Inbound Logistics | March 2023

PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS

S¿ÀºÁ L¶¸¹¼»¹Â¼: THE SOUTHERN WAY Georgia’s value proposition in the logistics eld is an extension of its way of life, according to Steve Syfan, executive vice president of Syfan Logistics. “There’s something about Georgia,” he says. “Georgia has the right people. It’s that Southern hospitality. When we ask how you’re doing, we really mean it.” That friendly and familial approach to business has worked well for Georgia and for Syfan Logistics, which remains a family company nearly four decades after it was founded by CEO Jim Syfan, Steve’s father. The senior Syfan worked in the transportation brokerage industry before launching his original company, Turbo Transport, in 1984 in Gainesville, Georgia. Today, Syfan Logistics is an asset- based $450-million company with more than 450 employees. Yet the company’s leadership team—which also includes Steve’s brother Greg, who serves as company president—still holds its values as important as its value. Company literature puts it this way: “Though we are a successful high-tech, multi-million-dollar corporation, Syfan Logistics remains a family business at

It was a demonstration of the culture that his father imbued the company with from the start. “My dad’s philosophy is to show it more than say it,” Steve says. EXPANDING INTO DRAYAGE The company further demonstrated its commitment to Georgia with its expansion into ocean drayage services, providing nal-mile delivery of containers both ways between ports and Syfan’s carrier partners. The Syfan Ocean Dray Team has been building its operations since 2021 to provide greater convenience to shipping customers. Another plus for Syfan’s entry into maritime services is the development of a new inland port for Northeast Georgia near Syfan’s headquarters in Gainesville. The company also has a new ofce in Savannah. “We’re in a growth pattern,” Steve says. “We’re in the midst of doubling our ofce space.” And initiatives such as an extensive

heart—and an old-fashioned American success story. It’s our job to transport your cargo to its destination with zero complications—on time, every time, drama-free.” Sales efforts are characterized by adherence to the mission. “Our philosophy is to nd out what you need from us, not the other way around,” Steve says. “We strive to nd out what our customers’ needs are and offer them a solution. By doing this we earn their trust and respect, which allows us the opportunity to grow a stronger relationship that will last.” He credits Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp with setting a similar tone in state government’s relationship with business. He points out that Georgia was among the rst states to reopen its workplaces when pandemic concerns began to ease. “I told the governor that he paused us, he didn’t shut us down,” Steve says. Syfan Logistics took advantage of the opportunity to return employees to in-person work, but also recognized that employees’ personal costs were affected. “When they came back, so did their expenses—primarily food and fuel,” Steve says. “We compensated them for that.”

paid internship program through regional colleges and universities continue to dene the company’s

commitment to its Georgia home. He lauds the state for playing its part by its diligence in maintaining and improving conditions for logistics professionals. “The Georgia Department of Transportation stays on top of the interstate system and the needs of business,” he says. “The infrastructure is in place and Georgia is good at planning ahead.”

A»ÃºÁ»º B¶ÁÄµÄ Wº·µ¾¶½¼µ: MEETING CHALLENGES For all its assets, Georgia is not

immune to the economic challenges facing every region of the country— and the businesses that operate within them—in an era when the only constant seems to be change. In logistics as in other sectors, however, it helps that Georgia enjoys an economic climate that is the envy of the nation. The state continues its perennial occupancy of the top position on popular lists of the best states in which to do business.

With more than 450 employees, Syfan Logistics remains a family business, nurturing client relationships and maintaining a clear focus on its core mission: Transporting cargo to its destination with zero complications—on time, every time, drama-free.

64 Inbound Logistics • March 2023