Cornerstone Systems

Business Details

29 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Your Trusted 3PL Logistics Partner for Efficient Transportation

Founded in 1997 by transportation expert Rick Rodell, Cornerstone Systems was created to establish a better workplace culture while delivering exceptional logistics solutions. As an employee-owned enterprise, our teams dedication to integrity, honesty, and continuous improvement drives every aspect of our operations. With decades of experience, we specialize in intermodal transportation, full truckload (FTL) services, cross-border freight, and specialized shipments, leveraging strategic partnerships with all North American Class I railroads and a network of 18,000+ vetted carriers. Our commitment to sustainability as a SmartWay Partner has saved over 100,000 tons of carbon emissions, while our 99% tender acceptance rate and 99% invoice accuracy underscore our reliability. We prioritize personalized service, tailoring solutions to meet unique client needs, and fostering long-term relationships built on trust.

Our core valuesintegrity, honesty, respect, loyalty, and relentless pursuit of excellenceguide our interactions with clients and team members alike. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, we serve industries ranging from food and beverage to renewable energy, offering seamless logistics across North America. Our innovative approach combines rail, truck, and intermodal solutions to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. With bilingual support and expertise in navigating complex cross-border regulations, we ensure compliance and timely delivery for U.S., Mexico, and Canada shipments. Our clients consistently praise our proactive communication, exceptional customer service, and ability to transform logistics challenges into streamlined successes.

Services

Intermodal Transportation Full Truckload (FTL) Cross-Border Freight Railcar Consolidation Less Than Truckload (LTL) Warehousing & Transloading Container Drayage Specialized Shipments Hazardous Material Handling Expedited Delivery

Details

Year established: 1997

Highlights and features

We offer over 25 years of client retention and personalized logistics solutions.
Our employee-owned structure ensures unmatched accountability and dedication.
We combine rail and truck services to reduce carbon emissions by 100,000+ tons annually.
99% tender acceptance rate and 99% invoice accuracy guarantee reliability.
Bilingual support and cross-border expertise streamline U.S., Mexico, and Canada shipments.

Associations and certifications

SmartWay Partner
DOT PHMSA

What people say

Outstanding performance Excellent customer service Seamless cross-border expertise 99.4% service rate Dedicated to excellence

Website

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Services

Intermodal Transportation

Combining rail and truck efficiency, our intermodal services reduce costs and emissions while ensuring reliable delivery. With contracts across all Class I railroads, we optimize routes for faster transit and real-time tracking. Ideal for high-volume, non-time-sensitive freight, this solution minimizes handling and lowers fuel consumption, supporting sustainability goals for industries like retail and manufacturing.

Full Truckload (FTL)

FTL services provide exclusive truck capacity for large or urgent shipments, ensuring direct transit with no intermediate stops. Our network guarantees competitive rates and 99% on-time delivery, ideal for time-sensitive goods in sectors like automotive and food & beverage. With proactive monitoring and a focus on safety, we ensure secure, damage-free transport across North America.

Cross-Border Freight

Specializing in U.S., Mexico, and Canada shipments, we manage customs compliance, documentation, and bilingual communication. Our partnerships with B-1 drivers and Class I railroads ensure seamless border crossings. From Carta Porte compliance to expedited delivery, we reduce delays and provide end-to-end visibility for industries requiring precise cross-border coordination.

Railcar Consolidation

We optimize railcar usage for cost savings and efficiency, handling consolidation, tracking, and management. Access to all railcar types and partnerships with Napa Valley wineries highlight our expertise. This service reduces costs by up to 30% compared to truck-only solutions, ideal for bulk goods like agricultural products and machinery.

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

LTL services allow cost-sharing for smaller freight, leveraging a vetted carrier network and mode-neutral strategies. We provide one-point communication, real-time updates, and hazmat certification for secure transport. Ideal for businesses seeking flexibility without compromising reliability, with a focus on reducing accessorial fees and optimizing logistics budgets.

People

Rick Rodell

Founder/Chairman

Rick Rodell founded Cornerstone Systems in 1997 with a vision to create a better workplace culture while revolutionizing logistics. Under his leadership, the company grew from three employees to a multi-million-dollar enterprise, emphasizing integrity, innovation, and employee ownership.

Questions

What sets Cornerstone apart from other 3PL providers?

Our employee-owned structure fosters unmatched accountability, while decades of client retention and a focus on personalized solutions distinguish us. We combine rail, truck, and intermodal expertise to deliver sustainable, cost-efficient logistics.

How does Cornerstone ensure compliance for cross-border freight?

We employ bilingual teams, maintain Carta Porte compliance, and partner with B-1 drivers to manage customs documentation and regulations for seamless U.S., Mexico, and Canada shipments.

What are the benefits of using a 3PL like Cornerstone?

We offer scalability, cost savings through optimized networks, and industry expertise, allowing clients to focus on core operations while we handle logistics complexities.

How does Cornerstone leverage intermodal transportation to reduce costs and emissions?

By combining rail's fuel efficiency with truck flexibility, we cut fuel use and emissions by 100,000+ tons annually, offering eco-friendly solutions without compromising reliability.

Can Cornerstone handle specialized or hazardous shipments?

Yes, we manage oversized freight, hazmat, and temperature-sensitive goods with certified carriers, permits, and specialized equipment to ensure safe, compliant transport.