Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.
Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.
Off to College
By now, Joe was keen to start his Business Marketing course at the University of Southern California (USC). He graduated with a first-class honors bachelor's degree, where he learned many specialties that can be transferred to the auto transport industry. USC is known for its top-ranked business program, which provided Joe with a comprehensive understanding of:
- Marketing principles
- Consumer behavior
- Business strategy
- Transport service providers
He also received hands-on experience in the auto transport department through internships at his local car dealership for a few months to gain practical skills.
Joe also took advantage of USC's strong network of industry partnerships within auto transportation, which allowed him to connect with employers and mentors to help him build his resume and prepare for the working world of the automotive transport industry.
In addition to his practical experience in transport at USC, Joe also gained some valuable and transferable business fundamentals, including accounting and operations management.
Breaking into the Auto Transport Industry
After college, Joe started his career at the bottom of the auto transport food chain. He knew this was his post-graduation journey and was ready to rise to reach his career goals.
Truck Driving
He started at A1 Auto Transport as a truck driver in the first few years of his career. Understanding that it is not only fast-paced and challenging but can be rewarding. Joe started to see how truck drivers were at the heart of the auto transport industry.
They can't make mistakes and must be detail-oriented professionals who understand every aspect of the automotive transport process.
Here he was tested on various jobs, ensuring he adhered to the strict safety guidelines when properly loading and securing attachments of vehicles each time they travel.
Joe began to know how to identify different parts of the vehicles for troubleshooting and how to safely operate large trucks through various terrain, all while having exceptional customer service skills.
Support and communication between dispatchers, customers, and other truck drivers were essential for Joe to get to grips with as he shared shipment updates while transporting valuable goods from place to place.
Dispatching Vehicles
Joe embraced the responsibilities of a freight vehicle dispatcher when he started in his full-time position. Here he learned how the operating systems worked and how they evolved from paper-based to more autonomous ways of managing vehicles over the years. And whether it was receiving or assigning orders to a fleet of drivers, he was able to communicate effectively to ensure that orders were completed efficiently.
Examples of vehicles could range from shipping containers or crates to transporting items. Joe understood that these methods were ideal for smaller items or when the thing needed to be protected from the elements during transport across the US. Whereas when Joe was shipping items internationally, it was essential to know customs regulations and requirements regarding orders and the vehicles used.
This may include obtaining the following:
- Permits or licenses
- Paying import and export fees
- Complying with specific packaging and labeling requirements
Sales
Joe contributed as an auto transport sales professional at A1 Auto Transport. He committed to the following tasks:
- Handling customer relationships
- Networking with potential stakeholders
- Soliciting new business ideas
- Developing promotional materials
- Setting freight vehicle packages and prices
- Calculating profits and losses
- Determining business growth strategy
Public Relations (PR) and Marketing
Joe also dabbled in PR within the auto transport industry. He helped create positive perceptions of A1 Auto Transport through their website, giving ideas on how the website should look and what content should be included. Joe now also writes much of the A1 Auto Transport blog content. This has helped the company reach new customers through Joe's excellent writing.
Browse Content to see some of his work.
Bookkeeping
Joe was familiar with the bookkeeping team as he had some input into how to:
- Manage accounts
- Payroll
- Budgeting
- Auditing
He also worked with the team, which were accurate record keepers. Their role included reconciling ledgers and data entry into accounting systems that Joe would oversee.
Transport planning and management
As a transport planner, Joe managed the daily operations of A1 Auto Transport's commercial transport fleet to get vehicles moved safely from point A to B promptly. He ensured that minimum resources were utilized at optimal cost.
In his managerial role, he oversaw all aspects of transporting goods between companies and clients' short or long-distance destinations, whether by roadways using trucks, sea-using container ships, or air freighters. He also ensured freight was compliant with government regulations across the US and maintained good customer service levels throughout the process.
As a transport manager, Joe also got the chance to expand his leadership on international shipping activities. The list of requirements he looked after includes:
- Scheduling vehicle loading and unloading
- Obtaining customs clearance for imports or exports
- Ensuring proper goods storage and handling procedures
- Issuing negotiable bills of lading
- Adhering to export control laws
- Negotiating new contracts with global carriers
- Tracking freight journey status
- Managing international freight forwarding relationships among managers
Admin and customer support
Throughout his years in the auto transport industry, customer Service has played an important role. Joe knows that his clients are one of the most critical links in the supply chain. So he was very involved with A1 Auto Transport's stakeholders, consumers, and representatives using the shipping and handling services.
It didn't matter if they were repeated customers or first-time users; Joe was the best at providing support for pickups and delivery inquiries and even using interactive computer systems to place shipping orders. He helped train the online support team with valuable information concerning:
- Scheduled delays
- Traffic conditions affecting shipments
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Backup deliveries
Mentorship
Throughout the years, Joe was lucky enough to have a mentor to shadow and ask for help when needed. This was his senior until retirement, Tony Taylor. He gave Joe invaluable wisdom to help him understand the auto transport model. Tony was essential in helping Joe navigate the industry. Developing the skills and knowledge he needed to succeed. He was there to offer advice on everything from building strong relationships with clients and carriers to negotiating deals and managing finances.
Whatever goals Joe had, Tony was there to help him reach them. He saw the opportunities for growth and development and provided feedback and encouragement as Joe worked towards his following accomplishments. And despite the challenges with the role, Joe found his mentor an enriching resource, allowing him to achieve his full potential as a professional in the field.
30 Years and Counting
The auto transport industry has massively transformed over the past three decades. We have seen more competition, more regulations, and more technology-driven resources. But one thing that has stayed the same is the significance of delivering excellent customer service.
As someone in the industry for decades, Joe can tell you that customer service is the key to success. If you treat your customers well, they will refer you to others, return for more, and grow your business.
Like we have seen with A1 Auto Transport. Thanks to all of Joe's contributions over the years, we're proud to say we can count on a proficient consultant like him to help clients deliver their orders, whether household items or business supplies, with peace of mind.
For reliability and expertise, contact us today. We provide outstanding service to our clients, one order at a time.
