Safety Cannot Be Compromised: Q&A with Larry Catanzaro

This is the second installment in my Q&A series with KANE executives. This month’s victim: Larry Catanzaro, Senior Director of Transportation. 

Larry has been with KANE 14 years.  During his tenure he held a variety of positions including Administrative Assistance, Safety & Risk Manager, Driver Recruiter, and Director of Human Resources.  This has allowed him to gain valuable experience and developed relationships that help him succeed in the ever changing transportation industry.

What changes do you think technology can bring to this industry?

As drivers continue to exit the workforce at a pace outweighing those coming in, and freight volumes continue to rise, there will be a real need for a technology solution that links available capacity with freight in real time to improve efficiencies in the network.  There are a few companies working on this technology now.

Is there anything you wish you could change about this industry – the process, regulations, etc…?

Due to increasing operating costs and driver shortages, carriers have to balance running lean with meeting customer expectations.  Nothing is more disruptive to a carrier’s operation than a shipper or receiver who detains a driver for an exorbitant amount of time.  Not only does it impact the driver, it also creates a service failure for another customer.  There are a few larger companies notorious for delays.  As capacity continues to tighten, these type of companies will have fewer carriers willing to do business with them.  It would be ideal if they would proactively take action to improve their load and unload times.  

What is your opinion of the current state of the supply chain industry?

I think the industry is in a transition period. With capacity continuing to tighten, we are seeing a growing number of companies move away from standard RFPs that go out to bid every year to more dedicated asset services, thereby guaranteeing themselves capacity for the future.

What do you think the future holds for our industry?

I think you will see competing companies begin to join forces to improve their efficiencies and purchasing power.  You see that happening to some extent now with all the mergers and acquisitions in the freight brokerage world.  They realize the best way to service their customers is to keep adding capacity.   

What is your advice to someone just entering the logistics field?

1. Never risk safety for profitability or productivity.
2. Be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up (I use to load soda machines at Kane!). 
3. Let data drive your decisions; not emotions.
4. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
5. Understand that every job function in the organization is equally important.
6. Develop relationships; emails are impersonal.
7. Remember to say please and thank you.

As one of the leaders of this company, what things do you look out/worry about/seek from your associates and how does that help your company move forward?

Of course I have responsibility to the CEO, Owners and Board to generate sustainable profit and growth (no stress there).  I enjoy doing my part in helping to make our company one of the premier 3PL companies to work for and do business with.  I look for my fellow associates to have the same passion and enthusiasm that I have for the company and our customers.    Culture is very important to me and Kane.  We are fortunate to have some of the best people in the industry who choose to call Kane home. When you have a team that all operates from the same playbook, you can’t help but be successful.

Which tenet of the KANE Code do you identify with the most?

Nothing trumps safety.  A close second is ‘Treat Customers like Family’.  Do whatever you possibly can to exceed your customer’s expectations.