National Sales Manager

Tech that works, trust that lasts: how logistics tech saved perishable freight. E2open and Allen Lund Company partner to keep produce moving in a shifting world. When it comes to freight, few jobs are as unforgiving as hauling fresh produce, where a single delay or refrigeration hiccup can mean rejected loads and spoiled inventory. The unceasing demands of agri-freight are well understood by the Allen Lund Company (ALC), a leading national freight broker for perishable, dry, and flatbed shipping for almost five decades. ALC partnered with e2open, blending the company's human insight and carrier know-how with e2open's suite of real-time data tools - so shippers get smarter, faster service. A partnership that doesn't just plug in tools but solves problems. "We're not automating just to check a box. We're tackling the tough stuff like rate swings, visibility blackouts, and rising fraud," says ALC's Senior Director of Sales, Ryan Stephenson, of their partnership with e2open. The freight world isn't short on software. What it's short on are tools that actually solve the problems brokers face every day. The partnership between ALC and e2open allows the company's logistics to thrive by integrating e2open's tools - GPS tracking, side-by-side carrier rate comparison, mobile check-ins, and digital document exchange - into shipping workflows. The results? Shipping teams cut down on phone calls, accelerated updates, and boosted their ability to handle exceptions before they become problems. Rate shopping made simple. ALC leveraged e2open's Real-Time Rating (RTR), which allows shippers to procure rates from multiple integrated carriers. The tool provides a real-time side by side view of contract and spot rates, so their logistics teams can instantly compare options and book with confidence. The dynamic pricing tool doesn't replace the human touch of ALC's logistics teams, but complements them instead. "It works well for contract freight or repeatable lanes where speed and precision matter. But when the load is complex or the risk is higher, human strategy still leads," says Ryan. Faster rates, smarter calls, fewer surprises. While dynamic pricing may be the new norm for many, due to the additional nuances that come with hauling produce, very few transportation providers have begun offering it. Carriers and brokers need to find capacity fast, especially for perishable freight. But in transportation, using dynamic pricing without context can backfire. That's why simply picking the lowest rate on a screen doesn't always get the job done - or get the shipment there on time. With dynamic pricing integrated into tools like e2open's Real-Time Rating, brokers can instantly compare spot and contract rates, select the best-fit carrier, and tender the load, all without phone calls or guesswork. That speed is crucial when every hour on the dock eats into shelf life. With e2open's Real-Time Rating Tool doing the heavy lifting, ALC teams no longer have to chase rate quotes over emails or dig through spreadsheets. Plus, faster carrier responses mean tenders go out smoothly, without the usual back-and-forth. The best part? Everything from quoting to billing can be automated. For ALC's agri-freight teams managing high volumes or juggling multiple carriers, RTR brings speed, clarity, and control over today's volatile logistics demands. When freshness has a deadline, visibility matters more than ever. With perishable freight, you don't just need to know where your load is, you need to know if it's on time, on temp, and on track to stay profitable. Unlike durable goods, commodities like fresh produce don't have time to spare. If a shipment gets delayed, even by just hours, it can mean spoilage, rejected loads, and lost revenue. Real-time visibility lets ALC's network of shippers track every mile and respond instantly when something goes off-course. Customers see it all with e2open. ALC's teams use GPS tracking, mobile check-ins, and digital docs to keep freight visible and moving. That means fewer calls, faster updates, and smoother recoveries. But for ALC, visibility isn't the finish line, it's the starting point. Total visibility over moving and paused shipments allows ALC teams to turn data into action, spotting issues early and solving them before they hit the dock. The logistics relationships that ALC has nurtured over nearly a half-century of operations still matter. With newfound visibility, ALC can give shippers more transparency over carriers who are often stretched thin, helping them to strengthen logistics partnerships. As ALC sees it, their brokerage operations are built on people. Tech just helps them move faster, scale smarter, and stay consistent, when it's used with intention. That's what makes this partnership work. ALC doesn't chase every new tool. And e2open doesn't sell cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, the produce logistics giant tests what works, skips what doesn't, and deploys only what adds real value. The result? A more resilient, efficient, human way to move freight. Staying fresh depends on making fast decisions. ALC knows that in perishable logistics, timing isn't just important, it's everything. With 49 years of experience, the company has built trusted relationships and earned accolades that make ALC a recognized leader in perishable logistics. Trusted by growers, shippers, and retailers across North America. ALC has been named a Top Food Chain Provider by Food Chain Digest, a reflection of its commitment to service, integrity, and innovation in the global trade of produce. The company is also a regular presence at key industry events, including Food Shippers of America, International Fresh Produce Association meetings, and The Washington Conference, where it helps shape the future of fresh supply chains. From seasonal surges to regulatory shifts, ALC brings steady hands and proven expertise to every load. In the fast-moving world of produce logistics, trust still does the heavy lifting. Shippers rely on brokers who understand timing, temperature, and urgency - especially when margins are thin and freshness is on the line. But today, even the strongest relationships are better supported by the right tech tools. With end-to-end visibility, brokers and shippers can spot issues before they escalate. Whether it's a weather delay, a missed check-in, or a temp deviation, real-time tracking helps everyone stay ahead of problems. Not just react to them. That kind of transparency builds confidence on both sides of the transaction. Pricing support matters too. With tools like RTR, brokers can respond to market shifts instantly, offering shippers fast, competitive quotes without sacrificing service or accuracy. When speed meets insight, decision-making gets sharper - and relationships get stronger. At the end of the day, produce logistics is still a people business. But with the right digital tools, those people can move faster and see farther. "We're just moving with more speed and fewer surprises," says Ryan. E2open subscription center. Interested in learning more? Stay current with the latest e2open news - from company updates to thought-leadership pieces, and so much more! ARE YOU READY TO BOOST YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN CAPABILITIES? Let's get started.

