At the Four Seasons Family of Companies, we are on a mission to create a more sustainable future. We are proud to share our newest Sustainability Report, highlighting our progress and commitment across all areas of our business — from reducing facility energy use to advancing fleet program initiatives. This report also celebrates the achievements and recognitions we’ve earned along the way. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow.
To download and view the full report, please click here.
At Sunrise, we are driven by a passion for hosting customers and connecting with our local community. Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming the leadership team from Detwiler’s Farm Market, all the way from Sarasota, Florida, to Lancaster County. This visit provided us with a chance to share our local culture and strengthen our partnership.
We had the pleasure of introducing the Detwiler’s team to some of Lancaster County’s favorite spots, including Shady Maple! Featured in the photo are Shady Maple’s Founder, Marvin Weaver, and CEO, Lin Weaver. The Weavers took time to share the rich history of Shady Maple, their commitment to friendliness and service, and their core values of: Faith, Truth, Integrity, Initiative, Compassion, and Authenticity.
Shady Maple features a 40,000-square-foot gift shop, a 1,200-seat buffet packed with Lancaster County authentic favorites, and a modern market offering top-quality produce, groceries, and a bakery. As one of the most fun and popular tourist destinations in the area, it was inspiring to hear firsthand how the Shady Maple legacy has shaped Lancaster County’s hospitality scene. It’s no surprise that Shady Maple was recently featured in the film Brave The Dark, filmed right here in Lancaster County!
In addition to visiting Shady Maple, we stopped by some other local favorites, including Wegmans, Oregon Dairy, and Fox Meadows. Each location offered a firsthand look at the family-owned businesses that are a big part of Lancaster County’s charm. We wrapped up the day with a dinner at Bulls Head in Lititz.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this visit was the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the Detwiler’s Team, a family-owned and operated store in Sarasota, Florida, since 2002. Detwiler’s Farm Market currently has six store locations in the Sarasota area and a new distribution center currently under construction. Detwiler’s continues to grow, and we are grateful to support their expansion with our managed transportation services.
Detwiler’s sources products from across the country, including some of Lancaster County’s best, like John F. Martin deli meats and cheeses. Utilizing our Sunrise Transport Fleet and partner carriers, we provide strong and reliable supply chain solutions to help them succeed in fresh!
Our time spent with Detwiler’s was a reminder of how meaningful it is to share the culture of our local area. Lancaster County is known for its welcoming people, delicious food, and rich traditions, and we’re proud to be able to introduce these elements to the Detwiler’s Team.
We look forward to continued collaboration with Detwiler’s and more opportunities to strengthen our partnership. Thank you for being part of the Sunrise family.
To learn more about Shady Maple, visit their website at https://www.shady-maple.com/.
To learn more about Detwiler’s Farm Market, visit their website at https://detwilermarket.com/.
Featured in main photo from left: Casey Horne (Detwiler’s Farm Market), Chad Ogden (Sunrise Logistics, Inc.), Mike Asher (Detwiler’s Farm Market), Marvin Weaver (Shady Maple), Lin Weaver (Shady Maple), Josh Detwiler (Detwiler’s Farm Market), Kevin Bender (Sunrise Logistics, Inc.)
Ephrata, PA — Sunrise Logistics, Inc. is proud to announce its achievement of the $100,000 Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Bond, reflecting our commitment to financial responsibility and reliability as a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) broker. This bond demonstrates our dedication to high industry standards and strengthens the trust we have built with our customers and carriers. Sunrise Logistics joins an elite 1% of brokerages in the industry that hold a bond above the standard $75,000, signaling our commitment to providing superior service and financial security. Kevin Bender, a key leader at Sunrise Logistics, explains the significance of this accomplishment:
“The intent of a surety bond is to give our customers and our carriers the confidence and security that they are working with a reputable, established brokerage that adheres to federal regulations and rules. For Sunrise to go above the $75,000 standard represents to the carrier and shipper community that we stand behind our reputation as a broker, beyond just the industry minimum.”
