AP Express Origin Story from Jeff Pont, Founder and CEO
How did AP Express Logistics come to life?
My journey into logistics began in an unexpected way. I initially worked in law enforcement and coached high school football. However, after a serious back injury, my career as I knew it ended. Faced with the need for a new path, my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in, and I started exploring various business ideas.
I quickly saw the potential in the transportation industry, especially in Southern California, where the demand was high due to the influx of shipments from the port and a thriving commercial printing sector. I leased a truck, started with just $50 for fuel, and began approaching local warehouses. My first client trusted me with their local deliveries, which allowed me to build a small fleet of seven trucks. The inspiration behind my business was simple: to provide exceptional service and always find a way to say “yes” to customer needs.
When I launched AP Express, my initial focus was on providing reliable freight and trucking services. I noticed that many customers were frustrated with the lack of visibility and communication from their 3PL providers. This inspired me to do things differently.
My goal was to leverage technology to enhance tracking and provide real-time updates to our customers. I wanted to give them complete transparency about their shipments, which led to our customers referring us to others and our rapid growth. Over time, our mission evolved to focus on performance metrics and exceptional customer service, which continue to drive our business today.
What key strategies have you implemented that significantly contributed to the growth of AP Express?
One strategy that fueled our growth was focusing on a niche market. After securing our first client, word spread quickly, and within a year, we were handling transportation for over 90% of the commercial printing industry in Southern California. This niche focus allowed us to deeply understand and cater to the specific needs of our clients.
Another pivotal moment was our expansion from transportation services into 3PL. Many of our transportation clients needed help with smaller shipments, so we expanded our fleet to include smaller vehicles. This shift allowed me to step back from driving and focus on managing and growing the business. We also expanded our facilities, moving into a larger office and dispatch center, and later securing additional warehouse space as customer demand grew.
Listening to our customers and always finding a way to say yes has been crucial to our success. For instance, when a client needed to expand their warehouse space from 100,000 to 500,000 square feet, we doubled our space. Soon after, another customer needed a million square feet of space, and we made that happen too. These decisions weren’t made lightly, but they were essential for meeting our customers’ needs and ensuring our growth.
How have you stayed competitive in the dynamic logistics industry, and what strategies keep you ahead?
Our competitive edge comes from investing in our people. We have a dedicated team with many employees who have been with us since the early days. Their experience and commitment to accuracy and timeliness are invaluable. We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and a collaborative work environment, which helps us attract and retain top talent.
Our strategic locations also set us apart. We’re positioned near the LA ports for efficient transportation to our facilities, and we have operations in Las Vegas, Nevada, to offer the business-friendly benefits of that state.
Speed is another critical factor, especially with the rise of e-commerce and the demand for faster deliveries. By staying on top of technological advancements, we’ve been able to maintain the speed and efficiency our customers expect.
What differentiates your company from other 3PL providers, and how do you maintain that distinction?
Our company stands out because I’m personally involved in the day-to-day operations. I know my customers and am on the floor daily to ensure we exceed their expectations. My team shares this commitment, which is why we act quickly in any logistical emergency. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a partner to our customers, helping them grow and solve problems.
We also offer value for money by being large enough to handle significant operations yet small enough to provide personalized service. Our nimble, problem-solving approach allows us to operate more efficiently than larger competitors, giving us an edge in the market.
What major challenges have you encountered in the 3PL industry, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right people. The success of our business hinges on having a team that understands our customers’ needs and can execute tasks efficiently. We’ve addressed this by creating a work environment that values and retains talent.
Another challenge has been securing competitive pricing on equipment, leases, and materials. This has been crucial for maintaining profitability and offering competitive pricing to our customers.
Finally, staying ahead in technology has been a continuous challenge. Providing customers with real-time visibility into their inventory and key performance metrics has become a standard expectation, so we’ve invested heavily in technology to meet these needs.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own 3PL business?
Be prepared for hard work and long hours. Get involved in every aspect of your business and lead by example. Your customers are your top priority, so focus on being a solutions provider rather than just a cost to them. Help them grow by offering efficiencies and ideas that add value to their operations.
It’s also essential to be adaptable. The logistics industry is constantly evolving, and your ability to stay ahead of trends and meet changing customer needs will be critical to your success.
How do you see the future of logistics and 3PL evolving, and how are you preparing for it?
The demand for faster delivery times will only increase, so we’re continually looking for ways to move products more efficiently. At AP Express, we’re excited about the potential of new technologies and automation to make processes faster and more cost-effective.
Artificial intelligence, in particular, is a game-changer. We’ve already seen significant improvements in efficiency through AI, such as speeding up EDI coding for retailer specifications. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and anticipating future trends to remain competitive.
What tools and technologies do you rely on to run your 3PL operations effectively?
We use a robust tech stack that includes Cart Rover and Extensiv for e-commerce and pick & pack operations, and Ramp Logistics for real-time inventory visibility. For EDI, we rely on SPS Commerce, which is well-connected to the retailers our customers work with. Staying connected with industry communities like Fulfill.com, Clutch reviews, and publications like Supply Chain Dive keeps us informed of the latest trends and best practices.
Personal Reflections
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as a 3PL founder?
For me, the most rewarding part has been creating jobs and fostering a work environment where people feel valued. Our workplace is more than just a place to work; it’s like a second home. It’s important to me that my employees enjoy their time here and feel appreciated.
I also take pride in the long-term relationships I’ve built with my team. Some of my employees have been with me for over 30 years, and that continuity has been crucial to our success. I make it a point to stay connected with former employees, attending their family events and milestones, because relationships are at the heart of our business.
Can you share an inspiring story from your time as a business owner?
In 2017, I faced a life-changing event when an off-roading accident left me paralyzed. Doctors told me I’d never walk again, but I refused to accept that prognosis. Through sheer determination, countless stem cell treatments, and a lot of hard work, I defied the odds and am now part of the 1% of walking paraplegics. Since then, I’ve pursued new challenges, becoming a helicopter pilot and a certified scuba diver.
During my recovery, the AP Express team stepped up and ran the business without missing a beat. Their dedication and support were incredible, and it reinforced the importance of building a strong, capable team.
What leadership principles do you follow, and how do you keep your team motivated?
My leadership philosophy centers around partnership. I see my leadership team as partners, and we share an owner mentality—everyone is responsible for results, and we win as a team. Leading by example, working hard, and showing empathy are core values we all share.
Motivation comes from recognizing and appreciating your team’s efforts. We offer excellent benefits, performance-based bonuses, and regular team-building events to maintain a positive work environment. Our company culture is like a family, and that’s why we have team members who have been with us for decades.
How did you choose the name “AP Express,” and does it hold special significance?
The name “AP Express” originally came from combining the initials of my business partner and me—”P” stands for my last name, Pont. Over time, the name took on a deeper meaning, aligning with our company ethos: “Anything is Possible.” This phrase embodies our commitment to solving problems, adding value, and always finding a way to say yes to our customers.
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