As the inevitable pandemic hit the world, transport and logistics came into light with their endless disruptions. Transporting goods went through many aggravations with unwanted delays and mistaken shipping that led to inconvenience at many stages.
With the constant requirement of having superior transportation and logistics, sending goods overseas is considered a hassle in itself. There was no guarantee it would go efficiently and reach the destination on time.
Moreover, working accompanied with unrivaled global companionship with air shipping that grounded carriers’ time-bound services. To enable on-hand supervision with modern communication that firmly stood in motion, logistic management aided communication gratifying clients all around the world.
Taking the initiative to dive into the logistics and transportation industry and enhance the logistics services, Angela Eliacostas founded AGT Global Logistics. Being a woman-owned business, she thrives to bridge the gap between multi-modal carriers all around the world.
Considering the given recognition by some prestigious associations, they have expertise in the integration of all types of transportation and logistics functions for most esteemed companies all around the world. Being a woman-owned business, certified by the National Woman Business Owners Corporation. Moreover, they have a dedicated fleet that gives unparalleled global partnership with ground and air freight integration, line-haul carriers, and cartage agents for time crucial services.
Angela grew up taking inspiration from her father, who worked effortlessly at his own trucking company. This embedded her into the logistics industry, with an All Girls Transportation and Logistics. Her unbeatable force thrives on working in coordination with spot-on supervision and advanced communication keeping the company going through its journey.
Let us know some insights about this journey from the shipping clerk to the President!
Angela, please brief our readers about AGT Global Logistics, its USPs, and how it is currently positioned as one of the most reliable companies in the logistics solutions niche.
AGT Global Logistics’ motto is “We Keep Your World Turning.” Even with our ever-changing world, difficulties with the supply chain, and constant price fluctuation – we continue living these words. If there’s a way, we have the will to make it happen.
Tell us more about your company and how its distinct offerings are impacting the industry and its clients.
We, at AGT Global, have made a name for ourselves in the energy and utilities sector. We are a proven to be the top provider in all areas of energy from nuclear to wind, oil to solar. We also provide logistical support to numerous energy and utilities’ vendors. We understand the importance of every second and know what it takes to deliver. We are expanding and moving beyond our typical energy clients. We’ve taken the 24/7/365 personal contact we give to our energy clients and have expanded this winning service to large and Special Projects requiring crane and rigging.
We have expanded our operations and are preparing for further expansion of our offerings and capabilities.
Enlighten us with your company’s vision and mission statements. Also, give us a short overview of your core values.
We specialize in the integration of all transportation and logistics functions for top-tier companies around the world. AGT Global Logistics aims to improve customer service, accelerate order cycle time, and tighten control over the supply chain – all while reducing costs in transportation, inventory, and order fulfillment.
Our core values are the same values that created AGT Global. Integrity, honesty, grit, and determination; with integrity being at the forefront of everything we do.
Please brief us about your journey in the industry and how you have made the company excel in its highly competitive market.
I grew up in a trucking family. Transportation innovation has been in my family for generations. In my early 30s, I found myself a divorced mother of four boys; I knew I needed to do something to make ends meet. I found a job as a billing clerk at a competing trucking company. I worked my way up to general manager. I took notes, watched the business from multiple angles, and asked the owner if I could pursue some of the accounts they chose not to renew. It happens that these accounts were in the energy and utilities sectors. This is how AGT Global Logistics (Initially All Girls Trucking) started. In 2005, I was able to incorporate and form a woman-powered team of logistics professionals. We continue leading in specialization and customer-centric approaches to exceed our energy and general logistics client needs.
Please tell us about the specialized solutions offered by AGT Global Logistics to deliver hassle-free transportation services to its clients.
AGT Global has actual people available to track and talk to clients 24/7/365 in addition to real-time computerized tracking. We have a proprietary three-tiered carrier rating system holding our drivers to the highest standards. We also have a tried method for outage planning, implementation, and assessment that results in year-after-year success. This gives our clients peace of mind knowing we understand how our part of the process affects their overall success.
