Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations at Ruan Transportation Management Systems, provides us with a deep dive into how the company has become a leader in the transportation and logistics industry, relentlessly committed to excellent service and continuous improvement.
TRANSPORTING THE FUTURE
An industry partner that collaborates like a co-worker; a logistics provider that thinks like a shipper; a business that feels like a family.
This is the mindset that Ruan Transportation Management Systems (Ruan) has proudly lived and abided by for over 90 years.
Founded by John Ruan at the tender age of 17 during the Great Depression, the company was born out of an attempt to support his family after his father’s passing, spurred by John’s drive to find success despite the myriad challenges at hand.
Within months of trading in the family car to buy his first truck, John turned that one truck into three, and just two years later, he was running a fleet of a dozen trucks throughout the Midwest.
Today, the company is still in family hands and continues to operate and lead according to its founding principles of integrity, hard work, innovation, quality customer service, and compassion.
“We are one of the largest privately held companies in the transportation and logistics industry, known for our comprehensive integrated supply chain solutions,” introduces Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations.
“We offer a range of transportation and logistics services tailored to meet the needs of various industries with a focus on providing efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.”
Ruan operates across the US with a range of products and services that include dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, value-added warehousing, and brokerage support.
If a product has to be transported by a truck – and almost everything does – there’s a good chance Ruan has hauled it.
The company serves a diverse range of industries and products, such as retail, food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, manufacturing, metals, chemical and industrial gases, mining, earth products, and bulk agricultural.
“Our customers range from small businesses to large multinational corporations, reflecting our ability to handle various transportation and logistics needs,” expands Carmichael.
Ruan is a proud leader in providing tailored transportation and logistics solutions. With a robust service offering, extensive network, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the company continues to be a trusted partner for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains and transportation operations.
A DYNAMIC INDUSTRY
“What started as a summer job in college turned into a career of 28 years and counting,” reflects Carmichael.
Having begun working for UPS in 1996 as a package handler loading trucks on the morning shift, Carmichael quickly found his passion and flourished within the industry, taking on a variety of fast-paced, problem-solving leadership positions before making the leap to Ruan in 2021.
“What attracted me and has continued to pique my interest in the industry comes down to a few key factors. The people are fantastic, driven, and work together to solve collective problems, the pace of change is invigorating, and continuous improvement is a challenge I thoroughly enjoy.
“Finally, the relationships built within the industry last a lifetime, and it truly is a network I enjoy working with. I love providing and executing solutions that work and experiencing customers’ delight in response to excellent results!”
Currently, the supply chain industry is experiencing several dynamic and transformative trends, making the adventure as exciting as ever.
Some of these evolutionary changes include new technological advancements, a shift toward alternative fuel vehicles, exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels as opposed to traditional fossil fuels, and the perpetual demand of e-commerce.
Additionally, customers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, comfort, and connectivity in their transportation choices, leading to the development of more user-centric solutions and services.
“The transportation industry is at a pivotal moment, characterized by rapid innovation, significant investment, and a focus on sustainability. For professionals in the field, this is a time of great opportunity to influence the future, work on cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to addressing some of the industry’s most pressing challenges,” insights Carmichael.
TAILORED TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
With a history spanning nearly a century, Ruan has become recognized for its reliability and excellence in the transportation and logistics industry.
Its long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, safe service, and innovative solutions sets it apart from the competition.
“We differentiate ourselves through our integrated and customized services, strong safety focus, advanced technology, skilled workforce, customer-centric approach, sustainability initiatives, and proven track record,” prides Carmichael.
“Collectively, these factors contribute to our ability to provide exceptional value to our clients and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.”
Additionally, Ruan’s guiding principles, which consist of people first, safety focus, exceptional performance, enduring partnerships, and continuous improvement, allow the company to be confident in providing unrivaled expertise, uncovering insights, sharing knowledge, and tailoring solutions designed to enhance efficiency and deliver results.
These guiding principles are integral to the company’s operational strategy and business model.
“By engaging in these objectives, we have built a resilient and dynamic organization. This approach not only leads to high levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction but also drives long-term growth and sustainability in a highly competitive industry,” explains Carmichael.
Equally as important to the longevity and success of the company are Ruan’s supply chain operations and partnerships with its suppliers.
As well as offering a full suite of supply chain services, which allow clients to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency, the company manages the entire transportation process, providing customers with a single point of contact and accountability.
Ruan collaborates closely with its partners to ensure seamless integration and coordination across the supply chain, seeking to establish mutually beneficial relationships and focusing on long-term growth and success for all parties.
“Our supply chain operations are the cornerstone of our ability to deliver high-quality transportation and logistics services,” details Carmichael.
“The company’s success is heavily reliant on strong partnerships, which are essential for ensuring reliability, innovation, risk management, and cost efficiency. By fostering collaborative relationships, Ruan optimizes the supply chain, enhances service, and achieves long-term success.”
“Whether it’s through developing new technologies, creating smarter solutions, or optimizing logistics and supply chains, the potential for impactful and rewarding work in transportation has never been greater”
Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
DRIVING TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE
Ruan’s history as a family-owned business significantly shapes its company culture and daily operations.
The cultural mindset that has been embedded in the company since its inception includes characteristics such as a close-knit community with open communication, long-term commitment to both employees and customers, and strong core values that emphasize integrity and ethical practices.
Additionally, it highlights employee development and recognition that results in low staff turnover, flexibility, and the ability to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs, encouraging an appropriate work-life balance, community service and philanthropy, and transparency and trust to enhance morale and engagement.
“Our identity as a family-owned business fosters a supportive, ethical, and community-oriented environment that values long-term relationships with employees and customers alike,” enthuses Carmichael.
This ethical and community-oriented work environment goes hand-in-hand with the corporate responsibility (CSR) practices Ruan engages in.
The company’s involvement in CSR initiatives showcases its strong commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment and is integral to Ruan’s identity and success, further reflecting its dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.
“Through philanthropic efforts, environmental stewardship, employee initiatives, ethical business practices, and community engagement, we not only contribute to the betterment of communities but also reinforce our values and commitment to sustainable and responsible business operations,” details Carmichael.
Ruan has explored and implemented numerous sustainable practices into its business, including alternative fuel options like compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), biodiesel blends, and renewable hydrocarbon diesel, as well as utilizing wholly electric yard tractors in multiple operations.
Since embarking on this journey, Ruan has significantly reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the company has continued to purchase biodiesel blends since 2014, resulting in further CO2 emissions reductions.
As the company looks towards the future, its key priorities encompass safety excellence, growth and expansion, technology enhancements, sustainability, employee development, and operational excellence.
“We aim to achieve specific targets, expand our market reach, drive continuous improvement, and increase our leadership position in the transportation and logistics industry, while ensuring that Ruan remains a forward-thinking, responsible, and successful company in the years ahead,” concludes Carmichael.
RUAN TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES PARTNERS