TIA’s Bond program, developed in partnership with Avalon Risk Management, offers bonds with $100,000 and $250,000 limits exclusively to TIA Members. Kevin adds,
“Our achievement of the $100,000 bond puts us in a higher tier, above the minimum standard, demonstrating our commitment to serving as a reliable and trusted 3PL broker.”
This elevated bond tier helps Sunrise Logistics stand out by signaling to carriers and shippers alike that we have taken extra steps to provide superior service and protection.
Since 2013, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required freight brokers to hold a minimum $75,000 surety bond, up from the previous $10,000 requirement. By achieving the $100,000 TIA Bond, Sunrise Logistics reaffirms its commitment to high standards and financial stability, offering added confidence to those who rely on our services.
Through our partnership with TIA and by holding the $100,000 TIA Bond, Sunrise Logistics continues to demonstrate excellence in the transportation industry, building strong relationships with shippers and carriers while ensuring compliance with FMCSA MAP-21 federal regulations.
For more information, please visit TIA Bond Program.
Kevin Bender, MBA, CTB
Article by Karly Wiest
Ensuring the highest standards of service and efficiency in perishable goods logistics is more critical than ever in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing market. With increasing demands and strict regulations, staying ahead of industry trends and challenges requires a commitment to continuous improvement and education. One of the most effective ways to educate your Team is through offering the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Program provided by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).
The Gold Standard
The CTB program is widely recognized as the gold standard in the logistics industry, particularly among third-party logistics providers (3PLs). This certification equips brokers with advanced skills and comprehensive knowledge, covering essential areas such as regulations, claims handling, and the complexities of the logistics landscape. By completing the CTB program, professionals gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in transporting perishable goods, resulting in minimized delays and prioritized transport for these sensitive shipments.
Program Structure and Higher Education Benefits
The CTB program encompasses 180 clock hours of coursework and culminates in a pass/fail exam. Its comprehensive curriculum can be utilized at both 2-year and 4-year higher education institutions, offering six undergraduate credits that can be put towards a future degree in supply chain management. This structured educational path not only enhances immediate professional capabilities but also contributes significantly to long-term career development in the logistics field.
Why Continuous Education Matters
The logistics industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technologies, and best practices emerging regularly. Continuous education ensures that logistics professionals remain well-informed and capable of adapting to these changes. The CTB program, with its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on current industry standards, provides an excellent framework for ongoing professional development.
One of the significant benefits of the CTB program is the opportunity it provides for building valuable industry connections. CTB members often find themselves better positioned to establish strong partnerships with carriers and other logistics providers. These connections are important for the smooth and efficient movement of perishable goods, as they facilitate collaboration and trust among key stakeholders.
Real-World Impact
Those who have completed the CTB program often report substantial improvements in their ability to manage complex logistics scenarios. For instance, Kerry Shonsky, Carrier Sales Manager at Sunrise Logistics with over 25 years of experience, shares that the CTB certification broadened her knowledge and enhanced her ability to navigate less than easy situations. “It helped me to see the big picture and learn more about the legal aspects of the business,” Kerry notes, highlighting the practical benefits of the program.
Investing in Success
Encouraging team members to pursue certifications like the CTB is an investment in the overall success of a logistics operation. Well-educated and continuously improving professionals are better equipped to provide exceptional service, handle the challenges of perishable goods transportation, and contribute to the growth and reputation of their companies.
In the dynamic field of perishables logistics, continuous improvement and education are invaluable. The TIA’s CTB program stands out as a premier certification that equips logistics professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. By creating a culture of learning and development, logistics providers can ensure that they deliver the highest standards of service and efficiency, safeguarding the integrity of perishable goods from origin to destination.
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For more information on the CTB program and how it can benefit your logistics operations, visit the Transportation Intermediaries Association’s website. Investing in education and continuous improvement is a step towards achieving excellence in perishables logistics.
Article by Karly Wiest
We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the International Fresh Produce Association‘s (IFPA) Supply Chain Council ahead of the IFPA Washington Conference next week.
