News
From the desk of Tyler Czuchaj
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we think about long-haul logistics — transforming it from reactive to proactive. Our Senior Business Development Representative, Tyler Czuchaj, dives into this evolving space in his latest article “Proactive Logistics: Long-Hauling, AI’s Next Frontier”.
Click here to read Tyler’s full article on LinkedIn.
Read MoreOppy recognizes top transportation partners with 2025 Carrier of the Year Awards
Highlighting excellence in delivering fresh produce across North America
Delivering freshness for over a century and a half, Oppy has announced the winners of its 2025 Carrier of the Year (COTY) Awards, recognizing five transportation partners whose exceptional service and reliability have helped keep the produce supply chain moving smoothly.
This year’s recipients are:
- Scotlynn USA Division Inc.
- John J. Jerue Truck Brokers
- Prosperity Truck Lines
- Manfredi Logistics Services
- North Delta Transport Ltd.
Each of these companies has demonstrated outstanding performance in areas such as on-time delivery, communication, adaptability and long-standing partnership, according to Chase Wrightson, transportation director at Oppy.
“Transportation is a vital piece of the perishable supply chain that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves,” he said. “This award is about shining a light on the hard work and reliability that goes into moving fresh produce every day. Our award recipients have demonstrated exceptional service, adaptability and partnership — and we are proud to celebrate them.”
On average, Oppy ships approximately 500,000 pallets of fresh produce annually to more than 2,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada. These efforts are supported by hundreds of transportation providers, with the company’s internal transport team working closely with carriers to ensure quality and efficiency from field to fork.
The dedicated team of 24 professionals within Oppy Transport, the fresh produce grower, marketer and distributor’s transportation arm, works collaboratively with an extensive network of carrier partners to deliver fresh, high-quality produce to millions of consumers across the continent.
“Narrowing the field to just five winners was not easy,” Wrightson added. “While these carriers earned top honors, we are incredibly grateful for every transportation partner who supports Oppy’s mission. Getting fresh produce to market is a complex operation and their commitment is critical to our success and continued growth.”
Oppy Transport continues to widen its reach, growing its external customer base who have leveraged the benefits of its vast network of capacity and expertise in managing complex freight. Go to oppytransport.com or email [email protected] for more information.
Read MorePowering fresh cranberry distribution for a decade
With a rich history of collaboration, Oppy Transport (the logistics arm of Oppy) and Ocean Spray partnered together ten years ago with the vision of delivering fresh cranberries to millions of consumers. Oppy’s well established and widespread distribution network was the perfect match for Ocean Spray’s fresh cranberries. To date, our reach has expanded to over 400 different delivery locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Including retail and foodservice distribution centers, wholesalers and more.
When launching our partnership in 2015, Oppy Transport contracted over 200 trucking companies to move over 1.1 million cases on 16,000 pallets. Since then, we have achieved notable growth, including shipping over 1.4 million cases on 19,000 pallets in 2023 alone.
Leaning into our logistics experience and expertise has enabled significant efficiencies over the past decade. Oppy Transport has worked diligently to reduce carbon emissions through efficient routing thanks to our propriety in-house software technology Optimo. By creating dedicated lanes with trusted carriers and capitalizing on our experience with transporting perishables, we achieved a more efficient and cost-effective supply chain. This has led to lower pricing for consumers and provided higher returns to the growers.
Looking to our future together and as proud partners with SmartWay, we’re able show our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain and the desire to reduce the impact transportation has on climate change.
Together, Oppy and Ocean Spray will continue to deliver fresh and beloved holiday traditions.
Please visit Ocean Spray’s fresh product offerings page to learn more!
Oppy Transport tees up for NICU
Proudly hitting the greens for a good cause, Oppy Transport recently attended Ducklings Early Learning Center of Westtown hosted its third annual “Fore the NICU” charity golf tournament at Wyncote Golf Club in Oxford, PA.
All proceeds from the outing will go towards supporting the Chester County Hospital NICU, where the nurses will allocate the funds to cater to the direct needs of the families and enhance their care experience. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit treats babies who are born prematurely, experience respiratory problems at birth, or may require additional observation and/or treatment due to other complications.
Oppy Transport was grateful to participate in the outing and support the cause. We look forward to doing it again next year!
Oppy Transport receives SmartWay certification
We are thrilled to announce that Oppy Transport is a certified SmartWay partner, a testament to our commitment to sustainability. The SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain initiatives by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency in an industry known for its environmental challenges. While this achievement marks a significant step, it is just the beginning of Oppy’s journey towards a more sustainable supply chain.
