TP Logistics Acquires New Eastern Hub Facility to Expand Operations
In October 2020, TP Logistics announced it acquired a 20-acre facility in Thomson, Georgia that will serve as it’s East coast hub for logistics and trucking. This acquisition is the first to occur in a series of planned investments over the coming years as TP Logistics expands nationwide.
The facility in Georgia will provide full 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) services and bring TP Logistics customer focused experience and company vertical integration to the Southeast U.S.
“We are excited to expand our operations further into the Southeast U.S.,” said Tom Gennarelli, VP of TP Logistics and TP Trucking. “This will enable us to grow our logistics operation and expand our trucking fleet into the East.”
Currently, TP Trucking operates 160 trucks in the 48 states with 120 company drivers and 40 owner operators. TP Trucking plans to increase fleet size by 30% over the next five to ten years. This rapid growth with be made possible through organic growth, acquisitions, and reload and trans load opportunities in select markets across the nation.
“It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe our team can make this growth trajectory into reality,” said Gennarelli.
The Thomson facility has 75,000 square feet of indoor space that will include a driver’s lounge, a maintenance shop, truck wash, tarping station and extra storage space outdoors. It also has rail access to the CSXT which allows Timber Products the ability to cross dock from coast to coast and provide direct rail access to Timber’s manufacturing facilities.
The strategic location of the hub provides advantages to all aspects of Timber Products, including the Global division. It will provide convenient access to the port of Savannah, GA.
“The Port of Savannah’s ability to handle large vessels offers more competitive ocean freight rates from around the world,” said Pat Lynch, International Business Manager at Timber Products. “Working with a large array of drayage companies, we are able to competitively reach the Thomson facility. From Thomson, we have both rail (CSX) and TP Trucking access to Corinth, Mississippi, Atlanta, Georgia and the North Carolina OEM markets.”
The advantages provided by the new location enables all of Timber Products to have a stronger market presence.
“The combined savings allows TP Global to gain market share in the upholstered furniture, cabinet manufacturers and distribution customers,” said Lynch.
In terms of truck capacity, approximately 20 short-haul and long-haul trucks with the ability to transload three cars per week will be stationed at the Thomson. Long term plans include a full service, two-bay maintenance shop for Class A trucks and the ability to transload over 20 cars a week.
There will be state-of-the-art technology available to warehouse employees to track inventory and shipments in real-time. All services offered from the Thomson facility will have access to the TP Trucking fleet allowing them opportunity to transport from East to West, port to port.
To aid their eastern growth, TP Logistics hired a 3PL Logistics Manager, Tami Chesnut, over the summer of 2020. Chesnut brings years of logistics experience to the team.
“Logistics is often like a juggling act with constant changes and a focus on problem solving. For me, that is what makes it exciting. No two days are the same,” said Tami Chesnut, 3PL Logistics manager for TP Logistics. “When I heard about the opportunity at Timber, I knew I wanted to be a part of this!”
Chesnut coordinates the movement of inbound and outbound freight on rail, truck or intermodal moves. Being a few months into her role, Chesnut is excited for all that is happening and what will come in the months ahead.
“The Thomson facility is the most significant project to get on-line,” said Chesnut. “It will allow us to move products on rail, as well as store and move products throughout the East on truck, thus making it a strategic resource for our customers.”
Additional expansion plans into Texas and Indianapolis are set for TP Logistics in the coming year. The new Thomson, Georgia facility will open in January 2021.
“The growth of TP Logistics is progressing rapidly, even in these times where travel is limited and most meetings take place virtually. It’s all coming together. With this continued effort, I know we will achieve our goals,” said Chesnut.