From Retail to Logistics Training | Miles and Mentors Ep 28

In this episode of Miles and Mentors, Katie Kaczmarek, a training coordinator at Bridge Logistics Inc., shares her unique journey into the logistics industry. Her career began in an entirely different field—men’s retail—where she worked for 14 years before transitioning into logistics. The shift happened unexpectedly when a long-time customer, who happened to be the co-founder of Bridge Logistics, encouraged her to apply for a position. With no prior logistics experience but a strong sales background, she took the leap and started in a sales role at the company in early 2018.

Katie details the initial challenges of moving into a completely new industry, describing how intimidating it was to go from an expert in her previous field to feeling like a beginner. However, she approached the transition with determination, immersing herself in learning the intricacies of freight brokerage, sales, and operations. She emphasizes the importance of self-education in logistics, explaining that each challenge she faced became an opportunity to build her knowledge base. Over time, she moved from sales into operations and later into her current role as a training coordinator.

Bridge Logistics is a family-owned third-party logistics company (3PL) with a strong emphasis on culture and teamwork. Katie highlights how the company fosters a supportive environment where employees are encouraged to grow. Unlike larger brokerages, Bridge focuses on building meaningful relationships with both carriers and customers rather than prioritizing high-volume transactions. The company maintains high retention rates and prides itself on being selective in hiring, ensuring that every team member aligns with its core values.

As a training coordinator, Katie is responsible for onboarding new employees, many of whom have no prior logistics experience. She outlines how training at Bridge Logistics is designed to provide hands-on learning rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction. She also oversees continued education, regularly testing employees on compliance, operational processes, and best practices. One of her priorities is ensuring that employees understand all aspects of the supply chain, including the perspectives of both carriers and shippers. She integrates practical knowledge into training, sharing real-world insights and problem-solving techniques that help new hires navigate the complexities of logistics.

The conversation shifts to the broader logistics industry, where Katie discusses the increasing importance of networking. She reflects on how platforms like LinkedIn and industry podcasts, including The Logistics Lounge, have strengthened the logistics community, allowing professionals to share insights and collaborate. She recounts how a small trucking company recognized Bridge Logistics by name, reinforcing the value of a strong industry reputation.

Fraud prevention and carrier vetting are also major focuses at Bridge Logistics. Katie explains how the company takes extra steps to ensure that the carriers they work with meet strict compliance standards. While this can make it more difficult for newer carriers to secure loads, she stresses that these measures are in place to protect both customers and carriers. She advises new carriers to gain experience with larger brokerages before seeking partnerships with boutique 3PLs like Bridge.

Technology’s impact on logistics is another key topic. Katie describes how automation has streamlined processes, making tasks like carrier onboarding significantly faster. She acknowledges concerns about artificial intelligence and automation replacing human jobs but argues that logistics will always require human oversight. While AI may improve efficiency, personal relationships and decision-making remain essential to the industry. She also discusses the ongoing debate over autonomous trucking, stating that while automation may work in controlled environments, widespread driverless trucking still faces significant hurdles.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about mentorship and industry collaboration. Katie emphasizes the importance of listening to all sides of the supply chain, from drivers to brokers to shippers. She encourages logistics professionals to continuously educate themselves and engage with the industry community to stay informed and connected.

Katie’s story is a testament to adaptability and perseverance. Her journey from retail to logistics highlights how skills from seemingly unrelated industries can transfer into supply chain roles. Her insights into training, networking, and industry challenges provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow in logistics, whether they are new to the field or seasoned professionals looking to refine their approach.