Lynden News

Everyday Hero Profile: Eric Gabriel

Lynden News — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Lynden is recognizing employees who make a difference every day on the job and demonstrate our core values, Lynden's very own everyday heroes! Employees are nominated by managers and supervisors from all roles within the Lynden family of companies.

Introducing Eric Gabriel, Diesel Mechanic Lead at Alaska Marine Lines in Seattle, Washington.

Name: Eric Gabriel

Company: Alaska Marine Lines

Title: Diesel Mechanic Lead

Location: Seattle

On the Job Since: 2009

Superpower: Problem solving from all angles

Hometown: Edgewood, WA

Favorite Movie: Star Wars

Bucket List Destination: Japan

For Fun: Camping, bike riding, and spending time with family

How and when did you start working for Alaska Marine Lines?
I started as a vendor working on the generators when I worked for Pape Machinery. I started at AML in 2009. I’ve worked in the generator shop and the “bull shop” (forklift shop) and was lead for both until the job was split into two.

What is a typical day like for you?
I start early by trying to prioritize the work for the day. I try to make sure the machines most in need by others are fixed first. I work with my team to make sure our fleet of 56 Svetrucks and a smaller fleet of electric warehouse forklifts and various other support equipment stay up and running, while also fielding calls from Alaska on their repair questions. I mentor newer mechanics and try to pass along the knowledge I have from my many years of experience.

What has been most challenging in your career?
Working with an international company and their customer service support challenges, including language barriers and time differences.

What are you most proud of in your career?
Developing new tools specific to our fleet to expedite repairs and creating repair procedures that aren’t listed in the manuals.

Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in a military family and moved around a lot, including living in Germany, Florida, Texas, and Washington. I had to change schools a lot as a kid which was hard, and my extended family was spread out across the U.S. as well. I always enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked and had a little shop area where I took apart lawnmowers in the back shed.

I joined the Navy out of high school and really traveled the world, and maybe got into a little bit of trouble here and there, all in good fun. I married my wife after the Navy and enjoyed her more traditional family all in one area, with lots of relatives around. I built our house myself after work and on the weekends in 10 months, and we still live there today. We have three amazing grown daughters, two of which are now married, and we have two incredible grandsons, ages 1 and 3, that live very close. We get to spend a lot of time together.

What was your first job?
I worked at a landscaping company in high school, and still do a lot of yardwork to this day!

What would surprise most people about you?
I am a decent Elvis impersonator and once serenaded an entire aircraft carrier over the ship’s communications system with “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” A technician working on the system somehow connected communication systems for the whole ship, when they are usually separated, and they let me get through the whole song before they let me know!

How do you spend your time outside of work?
Traveling and camping with friends and family, bike riding, hanging out with the grandsons, and doing projects at home.

What do you like best about your job?
The people that I’ve gotten to know during my time at AML. They are amazing people that are a pleasure to work alongside, and I’m proud to have them on my team.

Lynden Healthcare Expanded

Lynden News — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Lynden Healthcare expanded its state-of-the-art facility located in Guelph, Ontario. "This new facility adds significant square footage and Good Manufacturing Practice warehousing capabilities equipped with cold chain capabilities," says Chris Oles, Director of Business Relations for Lynden International Logistics. "Lynden continues to make investments in facilities and infrastructure across Canada to accommodate the growing needs of healthcare distribution."

Knik Construction receives prestigious Build America Merit Award

Lynden News — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Knik Construction President Dan Hall, second from left, accepts the Build America Merit Award with leaders from Associated General Contractors in Orlando.

Knik Construction received a Build America Merit Award at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America annual convention in Orlando. Knik Construction’s Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation project was a semifinalist in the $20-$100 million Highway & Transportation (New) category and recognized as one of the best construction projects in the country. Knik Construction president Dan Hall, a former AGC board president, was there to accept the award in person.

The Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation was a federally funded project to resurface the gravel runway, taxiway, and access road. The application for the award describes the project and its challenges: "In one of Alaska’s most remote and extreme locations, Knik Construction’s Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation team achieved the extraordinary. Materials were barged 2,700 nautical miles, a 5.3-mile ice road was constructed, and 215,000+ tons of rock were drilled, blasted, and hauled under brutal winter conditions—safely completed in just 48 days. Phased construction, GPS-guided equipment, drones, and innovative ice-road engineering ensured precision and efficiency. The team collaborated seamlessly with subcontractors and the local community, while environmental stewardship and upgraded navigational aids enhanced operational safety. With flawless execution and lasting community impact, this project exemplifies excellence in remote Alaska construction."

