“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” – Chris Grosser.
This simple yet profound quote resonates deeply with the logistics industry, where precision and timing are everything. It speaks to the unwavering force required to turn challenges into opportunities, to see potential where others see setbacks, and to create success in the most unlikely of circumstances. This mindset isn’t just a guiding principle. It’s a way of life, especially for those who navigate the complexities of global logistics.
For Project One Logistics, this philosophy forms the very backbone of the company. Founded in 2019 by Anne Schaeddel, the Owner and Managing Director, the company has established itself as a leader in the logistics space. But what sets it apart isn’t just its ability to move goods from one place to another. It’s the way the company has transformed the logistical process—creating opportunities at every turn, no matter how challenging the terrain.
Project One Logistics’ journey began just before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Anne embarked on this journey with a simple yet profound mission: to place the customer at the heart of every decision. “My idea was to focus on the customer as the number one priority. I already had customers that liked and appreciated my work and followed me to Project One,” Anne recalls.
This focus on customer-centric service was not just a business strategy but a philosophy that guided the company through the tumultuous months that followed. As the pandemic brought global supply chains to a halt, Project One Logistics found itself at a crossroads. Yet, instead of succumbing to the pressures of the moment, the company seized the opportunity to redefine what it meant to be a leader in project logistics.
“The potential I saw in the U.S. market was immense,” Anne explains. “There were not so many companies doing what we are doing – project logistics. Then came COVID in 2020 and when companies started working again, I was flooded with work and started hiring.”
This period of growth was not just about scaling operations but about building a team that shared Anne’s vision of creating a workplace where everyone could thrive. “My dream was always to give the employees a wonderful working environment where everyone can grow and be themselves and bring knowledge and experience to the company.”
Leading with Vision and Integrity
Anne’s role at the helm of Project One Logistics goes beyond managing the day-to-day operations. As the Managing Director, she is the driving force behind the company’s strategic direction. “My role consists of overseeing sales, managing certain projects, and helping the team to achieve their goals,” she says. But Anne’s vision extends far beyond the confines of the office. She envisions a future where Project One Logistics becomes a household name in the U.S., known for its excellence in project logistics.
Anne’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which she sees as integral to the company’s success. “I want to keep hiring people with different backgrounds and experiences in the project logistics world,” she notes. This approach not only enriches the company’s internal culture but also enhances its ability to serve a diverse clientele with varied needs and expectations.
Crafting Distinction in a Competitive Market
Logistics being a competitive industry, standing out requires more than just offering standard services. For Project One, the key differentiator is its unwavering commitment to customer service and the deep relationships it builds with its clients, partners, and vendors. “We are very customer service-oriented and have close relationships with our customers and our partners and vendors,” Anne explains.
The company’s unique approach is further bolstered by the diverse backgrounds of its team members. “We all came from different backgrounds and have different personalities, but we know how to deal with different cultures around the world, which helps us to perform a good job for our customers as we do freight forwarding around the globe,” she says. This cultural intelligence is a cornerstone of Project One’s success, allowing the company to navigate the complexities of global logistics with ease.
Project One Logistics takes a project-by-project approach to logistics, analyzing each one to find the most efficient and cost-effective solutions. “Our uniqueness and diversity inside our company, and our good relationships with our vendors, help us to deliver a great job. We analyze each project and see different options which can be cost-efficient or faster in transit time and look at all the requirements given by the customer.”
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Resilience
The industry is fraught with challenges, from geopolitical tensions to natural disasters that can disrupt supply chains in an instant. For Project One, these challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities to innovate and improve. “All of our projects contain some challenges as the world is moving every day, and we face crises such as those in the Panama Canal or the Suez Canal,” Anne notes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a host of new challenges, from space constraints on vessels to volatile fuel prices.
Yet, Project One has consistently risen to the occasion, finding new ways to deliver for its customers despite the odds. “After COVID, the vessels had no space, so that was a huge challenge to get the cargo moving. Then fuel prices were volatile, and some projects we quoted years back brought us a challenge of keeping certain levels of pricing,” Anne says.
