Category Archives: Blog

Everything is planned, bought, cleaned, and ready for prepping and cooking.

Today you there are multiple dishes and desserts that can be started and some things like cranberry sauce can be completed.

Here is our 2 days before list with a few AGT team member-recommended recipes:

• You can not wait any longer to thaw the turkey – put it in the refrigerator now!
• Make cranberry sauce
• Cube bread for stuffing
• Bake pie shells
  • Flaky pie crust
  • Gluten-free pie crust
  • Graham cracker for cheesecake
• Bake deserts
  • Pecan bars (healthy)
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Gluten-free (dairy-free) pumpkin pie

It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving – you’ve done the deep clean, invited the guests, planned the portions and now it’s time to make sure you have the food you’ll need. Feel free to download the Thanksgiving food basics list from familyeducation.com.

ThanksGivingList

• Thaw the turkey if it’s 12+ lbs in the refrigerator.
• Clean silver and flatware
• Prepare and bake cheesecake crust; cool and wrap with plastic wrap**. Store at room temperature.

For all of our environmentally conscious friends if you want alternatives to plastic wrap here are 14 alternatives to plastic wrap. They include –

• Beeswax wraps
• Cotton bowl covers
• Cloth food storage bags
• Dishcloth
• Aluminum foil
• Cheesecloth and Reusable food wrap

There are many opinions on how to best thaw your turkey. The general rule of thumb is 24 hours for every 5 lbs.

Most birds this year are smaller than in years past. But, if your bird is 16 lbs or more – you should start on Monday or before.

How to thaw a turkey – https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/11/18/how-safely-thaw-turkey

Here is a chart to make it easier –

21+ lbs – Start on Friday or Saturday

16 – 20 lbs – You can start as early as Friday but do not wait until Tuesday. Saturday is the optimum day.

15-19 lbs – You can start on Saturday. Sunday is a good target day.

10-14 lbs – You can start on Monday. Tuesday morning will work too.

Birds under 10 lbs should still have time to thaw. As long as you start before Wednesday morning, you should be fine.

There are thawing methods shown in the chart. Thawing in the refrigerator is the recommended method.

If a quick thaw is needed –  placing the turkey in cold water or the microwave (on defrost) are options.

The following are not recommended:

1. Leaving the turkey outside in a garage, porch or deck.
2. Placing it on a counter (including in a brown bag).
3. Putting it in a dishwasher or washing maching.
4. Anything other than refrigerator, cold water or microwave are not recommended.

The biggest thing to remember is that if your bird is more than 12 lbs – you must

• Thaw the turkey if it’s 12+ lbs in refrigerator.
• Clean silver and flatware
• Prepare and bake cheesecake crust; cool and wrap with plastic wrap**. Store at room temperature.

Last week we shared some ideas for planning ahead. This week we have a few more ideas of things you can do now – to make more time for friends and family closer to Thanksgiving day.

A week before

• Clean house and decorate (wreaths, centerpieces, and table cloths)
  • Show your housekeeper (if you have one) that you’re thankful for their services. Schedule your cleaning early and express your gratitude through a holiday tip.
  • Start planning/making the centerpieces.  Here are 70 ideas from HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/entertaining/30-thanksgiving-centerpieces-pictures

• • Don’t forget about decorating outside too!

• Get extra tables or chairs (if needed)

• Make Yam Casserole
  • Cool completely and freeze
  • (omit the topping – Add the marshmallows when reheating on Thanksgiving)

• Wash and press table cloth and napkins

• Purchase foods that will keep for a week (frozen desserts and hearty vegetables).
  • Onions, garlic, potatoes, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, winter squash.
  • Wait to buy more delicate vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Wash and store your greens.

• Start making extra ice.

• Make and freeze any soups you might have on the menu.

• Make pastry for pies.

Ideas for the list came from – Thanksgiving Menus for Beginners to Experts | Allrecipes, Wayfair Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide, Cook’s Illustrated Make-ahead schedule, and AGT Global team members!

We’re here to help keep your world turning over the holidays.

With two weeks before Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a list of things to tackle now.

• Invite guests

• Plan menu
  

  Menu from https://creativecucina.com/

• Begin a shopping list – Keep in mind the guests and any special dietary needs.

• Make room – clean out your freezer, fridge, and pantry.

• Order flowers – The national companies use your local florists – cut out the middle person and order directly from the local florist.

