About CSI
Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc. (CSI) is a transportation brokerage service company centrally located near Nashville, Tennessee, in Mt. Juliet. Founded in 1993 by Sue Spero and Tamara Dimitroff, CSI has grown to be one of the most trusted and relied upon 3PL service companies in the transportation industry.
CSI was formed to meet the increased demand by shippers who seek alternative solutions for moving their commodities in the most efficient, cost effective and timely manner possible. With over 4,000 approved intermodal, ocean and air carriers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, CSI provides 3PL services to meet even the most complex and diverse transportation needs.
As a women-owned organization and a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), CSI maintains a highly qualified yet diverse staff of employees who are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and developing long-term repeat clients.
The CSI Difference
There are many good reasons to do business with CSI. In addition to our extensive industry experience and commitment to personalized customer service, a few advantages that set CSI apart from the competition include:
• Continuous Monitoring
Our carriers are continuously monitored, ensuring that the authority is active, insurance is in place at all times, and that safety stat scores are in satisfactory order. We use many steps to ensure that we contract only the best to represent us and our clients.
• Advanced Technology
CSI uses the most advanced technology available to streamline our processes, and we continually strive for their improvement. Through technology, we maximize our operating efficiencies.
• Qualified Staff
CSI continues to train and educate all associates relative to the dynamic changes in the industry and the business environment. We currently have staff members designated as “Certified Transportation Brokers” through the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The importance of continuing training and education is stressed throughout our organization. With the most qualified and best trained staff, we are better able to serve our clients.
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3PL and You
The English dictionary defines “Broker” as one who acts as an agent for others, as in negotiating contracts, purchases, or sales. At CSI, our definition includes much more than any dictionary can spell out for you. We are here for our customers. Not only will we take on the responsibility of negotiating contracts, purchases or sales, we take every action to assure our customers that their business is in good hands. As the third party, we are fully qualified to handle any job, large or small.
It is important to be completely knowledgeable of all requirements that must be met as a qualified broker.
• Motor Carriers Authority
Every broker is required to obtain proper authority through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety administration.
• Surety Bond
In order for a company to operate as a freight broker, one must prove that they are capable of paying its contractors for the services provided. Thus it is important that they obtain a surety bond of $10,000 to protect against loss in the case that the broker cannot pay its contractors.
• Liability and Cargo Insurance
It is very important that each broker obtain liability and contingent cargo insurance. Just like you would get insurance for your car or home, a broker is required to be insured.
• Written Contract
To lock in the terms of your relationship, it is imperative that you complete a written contract with every broker.
• Qualified Carriers
The carrier is the most vital part of the transportation process. A bad choice of carrier can result in immense losses. It is important for each broker to have a policy for qualifying carriers and monitoring the carriers continuously.
• Credit Check
It is in your best interest to check out each broker by doing a credit check. Be sure to look for payment history, judgments, credit ratings, years in business, and liquidity.
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Our Vision
Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc. is a transportation brokerage company that offers its services with an emphasis on customer focus. We are committed to services and partnerships that meet the needs of our customers. We will continue to increase the scope of our services to our customers and, by doing so, increase our long-term relationships. Our business will grow through openness and honesty.
Our Mission
Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc. will provide reliable transportation services at a competitive price to our clients by offering full truckload on-time delivery in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Our consulting services will educate our customers in regulatory and operational issues to strengthen their efficiencies and enhance our relationships.
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Founding Partners
Sue Spero and Tamara Dimitroff formed CSI in 1993 in order to fulfill a need in the transportation industry. The reasons for forming CSI include the increased demand for shippers seeking alternative solutions for moving their commodities on a timely basis, the increasing entrance of motor carriers into the industry that have weaknesses in lane density, and the ever present need for large motor and rail carriers seeking improvements in efficiencies in spot markets.
Prior to CSI’s beginning, both Sue and Tamara had gained extensive experience in the full truckload sector of the transportation industry.
Tamara has been in the transportation business for over 20 years. Before forming CSI with Sue and becoming the company’s Vice President, Tamara was Corporate Director of Brokerage and Customer Service for a truckload carrier. A Certified Transportation Broker through the Transportation Intermediaries Association, Tamara is currently a member of the TIA, WBENC, and the Nashville Traffic Club.
Sue Spero, President of CSI, has over 30 years experience in the full truckload sector of the transportation industry. Sue owned a trip lease firm prior to motor carriage deregulation, and went on to the position of Director of Operations of a truckload carrier. As a professor of Business and Logistics at Cumberland University, Sue received the Robert H. Beard Professional Award in 2001 for promoting higher educational standards in the field of transportation. A Certified Transportation Broker through the TIA, Sue is involved with the DNA, WBENC, Volunteer Chapter 135, the Nashville Traffic Club, and the World Trade Council, and is presently an adjunct professor of Business at Belmont University in Nashville.
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