Inbound Logistics | January 2023

LEADERSHIP Conversations with the Captains of Industry

Right on the Dot

In 2021, Bryan Langston made a leap to the other side of the loading dock door. For more than 20 years, Langston had worked in a series of warehouse-focused management positions at Dot Foods, the largest food industry redistributor in North America, based in Mount Sterling, Illinois. Most recently, he served as the company’s vice president of warehousing. Then, Dot promoted him to president of its afliate trucking company, Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI). In a conversation with Inbound Logistics , Langston discussed his move to the transportation side of the business, his development as a leader, and what he’s up to lately. IL: What was it like to transition from warehouse operations to trucking? It was like going back to being a rookie again. After many years of knowing who to ask and where to go for things, I felt at rst as though I were in the dark. But our company has really good people who helped me along while I learned the ropes. IL: Describe an experience from early in your career that helped to shape you as a leader. A long time ago, I worked as an assistant department manager in a retail grocery store. We were doing a big inventory, and one individual who worked for me came in three or four hours after we were scheduled to start. This person had a pattern of being tardy. Unfortunately, I lost my cool and did not communicate well. His reaction was just to smile at me. This experience taught me the value of maintaining composure when you deal with a tough people situation, no matter the circumstances. IL: When you became president of DTI early in 2021, you said the company’s top priorities would be safety and stafng. How has DTI progressed on those two fronts? We’ve had a phenomenal few years with regard to our motor vehicle accident rating. On the personal injury side, it took some work to get everyone back up to speed after the pandemic, when we weren’t going on customers’ docks or doing our other usual physical work. 2021 was a challenge but 2022 was a good year. As for stafng, we’re well above our driver hiring plan.

Bryan Langston President Dot Transportation

Bryan Langston has had a busy few years. He’s getting his company back up to speed after the pandemic; focusing on driver safety, training, and retention; and opening a new distribution center. But, he is never too busy to be there for all his employees and his door is always open.

by Merrill Douglas

28 Inbound Logistics • January 2023

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