LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - Allen Lund Company’s (ALC) longevity and expertise within the perishable industry is what sets the transportation broker apart. As ALC prepares for its exhibition at International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, I had the chance to connect with Ryan Stephenson, National Sales, and Steve Gray, Transportation Broker in the ALC Boston Office, to hear some of the company’s plans.
“ALC has been in business for nearly 50 years, and we’ve been taking part in the ‘legacy’ associations—United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association—that created IFPA for decades,” Ryan began. “But, even after all this time, we continue to identify new partnerships at the show with growers and shippers of all kinds. It’s a great place for all industry members, new and old, to identify potential business partners and learn more about the industry as a whole.”
Ryan relayed that he most looks forward to seeing so many of ALC’s vendors and customers in person after the past two years of virtual conventions.
“We want to show gratitude to our many partners throughout the industry, identify a few new potential vendors and customers, and strengthen our numerous existing relationships,” he said. “As one of numerous transportation service providers in the marketplace, my hope is that we create a memorable experience for those that visit our booth. ‘Big Al’, our ALC-branded International CXT pickup truck, does just that. Young and old, attendees throughout the show stop by the booth to come check him out, and it has become synonymous with ALC at the trade shows we attend. Plus, we will be unveiling a new wrap at the show.”
As one of our industry’s largest and most prominent trade organizations, the shows put on by IFPA are known for facilitating connection and encouraging new opportunities for industry growth. The Allen Lund team echoes these sentiments.
“I don't think people realize how big this industry is until they attend an IFPA show,” Steve told me. “One of my goals is to meet with existing customers and make sure we are handling their business the way they want it handled. Another goal is to meet with potential customers and find out if we could help them in any way. I hope visitors leave our booth with a better understanding about our business and our commitment to helping them with their business.”
One of the most important aspects of ALC’s exhibition at the Global Produce & Floral Show will be the company’s growth over the past few years.
“ALC grew by approximately 27 percent in 2021 over 2020 and is currently pacing up over 30 percent YTD in 2022 over 2021,” Ryan explained. “We accomplished this during the most challenging freight markets the industry has ever seen. And, as a 46-year-old company that moved over 450,000 shipments last year, it is extremely impressive. In doing so, our family-owned company also crossed the billion-dollar mark and was recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of America’s fastest growing private companies.”
For all of you looking to learn more about this impressive company, be sure to swing by booth #771 at the Global Produce & Floral Show.
