Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Freight Transportation Solutions
Tri Star Freight System has been a family-owned and operated company since 1987, built on the principle that our product has always been service. Our team of dedicated employees understands the importance of every customer, offering secure transportation solutions through intermodal, van, flatbed, and customized warehousing services. As a bonded carrier, we maintain C-TPAT certification, Smartway partnership, and status as a Certified Woman-Owned Business. Our Houston warehouse operates as a US Customs Bonded CFS Station, providing container stripping, stuffing, crating, storage, and inventory management. With five nationwide locations in Houston, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, and Savannah, we serve diverse transportation needs across the continental United States.Our logistics team specializes in planning shipments with safety and efficiency, handling both truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) requirements. We pride ourselves on representing our clients' businesses well during delivery, ensuring cargo arrives on time and in excellent condition. Our legacy began with founder Kenneth Garrison, whose children now lead the company as President and Senior Executive VPs, continuing his commitment to high standards and trust. We treat employees as family, fostering a culture that upholds decades-old values while preparing for future growth.
Services
Linehaul
3PL
Drayage
Flatbed
Warehousing
Freight Forwarding
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with 35+ years of transportation industry expertise
- US Customs Bonded CFS Station in Houston
- C-TPAT certified secure transportation solutions
- Nationwide service network with 5 strategic locations
- Customized logistics for intermodal, flatbed, and warehousing needs
Associations and certifications
- C-TPAT
- Smartway Partner
- Certified Woman Owned Business
What people say
Great service
Proactive handling
Amazing updates
Trusted partner
Long-term satisfaction
Services
Linehaul
Our linehaul services provide comprehensive truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation solutions across the continental United States. With a fleet of safe, reliable owner operators, we ensure timely delivery of van, flatbed, and intermodal freight. Our logistics team meticulously plans each shipment to maintain cargo integrity and meet strict deadlines.
Drayage
Specializing in local and over-the-road intermodal drayage, we offer customized port solutions for container movement. Our services cover roundtrip and one-way drayage operations between ports and final destinations, supported by strategically located terminals in major shipping hubs across the southeastern United States.
Flatbed
Our flatbed transportation services handle standard and oversized freight with specialized equipment including 48' and 53' flatbeds, stepdecks, and RGNs. Professional contractors secure necessary permits for dimensional cargo, providing statewide and nationwide coverage for challenging shipments requiring expert handling and compliance.
Warehousing
We offer customized warehousing solutions featuring container stripping/stuffing, crating, cross-docking, and inventory management. Our bonded warehouses in Houston and other strategic locations provide 24-hour surveillance, rapid distribution, and seamless integration with transportation services for complete supply chain support.
Freight Forwarding
Our freight forwarding division manages international shipments with NVOCC status and indirect air carrier certification. We handle FCL/LCL ocean freight, air cargo, and customs clearance for import/export operations, providing worldwide connectivity while maintaining strict compliance with international shipping regulations.
People
Kathleen Garrison Nance
President
Kathleen began her career at Tri Star in dispatch and has held multiple operational roles before becoming President. She leads daily operations while maintaining family business values established by her father, ensuring continued growth and service excellence.
Keith Garrison
Senior Executive VP
Keith started working in the warehouse and now serves as Senior Executive VP. He oversees critical operations and maintains the high standards set by the company's founder, focusing on expanding service capabilities and customer relationships.
Kevin Garrison
Senior Executive VP
Kevin, like his brother Keith, progressed from warehouse operations to Senior Executive VP. He manages key aspects of the business while ensuring adherence to the family's core principles of trust and quality service delivery.
Laura Garrison
Operations Manager
As co-founder and current operations manager, Laura continues to play active role in daily business functions. Her leadership helps maintain the company's family-oriented culture and commitment to exceptional service standards.
Questions
What transportation services does Tri Star offer?
We provide linehaul (TL/LTL), drayage, flatbed, warehousing, and freight forwarding services with nationwide coverage across intermodal, van, and specialized cargo transportation.
How does Tri Star ensure cargo security?
As C-TPAT certified carriers, we maintain strict security protocols throughout transportation and storage. Our bonded warehouses feature 24-hour surveillance and customs-compliant handling procedures for maximum cargo protection.
What certifications does Tri Star hold?
We are C-TPAT certified, Smartway Partner, and officially recognized as a Certified Woman-Owned Business, maintaining the highest industry standards for security and operational excellence.
Where are Tri Star's service locations?
Our five strategically located terminals serve Houston, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, and Savannah, providing comprehensive coverage for continental US transportation and logistics needs.
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