Celebrating Global Alliances at EGLN

As colder weather arrives in Michigan, we’re still thinking of our successful trip to Thailand for the 2nd Annual Elite Global Logistics Network (EGLN) Conference. A delightful week filled with unforgettable experiences, our time at EGLN was an important opportunity to reconnect with international colleagues and meet potential new business partners.

Held annually at the five-star Landmark Hotel in Bangkok, the EGLN Conference brings together executives from logistics companies serving customers on every continent. EGLN membership is purely by invitation, extended to successful independent freight forwarders known for their customer service, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

This year’s contingent included Mark Brodie, GTM’s Founder, Managing Member and Co-Owner; Robert Gruschow, Managing Member at GTM and President of Deshler Group; Lisa Lunsford, CEO of GS3 Global, a valued GTM partner; Joe Field, GTM’s Senior Director of Operations, North America; and Brian Pagels, Import/Export Specialist at GTM.

After our arrival in Thailand, the GTM team gathered for an afternoon boat tour along Bangkok’s famed canals, known as khlongs. As we traveled the khlongs, once the main transport for Bangkok’s residents, we stopped to explore Thonburi, the former capital area. We also visited the Wat Arun temple and other historical sites.

After this lovely afternoon of exploration, we attended the EGLN welcome party, which we were honored to help sponsor. We enjoyed networking with executives from many fellow logistics companies, trading stories, and re-connecting with colleagues.

Early the next morning, we prepared for a long, but exciting day of meetings with global partners. We welcomed many visitors to our booth, where we showcased the complete range of services GTM offers. Whether air and ocean freight, trucking services, expedited freight or customs clearance, we handle any type of client cargo across all modes of transport.

This year we were particularly focused on sharing our new automotive services offering with conference attendees. We created this unique, specialized, door-to-door service by carefully choosing several valued international partners to help us serve our global automotive customers. Combining our mutual experience and services, we’ve designed a premium product, one that we were eager to share.

During EGLN, we held many one-on-one meetings with global partners, new and old. We met with industry peers and discussed possible service alliances. We even hosted a dinner for our valued partner in China, BSI Group. We’ve long worked together to provide peerless customer service, and we look forward to many more years of mutual growth and cooperation.

The GTM team agrees that this year’s EGLN Conference was a resounding success. More than 200 delegates from 138 companies attended, and we were thrilled to meet with many of them. We had the chance to explore the city and break bread with global colleagues and friends, while getting to know each other better along the way. A fruitful journey, to be sure. We look forward to returning again next year.