The company’s ability to adapt and find new solutions is a testament to its resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. “We improve our services as we always look for new ideas and options to move cargo and to check faster services on vessels and faster routes.”
This problem-solving mindset extends to the way Project One navigates the complexities of international regulations and laws. “Each country has its own regulations, laws, and cultures. I learned very quickly when working with people around the world that each country has its own challenges, but with a good and reliable network, we can overcome these challenges together and make our customer’s transportation as smooth as possible,” Anne explains.
For instance, the company has had to grapple with import duties from China, which can be a costly challenge for customers. “We always work with our customers beforehand to help them understand what charges may apply to them,” Anne says. This proactive approach not only helps mitigate potential issues but also builds trust with customers.
“We currently have challenges with both the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, which potentially can cause heavy delays in ocean freight, leading to us declining certain vessel sailings due to these issues and instead needing to identify new routes for our customers’ cargo.”
Anne believes that transparency and honesty are key to managing customer expectations in such a volatile industry. “We focus on being as open and upfront as possible with our customers about potential challenges and charges. While we can’t foresee every potential issue, we find that being honest about costs and timelines reduces our customers’ stress levels and allows them to properly plan.”
Embracing Technology for a Competitive Edge
At Project One Logistics, technology is not just an add-on but a critical component of the company’s strategy. “The world is changing so quickly, and to stay competitive, we must keep track of the newest software and other technologies,” Anne asserts.
The company has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for optimizing logistics operations. “We utilize artificial intelligence to check for possible new routes, although we, of course, review them and work with the DOT, who always have the final say,” Anne explains.
AI is also used for initial rate estimates, allowing the company to quickly provide accurate quotes for potential clients. “At Project One, all our work is cloud-based, so we can have access anywhere in the world, and all of our systems were built with cybersecurity front of mind to ensure our and our clients’ data remains safe.”
But technology at Project One is not just about efficiency. It’s also about collaboration and innovation. The company regularly engages with its global partners to identify cutting-edge solutions that can enhance its operations. “We talk to our worldwide partners about possible solutions and have been able to identify solutions on the cutting edge of technology,” Anne says.
A Culture of Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
Beyond its operational achievements, Project One is a company that values people—both within and outside its organization. Anne describes the company’s work culture as “motivating, collaborative, and rewarding,” emphasizing that the team operates like a family. “We all work together as a team as well as individually. We are very family oriented as family is the most important thing.”
Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords at Project One Logistics. They are foundational to the company’s success. “We encourage diversity by hiring people from all sorts of different cultures and ethnicities that all bring something special to our team,” Anne says. This inclusive approach creates a rich tapestry of perspectives and ideas, which in turn drives innovation and excellence.
The company is also deeply committed to sustainability, recognizing the importance of responsible business practices in today’s world. “Project One complies with all international environmental standards where applicable. We seek out vendors that are conscious of emissions and use sustainable packaging as much as possible,” Anne notes. This commitment to sustainability is not just about meeting regulatory requirements but about being a responsible global citizen.
A Future Built of Excellence
As Project One looks to the future, the company’s path is clear: continuing to grow while maintaining the high standards of customer service and operational excellence that have become its hallmark. “I envision the future of Project One to be a very bright one,” Anne says. “We will continue to grow at a manageable pace and evolve within the logistics industry to keep up with all new trends that arise.”
Anne’s vision for the company is not just about expansion; it’s about maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly automated world. “We will continue to provide the best customer service experience for all our clients, and that alone will allow us to keep climbing to the top.”
With its strong foundation, innovative approach, and commitment to excellence, Project One Logistics is poised to continue its upward trajectory, delivering exceptional value to its customers, and setting new standards in the logistics industry.
Exhibiting Unparalleled Excellence
Below is an impressive list of work that Project One Logistics has successfully completed.
To support the expansion of steel production in the U.S. Project One worked with its clients to import heavy machinery to their new and expanded plants. The company provides customers with all necessary permits, labor for cranes, heavy haul and rigging, and police and civilian escorts when needed.
