Truck Parking On-Demand with Anthony Petitte at TruckPark

Kyle MacNaught • 35 min listen • May 15, 2020

Overview

A TruckerPath report in 2017 found that drivers lose approximately $600 in wages per month due to lost miles driving around looking for a place to park. That same survey found that 79% violated hours-of-service rules because they could not find parking. As the regulation of carriers hours of service increases, tools that help truckers gain back hours have become vital to the industry. That’s where TruckPark steps in. In this episode, Anthony Petitte, CEO and Founder of TruckPark, joins the show to discuss the current world of carriers and how TruckPark assists them.

TruckPark’s Origin Story

TruckPark is a platform that connects the supply and demand of the trucking industry by allowing drivers to find and pay for parking. Petitte got into trucking through helping his late uncle with his parking facility in the south side of Chicago. From there he used his marketing background to grow his uncle’s business and soon many others. The company was then founded in 2017 with his partner Joshua Walls. They used the input of truckers on the road and identified that parking was always the biggest issue. The app was created to support truck drivers around the country and make their jobs a little easier and a lot safer.

How does the app work?

The app is focused on the independent owner operator. The company has a sales team that is constantly working and getting as much supply as they possibly can. Right now to date they have 47 hundred spaces available for truckers to use. TruckPark also has a standard of security so they are looking at camera surveillance, man guard, keypad entry etc. They are very secure and make sure the drivers and payload are safe inside and outside the lot. It also allows the carriers or drivers to route plan and make better choices and improve the hours of service and productivity.

Does looking for parking really affect the industry?

In short, yes. Drivers are always on a time crunch with hours of service, time regulations etc. The last hour of a truckers drive is dedicated solely to finding a parking spot. There are typically 3.5 million truckers and there are on average 300,000 - 400,000 parking spots available. Truckers often pull into unsafe spaces in order to avoid paying for parking but these spaces put the driver and the payload in danger. Accidents are very common and drivers can be killed parking in dangerous spaces.

What is the typical user of TruckPark?

The typical user of TruckPark is mixed. They do get the younger crowd but they also get the older crowd despite the technology due to the ELD mandate. The app is easy to use whether you are technologically savvy or not. The younger drivers want to be more safe especially in areas they don’t know so they tend to use the app more. Older drivers tend to use the app when their usual spots are not available which often happens.

What type of integrations does TruckPark offer?

Integrations drive the business and the app was built based on the driver so many parts of the app were designed to make the job of the truck driver easier. In order to do this TruckPark works with many of the other apps that truckers are using. Truckers are already using so many tools so TruckPark is integrated into those apps, you can reserve a spot right there in the app. Another integration they are working with is Dock411. They have created an opportunity when truckers are stuck at a shipping facility they can use that time to make a reservation using TruckParks application.

How does this help shippers?

It helps shippers in many situations, one of which is displayed in the example of Dock411. It allows truckers to know in providing real time dock information to shippers and with integration – truckers have access to parking nearest shipper locations. The app shows them the closest secure locations geographically within a 25 mile radius. It makes delivery smoother and ensures that the shipment will arrive on time.

What else does TruckPark offer a driver other than parking?

TruckPark offers more than just parking spots. They teamed up with GenieMD which is an on-demand virtual medical visit where they can connect with doctors on the road. The nomadic lifestyle is no longer a problem with doctor appointments or even prescriptions. The doctor can also send the prescription to any pharmacy near the driver. The drivers are doing so much and TruckPark wants to do more for them by helping in as many ways as possible.

What is next for TruckPark?

TruckPark is currently teaming up with FourKites to provide 800-1000 pizzas to truck stops. They want to meet with the truck drivers, hear their input and work with them. It is an app built with trucker input for truckers. TruckPark has a really big piece of technology coming out very soon. The tool is geared towards carriers and is being piloted, and loved, right now. They are very excited about the new technology and to stay up to date follow them on LinkedIn or get in touch with owners of the company via email info@truckpark.com .

Audio only version

Anthony can be reached on LinkedIn.

TruckPark Website

Future proof your supply chain today!

Subscribe now on iTunes, Spotify, or simply search your favorite podcast player for Consulting Logistics!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Brendan Lawler Joins FreightPlus as Senior Manager, Strategic Planning and Customer Service