Winter operations included subfreezing temperatures, blizzards, and minimal daylight while building the ice road, around-the-clock drilling and blasting at nearby Cheeching Mountain, and hauling mined material to the airport before the spring thaw. Ice road construction required drilling 56 holes for water to strengthen the surface to support a 215-ton haul. Preconstruction began in October 2023, with crews establishing camps and staging areas and coordinating barge landings with other community vessels. The Knik Construction team maintained a perfect safety record over 55,666 man-hours.

The impact of the project was felt by those who rely daily on Chefornak’s runway. In feedback from Fox Air, the pilots shared: "Chefornak’s runway was rough, riddled with frost heaves and potholes, and poor lighting and conditions posed real risks to aircraft. The first thing our pilots noticed after completion was how smooth the runway was and the improved visuals. The gravel and ramp are perfect—no more potholes. All of our pilots are extremely satisfied with the results. Thanks to the Knik Construction crew for an amazing job."

"Our team overcame logistical, environmental, and operational hurdles through innovation, safety, and community collaboration, setting a benchmark for remote Alaska construction and exemplifying AGC excellence," says Knik Construction President Dan Hall. "We are proud to have that dedication recognized on a national stage."

Knik Construction’s winning project, the Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation.

High school students tour Lynden’s Anchorage facilities

Lynden News — Fri, 01 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Lynden Air Cargo recently hosted two Alaska Resource Education (ARE) extern site visits. Seven high school students and ARE Educator Brant Hylinksi visited Lynden’s Anchorage facilities to learn about the Lynden companies and explore career opportunities. Lynden Air Cargo President Scott Hicks and Director of Human Resources Carly Fielding shared information with students, and Cargo Supervisor Cory Myren led students on a grand tour of the South Airpark facility, including the warehouse, and a visit inside a Hercules aircraft. Students visited Alaska Marine Trucking and Alaska Marine Lines on their second trip hosted by Alaska Marine Trucking Service Center Manager Erik Scott and President Mark Reid.

AML supports Sitka hospital, Ketchikan airport projects

Lynden News — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Ongoing construction on the Sitka airport terminal expansion.

The Alaska Marine Lines (AML) team has been busy supporting major construction projects in Southeast Alaska. Over the past three years, AML has barged a variety of construction materials to support a new hospital in Sitka, new housing units, and an airport terminal expansion in Ketchikan. "Since the beginning of the project, AML has shipped over 13 million pounds of cargo to Sitka including structural steel, cement ISO tanks, trucks, machinery, and other construction materials for General Contractor Davis Constructors and ASRC Construction to build the new $400 million medical center," says Kelly Moore, Alaska Marine Lines Account Manager in Juneau.

"Over the course of this project, ASRC Construction has shipped thousands of loads of materials through AML from Seattle and Anchorage to Sitka without issue," says Project Superintendent Russ Walls. "Weekly tracking updates, on-time deliveries and excellent customer service from local Driver Aaron Swanson and company has been outstanding. Without an excellent partner like AML we would have been unable to turn over this new facility to our client in a timely manner."

Alaska Marine Lines also coordinated delivery of all freight for the construction of two condominium buildings, as well as 13 single-family homes to house hospital staff. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April to open the hospital, which will bring expanded care closer to home for residents throughout the region.

In Ketchikan, Alaska Marine Lines moved around 110 shipments, varying from weights of 90 pounds to 54,000 pounds, for the airport terminal expansion which will double the size of the current terminal. "We have moved most of the materials and equipment from Seattle to Ketchikan," says Chas Allen, Account Manager in Ketchikan. Alaska Marine Lines has moved almost 1 million pounds of freight for Dawson Construction for the project which is only at the half-way point. "We’ll probably be in the 2-million-pound range when it’s all buttoned up," Chas explains. "The Ketchikan airport is unique. It’s on an island separate from the city, so moving the freight to the airport can be challenging. There is a ferry that runs every 30 minutes for passengers and vehicles, and we are limited to a single 40-foot trailer on the ferry."

"We are dedicated to supporting the construction industry in Southeast Alaska and proud to work with our contractor partners to complete these important projects," Kelly says.

Sitka’s new hospital

Everyday Hero Profile: Josh Berkland

Lynden News — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Navy cranes ride AML barges to bases

Lynden News — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:15:00 GMT

The last of four enormous cranes was moved from Alaska Marine Lines in Seattle this winter, completing a project that began in 2018. The cranes were assembled for the U.S. Navy's use at Naval Bases in Bremerton and Bangor eight years ago. They have been stored beneath the 1st Avenue South Bridge in Seattle and were hard to miss due to their size and bright green and yellow colors. The cranes were transported in three trips north to the bases on the Naknek Trader. Loading required heavy lift machinery. Two cranes were aboard the barge on one trip, leaving enough room after delivery for a backhaul of two older cranes from Bangor to a scrapyard in Tacoma.

