Axle Logistics: Inc. 5,000 List Profile

From the Knoxville Chamber:

September 3, 2020

Meet the most inspiring companies in 2020. If entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of an economy, consider Inc.’s ranking of 5,000 companies America’s circulatory system. The Inc. 5000 annual report looks at these fast-growing innovators and what they are doing that sets them apart. This year, fourteen Knoxville-area companies made the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. The Knoxville Chamber has worked to build a profile for each of the businesses that have been nominated, learn more below.

1. Tell us about your company – how did you get started, what inspired your business.

Axle Logistics was founded in late 2011 by Jon Clay and Drew Johnson. After graduating from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, they each stepped into different roles within the logistics field. Enjoying the thrill of third party logistics, Jon and Drew saw there was something missing from the market. They came together and created Axle Logistics – a non-asset based, third-party logistics (3PL) company with a focus on providing safe, reliable, advanced logistics services (Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, and Warehousing) to a wide variety of customers throughout the continental U.S., Canada and Mexico. Axle Logistics was built with the overall vision of bringing a sense of comfort and convenience to an industry often filled with inefficiencies by providing specialized customer service and a unique overall philosophy and approach to logistics management. Today, it is the home to over 100 employees and has earned numerous accolades including being named a Knoxville Top Workplace for 2019 and 2020, a 5x Inc5000 organization, listed as a Top Company To Sell For by Selling Magazine the last two consecutive years as well as being recognized as a Knox Star for Best Logistics Company in Knoxville by Knoxville News Sentinel.

2. What factors do you attribute to your growth last year?

The driving force behind Axle’s overall growth is our people. With a dynamic and fast paced business model, Axle’s Logistics Consultants are tasked each day with providing unique solutions to its client base while leveraging innovated ideas and industry leading technology. Their dedication, energy and focus has allowed Axle to provide exceptional service and transparency to our partners supply chains. In addition to having an award winning team (2x Knoxville Top Workplace and a 5x Inc5000 organization!), having our headquarters based in Knoxville has provided Axle the local support of an incredible community. The close partnership in which Axle has with The University of Tennessee – Knoxville allows a pipeline of talent to learn and experience Axle’s competitive atmosphere through on-site job shadows and community events.

3. How do you see your company evolving and/or what are your plans to sustain that growth in the future?

Axle Logistics continues to keep its eye on the future. First, Axle is committed to staying on the forefront of emerging technologies in order to provide visibility and efficiency to our partners. From a singular shipment to a multifaceted solution, Axle’s integrated technologies allow our clients to expand and grow their businesses with the full support of Axle behind them. Secondly, Axle is in the process of completing a $15million project to restore and renovate a historic building into a state of the art headquarters that will become the future home to over 400 team members. This headquarters will permit Axle to continue to focus on providing long term sustainability to its employees and the community. It is the overarching goal to offer a home to East Tennessee talent who are seeking a career in sales and logistics. We are optimistic that establishing permanent roots will also attract other organizations to bring their headquarters to the north side of downtown, hopefully igniting an amazing boom to the surrounding community!

4. Are there any aspects of operating in the Knoxville region that has been instrumental in their growth?

Being centrally located within what the industry calls “freight alley”, Axle has a unique opportunity to surround its headquarters and second location (Chattanooga, TN) with 80% of the nations freight mix. It is an incredible backdrop to Axles growing blend of commodities and industries in which we service. Also, the affiliation with the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, which holds a nationally ranked supply chain program integrated with a sales focus, allows Axle the ability to have early touch points with students throughout their colligate careers. These long term relationships permit Axle to prepare students for an exciting career post graduation, one that allows them full control over a very lucrative, exhilarating and sustainable future.

This press release was produced by the Knoxville Chamber. The views expressed are the author's own.