Paul Ellis Promoted to General Manager of ALC Memphis. The Allen Lund Company is pleased to announce Paul Ellis' promotion to General Manager of the Memphis office. Paul graduated from the University of Memphis in 2008. He began his career in the supply chain industry by working with other transportation brokers before joining the Allen Lund Company in 2017 as a Broker-in-Training. Since then, he has advanced through the ranks from Transportation Broker into various leadership roles. Before his promotion to General Manager, he served as the Assistant GM of the office. Jim McGuire, Executive Vice President, stated, "Congratulations to Paul Ellis on his promotion to General Manager of our Memphis office. Paul has earned this opportunity through years of hard work, strong leadership, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. I'm excited to see him take on this new role and have no doubt he'll do a fantastic job leading the Memphis team and driving continued growth and success." Matt Gronostaj, Vice President of Sales and Operations, said, "We are excited for the promotion of Paul to take the helm of the Memphis branch. His experience, work ethic, and industry knowledge give him the tools to succeed. He truly is someone who does things the right way, and we look forward to seeing the next steps of this journey into leadership." Regarding his promotion, Paul shared, "I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as General Manager of the Allen Lund Company's Memphis office. Having worked alongside this talented team for the past nine years, I have a deep appreciation for the relationships, dedication, and culture that have contributed to our success. I look forward to leading our team as we continue delivering exceptional service to our customers, supporting our carrier network, and building on the strong foundation of operational excellence we've established together." * Previous PostKenny Lund Shares Allen Lund's Legacy with OOIDA * Next PostAlex Rice Promoted to Assistant GM of ALC Cincinnati ALC Headquarters 4529 Angeles Crest Hwy. La Cañada, CA 91011 Office nearest you T: 800.404.5863

Alex Rice Promoted to Assistant GM of ALC Cincinnati. The Allen Lund Company is pleased to announce that Alex Rice has been promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Cincinnati office. Alex Rice attended Sinclair Community College and built a career focused on sales and logistics. He joined ALC Cincinnari in 2019. Before his promotion, he held various roles including Transportation Broker, Business Development Specialist, and National Sales Manager. Tim Bryner, General Manager of ALC Cincinnati, stated, "I am thrilled to promote Alex Rice to Assistant General Manager of the Allen Lund Cincinnati office. Alex embodies the grit, sales expertise, and commitment to relationship-building that define our team. I look forward to partnering with him in this new role as we continue to seize every opportunity and drive organic growth for our branch." Reflecting on his promotion, Alex said, "I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work for ALC over the past seven years and to work alongside such an incredible team." * Previous PostPaul Ellis Promoted to General Manager of ALC Memphis * Next PostSee you next week at the IFPA Food Service Conference! ALC Headquarters 4529 Angeles Crest Hwy. La Cañada, CA 91011 Office nearest you T: 800.404.5863