About First Call Logistics

We started on the shipping dock. That’s still how we think.

First Call Logistics grew out of the Horton Fruit Company, where the team learned what freight execution actually looks like from the shipper’s side. That background shapes how we work today, coordinating transportation, cold chain, and warehousing across industries with the same attention to timing, communication, and follow-through that complex freight requires.

What We’ve Learned

Twenty years of coordinating freight across cold chain, dry van, and complex supply chains has taught us that execution problems are usually communication problems. The carrier who doesn’t know the appointment window. The shipper who doesn’t know the load is running late. First Call is built to close those gaps.

“Working with First Call Logistics has not only reduced my transportation spend, but their level of service and transparency to real-time information has had a great impact on improving costly inventory levels. With First Call, I spend less time chasing loads and more time executing on the plans to grow our business.”

– Mike, Retail Shipper

“I always look for good rates and follow-through. That’s why First Call is my preferred vendor.”

–Leonard, Shipper at Produce Company

“I’m so pleased with the First Call team – both the resources assigned to us, and the way they treat our customers!”

– Rachelle, Shipper at Produce Company

“First Call always paid on time and would get me back-hauls whenever possible which was great.”

– Wayne, Carrier

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Our Story

First Call Logistics launched in 2005 as the logistics arm of the Horton Fruit Company. With the addition of Co-CEOs Chris and Kyle Bland in 2019, the company entered a period of focused growth, expanding service capabilities, refining processes, and building out the teams and infrastructure that support how First Call operates today.

That foundation continues to shape how we approach every shipment, across every industry we serve.

Built Around the Needs of Your Freight

First Call operates through specialized teams structured around what each type of freight actually requires. Every shipment carries its own priorities, timelines, and handling expectations, and our teams are built to support that range rather than apply a single approach across every load.

First Call FRESH

First Call FRESH is a specialized team within First Call Logistics focused on temperature-sensitive and cold chain freight across food, beverage, healthcare, and other regulated supply chains. This team supports shipments that require closer coordination, stricter handling standards, and more active oversight from pickup through delivery.

Learn more about First Call FRESH

Core Logistics Operations

Our core logistics operations team supports dry freight, warehousing, and transportation across both routine and complex shipping scenarios, from everyday moves to time-sensitive, project-based, and tightly coordinated shipments. The same attention to planning, communication, and follow-through applies to every load, regardless of complexity.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re looking to move freight, find consistent loads, or join the team, we’ll connect you with the right people.

Learn More About First Call

Whether you’re a shipper looking for freight support or a carrier looking for consistent loads, we can help you find the right next step.

Chat with a Freight Specialist

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Complex shipment?

We’ll take it from here.

Talk to a Specialist

1-866-730-1150

Logistics Experience Across Industries

Clients across the country rely on First Call to support freight execution across a range of shipping needs.

“Working with First Call Logistics has not only reduced my transportation spend, but their level of service and transparency to real-time information has had a great impact on improving costly inventory levels. With First Call, I spend less time chasing loads and more time executing on the plans to grow our business.”

-Mike, Retail

“I always look for good rates and follow-through. That’s why First Call is my preferred vendor.”

-Leonard, Shipper at Produce Company

“I’m so pleased with the First Call team – both the resources assigned to us, and the way they treat our customers!”

-Rachelle, Shipper at Produce Company

“First Call always paid on time and would get me back-hauls whenever possible which was great.”

–Wayne, Carrier

“Produce can prove to be a challenging business. You have to choose to surround yourself with good people. First Cal has certainly stepped up and become a valuable partner. Grow Farms is better with this partnership.”

-Tommy, Shipper at Produce Company

Resources

Insights to Move You Forward

Why Expedited Freight for Perishables Requires a Different Playbook Than Dry Freight

Jul 1, 2026

A produce operation books expedited freight for a load of strawberries going to a grocery DC outside Atlanta. Delivery needs to happen before the holiday weekend. They book through their usual freight broker, the same one they use for dry goods. Available reefer...

The Compliance Gap Most F&B Manufacturers Don’t Catch Until They Get a Chargeback

Jun 15, 2026

A packaged dairy company ships a pallet of yogurt to a major grocery DC outside Chicago. The product is properly cooled, paperwork is complete, and the carrier picks up on time. The load arrives 55 minutes outside the retailer’s two-hour receiving window. The DC can’t...

Produce Temperature Requirements: Questions to Ask Before You Ship

Jun 5, 2026

A load of romaine lettuce ships out of Salinas on a Tuesday. The carrier sets the reefer to 40°F, a reasonable temperature for general refrigerated freight. The load arrives in Indianapolis four days later. The lettuce is wilted, discolored, and rejected at the DC....