Strong ocean market sets stage for opportunity and growth

Concert Group Logistics (CGL), a Downers Grove, Illinois-based transportation logistics company, has announced the opening of its Tampa Station in February 2008. CGL Tampa is owned by Anne Parker, Waasy Boddison and Peter van Gorp, and operated by Parker. Parker has over 16 years of experience in the industry, having worked for domestic and international forwarders in California and Illinois before relocating to Tampa in 2005 with Exel/DHL.

Under the guidance of Parker, the new Tampa Station is uniquely positioned to be a leader in transportation logistics. Parker says that Tampa's burgeoning market holds much to offer for CGL. 'Tampa is a very strong ocean market with many entrepreneurial importers who control shipments destined for distribution centers all around the country. With the flexibility afforded by the CGL model, we are able to service these customers. In addition, there is a tremendous opportunity on the domestic side. We're confident our brand of personalized service and flexibility will be the key to our success. We're very excited about the great potential Tampa holds for CGL,' said Parker.

Parker is joined in operations by Rebecca Drake, who has extensive international air and ocean operational experience. Drake recently relocated to Tampa from California, where she was National Coordinator for Carotrans International. With Parker and Drake on board, the CGL Tampa team has over 25 years in the transportation and logistics industry. 'The network of other CGL stations has been tremendously supportive since we've come on board,' said Parker. 'In addition, being part of CGL provides us with exactly the kind of flexibility our clients are looking for ' if there is something we don't have in Tampa, we know where to go to find it. CGL has all the tools we need to provide our clients with the most comprehensive, flexible transportation options.'

Gerry Post, president at CGL, views the addition of the Tampa station to the CGL network as a huge asset. 'Anne and Rebecca make a very strong team. They have the background and expertise to develop new opportunities for CGL and are expected to lead the way in making Tampa one of our top ocean operations. We look forward to their contributions.'

With the addition of the Tampa Station, CGL now has a network of 24 stations throughout the United States, all of which are equipped to handle worldwide transport.