Total Quality Logistics

Industry Sector: Logistics and Distribution

Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1997, Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is the second-largest freight brokerage firm in North America. TQL creates greater supply chain efficiencies for customers like Hello Fresh, Nestle, Pepsico, Inc., Walmart, and Procter & Gamble by combining industry-leading technology and unmatched customer service. Through a broad portfolio of logistics services and a network of more than 130,000 carriers, TQL moves more than two million loads around the globe.

In 2019, with tech-driven growth internally and within the logistics industry, TQL invested in expanding its Ohio headquarters with an additional building to accommodate an anticipated 600 new employees, primarily in sales and IT roles. The innovative and growing company’s main campus in Cincinnati now holds more than 2,000 employees. This expansion included significant investment in IT resources, including automation, machine learning, TQL Trax system, and predictive analytics

Geographic location and a robust distribution and supply chain make Ohio a hub for logistics and transportation. With a central location close to customers and a multimodal statewide infrastructure, Ohio makes reliable, efficient shipping possible. Ohio is within a day’s drive of more than 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population.

Ohio’s education institutions offer nationally recognized programs in supply chain and logistics management. A steady increase in the number of degrees granted annually for supply chain management has continued to build Ohio’s large, well-trained logistics and distribution workforce. 

Total Quality Logistics has grown to become Cincinnati’s largest private employer and the nation’s second largest freight brokerage firm, employing over 9,000 people in 56 offices across the United States.

TQL is experiencing significant growth and to meet the demand for the company’s services, the company reinvested in Ohio in 2021 to expand and create new jobs. Growing its headcount by 49%, TQL has additional plans to grow its presence in the state. The company plans to add additional jobs to the area, including entry level and senior roles across information technology, sales, customer service, and operations. This will generate $60M in new payroll and retain $162.8M in existing payroll across locations in Union Township, Milford, West Chester Township, and Cincinnati.

Ohio’s workforce is educated, committed, skilled, and productive. Ohioans can meet the needs of a variety of employers, including advanced manufacturers, technology services firms, and healthcare providers. Through Ohio’s talent pipeline, the workforce can meet the demands of today and is prepared for the needs of the future.

“Ohio is in the midst of a generational opportunity as families, businesses and investors are finding tremendous value in Ohio’s perfect balance between growing your business and career with an affordable quality of life,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “As more businesses look to establish new operations from overseas or away from the costly coasts, they are discovering that Ohio is the right choice to invest and succeed.”

With the support of JobsOhio—including a JobsOhio Grant (JOG)—along with partners REDI Cincinnati, Clermont County, and Union Township, TQL continues to expand its footprint in the state in 2022, its third expansion in the region since 2019. This latest expansion will add 1,000 more jobs and an additional $18 million in investment, bringing TQL’s total investment in Ohio and its valuable resources to $78 million. Through its talented labor force, Ohio has prepared TQL to serve the demands of a fast-paced digital world.

“We cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 25th year as a business than through this significant expansion,” said TQL President Kerry Byrne. “Thank you to Governor DeWine, REDI Cincinnati, JobsOhio, Clermont County and Union Township for their continued support.”

Ohio has a strategic location and quality infrastructure, which is why many logistics and distribution companies choose Ohio. For companies like TQL, this means an abundance of customers. Ohio’s growing technology industry is also beneficial for companies investing in tech advancements, including a large skilled talent pool, an evolving digital infrastructure, and an abundance of innovation communities that frequently collaborate.

TQL has been recognized by Great Place to Work® and Fortune as one of the 2022 Best Workplaces for Millennials. TQL is the only transportation company on the list, placing 50 of 100 in its seventh year of earning the prestigious ranking.

“We’re honored to receive this acknowledgement,” said Kerry Byrne, TQL President. “In 25 years, we have cultivated a culture that appeals to all generations because it rewards hard work. As it relates to millennials, there are not a lot of places younger people can have the kind of autonomy, financial security and leadership opportunities we provide so early in their careers. We are proud that our dedicated employees have made us part of this list a seventh time.”

TQL has won more than 600 lifetime workplace and industry awards including Best Workplaces for Millennials (2015-19, 2021 and 2022), Fortune 100 Best companies to Work For (2019, 2020), Inc. Best Workplaces (2019) and Forbes Best Employers in the United States (2022).

With a long history of innovation, Ohio recognizes the importance of continued investment to drive economic prosperity, stimulate funding, and create high-quality jobs. People from across the nation are finding the career they want and the lifestyle they deserve in Ohio. 

To explore career opportunities with TQL and join its team of over 2,000 employees in Ohio, visit Find Your Ohio.

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