Compassion in Logistics: Going the Extra Mile for a Bigger Cause

Helping others – it’s what we do at Trailer Bridge. It’s part of our DNA. So when we were contacted to provide support on a specific mission shipment to the Dominican Republic (DR), we were more than happy to assist.

Each year, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church out of Savannah, Georgia, has a team of missionaries that travel to San Pedro de Macoris in the DR, carrying hundreds of pairs of prescription and reading glasses collected over the year. The Gift of Sight Mission was created to not only provide glasses to those in need, but to also perform cataract surgeries during the week the team travels to the DR, making it possible for the blind to see.

The church was seeking a transportation solution but was having a hard time getting a response or answers on the proper steps to take forward action. Eventually, the church was introduced to Emma Phillips, Director of NVOCC & Compliance at Trailer Bridge. “I was contacted by one of Trailer Bridge Inc’s partners who believed we would be the perfect solution to assist a friend of theirs. I reached out to Jim Toedtman, the organizer of this mission, to understand exactly what they were searching for,” Phillips said. “What was discovered was Jim needed a logistics partner to guide him through the details of the shipping process and how to get this shipment to where it needed to be. They had spoken to several logistics companies and unfortunately ran into a roadblock. We were excited to make it work for them.” Within one day of meeting each other, the International Team had a price quote to Jim, and it was full steam ahead.

One of the biggest challenges was getting Jim up to speed on all the details necessary to make this shipment work. How would the shipment be picked up? Was all of the necessary paperwork available? The coordination of trucking, ocean service, customs clearance, and final delivery to St. Peter’s sister church in the DR, Iglesia San Esteban, required lots of moving parts. Jim was thankful to the International Team for providing detailed instructions and the overall care he received. “Emma Phillips and her team were a godsend for our mission,” said Toedtman. “They were responsive, attentive to every detail of our project, helpful in every zig and zag in our path, and economical.”

The cargo was packed in 50 standard cardboard boxes and Jim was able to deliver the cargo to a fellow parishioner’s warehouse to be shrink wrapped and palletized. The International Team then scheduled the pickup, processed the paperwork, and ensured a smooth delivery via partnerships in the DR for final mile.

“Partnering with Jim allowed him to receive the necessary information to be successful,” said Phillips. “We’ve now opened that door to other missionaries and small shippers. Whenever we provide assistance to missions, charitable organizations, or small businesses in general, we can be there every step of the way throughout the transportation process.” The International Team also went the additional mile assisting with customs clearance and duties required. “Understanding that logistics may not be Jim’s expertise, we wanted to make sure he was taken care of every step of the way,” said Phillips.

That sentiment applies across all Trailer Bridge service levels. “It’s a full supply chain solution for anyone but it’s so beneficial to those that may not have the in-house logistics expertise,” said Phillips. “We’re here to help.”

In a chaotic logistics world, Trailer Bridge operates with an altruistic mindset and flexibility. “Our goal is to provide end-to-end solutions for all customers across the globe,” said Phillips. “Customers do not need to go anywhere else to move their freight. Our team treats every shipment with care, providing white glove service – a reputation we have become known for.”

Any logistics company can provide a transportation solution but finding a partner that is truly invested in your business’ success is not as common. We’re a company with heart, considering the needs and concerns of our shippers every step in the supply chain process, all through one point of contact. Our customers are an extension of our family and we’re all in.