Total Quality Logistics Opening Operations In Lowell, Hiring 50

Total Quality Logistics (TQL), one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the U.S., says it will open a facility in Lowell, Arkansas.

The company plans to invest $250,000 and create up to 50 new jobs, mostly in sales.

“We’re pleased to add the state of Arkansas to our footprint. This new location will give us access to the outstanding professional talent in Northwest Arkansas,” said TQL Executive Vice President, Kerry Byrne.

“Northwest Arkansas has a strong reputation as a hub for logistics, so it’s only fitting for a company like Total Quality Logistics to be drawn here,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “They should have no problem finding the sales force they need among the region’s well-educated workforce.”

TQL says it was the first freight brokerage in the nation to introduce mobile freight-finding applications to the trucking industry. The company’s “Carrier Dashboard” app allows approved carriers to easily search for TQL loads and set up alerts to notify them when loads for lanes they want become available.

“Rogers and Lowell have a long history of working together to welcome new companies to the Northwest Arkansas business family,” said Raymond Burns, president and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. “The entire area is glad to see a strong company such as TQL planting roots in Lowell, and we are looking forward to seeing the company grow and prosper here.”

Cincinnati-based TQL was founded in 1997 by Ken Oaks, a former shipper in the fresh produce industry. In 2013, the company moved more than 815,000 loads, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, building supplies, and machinery and equipment.

Once the Arkansas facility opens, the company will employ more than 2,800 people in 27 offices in 16 states.