October 4, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in hiring and developing the best talent within the logistics space QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Brendan Lawler has joined as Senior Manager of Strategic Planning and Customer Service. Lawler brings in over seven years of experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams in challenging, chaotic, and ambiguous environments. In his new role, Lawler will own all aspects of planning, optimizing, appointing, tracking and servicing customers’ freight. He looks forward to standardizing the planning and customer service functions within the department and incrementally improving the throughput of the team through process improvement and technology integration. “I am energized by the opportunity to help continue FreightPlus’s growth as a data-driven transportation management solutions provider,” says Lawler. “I’m eager to use my experience in leading teams toward operational excellence to enhance the customized service for our clients. FreightPlus's mission to ‘simplify complex logistics together’ embodies the people-driven culture that I value so deeply. I look forward to joining a company that is team-focused and has a proven track record of transforming ideas into innovative solutions that create sustainable impact.” Lawler previously served as a Captain in the Marine Corps and as Senior Operations Manager within Amazon Transportation Services, where he focused on driving operational excellence and utilizing new technology to drive process improvements. In his tenure, he was responsible for developing and implementing new network-level process improvements for both under-the-roof (UTR) and over-the-road (OTR) operations, as well as spearheading the effort of optimizing the synchronization of warehouse and transportation operations. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was listed no. 184 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2022. Chief Operating Officer Ben Graeff comments, “I am so excited to welcome Brendan to FreightPlus. Brendan brings a deep background in operational excellence from his time in the Marine Corps and Amazon Transportation. He is a quiet leader that leads by example, lives in the day-to-day details, and is the exact right person to help us scale our operation and customer service teams through our continued growth.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management, offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry best practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit FreightPlus.io for more information. ### Media Contact: Courtney Conyers Marketing & Communications cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Ranks #184 on the Inc. 5000 List

August 16, 2022

For the 2nd Time, FreightPlus Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 184 on the List of Fastest-growing Privately Held Companies in America FreightPlus recognizes a three-year revenue growth rate of 2,846% NEW YORK, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that FreightPlus is No. 184 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. “We are honored to be featured on the annual Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row,” said Stephen Aborn, FreightPlus Chief Executive Officer. “This award and our ranking reflect the continuous dedication from our team to providing our customers with the people, technology and processes to build best-in-class logistics programs. We are thrilled to be recognized as we strive to bring customer-centric and innovative solutions to the world of logistics.” The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000 . The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23. “The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Names New Senior Vice President of LTL

July 26, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider brings on LTL industry leader to continue to support rapid growth QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, has announced the expansion of their company with the hiring of Curtis Garrett, joining as Senior Vice President of LTL. Garrett will focus on improving carrier relationships and interactions through utilizing technology and strategic processes. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named the second-fastest growing privately held company in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. FreightPlus was also listed as the 783 rd fastest-growing company on the 2021 Inc 5000 list. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Curtis. Expanding our team with his experience is a great step in the right direction for FreightPlus as we continue to look for the most innovative and ambitious thinkers in the logistics space.” Garrett brings fifteen years of LTL experience prior to joining FreightPlus, including eight with ODFL in operations, driving, pricing, yield, and W&I. Since departing from ODFL, he has spent six years on the 3PL, software and consulting side of the industry, recently serving as Vice President of Pricing and then Chief Strategy Officer at Reconex. Garrett is fascinated with technology and is truly a student of the industry. Having overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue on the business profitability side, as well as pricing and carrier relationships and procurement, Garrett is more determined than ever to break down silos and get everyone on the same playing field. “I am beyond excited to join FreightPlus”, said Garrett on his new role. He continued, “from what I have witnessed, this company has all the right parts and pieces – customer obsession, innovation, and grit – to do big things in the freight industry and I could not be more excited to be a part of it.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's Fast 50 List

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's 2022 Fast 50 List

March 28, 2022

FreightPlus has been named to Boston Business Journal's exclusive 2022 Fast 50 list for the first time.

Ben Graeff Appointed as FreightPlus Chief Operating Officer

FreightPlus Expands C-Suite with the Appointment of Ben Graeff as Chief Operating Officer

March 7, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in executive team to support the company’s rapid growth. QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Ben Graeff has joined as Chief Operating Officer, the first in company history. Graeff will be responsible for the company’s operational, managerial, and product strategy, as well as driving day to day and quarterly results and innovation in FreightPlus’ next stage of scale and growth. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named to The Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2021. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Ben to FreightPlus. His natural ability to lead and his experience scaling large businesses at the intersection of technology and operations will be invaluable to our growth story. Every person or partner that works with Ben will be better for it.” Graeff brings over 10 years of experience building technology and businesses at Amazon. Prior to joining FreightPlus, he served as Sr. Manager, Product Management and Data Analytics within Amazon Transportation Services. During his tenure, Graeff was responsible for P&L ownership in Amazon’s consumer retail division, developing new software and customer experiences for Amazon Prime, as well as product development and business results in operations and logistics across the globe. “I am excited to join a company whose mission embodies solving complex problems in partnership with its customers,” said Graeff on his new role. He continued, “Like all great organizations , FreightPlus is powered by its people. I’m eager to join this growing team and blend my experience in building and developing organizations with delivering fast-paced results through people, process and technology. FreightPlus’ commitment to driving long-term partnerships, cost savings and strong service for our customers aligns closely to my core values. I look forward to continuing to build the products, processes, programs and technologies to drive FreightPlus’ future growth as a data-driven transportation management service.” About FreightPlus About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io