“SmartWay is more than just a recognition,” shared Executive Director of Operations and Logistics Stewart Lapage. “It is a pledge to prioritize environmentally conscious carriers and optimize transportation. As we continue to collect data and insights into our transportation operations, we are poised to set more substantial goals and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.”
The team gives a special shoutout to Sales and Marketing Associate Julie Barber for meticulously evaluating thousands of carriers and documenting truck utilization to achieve this recognition.
Stay tuned for updates on Oppy’s ongoing initiatives to make a positive impact in the world of transportation.
Read MoreOppy Transport looks at rearview mirror on 30-year long haul
Vigorous expansion plans continue to roll out across the U.S. and Canada
The third-party logistics arm of leading grower, marketer and distributor Oppy, celebrates three decades delivering goods from around the world to its retail and foodservice partners.
Originally established in 1992 as David Oppenheimer Transport (DOT) and rebranded to Oppy Transport in 2016, in recent years, the company not only contracts with carrier partners on fruit and vegetable transportation but moves both dry and temperature-controlled freight too.
“It’s been an evolution over 30 years to develop Oppy Transport into the premier logistics choice for any industry,” shared Executive Director of Operations and Logistics Stewart Lapage. “It’s an honor to be a part of this segment of the business that’s emerged from Oppy’s nearly 165-year history and built upon the trust the brand has established throughout the industry and beyond. Which is why our vision is to build our logistics network to service an array of external customers beyond Oppy growers.”.
Similar to Oppy, Oppy Transport is a full-service operation — which includes dry and cold storage facilities where it’s able to warehouse, recondition, convert pallets, inspect and grade product, and more. Its vast network of facilities contributes to its advantage distributing shipments effectively and efficiently to all customers regardless of location — that customer base being comprised of some of the largest grower-shippers, manufacturers and retailers in North America.
While Oppy Transport is currently moving over $100 million worth of freight and an excess of 60,000 shipments annually, they are always looking to improve. “Our proprietary technology system enables us to consistently upgrade and meet the unique needs of our customers. We are also closely aligned with Oppy’s internal sustainability committee, routinely seeking sustainable initiatives to broaden our targets — something that is very important to us,” said U.S. Transportation Manager Chase Wrightson.
Oppy Transport continues to widen its reach too shared Lapage, “We look towards aggressive expansion plans for the U.S. and Canada for our fresh and non-produce transportation customer base. Our intention is to work with you for the long haul, providing a wide array of solutions to help manage the ongoing impacts of the supply chain as we look toward the next 30 years and beyond.”
Go to oppytransport.com or email [email protected] for more information.
Read MoreStewart Lapage honored with 2022 Young Professional Award at CPMA
After a three-year hiatus, produce pals from around North America were once again in one city to celebrate the industry in a monumental CPMA. With a theme of reconnection, a sold-out show floor held over 270 exhibiting companies and a record number of attendees for a week of networking, learning and building business in Montreal.
A star that has risen received the association’s 2022 Young Professional Award: our very own Executive Director of Operations and Logistics Stewart Lapage. This award is bestowed annually to a young person who displays passion and dedication to the produce industry. A well-deserved honor with Stewart being a driving force in supply chain management at Oppy, and in the industry, representing on a number of committees. Congrats Stewart!
Read MoreOppy Transport in the news: Distribution Center saves time and money
The Oppenheimer Group, known to many as Oppy, is a leading North American fresh produce distribution and marketing company. The organization sources over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables from more than 25 countries and delivers them to retailers, club stores and foodservice operators across the United States and Canada as well as export markets.
The Oppenheimer Group transports thousands of valuable and volatile shipments annually. Before using the GO Real-Time product line, a single order could require the transport team to make five to ten calls to the carrier, which was very time-consuming.
“We have tried various temperature monitoring solutions, but many devices would go missing during transit or upon arrival at the destination leaving them without any information about temperature throughout the trip,” said Stewart Lapage, Director of Transportation at The Oppenheimer Group…
Read the full story on Fruitnet here.
Read MoreWhat’s new in Canadian transport?
Oppy’s Director of Transportation Stewart Lapage shares insights on The Grower Calling podcast.
Stewart Lapage on The Grower Calling
Read MoreOppy Transport adds business development expert
Oppy Transport, the transportation and logistics arm of The Oppenheimer Group, has named Chase Wrightson to the new position of senior business development manager. Based in the company’s Newark, Del. office, Wrightson oversees the new business strategy for Oppy’s third party logistics company.
Read More