The Road to Excellence: Glen Anweiler’s Journey in Transportation
A Humble Beginning
Glen Anweiler’s journey in the transportation industry began at the young age of 15, sweeping floors for Sears at Johnston Terminals. Over time, he graduated to driving trucks and delivering furniture, roles that would shape the foundation of his career. During this period, Glen spent three years working with American Presidents Line (APL) as an Operations Supervisor through a contract Johnston Terminals held to manage APL’s Container Yard (CY) and Container Freight Station (CFS) operations.
Following his tenure at Johnston Terminals and APL, Glen joined Inland Container Terminal as an Operations Supervisor for three years. His early experiences in these roles, combined with his time negotiating contracts for drivers as a member of the Teamsters by the age of 25, instilled in him a deep understanding of the industry and a relentless work ethic that would define his career.
A Career Built on Change and Challenge
At 30, Glen felt the need for a new challenge, leading him to join Temperature Controlled Transport (TCT) as an Operations Supervisor. For 6 years, he managed warehouse operations, honing his skills in leadership and logistics. His career then took him to Pro West Transport, where he dispatched an entire fleet of 50-60 container trucks, further expanding his expertise.
However, it was his 13-year tenure at T-Lane Transportation that truly defined his career. Starting as a dispatcher for the flat deck fleet, Glen quickly moved into Load Planning for the entire North American fleet and eventually took on the responsibility of managing the yard and warehouse operations. His long days and dedication were instrumental in driving operational efficiency, but after 13 years, Glen knew it was time for a change, even though it was one of the hardest decisions of his life.
A New Chapter with Lotus
Glen’s next chapter began with an introduction to Saran Bal at Lotus Terminals, facilitated by a former colleague from T-Lane. The Bal family welcomed Glen warmly and recognized his potential to lead their yard operations. Although Glen faced a bumpy start, he quickly ingratiated himself with the team through his dedication and adaptability. In the six years since joining Lotus, Glen has excelled in his role and maintained strong working relationships with colleagues like Jeff White and Jim Kelly, further contributing to the success of Lotus through his collaborative spirit.
Leadership Through Problem-Solving
As Field Operations Manager, Glen’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to solve complex problems that others might shy away from. Glen and his team have earned a reputation for being the go-to solution providers for customers with challenging logistical issues. Whether it’s maneuvering a 45,000-pound piece out of a container without damage or fabricating tools to enhance yard capabilities, Glen’s innovative approach and hands-on experience ensure that Lotus customers’ needs are met with precision and care.
Glen believes in leading by example, fostering an environment where his team can thrive without the need for bickering or conflict. He emphasizes enjoyment in work as a key driver of productivity and ensures that everyone feels valued and heard.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Glen’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of custom machines and tools that have significantly enhanced efficiency and safety in the yard. His continuous learning mindset allows him to apply past experiences to new challenges, further solidifying Lotus’s reputation for reliability and problem-solving.
Safety First
Safety is non-negotiable for Glen. He is a staunch advocate for stringent safety standards and insists on a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe practices. His priority is ensuring that every team member goes home safely at the end of the day, a value he upholds with unwavering commitment.
Mentorship and Influence
Glen credits much of his success to the strong work ethic instilled in him by his father, who was also his manager at Sears. This early influence taught Glen the importance of hard work, discipline, and leading by example. Today, Glen continues to mentor his team with these principles, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn continuously.
Colleague’s Praise for Glen Anweiler
Glen combines extensive experience with a serious commitment to safety. He's been in the logistics field since his teenage years and seems to thrive on tackling complex freight challenges. His leadership is clear and unwavering, always prioritizing the safety of his team. Glen’s dedication makes our Lotus team stronger every day, and he’d definitely be on my Logistics Dream Team.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve seen Glen in action as a hands-on leader who ensures customer commitments are met in our yard and warehouse operations. Glen is a master at finding creative solutions to any problem that comes his way, all while keeping safety as his top priority. His hard work keeps the Lotus machine running smoothly, and he’s a professional and dependable colleague.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve seen Glen in action as a hands-on leader who ensures customer commitments are met in our yard and warehouse operations. Glen is a master at finding creative solutions to any problem that comes his way, all while keeping safety as his top priority. His hard work keeps the Lotus machine running smoothly, and he’s a professional and dependable colleague.
Glen is a walking encyclopedia of logistics knowledge, from equipment and freight loading to safety protocols. His expertise is unmatched, and he’s always willing to share his insights with the team. Glen’s professionalism and patience are qualities that every employee at Lotus, including myself, deeply admires. It’s an honour to work alongside him.
Glen embodies the best of the 'old school' approach—he’s someone who assesses what needs to be done and gets it done with minimal fuss, always with safety and efficiency in mind. These are traits that are highly valuable in any employee, and Glen exemplifies them.
Glen embodies the best of the 'old school' approach—he’s someone who assesses what needs to be done and gets it done with minimal fuss, always with safety and efficiency in mind. These are traits that are highly valuable in any employee, and Glen exemplifies them.
In the three years I’ve worked with Glen, I’ve seen firsthand his unmatched industry knowledge, especially when it comes to loading heavy equipment. Glen never backs down from a challenge, but he also never compromises on safety. His positive attitude and commitment to customer service make him a true asset to Lotus.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Glen for over a decade, and his vast experience in logistics is evident in everything he does. Glen quickly grasps the scope of any project and identifies potential issues early on, making him an invaluable planner and mentor. He’s someone you can always count on for expert advice and guidance.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Glen for over a decade, and his vast experience in logistics is evident in everything he does. Glen quickly grasps the scope of any project and identifies potential issues early on, making him an invaluable planner and mentor. He’s someone you can always count on for expert advice and guidance.
Glen is an invaluable asset to our team, bringing deep knowledge and strategic insight. His dedication and loyalty to Lotus are unmatched, and he leads by example, inspiring those around him to excel. Glen’s ability to navigate challenges with resilience makes him a cornerstone of our success. We are truly fortunate to have such a seasoned and loyal leader on our team.
Personal Reflections and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his career, Glen takes pride in the many challenges he has overcome and the impact he has had on the operations he has managed. His drive to solve new problems and embrace new opportunities keeps him motivated in this ever-evolving industry. His advice to those starting in transportation is simple yet profound: lean into your work, listen, learn, and always strive to do your best.
Glen is excited about the future of Lotus Terminals and sees immense potential in leveraging their state-of-the-art facilities to further expand operations. His vision is for Lotus to become a one-stop-shop for customers, offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond expectations.
Glen Anweiler’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His story continues to inspire those around him, and his contributions to the industry are a shining example of what it means to be on the ‘Road to Excellence.’
