Total Quality Logistics, a freight company, announced an expansion to Little Rock on Tuesday that brings 80 jobs to the city. Workers were already in the office making calls while officials gave their remarks and completed the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
TQL is the second-largest freight brokerage in the country. It’s based in Ohio, and opened its first Arkansas office in Fayetteville nearly a decade ago. Morgan Hudson, TQL’s director of expansion, is an El Dorado native and said he was “extremely excited to double down on our investment here in The Natural State.”
The work environment at the office seems like it’s going to be pretty hardcore. Clint O’Neal, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, noted some of the over-the-top pledges from Hudson’s LinkedIn page. Answering phone calls at 1 a.m., missing a vacation to ensure freight gets where it needs to go, working on Christmas morning? Check, check, check.
TQL culture apparently includes five things: “Accountability, hard work, intense focus, resourcefulness and mental toughness,” according to the wall art. Other quotes on the walls included “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough” and a crossed out version of “Not my job.”
There was no word at the press conference on what the entry-level pay looks like at the call center, though the TQL website lists a $40,000 base salary with uncapped commission and benefits.
Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, also took the mic to recognize the dedication his team brings to working with new and expanding companies. And Mayor Frank Scott Jr. wrapped up with closing remarks on Little Rock being a power player when it comes to river, road, rail and runway.