Dispatch, the nerve center of Lynden's operations

Lynden News — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:44:59 GMT

Top left photo: LTI, Inc. Sunnyside Dispatchers Joel Torres Ceja, Miguel Gutierrez, and Victor Flores. Bottom left photo: LTI, Inc. Lynden Dispatchers, Nathan Nieshe, Tyler Linderman, Andy Brandt, Supervisor Brian Timmer, Tanner Jansen, and Sammantha Buckingham. Photo at right: LTI, Inc. Sunnyside Dispatchers Daniel Bustamante and Greg Masset.

Road closures, bridge heights and inclement weather are all on the mental radar screen for a Lynden dispatcher. From Alaska to Houston, these hardworking employees are the nerve center of Lynden's trucking operations and the first call when unforeseen obstacles get in the way of planned deliveries. Throughout the Lynden companies, 37 dispatchers are coordinating loads and drivers throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.

Dispatch is a 24-7 cycle of arranging customer pickups, setting up a safe and efficient plan, conveying that plan to the drivers, and entering all the moving parts into an online system. "All jobs at Lynden are important, but I've often said: 'If you really want to learn our business and make a difference, be a dispatcher,'" says Chairman Jim Jansen. "Nothing else puts you closer to our customers and our drivers. No other job impacts our customer service, our efficiency, our employee attitudes, and our safety more than being a dispatcher."

At LTI, Inc. in Lynden, WA, Central Dispatch Supervisor Brian Timmer oversees five dispatchers in addition to five dispatchers in Sunnyside. On a routine day, 161 drivers are in the dispatch system, with most drivers picking up and delivering five loads a day. Freight ranges from milk and cream picked up from local dairies to molten sulfur delivered to Anacortes. In Sunnyside, the loads might be milk, apple slurry, wine, or canola oil.

Brian says it's fast-paced, ever-changing work, but also rewarding. "I enjoy putting efficient and creative plans together. Central Dispatch oversees all the farms in Grant County and those in Pasco, Sunnyside, and Boardman, OR – more than 100 dairies total. We want to keep farmers happy, our other customers happy and ultimately, our drivers happy by keeping our expectations realistic to get product delivered."

Sunnyside dispatchers cover Central and Eastern Washington dairy farms, wineries and other locations. In Seattle, LTI, Inc.'s dispatch team of nine primarily supports Alaska Marine Lines projects by arranging loads for more than 100 drivers a day.

Brian and Seattle Operations Manager Jerry Peterson remember when dispatch was handled with a phone call, a slip of paper, and routes written on a whiteboard in the office. Before dispatch routing software became available, drivers might take a call from an office manager or a customer directly, necessitating pulling the truck over, writing down the details, communicating with the rest of the team, and getting back on the road. "The ORTEC software we now use gives everyone the ability to see what is happening across the state. It helps us with optimal routing to reduce travel time, transportation costs, and even tracks where equipment is at any given time," Brian explains. Dispatchers also arrange for specific trailers or other equipment that might be needed for a job, or a transfer of equipment mid-shift to accommodate a change in loads and products.

Most dispatchers, like Andy Brandt, Miguel Gutierrez, Tyler Linderman, Tanner Jansen, Greg Masset, Nathan Nieshe, and Victor Flores, say it's the human element of the job that matters most. It's important to get to know the drivers you are dispatching each day. LTI, Inc. dispatch teams are making an effort to get out and meet more customers and drivers so they can put a face to a name or a voice.

"I was a driver once, and I know how tough it can be when you're on the road and a storm moves in, a road is closed, or you can't get home that night," Brian says. "We try to keep a level head and take care of our customers and our drivers when things take a turn, and they often do." Dispatchers are the ones making hotel reservations when a driver gets stranded by a pass closure or other emergency. "It's an extremely important support position, and we all take it seriously. We share the same work ethic with others throughout Lynden. The customer makes a request, we figure out how to make it happen, and then do our best to make it a positive interaction for everyone."

Everyday Hero Profile: John Schwab

Lynden News — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Lynden is recognizing employees who make a difference every day on the job and demonstrate our core values, Lynden's very own everyday heroes! Employees are nominated by managers and supervisors from all roles within the Lynden family of companies.

Introducing John Schwab, Driver at Lynden Transport in Anchorage, Alaska.

