The Bridge Newsletter - 2026 Q1

The Bridge

A Trailer Bridge Newsletter

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

Making Space for Creativity

Earlier this year, as we kicked off our annual sales conference and began discussing our business strategy for 2026, I challenged our team to think about one idea that does not always get discussed in logistics: creativity.

At first glance, it may seem like an unusual topic for a transportation and logistics company. But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize creativity plays a role in nearly every challenge we solve.

Let’s look at the origin of the word “creativity”: it comes from the Latin word creare, meaning “to create.” A related Latin root, crescere, means “to let things grow.” This reminds us creativity is not always about a sudden moment of inspiration. More often, it is about giving ideas the space to develop and grow into something meaningful.

One definition I came across described creativity as the ability to produce novel and valuable ideas by connecting existing concepts in new ways and transcending traditional patterns. That phrase stood out to me. We often hear people say “think outside the box,” but I have never been convinced there is a box to begin with. My team knows I cringe when I hear the phrase.

Creativity is being willing to challenge the patterns and assumptions that shape how we approach an idea, a challenge or a blank page.

Transportation and logistics rarely follow a predictable path. Every day our teams navigate complexities that influence how freight moves through the supply chain. Sometimes that challenge is

the rapid adoption of new technologies. Other times it is global events that reshape traditional shipping patterns.

In those moments, creativity becomes more than a concept. It becomes a practical discipline that helps us rethink processes, uncover efficiencies, and deliver better outcomes for our customers. Proving creativity is not confined to an art studio. It shows up in the daily routines of teams working to solve operational challenges and improve the way we do business.

I have seen this creativity in action across Trailer Bridge. Recently, during our drydock period, our team worked closely with an industry partner to ensure our customers’ freight continued moving without disruption. The team is also exploring opportunities with government partners to pursue grants and funding that support long-term investments in assets and port infrastructure.

Creativity thrives when organizations make room for it. It requires curiosity, collaboration, and the confidence to think differently. And I’m proud to see our team embrace all these qualities.

As we move through the year ahead, I encourage each of us, both within Trailer Bridge and across our industry, to make the time and space to challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and allow creativity to grow within our teams.

Mitch

Industry & Community Partners Rally with TB!

In March we hosted the third annual Rally for Kate Charity Golf Tournament raising $55,500 for the Kate Amato Foundation. Funds will be used to fund innovative pediatric cancer research projects at leading institutions across the nation.

Then in April, in partnership with our friends at ATS, we hosted the Rally por Puerto Rico tournament supporting Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico. This year’s tournament brought in $108,500 dollars to help preserve home ownership opportunities for individuals and families on the island.

The Rally tournaments are about supporting our community, but they also give us the opportunity to connect with partners and customers around a common interest –serving the communities where we live, work and play.

TB Leaders Named Pros to Know

Supply & Demand Chain Executive recently released its 2026 Pros to Know list, an annual recognition honoring industry professionals whose work is shaping the future of the global supply chain. The list features three of TB’s leaders:

TOP TRANSPORTATION INNOVATOR:

Chris Goss , Vice President, Government & Projects

RISING STAR (39 OR YOUNGER) :

Adela Hysaj , Director, Customer Experience

LEADERS IN EXCELLENCE:

Tony Kvasnicka , President, Ocean Division

The Pros to Know award recognizes individuals driving innovation, delivering measurable results, and advancing the industry through leadership and execution. We highlight each of the honorees and their contributions to supporting TB’s growth and advancing the industry in our latest blog.

Learn More!

Chris Goss

Top Transportation Innovator

Leah Nowak Named to JBJ’s 40 Under 40 List

TB’s Vice President of Finance, Leah Nowak , has been named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2026

40 Under 40 list! This honor highlights rising stars within the local business world who have distinguished themselves in their companies and in their communities.

Congratulations on this special honor, Leah. We look forward to celebrating with you in the coming months and highlighting the work you are doing inside and outside of TB.

Telling the Trailer Bridge Story in DC!

Members of our leadership team made a trip to Washington D.C., in March to meet with elected officials sharing our story and advocating for the needs of our industry. The trip included a meeting with MARAD Deputy Administrator Sang Yi and his team to discuss Title XI funding opportunities.

Conversations like these are essential to strengthening the U.S. maritime industry and ensuring continued investment into the assets supporting domestic supply chains.

