When people think of logistics, they often picture trucks on highways, drivers on the move, and freight getting from Point A to Point B. What most don't see is the constant flow of work happening behind the scenes—the contracts being reviewed, the carriers being vetted, servicing the customer, and the tracking teams keeping tabs on every load in real-time. That's where I come in at Buchanan Logistics.
My journey at Buchanan began in the tracking department in 2019. Today, I manage a team of 14 incredibly hard-working employees, and together, we track more than 700 loads every day across our locations. Each Account Manager we support has their own expectations—some want emails, some want to use Teams, others have customers who need exact timestamps, and some request updates anytime an ETA changes. Some want an email once a driver has been on site for two hours. Other times, we have to collect the POD or pictures from the driver to relay back to the customer. Our focus on customer flexibility ensures we meet these diverse needs.
Logistics is about planning for all contingencies and using our experience to respond and adapt quickly to transport changes. The demands shift constantly, and our team is driven to stay one step ahead, often anticipating issues before they even arise. It’s a fast-paced environment where accuracy matters, and even when the information isn’t immediately available, we still find a way to keep moving forward, because we have customers counting on us. That pressure is real, but so is our commitment to keeping freight moving.
I try to lead by example. I make every effort to share my experiences with my entire team where needed, and when called upon, step into the trenches with them. It’s all about balance. That said, I’m lucky to have a strong team and an incredible team lead, Makenzie, who helps keep everything running smoothly. She makes the job easier, better, and more effective every single day. Our teamwork reflects Buchanan’s mission and family values.
“It takes people who care, pay attention, and hustle—every single shift."
— Bridgette Stamper, Logistics Business Manager
Beyond tracking, Mackenzie and I also manage the Relay platform for lumpers, which can be essential to get a driver unloaded and rolling to their next pickup. We work together to add funds to the loads in the TMS, issue Comdata checks as needed, and image receipts to keep everything documented and compliant.
In addition, I handle the fine print. My role blends legal detail with operational oversight—reviewing indemnity clauses, obtaining insurance certificates, maintaining certifications like CARB and SmartWay, and negotiating contract language that protects the company. It's a constant balance between big-picture legal work and guiding the day-to-day logistics operation behind it all, contributing to the Buchanan advantage.
Training and cross-training are priorities here. With summer vacations around the corner, it’s important that we’re all ready to step in and support each other when someone’s out. It also gives us the opportunity to help new hires learn the ropes and better understand the complexities of the job as Buchanan continues to grow.
Contracts might seem dry, and tracking might seem routine, but in reality, both are critical to protecting the company, our customers, and the freight we're entrusted with. So the next time you see a Buchanan truck on the road, or a load delivered on time, just remember: there's a team behind it juggling details, chasing updates, and keeping everything on track. It's not always glamorous, and it's rarely quiet, but I wouldn't trade it. I'm proud to be part of the team that keeps it all moving, behind the scenes.
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