66% of logistics pros say talent quality — not cost — is the #1 factor in choosing a nearshore partner. Rapido's integration model explains why that's the right question to be asking.
Plus, a carrier pleading guilty to mob money laundering while still FMCSA-active, Iran's first post-ceasefire attack and what it means for diesel surcharges, FedEx Freight's first earnings as a standalone company, and more in today's newsletter.
Freight brokers are measuring their inboxes wrong. Most inbound email is monitoring, not work. And the longtail categories that look like noise are costing real margin. Here's how to audit what's actually in your inbox, and why it matters in 2026's margin-first market.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) has opened a new office right in the heart of Chattanooga, known as Freight Alley. Here's what you need to know:
Location and Jobs: The firm has taken over a space on the 14th floor of the Truist Building at 736 Market St. They're on a hiring spree, planning to add 80 to 100 jobs.
Why Chattanooga?: Known for its strategic location, the city offers a rich talent pool and excellent transport links—perfect for a logistics giant like TQL.
Expansion and Impact
Growing Team: With already over 9,000 employees nationwide, TQL’s new office is part of a larger plan to deepen its roots in Tennessee.
Local Influence: This move is attractive due to Chattanooga's reputation as a logistics powerhouse. FreightCaviar learned a lot about the region's growth and history of logistics in a tour with Ted Alling, former CEO of Access America.
Industry Insights
Freight Alley: Chattanooga is cementing its place as a critical logistics node. CEO Craig Fuller of FreightWaves says, "I think logistics are driving our entrepreneurial and startup economy here in Chattanooga, which is why we have called this Freight Alley."
Competitive Edge: TQL joins a fierce market, with Chattanooga hosting 14 of the top 20 fastest-growing logistics firms.
What’s Next?
With Chattanooga attracting so many logistics businesses and talent, many are wondering what TQL can offer to set themselves apart. Especially with their robust non-competes, TQL may not be able to pull in the top talent from its competition.
I’m Adriana, a writer and editor at FreightCaviar. I’ve covered everything from freight tech to industry lawsuits and market shifts, helping scale us to almost 14K subscribers. My goal: to make logistics stories digestible, clear, and fun to read.
66% of logistics pros say talent quality — not cost — is the #1 factor in choosing a nearshore partner. Rapido's integration model explains why that's the right question to be asking.
Freight brokers are measuring their inboxes wrong. Most inbound email is monitoring, not work. And the longtail categories that look like noise are costing real margin. Here's how to audit what's actually in your inbox, and why it matters in 2026's margin-first market.
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