• Take inventory of kitchen tools needed
  • Meat thermometer
  • Heavy-duty roasting pan with rack
  • Baking dishes
  • Serve ware, flatware
  • Dishes and glasses
  • Basting brush/bulb
  • Fat separator, cheesecloth
  • Wire wisk
  • Sharpened knife/electric slicer
  • Food storage containers
  • Extra oven mitts

• Ensure your pantry has the Thanksgiving staples
  • Chicken or vegetable stock
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Cinnamon
  • Corn starch
  • Flour
  • Vegetable oil and shortening

More tips next week on menu, early prep, and recipes that will store until the big day.

Tips from AllRecipes.com and Wayfair.com

We don’t know what we got, until … we can’t find it in the store!

With some of the biggest US holidays happening soon – we all need to embrace our personal-logistics superpowers.

In the world of logistics, many contributing factors go into our day-to-day lives. Fortunately, most people never think about how important the supply chain is to their everyday lives – – until we find empty shelves or your package arrives two weeks late.

We’re here to help guide you through the 2021 holiday season.

What are some of the fears currently being spread around the internet? Let’s start with the one that could ruffle some feathers …

No Turkey for Thanksgiving? 

Fortunately, this scare doesn’t seem to be real. The mumble of a turkey shortage was first felt in Canada for Canadian Thanksgiving –  and although the turkey processors of Canada have been hit hard, reports from the Turkey Famers of Canada state, “Turkey farmers work together under supply management to match what they grow with what consumers need and want. The industry is able to prevent surpluses or shortages in the market by planning production, ensuring Canadian consumers have access to a reliable supply of high quality Canadian turkey products at reasonable prices, year-round.” 

Image by RODNAE Productions

Stories from Toronto to Newfoundland all found that after a brief start of limiting the number of birds/customer — the supply was enough to meet the demand.

This is good news for those of us on the other side of the border. The US seems to mirror the current turkey production status of Canada. We have reduced production and, unfortunately, have laid-off workers and shut down turkey plants. So, a surge in demand looks like something our supply chain is ready for – as is the turkey production industry.

It might not be precisely the bird you want – but there are turkeys for the taking. Due to smaller family gatherings and reduction in production –  smaller and fresh birds may be more challenging to grab up at your local grocer. Still, there is no expected overall turkey shortage.

Don’t be afraid to Gobble up those birds at the store; there should be enough for everyone.

Make sure to check back for some of our favorite recipes!

2021 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation

We are honored to be recognized as a top place for women to work in Transportation. This is an award that means a lot to us since AGT Global is founded and employs a woman-powered office and works with other Women and Minority Business Enterprises.

Congratulations to the many other businesses that also make the Women In Trucking Association’s annual list.

ADM Trucking
AFS Logistics
AGT Global Logistics
Amazon
American Central Transport
Aria Logistics
Artur Express
Averitt Express
Bay & Bay Transportation
BCB Transport
Beacon Building Products
Bennett Family of Companies
BlueGrace Logistics
Boyle Transportation
BR Williams Trucking
Brenny Transportation
Cal-Ark International
Cardinal Logistics Management
Carter Express
Centerline Drivers
Certified Express
CFI
Clean Harbors
Convoy
Covenant
Crowley
Daimler Trucks North America
Dart Transit Company
Day & Ross
Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing
DHL Supply Chain
Dot Transportation
Dupré Logistics
Dynacraft, a PACCAR Company
Echo Global Logistics
Estes Express Lines
FedEx Freight
Fifth Wheel Freight
Forward Air
Frito Lay
Garner Trucking
Grammer Logistics
Guttman Energy
Highway Transport Logistics
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Jack Cooper Transport
Jetco Delivery
John Christner Trucking
JR Kays Trucking
JX Enterprises
Karl’s Transport
Kenco
Kenworth of Louisiana
Kenworth Truck Company
Landstar Transportation Logistics
Matheson Trucking
McLeod Software
Michelin North America
Navajo Express
New West Truck Centres
NFI Industries
Odyssey Logistics & Technology
Old Dominion Freight Line
Omnitracs
PACCAR
PACCAR Parts
PACCAR Australia
PACCAR Engine
Paper Transport
Penske Transportation Solutions
Peterbilt Motors Company
PGT Trucking
Prime Inc.
Ralph Moyle
ReedTMS Logistics
Rihm Family Companies
Riverside Transport
Roehl Transport
Ryder
Schneider
Smith Transport
Southeastern Freight Lines
Star Fleet Trucking
Stericycle
Tri-National
Trimac Transportation
Trimble
Trinity Logistics
Tru-Pak Moving Systems
Truckstop.com
TruNorth Global
U.S. Xpress Enterprises
UPS
Veriha Trucking
Volvo Group North America
Walmart
Werner Enterprises
XPO Logistics
Yellow
Zonar

We are the proud sponsor of the Women In Trucking 2021 Top Woman-Owned Business in Transporation award.