Transporting steel coils can be challenging due to their weight and shape. The company’s knowledgeable and experienced team can help you move steel coil efficiently and cost-effectively. For steel product exports Project One often loads coils as breakbulk when necessary.
An 11-axle truck was used to deliver a (21×3.6×3.8m – in feet) pressure vessel weighing 93,000 lbs. to the job site. Pipe racks weighing between 72,000 and 92,000 lbs. were lifted onto trucks using a 90 MT crane for delivery. Prior to the loading the Project One Logistics team had permits and survey in hand to expedite the process.
- Mexico/U.S. Cross-border Shipping
U.S. to Mexico cross-border shipping is one of Project One’s core businesses and as a result, its cross-border supply chain is currently the fastest in the market. The team has successfully navigated the challenges associated with cross-border trucking delivery to oil and gas plants in Mexico. When late deliveries can mean costly work stoppages, you need an experienced freight forwarding team you can trust – you need Project One Logistics.
For this project, the delivery of modules to prevent work stoppages was needed as quickly as possible. The team prepared all shipping documents when loading the trucks and submitted them at the border immediately to avoid any delays at the border.
This turnkey project for a biogas fuel plant required transport of equipment from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to Texas. The team managed the 19’ high and 16’ wide cargo which needed permits, escorts, and bucket trucks in order to make it to the job site.
- Flat Rack and Open Top Containers
Project One’s specialization in moving out of gauge (OOG) cargo came in handy on a project that required loading 39 crates from the shipper’s site for delivery to the warehouse and port where the crates were loaded onto high cube, fast rack, and open top containers for export. Stuffing the containers fast enough to avoid paying a detention fee from the shipping line and ensuring that all the containers would be loaded onto the same vessel was a challenge that our team was well equipped to handle.
For a certain project, the company delivered 26 wooden boxes, each 16’ high, to a steel plant and provided crane and rigid onsite for offloading from the trucks. To ensure the safe loading and offloading of your cargo from trucks, rail cars, or vessels we are always careful to select the right crane for your project. Understanding the unique needs and requirements of each shipment is a top priority for our team.
Oversized trucking requires proper planning for unpredictable (and sometimes extreme) weather conditions. This shipment journeyed more than 1,300 miles and encountered temperatures ranging from 28o F to -3o F upon arrival at Ft. McMurray, AB. The correct trailer configuration for all possible weather conditions, as well as the size and weight of the cargo, plays an integral role in ensuring public safety and safe transportation of the cargo itself.
Barge jobs require weeks of preparation and technical knowledge. Engineering the load-out plan, getting equipment to the barge for the barge preparation, and placing the barge alongside the vessel at the time of vessel arrival are just a few steps we must take. As with all the company’s projects, preplanning is the key to success.
- Turnkey Barging for OOG Projects
Over-height cargo can be extremely cost-restrictive and may ultimately require the movement of overhead structures or electrical wires, depending on the route used. Project One Logistics works with customers during the pre-planning phase to determine the most cost-effective approach for oversight and out of gauge (OOG) cargo.
Beyond trucking options, we consider a customer’s location and access to intercostal waterways. In some case barging is a more economical solution. We have experience discharging directly from the main vessel to multiple barges simultaneously.
For this project delivered to a gas plant, Project One loaded and part chartered coolers and accessories on a geared vessel for delivery to the Port of Houston, and then managed transport from the port to the job site. The project required a closed charter due to the job’s specifications, budget and timeline.
For this project, the company utilized a 9-axle truck to transport four E-House modules, each with a length of 62’ and approximately 15’ high, weighing 80,000 to 100,000 lbs. each.
Project One specializes in cryogenic tank transportation and works with some of the world’s leading manufacturers. No matter the type, size, or number of tanks, the company can help you transport them economically and efficiently.
For this project, the company loaded a 100-ton backup roll into the Port of Houston, discharged it from a Mafi trailer to a rail car by crane, and then its own welders welded the stands to the railcar for safe transport to a steel plant in Alabama.
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