Freight Brokering with Generation Y, Gen X, and Baby Boomers
A recent article written by James C. Price, titled, Retaining the Free-Spirited Employee, dated November 6, 2012, discussed the need to retain younger individuals in the workforce. The article talked about how our information age society now can access information with the swipe of a finger. It expounded on how important it was to retain those individuals who grew up in the information age environment. The article explained that retention was made more difficult as the younger generation wanted to explore the jobs and places they had seen on the web. Though the article focused on retaining free spirited and adventurous individuals, it sparked other thoughts which relate directly to our profession and the transportation industry.
First it is important to understand each of the generations. Wikipedia provides the following definitions when referring to Generation Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers.
“Generation Y, also known as the Millennial Generation, is the demographic cohort following Generation X. There are no precise dates for when Generation Y starts and ends. Commentators use beginning birth dates from the later 1970s, or the early 1980s to the early 2000s decade.
Generation X, commonly abbreviated to Gen X, is the generation born after the Western post–World War II baby boom. Demographers, historians and commentators use beginning birth dates from the early 1960s to the early 1980s
A baby boomer is a person who was born during the demographic post-World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964.”
There are many management books on the market which provide information on how to specifically manage, retain and lead each of these various generations. The intent in this article is not to necessarily get into a lot of those dynamics, but to highlight one aspect of how our freight agent program meets the needs of these generations. Mr. Price references how younger generations had the itch to experience new things and because of that desire changed jobs at a more frequent rate than older employees. He stated, “Generation Y workers leave at the two-year mark and Gen Xers move on after five years, compared to the Baby Boomer generation that averages seven years at each position.” Later in the article he talked about a few misconceptions about the younger generation. “One misconception about younger generations, especially Millennials, is that they aren’t loyal to any particular company and are eager to leave and move on to greener pastures should the opportunity arise. In truth, workers who are pegged with this mentality are actually a product of the times. They saw their parents and older siblings lose their jobs during the Great Recession, along with their pension plans, investments, and benefits. Younger workers have devalued work tenure and have become less loyal as large companies have become less loyal to them. Employers view Millennials and some Gen Xers in the wrong light. With a few changes, adventurous, creative workers can be retained and help bring companies into the future.”
Somerset understands the need to incorporate goals and objectives from all workforce generations. We believe we are forward thinking and we want to provide the best work options for our employees and team members to succeed. Our freight agent program can meet the expectations of Millennials, Gen Xers as well as Baby Boomers. Our program is ideally suited for adventurous, go getters or what we call “Go to Individuals.” Our company allows those type individuals to thrive in a work environment where they can control their own destiny. Somerset provides the framework, systems and processes which allow an individual to grow their business under the Somerset umbrella. We provide the back-office support, financial backing and resources for those generational workers whether a Millennial, Gen X or other to become successful as freight broker/agents. These adventurous individuals can also have the freedom to work from any location. Our agent offices reside throughout the United States. Recently an agent advised us he and his family were moving to another location. After talking with the successful agent he told us he just wanted to experience life in the mountains. He had already moved from the southwest to the coast of Florida, but now wanted to live in the Rockies. He and his young family were able to make that dream a reality because he knew his business wasn’t tied to a certain location.
Working as a Somerset Logistics freight broker/agent provides the opportunity for individuals to achieve their goals. If you are a “Go to Individual” whether from Generation X, Y or a Baby Bboomer, Somerset can provide you the freedom to grow your business from any location. If you have questions on how to become a Somerset freight broker/agent please contact Somerset Logistics at www.somersetlogistics.com. We challenge you to come and be a part of our Team of "Excellent Freight Brokers and Independent Freight Agents."
About Somerset Logistics.
Somerset Logistics is a nationwide logistics company, arranging transportation solutions throughout North America. Somerset Logistics is a veteran owned/operated company headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with offices throughout the United States.
Somerset Logistics maintains the highest standards and prides itself as being a freight broker that you can trust. Somerset's integrity, professional service to the customer, and prompt payment to carriers has made us a leader in customer satisfaction. Somerset always has two customers on every load, one being the shipper, and the other being the carrier. Somerset makes every effort to manage both with caring professionalism. For more information please see our web site at www.somersetlogistics.com.
<< RETURN