This award means a lot to us. AGT Global Logistics is fortunate to have been awarded this honor since its inception in 2019. 

The award is given to businesses with majority-woman ownership that demonstrate financial stability, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Each company is nominated and chosen for business success and accomplishments – including factors related to gender diversity and support of women in the industry. 

As a past winner, this award has opened doors for us. Through media mentions, additional interviews, industry recognition and conference presentations – being recognized as a Top Woman-Owned Business and we want to extend that opportunity to others.

We congratulate this year’s Top Woman-Owned Businesses in Transportation who will receive their awards at the 2021 Women In Trucking Accelerate! Conference on Nov. 8, 2021 in Dallas, Texas.

Congratulations to –

Aria Logistics (Arelis Gutierrez)

Bennett Family of Companies (Marcia G. Taylor)

Brenny Transportation (Joyce Brenny)

Candor Expedite (Nicole Glenn)

Conversion Interactive Agency (Kelley Walkup)

Garner Trucking (Sherri Garner Brumbaugh)

K & J Trucking (Michelle Koch, Sharon Koch Estate, Jessica Mitacek)

Kenco (Jane Kennedy Greene)

Knichel Logistics (Kristy Knichel)

Powersource Transportation (Barb Bakos)

Rihm Family Companies (Kari Rihm)

S-2international (Jennifer Mead)

Sunset Transportation (Lindsey Graves)

Topel’s Towing Service/Topel Truck Center (Michelle Sukow)

United Federal Logistics (Jennifer Behnke)

Veriha Trucking (Karen Smerchek)

Each year the Women In Trucking Association hosts an  I ♥️ Trucking Photo Contest. Click the link below to select your favorite. Voting runs through July 14.

Team AGT – #IamEssential photo contest

https://www.womenintrucking.org/i-heart-trucking-photo-contest

Our Glen Ellyn team participated this year and had a blast.

Angela Eliacostas Announced as 2021 winner DWLA

The Women In Trucking Association, Truckstop.com and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) announced during the TIA annual conference Angela Eliacostas, president and founder of AGT Global Logistics, as the winner of the seventh annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award. 

This post is shared from information provided by the Woman In Trucking Association.

Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award

“Angela Eliacostas has become more than just a member of Women In Trucking Association, she has become a mentor, a speaker and a writer who shares her passion for our mission every chance she gets,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “We love to honor those who help support and encourage women in the industry.” 

Eliacostas has more than thirty years of transportation management experience. In this time, she has built a business based on honesty, integrity, and diligence. She has developed a proprietary three-tier carrier-rating system designed to reward drivers and companies who perform at the highest standards. She has also carved out a niche for herself in the energy and utilities sector as a 3PL with 24/7/365 access and service. Her employees are not only experienced with trucking – several holding commercial driver’s licenses, many also are HazMat certified.    

“Winning this award is such an honor. I hope to represent Women In Trucking and this award by sharing encouragement and advice. To all of the women steering their ways in the world of transportation and logistics – remember, achievement isn’t reaching a final destination. Achievement doesn’t stop, it means realizing your dreams and then striving to do more. There will be frustrating times. Always keep pushing. Believe in what you’re doing, whether in a male-dominated industry or otherwise. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. Be confident. Then, you will succeed,” said Eliacostas.  

The personalized, small-business care, coupled with advanced technology, sets her company apart from not only other tier-II 3PLs but also from the “big guys.” Angela notes that sometimes her Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises status is why AGT received an RFP, but getting the job often takes more than non-MWBE companies offer. Keeping the account requires that her company perform better in all aspects. Fortunately, once these accounts are won – they stay.  

In-house, Eliacostas has established a committed team of team members. Sixty percent of her employees are women, and many have been with her since before she started AGT in 2005.  In 2019, she brought to life a new internship program that trains people who show promise, determination, and the ability to learn even if they do not have experience in third-party logistics. This has provided an opportunity for people who have driven in the past, and it also brings new people into the transportation world from other backgrounds. 

Sponsored by Truckstop.com and TIA, the DWLA was established to promote the achievements of women employed in the North American transportation industry. It highlights the vital roles of women in the dynamic and influential field of commercial transportation and logistics. 

Anne Reinke, TIA president and CEO said, “Angela has spent 30 years promoting women in transportation and has committed to serving her customers ethically, efficiently, and with unmatched determination. We congratulate her for this prestigious honor.” 

Members of the judging panel include: Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer, Truckstop.com; Anne Reinke, president and CEO, TIA; Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey, associate dean for research and professor, Herff College of Engineering; and Ellen Voie, president and CEO, WIT.

Angela Eliacostas, Winner – Distinguished Woman in Logistics