Partnering with J-Tech Institute to Invest in a Skilled Workforce

Trailer Bridge has developed a strategic partnership with the J-Tech Institute, a nonprofit institution that supports training within automotive, diesel, marine and RV, HVAC-R, welding and fabrication trades. Our on-site engagement with the institution is part of TB’s ongoing effort to build a long-term hiring partnership with their welding program.

At one of the recent visits, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Jasmine James , and Director of Maintenance & Security, JJ Mendez , shared insights on welding positions, career paths, and workplace expectations, including real-world tips on trailer maintenance, safety, and the skills needed to succeed at Trailer Bridge.

This is just one way Trailer Bridge continues to invest in the next generation workforce.

Logistics Readiness in the Western Hemisphere

Traielr Bridge hosted a webinar in Q1 focused on ‘Logistics Readiness in the Western Hemisphere’ featuring Chris Goss , Jacob Wegrzyn and Jason Trubenbach

The current administration’s strategic focus is putting the Western Hemisphere at the top of its priority list; this discussion provided three key learning takeaways:

1. A practical understanding of Western Hemisphere logistics dynamics

2. Insight into sustainment and mobility across complex operating environments

3. A clearer view of effective public-private collaboration Watch the full recording here.

Enabling NATO Rapid Mobilization Goss Authors New Industry Paper

TB’s Vice President of Government and Projects, Chris Goss , authored an industry paper titled, “Enabling NATO Rapid Mobilization: Operational Realities in Poland” which was released to the industry in early February.

The paper, which is part of the Government team’s 2026 thought-leadership strategy, examines the infrastructure, transportation access, and operational coordination that help translate strategy into execution, and the role public–private collaboration plays in enabling readiness.

Read the full article here.

Customer Survey

Overall Experience

While

believed TB met or exceeded their expectations. 95%

62% 33% 5% believe TB exceeded expectations believe TB met expectations believe TB fell short of expectations

Is there anything we could have done better communication?

• We should be able to communicate better and have more

• Answering the main phone# in Jacksonville, FL promptly. the operator answers

• Communication is generally good. At times, updates could when there are delays related to port operations or government

• Provide rate quotes just a bit quicker

• YES - FASTER TURNAROUND WITH RFQs - IT TAKES MORE THEM BACK.

think our communication is EXCEPTIONAL. 86% better when it comes to more availability of people promptly. Many times one calls and not even could be more proactive, especially government agencies. MORE THAN 4 TO 5 DAYS TO GET

Exceptional Adequate Needs Improvement

Customers continue to sing praises for our team; here are a few of the responses received in this year’s survey:

“I simply MUST mention Crystal DeLeon Diaz in the JAX office. She consistently goes above and beyond to assist with my shipments and continues to be a major reason why I stick with Trailer Bridge. She responds quickly to emails, resolves problems (there’s always problems!), acts as a go-between between me and the terminal, and generally makes doing business with Trailer Bridge an absolute pleasure.”

“I would like to thank Joisy, Dan and Morgan for all the support given to us.”

“Love the service and would like to commend Mr. Jose Montalvo for his excellent service and timely responses.”

“In particular, I would like to recognize Lynette Delgado and Joisy Rivera for their professionalism, willingness to help, and effective communication. Their support has been key in ensuring that processes are carried out in an efficient and organized manner. For us, they are no longer just suppliers, they are part of the family. Their dedication reflects the high level of customer service that distinguishes Trailer Bridge.”

Re: Mr. Carlos Cortez

Alladin Temp-Rite Sales & Operations Manager, Jorge Reyes, recently sent in an email praising the customer service he receives from Carlos Cortez , Regional Sales Representative, PR. Here’s an excerpt:

“I would like to express and emphasize that, since Carlos assumed responsibility for our account; he has demonstrated a high level of responsibility, excellent communication, and a collaborative approach. He is a dedicated worker with a strong willingness to guide and assist customers. His follow up, support, and commitment have been of great value to us.”

This email and the responses to our Customer Survey are strong reminders of how TB Nation continues to show up, delivering industry-best customer service. This attention to detail and dedication to serving the customer is what will continue to set TB apart.