Name: John Schwab

Company: Lynden Transport

Title: Driver

Location: Anchorage

On the Job Since: 1991

Superpower: Reliability

Hometown: Westland, MI

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

Bucket List Destination: Italy

For Fun: Spending time with grandkids, mountain biking, gym, gardening

How and when did you start working for Lynden Transport?
When I graduated from high school in the 1980s, unemployment in Michigan was the highest in the nation. My dad worked for Ford, and they were laying people off. My best friend moved up to Alaska and invited me to join him, so I decided to try my luck up there. I met Fred Fick when we both worked at a small trucking company in Alaska. He went over to Lynden during the Valdez oil spill and told me they needed drivers. That’s how I started in 1991.

What is a typical day like for you?
My normal schedule is starting at 7:30 a.m. I show up and start hooking the trailers, then deliver to my regular customers.

What has been most challenging in your career?
We deal with icy roads and conditions for months on end that would shut most cities down. We don’t see asphalt for days and spend most of our time driving on ice. Two lane roads are narrowed to 1-1/2 lanes because snow is piled up so high. You work a long day in inclement weather, and it can really wear you out by the time you go home.

What are you most proud of in your career?
Getting this Everyday Hero award feels pretty good. I’ve been invited to go fishing in Alaska. That was an exciting experience. I have built positive customer relationships where I deliver to, and I’m proud of that. I’ve only missed four days of work in 34 years, so I’m also proud of my reliability as an employee.

Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I grew up in Westland, MI. We were a big family. I have four brothers. We were an average family living in a three-bedroom house. My mom passed away from breast cancer when I was 12, so my dad raised us and did the best he could.

I met my wife in Alaska, and we have two kids, a son who is 35 and a daughter, 34. Both live in Alaska. I really enjoy spending time with my grandkids. Eloise is 5, and Oliver is 15.

After retirement, I plan to move south to Tennessee to live near my brother and other family members.

What was your first job?
I worked as a dishwasher for the Spaghetti Company, a local restaurant in Michigan. I also had a paper route when I was in high school.

What would surprise most people about you?
I am a twin. My brother, Tom, lives in Tennessee. Growing up with a twin brother, plus three other brothers was pretty chaotic. Our house was like a controlled storm. I always wanted a sister. We were always pitted against each other: Who is faster, who is stronger, smarter? It drove me crazy. We ended up fighting a lot. I’m closer to my twin now that we are adults.

How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy mountain biking, watching UFC martial arts, and cooking. Gardening is another hobby, but with summers only four months long, it’s tough. During the winter, I go to the gym four or five times a week.

What do you like best about your job?
All the friendships I’ve made. There is a huge network of great people at Lynden. I am retiring on Oct. 1, which will be a tough adjustment because I will miss everyone.

Freight keeps moving during record snowfall

Lynden News — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:59:59 GMT

People power (left) and loader and dump trucks were required to remove snow in the record-breaking snow event in Juneau.

Record-breaking snowfall and a state of disaster proclamation didn't deter the Juneau team from keeping the doors open and the freight moving last month. Nearly 7 feet of snow – 80 inches – fell in the capital city in December followed by heavy rain in early January that closed many downtown businesses due to avalanche risk.

Although working in harsh winter conditions is nothing new for the seasoned crews at Alaska Marine Lines and Alaska Marine Trucking, the record setting snow did create some challenges. "It was the snowiest December in 80 years, and it required grueling hours of constant plowing by our ops team," says Adam Anderson, Alaska Marine Trucking Regional Manager in Juneau. "The snow accumulated faster than we could remove it, and we were getting boxed in, but persistence and grit won the day(s). A lot of teamwork took place to keep the snow at bay and reclaim our ground. We had to unbury each other or pull each other out to keep freight moving, safely, and deliberately with no incidents." The work didn't stop when the snow subsided, it was followed by hours of clean up and a massive push to get backlogged freight out the door.

Adam recognized the Maintenance & Repair, Dispatch, and Customer Service teams for working longer hours to communicate with customers and the entire crew. "This team is so well tested with such a high level of professionalism. We all understand that failure is not an option. No one gets groceries and essential supplies if we don't put in the work to keep the freight moving," Adam explains. "Our dispatchers were proactive by communicating with our customers to make sure they could receive freight at their own snowed-in facilities. Some of our customers were shut down for several days dealing with snow removal."

Other Southeast and Southcentral locations were also impacted by heavy snowfall. Anchorage set a record for both daily and monthly accumulation in January, and Haines and Petersburg also got a heavy white blanket. "We had back-to-back storms that left about 40 inches in our yard," explains Kurt Kivisto, Alaska Marine Trucking Service Center Manager in Petersburg. "In a big snow event, our team of 11 knows that we need to come in several hours ahead of the barge to clear the yard. Before winter hits, we make sure equipment is in top condition – from tire chains in trucks to bull chains on the forklifts to personal protective equipment like ice cleats and gloves for our people. Preparation is key when working in changing conditions."