Choptank Transport is a third-party logistics solutions provider, offering nationwide shipping services, including truckload (dry and refrigerated), less-than-truckload, intermodal and flatbed freight arrangement. The company’s headquarters is located in Preston, Maryland with additional offices in Atlanta, Tampa, Denver and Dallas. Choptank utilizes the latest technology to create the most efficient, transparent, and cost-saving options available. It works with over 13.000 vetted, reliable carriers to get its customer’s freight where it needs to go. Innovation Geoff Turner’s vision to help Eastern Shore farmers, businesses and food related companies deliver their time- and temperature-sensitive produce to market was an inspired business decision. In 2000, Choptank Transport was born in the sleepy town of Preston, Maryland, population: 566. It was just the beginning. With a strong set of core values to commit, adapt, grow and succeed, Turner was instrumental in transforming an antiquated, paperwork-laden industry into a high-tech, super-efficient business model. Choptank was an early adopter of using software technologies to support its business development; a move that paid off with explosive growth by not only helping local businesses, but by quickly gaining national success. Choptank Transport embraced innovation while answering one of logistics’ biggest complaints – the lack of transparency. Just 10 years ago, shippers were in the dark once their freight was loaded on a truck (or train) and on its way to its destination. New transportation management system (TMS) software uses GPS and temperature-monitoring platforms to offer visibility to shippers and carriers during transit time. Today, a Choptank customer can know exactly where their freight is in real time. They can even see the condition of a temperature-sensitive shipment from the time it’s picked up, to delivery, or any time in between. Customers also can access important back-end paperwork and see updates on payment status – all at their fingertips. An Employee Focus Employee training has been a key factor in Choptank’s growth, and it has seen dramatic changes over the last few years. What was once an outsourced, rigorous, industry training course is now a Choptank-specific, in-house training program , complemented by a learning management system (LMS) for new hires. Developed by employees for employees, and overseen by the Vice President of Business Development, Choptank’s training program and culture of camaraderie has become one of our unique calling cards. It gives new employees the tools, along with hands-on training and job shadowing, to guarantee success. In addition, the company has launched two new programs this year, an educational assistance program and a student loan pay-down program. Generating jobs and assuming risk Turner is no stranger to risk taking. Choptank has seen three major expansions since 2006, all of which were based on solid business decisions, industry demand and that little bit of faith that every entrepreneur possesses. The first expansion in ‘06 transformed a building of fifteen people into a bustling 3PL filled with more than sixty employees. In 2011, a second addition was built to house another 120 people. In 2016, a 13,000 square foot wing was constructed to mirror the last addition with a few extra collaboration and innovation rooms. The company now has more than 273 employees in its home office (plus 71 in our regional locations) with plans to fill another 100 seats in Preston.. The goal is as aggressive as any urban center expansion and that’s not all. It includes a concerted effort to grow our Main Street accounting office alongside our regional offices in Tampa, Baltimore, Atlanta, Dallas and Denver. Impact on the community With the influx of new employees into a small, rural community the area has reaped the rewards of the growing business. Local establishments such as eateries, gas stations and shops have all benefited. Charities in the area that the company support also have been affected by the increase in volunteer work and community involvement by Choptank employees. Choptank raised over $100,000 for causes in Maryland last year, from large charities like the Salvation Army and the March of Dimes to smaller efforts such as the Mid-Shore Character Counts program, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Neighborhood Service Center food bank. Choptank Transport has become a destination employer for job seekers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and its other office locations.
Igniting Greatness in Companies and Their People
Best and Brightest strives to recognize the most influential, trend-setting companies across the country and regionally in focused programs.
Contact Us
The National Association for Business Resources does not in any way endorse winning companies businesses, brands, products or services, and has the right to prohibit companies from participating in the selection process of a Best and Brightest program based on specific industries, as well as any ethical concerns that may arise.