TB Bucks Going the Extra Mile

Each month, you have the opportunity to recognize a teammate whose dedication, positivity, or support made a difference. Whether they made your day brighter, your workload lighter, or simply made the workplace better, send them a TB Buck and let them know their efforts matter!

Click here to submit a TB Buck today!

Here are a few of the

Q1 recipients!

Ashley Allen: “Ashley is always willing to help with no questions asked, always goes the Extra Mile to make sure me and my team are set up for success!”

TB12: Deliver Exceptional Service to Everyone

Rosanna Amarante Gonzalez: “The government team had a shipment with over 100 units and they all came in at different times which caused units to roll multiple times and different booking numbers needing to be created each time a roll happened. Rosanna not only kept track of what was delivered to the port but provided updates to us whenever anything happened. It was a lot of work but she did it like it was nothing. We appreciate her for that and all the other Government bookings she assist with. Thank you Rosanna!”

TB12: Be Flexible and Embrace Change

Candice Cooper: “Candice literally is the Light that shines in SB Support Services - she is happy to plug in and get stuff done!

TB12: Deliver Exceptional Service to Everyone

Maria Lemay: “On multiple occasions recently, with a VERY FULL workload, she has dropped everything to jump in and help execute important payments. She is always willing to pick up the phone to figure something out or jump in to help how she can. It is very much appreciated.”

TB12: Be Fast and Accurate

Sales Conference Shines Light on Strategy & Focus

Members of TB’s business development team met in Jacksonville in Q1 to look at how we will grow the company in 2026 and beyond. Mitch tee’d up the day’s agenda with his call for us all to embrace creativity to drive better solutions.

Vice President of Sales, Kyle Jones , laid out three growth plays for 2026:

• Expand within existing accounts

• Win adjacent companies in supply chains

• Build a stronger pipeline using data-driven prospecting

During the session, the team also heard from leaders across several departments, offering perspectives on marketing, Predictive Index, the international team, and operations. These conversations offered a broader perspective on how creativity can play a role in every part of our organization.

By learning from one another and exploring new ways of thinking, our team continues to find opportunities to innovate and move our work forward.

How will YOU embrace creativity in your role?

Every Townhall we celebrate standout sales achievements from across Trailer Bridge! These highlights showcase the dedication and hard work of our team members as they continue to ‘Make it Happen’ every day.

CHECK OUT THE WINS FROM THIS QUARTER.

January Sales Shout Out went to Carolina Abreu, Executive Commercial Manager!

She was spotlighted for her customer win with Impresra del Yaque for northbound freight out of the DR. This account is projected to bring in more than $1.3M in annual revenue.

Way to go, Carolina!

February Sales Shout Out went to Denigh Elizabeth, Senior Account Manager!

She was celebrated for consistently going above and beyond , serving as a vital link between customers and port operations. Her dedication strengthens communication and collaboration across teams. Keep it up, Denigh!

March Sales Shout Out went to Jonathan Soto, Senior Account Manager!

He has developed a strong relationship with Pepsico. In 2025 the customer delivered $1.9M in revenue across 545 loads; this year, we are projecting nearly double the volume driving potential revenue to $4M.

Great work, Jonathan!

ROAR! Celebrating Ezra’s Dream

Did you know “ROAR” means “I love you” in dinosaur?

We love partnering with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville to help Make Dreams Happen for incredible kids in our community.

We recently had the honor of meeting Ezra, who was born with HLHS, a congenital heart defect affecting about 1 in 4,000 babies. His dream? A trip to Hawaii to see where Jurassic Park was filmed.

His dream reveal party was packed with dino-sized excitement, big smiles, and a whole lot of heart. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Ezra, and a big thank you to the TBGives team for hosting a T-REX-iffic party!

JANUARY

Good Vibes, Good Health

Our Wellness Fair Was a Hit

From chair massages to hearing screenings to chiropractic adjustments, our April Health & Wellness Fair had something for everyone. Teammates showed up, got checked in, and walked away with resources — and maybe a raffle prize or two. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a great day!

The Marketing Team wants your feedback, suggestions or stories for next month’s Bridge please send to @Group–Marketing

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 2

Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes Walk

May 10

Mother’s Day

May 25

Memorial Day

Offices Closed

June 21

Father’s Day

July 4

Independence Day

Offices Closed Friday July 3rd

Don’t Forget to Follow Trailer Bridge!