Raven Cargo is a company that provides efficient and reliable freight shipping services catering to various industries and shipment sizes, from expedited to exported loads. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Raven Cargo chief executive officer Lucas Grizz to learn more about the company.
Lucas Grizz’s Background
Grizz was born and raised in Krakow, Poland, and he moved to the U.S. when he was twelve with his family. And Grizz said:
“We moved to Chicago, and I honestly had a great childhood here. I graduated from DePaul University and started working for a company called Remprex practically straight out of college. But while working for a company was invaluable, I’ve always strived for financial independence and doing things on my own. These early experiences helped shape my perspective on the industry, and the knowledge I gained there was critical in helping me establish my own company.”
Formation Of Raven Cargo
How did the idea for the company come together? Grizz shared:
“The decision to have my own company resulted from my previous and personal experience and a deep understanding of what this industry needs. With my previous employer, we had automated gate solutions at the terminals, which allowed truck drivers to enter and exit using camera technology, eliminating the need for manual checks. It was the kind of technology that significantly streamlined our operations and made me wonder if it could be improved upon further.”
“Around this time, I met someone who introduced me to the financial aspect of the business, which I did not know at the time. I started exploring the logistics sector and the brokerage space further. It took me two years of research to understand the industry and convince experienced individuals to join me in my upcoming venture. I was fortunate because I was guided by experts in the industry, creating a truly remarkable upper management level.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Grizz’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Grizz shared:
“There are many but landing the first Brokerage Raven Cargo Master Services Agreement/Contract in April, and May 2020 with Ingram Micro was truly a memorable moment. It validated our legitimacy within the marketplace and made us a lot more attractive as a brand.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Grizz explained:
“We provide efficient and reliable freight shipping services catering to various industries and shipment sizes, from expedited to exported loads. We offer both domestic and international shipping options. But, a core product I’m particularly proud of is RavenEye, an in-house logistical software that connects disparate data systems to close systemic softwaregaps, boost operational efficiency, and maintain data accuracy.”
“This system ensures a smooth and efficient flow process across platforms, it greatly eliminates redundancy and improves visibility and document exchange. So far, experience has shown that RavenEye has been a valuable ally for businesses aiming to streamline their logistics operations and achieve a transparent view of their data processes.”
Challenges Faced
After asking Grizz about the challenges faced in building the company, he acknowledged:
“The logistics industry has faced several challenges recently. One of the significant bottlenecks has been the issue of unethical practices. For instance, in the case of dedicated freight, some companies take advantage of customers who pay for only a portion of a trailer but get exclusive rights to it. They might transport a client’s shipment to a warehouse and then stack other shipments on top, charging the client for a dedicated load, but shipping as a partial.” “Another challenge has been double brokering, where companies sell loads to another broker instead of a trucking company. This leads to a chain reaction where each party takes a cut of the payment. This undermines the industry’s transparency, integrity, and efficiency. Advocating against these practices has been extremely important for me, and it’s one of the reasons why we designed RavenEye.”
Evolution Of Raven Cargo’s Technology
How has Raven Cargo’s technology evolved since launching? Grizz noted:
“I think it’s impossible to answer that question without circling back on RavenEye. Technological advancements are a staple of almost any industry, and logistics is no exception. My team and I have strived to stay ahead of the curve by implementing new technologies that drive our ethical and sustainable business practices forward. But, as I mentioned, RavenEye is probably our biggest accomplishment so far, one that perfectly encapsulates our evolution.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of Raven Cargo’s most significant milestones? Grizz cited:
“We started in a small closet with just three people back in January 2020, paying a rent of $700. Now, in just three years, we have grown to our fourth office space, with a monthly rent of $60,000, across multiple locations in US and Europe, accommodating almost 80 talented individuals. From such a small project, I’m incredibly happy to see how much we’ve grown.”
Customer Success Story
After asking Grizz about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“Definitely, the early phase of the pandemic… When the pandemic was starting, Raven Cargo was in the startup vibe mode. With Logistics workers deemed as essential to the economy, we all worked in the office and dealt with the daily changes while the rest of the city was locking down. We had to come together while keeping 6ft apart, to overcome all the adversity.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Raven Cargo from its competition? Grizz affirmed:
“First of all, I’d like to highlight the amazing culture we have cultivated. Turnover rates are typically high in this industry, but we take pride in having an almost non-existent turnover ratio. Then, to go back to something I’ve mentioned before, ethics and transparent business practices are the backbone of Raven Cargo.”
“We have meticulously built our operations to prioritize these principles on top of fairness and sustainable growth. And speaking of sustainability, we are one of the few companies that have made huge strides toward an eco-friendly model. We are actively involved in the energy sector and aim to partner with companies that focus on LPG and hydrogen terminals, among other initiatives.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Grizz pointed out:
“My long-term vision for Raven Cargo is to continue its growth and utilize its proficiency in order to potentially acquire other companies. This expansion will allow us to make a positive impact on various industries. I also have a strong desire to contribute to the nonprofit sector. As I approach my 40s, my ultimate goal is to focus on making a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics to discuss? Grizz concluded:
“One thing that comes to mind is retention rates in the industry which, as I said, are pretty high. Creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported is essential for fostering growth and success, but this industry has struggled with finding and retaining a dedicated workforce.”
“Our goal at Raven Cargo is to use our existing formula for employee recruitment and leverage our exceptional culture to attract more talented individuals who are motivated to contribute to our team.”