“We are honored to support the IFPA Supply Chain Council’s mission,” says Chad Ogden, Director of Transportation at Sunrise Logistics. “The Council tackles critical issues impacting the fresh supply chain, and we share their dedication to advancing best practices.”
The IFPA Supply Chain Council is part of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), which is a trade association that focuses on growing prosperity for all companies in the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. The council examines critical issues affecting the movement of products throughout the fresh supply chain, including data exchange, supply chain data standards, product identification standards, cold chain management, as well as transportation and logistics. This aligns perfectly with Sunrise Logistics’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the fresh supply chain.
Connect with us at the IFPA Washington Conference next week! We look forward to discussing innovative solutions for the fresh produce supply chain.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14-16. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Here’s What To Expect:
Potential Capacity Squeeze: We anticipate a slight tightening of carrier availability as some drivers take planned breaks. Our team will actively monitor the situation and has established strong relationships with reliable carriers to find the best options for your freight.
Routing Adjustments: Increased inspections could lead to slight delays, especially for longer hauls (around 500-600 miles). However, our team is constantly analyzing real-time data and will proactively adjust routes where necessary to minimize disruptions.
Spot Market Fluctuations: With potentially fewer carriers on the road, spot market rates might rise. We have extensive experience navigating market fluctuations and will secure the most cost-effective solutions for your specific needs.
Transparent Communication: We understand clear communication is key during disruptions. Our team will keep you updated on any potential delays or changes to your shipment schedule.
With it occurring directly after Mother’s Day, any planned rate relief out of the southeast is unlikely. For more information, please contact us or visit https://www.cvsa.org/news/2024-international-roadcheck/
Article by Karly Wiest
Imagine managing a network that ensures millions of dollars’ worth of fresh produce reaches its destination across the nation, consistently arriving in peak condition. At Sunrise, this is our core mission.
Our story began with a focus on quality, ensuring the perishables bought and sold by Four Seasons Produce reached their final destination looking (and tasting) their best.
Innovation and a pursuit of excellence fueled our growth, making us a leader in perishable freight logistics. But how do we consistently help others succeed in fresh? The answer lies in investing in the right technologies to continue building a foundation of trust within our carrier network.
Gone are the days of relying solely on price quotes and best guesses with limited carrier information.
Powerful carrier assessment technology offers a deeper dive than basic quotes, providing in-depth data on a carrier’s safety record, on-time delivery history, and their expertise in handling temperature-controlled freight. Provided with this data, our team can efficiently identify reliable partners who can guarantee the integrity of perishable freight before entrusting them with a high-value load.
At Sunrise, we utilize Carrier Assure, a cutting-edge software that utilizes performance scoring to predict a carrier’s handling of your freight.
Carrier Assure provides an easy-to-use platform with an intuitive dashboard displaying all critical information for informed decisions.
Here’s what sets Carrier Assure apart:
The Result? An objective carrier score that empowers us to:
Carrier Assure empowers us to match the right carrier to the right load, maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Top-performing carriers identified by the software are ideal for critical or high-value shipments of perishables. These carriers consistently demonstrate a commitment to safety, on-time delivery, and expertise in temperature-controlled logistics. However, Carrier Assure also recognizes opportunities for optimization. Lower-scoring carriers can be suitable for shorter, less valuable hauls. In these cases, our team leverages their expertise to conduct additional vetting procedures, ensuring all shipments, regardless of value, are handled with the utmost care.
With Carrier Assure integrated into our carrier selection process, our team is equipped to secure the best possible carriers resulting in 3 key benefits:
The Human Touch
Data is powerful, but it’s not the whole story. Our experienced team understands that a successful partnership relies on more than just numbers. Negotiation skills and clear communication are still top of mind during the selection process. Our procurement team considers factors like a carrier’s responsiveness and communication style to ensure a smooth, collaborative experience throughout the transportation process.
We understand that our customers rely on the timely and safe delivery of their perishable freight. At Sunrise, our commitment goes beyond just being a logistics provider. As a family-owned business with a strong focus on values, we continue to invest in our people and technology to best serve our customers in the ever-evolving world of logistics.
Article by Karly Wiest