As an experienced leader, share your opinion on how the adoption of advanced technologies has impacted the logistics sector and how your company is adapting to technology solutions to enhance its operations.
Digitization and real-time tracking have drastically advanced logistics capabilities from when I started in 2010. The real-time tracking of loads and shipments has made our industry more accountable. Everything from GPS tracking to advancements in onboard technology allows us to track, route, re-route and sometimes intercept jobs from the delays we couldn’t always foresee in the past. We are better able to proactively address traffic and weather delays, mechanical issues, and order updates and changes.
Please tell us more about the value-added services offered by your company to its clients.
Our primary value comes from the combination of being a family-oriented, certified woman-owned business that demonstrates traditional family values through our personalized approach to large international accounts. The problem-solving solutions that come from managing life as a mother and grandmother transfer quite naturally over to everything logistics. Our all-female accounting and billing staff and 75% woman-powered office incorporate a perspective not found in the more traditionally male-dominated industry. We approach each job with the utmost importance and determination to succeed and have added those “Mom-powers” to find solutions when seemingly none exist.
What are the major challenges that the logistics service providers face in the operational region of your company? And how are you preparing your company’s operations to tackle them?
The expansion of our operations team has been a priority for AGT Global over the past few years. We have added employees and positions to keep AGT up-to-date on processes and procedures and also to expand our offerings beyond our niche specialty of energy and utilities.
In addition to planning, our operations team specializes in developing assessments and analyses of current and past jobs to recommend strategic future planning. This helps maintain long-term client relationships and is especially beneficial if there are changes in the client’s management team.
Our major challenge is finding people to fill the positions in the operations team. To address this, we have developed a learning-track hiring system, similar to an internship program. We appreciate people with logistics and SCM experience, but more important are the values and attributes a person can bring to the team. Because we hire problem solvers, the ability to think quickly and find solutions is a requirement. We can teach logistics. We give chances to people with outside experience as long as they fit with the AGT Global culture and are willing to learn and implement to AGT standards.
As an established industry leader, what would your advice be to budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the logistics solutions business?
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
This is a quote attributed to Mario Andretti. These words are inspirational. They are motivational.
My advice is to set your goals and continue raising them as you grow. I, myself, continue learning and growing. I encourage others interested in logistics and SCM to learn as much as they can from as many different people as possible.
Take what you like; adjust what you don’t. Never stop observing and tweaking your process to achieve even better results. Set your goals and continue raising them as you grow.
How do you envision scaling AGT’s services in 2022 and beyond?
As mentioned, we are growing and expanding. We continue servicing our energy and utilities sector clients. We are adding to that portfolio by gaining jobs in (project logistics). We are building the operations department to handle a wider portfolio of clients in construction and special projects industries.
The pandemic was a very busy time for us. Our job-load increased. We grew. We are hoping to continue this trajectory.
Please give us a few testimonials of your clients/customers and a list of awards/recognitions that accurately highlight your organization’s position in the market.
2021 – Distinguished Woman in Logistics from Women In Trucking Association and Freightliner
2020 – Named one of “7 Outstanding Women in Supply Chain and Logistics” from Inbound Logistics
2020 – Top 100 Influential Women Supply Chain Executives from Global Women Supply Chain Leaders
2019 – 2022 Top Woman-Owned Company from Women In Trucking Association
2019 – 2021 Top Places for Women to Work from Women In Trucking Association
2019 -2020 Women to Watch from Women In Trucking Association
2018 – Influential Woman in Trucking from Women In Trucking Association
Multiple recognitions 2008 – Present
Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses in Illinois
Top 500 Woman-Owned Businesses in the USA
Top 100 Diversity-Owned Businesses in Illinois
Top 100 Privately Held Businesses in Illinois
