives locally. Strong communities go on to create strong cities; the opportunities become boundless. And everyone wins.

Giving back to our communities has been a part of the Trimac culture for a very long time. For over 35 years Trimac has been running a United Way campaign each fall to support the organization’s community impact in giving back. The week-long campaign raises funds for the local United Way chapters to assist those that require a little extra help in the community.? We encourage you to visit your local United Way site to better understand what is happening in your local region!

Meet AIP's leaders driving success through expertise and collaboration

American Industrial Partners (AIP) Logistics joined Trimac’s family of companies in April 2023, and the collaboration has already unlocked more learning opportunities than we could have anticipated.

Founded in 1982 by Charles Kantner, AIP began as Riverside Storage, providing basic warehousing for dry food ingredients. Recognizing a growing demand for transportation services, the company expanded its operations to include trucks and trailers, eventually developing a rail yard that solidified its standing in the logistics industry.

Today, AIP operates on a 60-acre campus in Wapakoneta, OH, with four buildings that house over 540,000 square feet of storage space. The small but mighty team of 30, including 10 drivers, delivers a range of services from transloading bulk resins, powders and some liquids to warehousing for aluminum, household and food products.

With a close-knit team, everyone at AIP plays a critical role in the company’s success, making it an essential part of Trimac’s expanding operations. Let’s take a closer look at the four key leaders who are driving AIP forward.

Brayden Newland

?Brayden Newland, AIP's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been with the company for nearly three years, managing a range of responsibilities beyond typical CFO duties, including human resources, IT, customer contracts, and accounting. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in finance from Ohio Northern University in just two and a half years and began his career with the Defense Finance Accounting Service , where he advanced to management.

In 2021, Brayden joined AIP, drawn by its small-town culture and warehousing focus. His commitment and hard work play a pivotal part in the company’s success and growth but work in tandem with his cross-functional team. Together, his team fosters strong collaboration to ensure that every aspect of AIP’s operation is aligned and efficient.

Vince Jolly

Operations Director Vince Jolly joined AIP in 2021 and oversees transloading, driver management and resource optimization. He holds a business degree from Ohio State University and began his career with Interstate Brands Corporation, eventually managing seven manufacturing facilities and 1,300 employees across the upper Midwest. His broad experience spans manufacturing, transportation, engineering, and quality assurance.

After moving to Wapakoneta in 2007, Vince held roles in pizza manufacturing and ethanol plant management before joining AIP. His expertise has improved operations and positively influenced the company’s culture. Vince is a strong advocate for work/life balance, facility maintenance and employee well-being, viewing human capital as essential to business success. His vast experience and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping the success of AIP’s operations.

Bert Bendokaitis

Bert Bendokaitis, Manager of WMS & Inventory Control, joined AIP in 2021. He oversees warehouse services, inventory control and customer relations, leveraging his expertise in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). A Michigan native with a marketing degree from the University of Michigan, Bert began his career at Speedway in operations and marketing, where his passion for data led him into warehousing.

With over 20 years of experience, Bert's knowledge spans transportation management, ocean freight and logistics operations. He provides critical data for business decisions and is known for his ability to locate inventory efficiently. His dedication to the team and deep understanding of warehousing make him a vital part of AIP's success.

Dawson Kohl

Dawson Kohl, Trimac’s Area Manager for Special Projects, began working with AIP shortly after Trimac's acquisition, serving as a key link between the two companies. His role focuses on integrating Trimac’s trucking, safety and environmental practices with AIP’s warehousing expertise. Dawson, who joined Trimac in 2013, has worked on major projects, managing transloading operations across North America.

Originally from Port Colborne, ON, Dawson moved west in 2005, advancing through leadership roles before joining Trimac. As the second generation in his family to work at Trimac, Dawson’s trucking expertise and commitment to operational excellence strengthen the connection between Trimac and AIP. His dedication to safety and team success is a reflection of his family's enduring legacy in the industry.

The future is bright

AIP’s potential is limitless, thanks to Brayden’s financial acumen, Vince’s resource management, Bert’s expertise in systems and inventory and Dawson’s trucking and transloading knowledge. The small, cross-functional team leverages each other’s strengths to make informed decisions and deliver exceptional service.

Like Trimac, AIP reflects the values of hard work and a supportive work environment. Both organizations are built on strong foundations and share a commitment to growth, making this partnership full of potential.

Since its acquisition, AIP has expanded its trucking business by almost double, which is only the tip of the iceberg. This dynamic blend of skills and collaboration among the team has created a fertile ground for learning and innovation. By leveraging each other’s strengths and the additional resources from Trimac, AIP is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. With this incredible team at the helm, together, we are paving the way for even more achievements ahead.

NTS at Tank Truck Week 2024 in Charlotte, NC

We are proud to announce that National Tank Services (NTS) is a Gold Sponsor at Tank Truck Week 2024, happening in Charlotte, NC from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

This year’s theme is Navigating New Horizons in Tank Trucking, focusing on innovation, safety, and efficiency. This is the biggest event in tank trucking, offering cutting-edge exhibits, educational sessions and networking with industry leaders. Attendees will explore emerging trends, safety advancements, sustainability initiatives and regulatory updates.

NTS will be highlighting its services and networking with key industry players at booth #325.

For more details, visit the Tank Truck Week website .