Total Quality Logistics to invest $1.2 million to open office in Missouri
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that Total Quality Logistics, one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the nation, has selected St. Louis to open its new office. The company’s expansion plan includes a $1.2 million capital investment and is expected to create 95 jobs within the next five years.
“Missouri’s skilled workforce and access to rivers, rails and roads make the Show-Me State a great location for transportation companies like Total Quality Logistics to invest and hire,” Gov. Nixon said. “We look forward to welcoming this industry leader to Missouri, and to continuing our economic growth.”
Total Quality Logistics connects customers moving truckload freight with carriers who can haul it. TQL works with more than 50,000 carriers across North America, giving it access to millions of trucks to help its customers move freight. The company identifies the right trucks for particular freight loads, negotiates rates, and satisfies its customers’ delivery requirements. Founded in 1997 in Cincinnati, the company moves more than 20,000 loads of truckload freight a week throughout the continent.
With the addition of the new Missouri office, the company has locations in fourteen states and provides jobs to more than 2,800 employees. In 2013, Total Quality Logistics generated $1.6 billion in sales.
“St. Louis gives us access to outstanding professional talent. Finding the right talent is key to our ability to grow market share within the third party logistics industry,” TQL Executive Vice President, Kerry Byrne said.
Since transportation and logistics was identified by his Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth as a top target for next-generation job creation, Gov. Nixon has made attracting investments in this field a priority of his administration. The state boasts one of the largest road systems in the county, is served by all seven Class I railroads, and offers air-freight options through both the Kansas City and St. Louis international airports, and the Springfield airport which has a U.S. Customs port of entry. Additionally, Missouri has access to two inland waterways and the second largest inland port by tonnage, the Port of Metropolitan St. Louis.
To assist Total Quality Logistics with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.