Cincinnati-based Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is the only local firm to make Fortune’s 2019 “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, which appears in the business magazine’s March issue. Noting that as of its publication date, the third-party logistics firm — which ranked 84th on the list — had a total of 5,889 employees and 100 job openings nationwide, Fortune had this to say about TQL:
“Logistically speaking, it’s easier to have cornhole and Ping-Pong on-site. At least that’s the vibe here, where the HQ also features a gym and an outdoor running track. The logistics company offers plenty of opportunities to relax with patio parties, holiday celebrations, and other events. Total Quality Logistics also pays an average $4,144 in tuition reimbursement per employee every year.”
TQL president Kerry Byrne says making the list “is an incredible testament to our extraordinary people. We take great pride in fostering an environment that places a high importance on values, community, culture, and integrity.”
The “Best Companies” roster is an annual ranking of companies with outstanding workplaces cultures compiled by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune.
This is TQL’s first appearance on the list, whose honorees are chosen based on survey responses from a total of more than 4.3 million employees rating their workplace culture on five key elements: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
This year marks Fortune’s 22nd “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Great Place to Work research shows that companies that appear on the roster typically outperform the stock market and beat industry rivals when it comes to talent retention and demonstrating higher levels of productivity.
With 24 percent growth and sales of more than $3.6 billion in 2018, TQL says it continues to seek top talent across its 57 nationwide locations in sales, customer service, information technology, and more. Founded in 1997, the company says it has grown to the second-largest freight brokerage firm in North America, connecting customers with truckload, small freight (or LTL, less than truckload shipping), and intermodal shipping needs with carriers that have the available capacity. It employs about 1,700 at its five operations in Greater Cincinnati: three on the city’s east side, one on its north side, and one in Northern Kentucky.
While TQL is the only Cincinnati-area employer on the roster, five other Buckeye State companies also made the list: No. 35, Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth); No. 57, Nationwide (Columbus); No. 72, Hyland (Westlake); No. 76, Progressive (Mayfield Village), and No. 99 Ohio Health (Columbus). The top three honorees overall were: No. 1, Hilton (McLean, Virginia), No. 2, Salesforce (San Francisco), and No. 3 Wegmans Food Markets (Rochester, New York).
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