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Transportation Review: Specials magazine
Bill Chapman brings experience from previous roles at Central Transport, Central Transport Inc., and FedEx Express. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics from the University of Missouri–Columbia, graduating in 1996. Behind the Wheel to Safety Director After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in economics, I began my career at FedEx. Fresh out of college, I accepted a tractor-trailer driving job and completed comprehensive driver training. I spent about three and a half years driving in the New England area before transitioning into management. I later accepted an operations manager position in St. Louis, Missouri, overseeing approximately 30 to 40 drivers. After about a year, I was promoted to manage an airport facility, where I led a larger team for roughly ten years. Seeking further growth, I joined Central Transport in 2011 as a regional safety manager, responsible for safety across an eight-state territory and 25 to 30 terminals. My role involved all aspects of regulatory compliance, including FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, and EPA regulations. A year later, I was promoted to Safety Director at Central Transport, a position I held until December 2019. At that point, the owner of Central Transport, who also leads Universal Logistics Holdings, appointed me to oversee safety for the entire holding company. Since January 2020, I have been responsible for all safetyrelated matters across Universal Logistics Holdings. The company operates under approximately 14 DOT numbers, with around 5,000 tractor-trailer drivers spread across 12 to 14 different operating authorities. Our business spans four main divisions: truckload, dedicated, intermodal, and contract logistics. Managing safety compliance across such a broad and diverse operation keeps me fully engaged and constantly learning.
Top Electric Vehicle Control System in Canada 2025
Navitas Vehicle Systems works in a part of the electric vehicle market that large OEMs tend to ignore. Instead of chasing huge orders, the company focuses on small and mid-sized manufacturers that need solutions built for their projects. Clients get direct access to engineers who handle custom software, system integration, and hands-on technical support, something larger suppliers rarely offer. The company started in 1989 as a spin-off from the University of Waterloo, designing DC motor controllers. Over nearly four decades, Navitas has grown into a global provider of motor controls, batteries, displays, and fully integrated EV systems. That experience lets the company combine precise engineering with the flexibility to tackle each client’s unique challenges and deliver solutions that actually work in the real world. “Our customer-first approach allows smaller manufacturers to incorporate advanced features into their vehicles without being constrained by the rigid frameworks of mass-market solutions,” says J. Todd Dussault, Director of Sales. Comprehensive Solutions with Built-In Flexibility Navitas delivers a range of motor technologies built to meet the real-world needs of today’s vehicle manufacturers. From reliable DC motors to advanced AC induction and internal permanent magnet (IPM) designs, the portfolio covers voltages from 24 to 100 volts, giving customers the flexibility to balance performance and efficiency for each application. On the control side, Navitas brings these motors to life with solutions designed for demanding conditions. Its controllers can mimic existing units, letting customers keep wiring harnesses and input/output configurations intact, avoiding costly redesigns. Integrated Bluetooth functionality allows users to adjust speed, torque, and braking from a smartphone or tablet, giving OEMs an easy way to fine-tune performance for applications from factory burden carriers to light mining vehicles. .
Logistics and Asset Light Solutions
Founded by Jimmy Connell, Unlimited Logistics delivers distinct truckload brokerage solutions, ensuring on-time delivery and proactive shipment communication, with access to their proprietary TMS for end-to-end visibility. Providing multi-mode capacity across multiple equipment types, spanning refrigerated, dry van, flatbed and specialized solutions to deliver products for thousands of customers annually. Unlimited is a spin-off from Keith Connell Inc. (KCI), a fresh fruits and vegetable produce company Connell's father, Keith, founded in 1980. Unlimited was initially established in 2008 to service its sister company's in-house shipments of fresh produce and provide KCI the ability to source truck capacity in-house. Quickly, the company organically evolved offering services to other shippers, and specifically to major meat manufacturers transporting large volumes of refrigerated products.
Temperature Controlled Transportation Services
Sunland Distribution is a specialized asset-based carrier that strengthens F&B supply chains with streamlined temperature-controlled shipments. It has an extensive network of drivers and warehouses across the U.S., which drives the company’s superior versatility. Above all, Sunland offers competitive rates and excellent transit times to a wide range of customers, from small mom-and-pop stores to large corporations. The Go-To Partner for Compliant, On-Time Deliveries In the refrigerated transportation space, Sunland’s flexibility mitigates delays that can negatively impact shippers, carriers and receivers alike. Rather than chasing seasonal businesses, it focuses on static customers, ensuring steady, year-round shipments without fluctuating rates or capacity constraints. Sunland’s team of seasoned warehouse personnel, management and drivers are certified in food safety training. With a deep understanding of order delivery, they pursue strong customer relationships and strict adherence to shipment specifications.
CXO INSIGHTS
Technological Integration in the Transport Industry
Mike Rice, VP of Fleet Operations, Howard Sheppard
The Demand for Advanced Digitalization and Automation is Not Slowing Down
Nathan Kurland, Head of US Chemical Operations, Trimac Transportation
Role of CIO in Business Development and Innovations
David Beckerman, SVP and CIO, The Pasha Group
Predictive Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Better Decision
Michael Cavaretta, Analytics Executive - Quality Analytics, Ford Motor Company
Leadership in Manufacturing
Michael Spliedt, Senior Engineering Manager, Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
IN FOCUS
Canada Embraces Evolving GPS Tracking Applications and Innovations
GPS tracking trends in Canada enhance fleet efficiency, asset security, and consumer convenience through real-time monitoring, data integration, and innovation.
Driving Change: The Role of Electric Vehicle Control Systems in Canada's Eco-Friendly Future
Electric vehicle control systems are reshaping modern transportation through advanced technologies, improved efficiency, and sustainable solutions.
EDITORIAL
Adapting to a Smarter, Faster Transportation Future
A cross Canada and beyond, the transportation industry is navigating a period of accelerated transformation. From evolving vehicle technologies and stricter sustainability mandates to the growing role of data and automation, the landscape is being reshaped by both urgency and innovation. Companies today must find new ways to deliver speed, reliability and resilience, while also preparing for a future defined by connectivity and electrification.
This evolution brings unique challenges. Operational efficiency remains non-negotiable, but it now coexists with demands for digital integration, fleet optimization, and environmental performance. Whether it’s managing logistics in real time or implementing predictive maintenance, success depends on the ability to adapt and scale without compromising safety or service.
Engineering and system design continue to be at the heart of this shift. As transportation networks become more complex, the need for robust, intelligent infrastructure grows. Technology is moving fast from automation and sensor systems to cloud-based platforms that connect vehicles to operators and infrastructure in entirely new ways. Innovations in areas such as electric vehicle control systems, telematics and real-time analytics are helping redefine how mobility solutions are delivered and experienced.
In this edition, we examine how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining operations, engineering, and logistics to stay competitive in an increasingly digital and decarbonized world. The magazine highlights top providers driving progress and setting new benchmarks for performance, integration, and resilience.
We also present insights from leaders such as Scott Marcus, Process Engineering Manager at Flex-N-Gate – IMO, and Mike Madaj, Vice President of Premium Transportation at OnLine Transport, who share their perspectives on today's operational challenges and tomorrow's strategic priorities. We hope the ideas and solutions featured here offer a valuable perspective as you chart your course through this dynamic space.
