Michael Gessen

Global trade & risk strategist | I move cargo, capital & complex deals across borders | Licensed 🇺🇸🇨🇦 | Execution first, discretion always. @bridgelogistix

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

📦 Need Flexible Warehousing or Logistics Support in the Southeast? 🚛

Did you know @BridgeLogistix offers short-term warehousing and logistics services right here in Easley, SC?

If you’re looking for reliable solutions in the region, we’ve got you covered.

Our facility is strategically located near key transportation hubs:

22 miles from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) ✈️

98 miles from Charlotte International Airport (CLT) ✈

133 miles from Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 🛩️

209 miles from both the Port of Charleston and the Port of Savannah ⚓

How We Can Help You:

✔️ Short-Term Warehousing: Flexible storage for inventory overflow or temporary needs

✔️ Final-Mile Distribution: Get your products to their destination quickly and efficiently

✔️ Cross-Docking Capabilities: Seamless transfers between cargo vans and dock-high vehicles, with both ground-level and dock-high doors

✔️ Custom Logistics Solutions: Tailored to fit your specific business needs

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to support your supply chain, we’re here to help.

Reach out to learn more. Let’s make logistics simple!

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

If you are in logistics, real estate, trade finance, or are connected to the regional business scene, I would love to hear your perspective. Who is doing it right? Where are the gaps? What’s coming next?

Open to partnerships, insights, or simply getting a better lay of the land

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Exploring Expansion into South Texas 🚀

Focused on #SanAntonio, with interest in #Houston and the broader corridor. 🧵

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

South Texas sits at a strategic intersection for tri-national logistics and infrastructure, and we believe there is  untapped potential here worth building on.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Business folks in #sanantonio #houston #texas chime in! Looking to learn about the current landscape and explore opportunities.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

How’s X been like for the past little while? A quick scroll through here tells me….

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Here’s the harsh reality: making rash, irrational decisions without thinking things through is exactly how mistakes are made.

The tariffs between the U.S. and Canada could’ve been avoided if both sides had just come to the table. Instead, politicians—on both sides—jumped the gun, made irrational decisions, and proposed nuclear, permanent solutions to temporary problems. This should serve as a major lesson in the importance of rational thinking and calculated responses.

The U.S. had legitimate concerns. These concerns were not addressed by the Canadian government, and that's how we ended up in this mess. Tariffs were put into place as a response to those concerns. The problem wasn’t the tariffs—it was the overblown reactions from politicians, who quickly escalated the situation by proposing extreme actions like cutting off ties entirely, rather than addressing the real issues at hand.

Calling President Trump a bully may give you a few clicks or some online engagement, but that doesn’t solve anything. It's just noise, and it's not constructive.

This type of behavior only fuels division and doesn’t contribute to any meaningful resolution. The real solution? Cool, rational thinking. Calm, thoughtful approaches to decision-making.

Instead of retaliating with nonsensical actions like scrapping internet subsidies for rural Ontarians or pulling U.S.-made liquor products that were already bought and paid for, the focus should’ve been on addressing the real concerns and working toward a solution that benefits both sides.

Now let’s talk about the over-the-top reactions from some people—those who canceled vacations, sold concert tickets, swore they’d never visit the United States again, or proposed mass boycotting of U.S.-made products. Are you kidding me? How irrational and ridiculous does that look? These reactions aren’t just misguided—they’re counterproductive. They don’t solve the problem, they just make the situation more complicated and cause unnecessary chaos for individuals and businesses. They don't change trade policies or improve relations—they just escalate tensions and serve no real purpose other than to grab attention.

This situation should serve as a reminder about how negotiations, deal-making, and compromise work. There’s no room for tantrums and irrational responses. Business will pull through. Trade relations between the U.S. and Canada will remain strong, and the economic connection between the two countries is too important to be derailed by knee-jerk reactions. At the end of the day, this is a temporary situation that will be resolved through reasoned conversations, and the relationship will continue to thrive.

Trudeau should’ve done everything he could to get on the phone with Trump right after the inauguration, instead of creating a spectacle with retaliatory tariffs. Instead of letting this drag on, he should’ve said, "I’m coming to the White House, and I won’t leave until we’ve found a solution."

Notice how the tariffs were paused as soon as Trudeau addressed every point raised by the Trump administration. That’s how cooperation works. Tariffs weren’t just punitive; they were a wake-up call to get both sides to the table. The concern wasn’t to escalate tensions, but to address real issues. Ignoring the concerns of your closest trade partner is not the way forward.

Unfortunately, much of this was fueled by online content, politicians with self-serving agendas for their own upcoming elections, and a failure to see the bigger picture. It’s disappointing to see such shortsightedness. Politicians should have been focused on resolution, not playing to their base with fearmongering or extreme proposals.

The lesson here is simple: it’s time to grow up, stop scoring political points, and get serious about resolving issues through clear, rational, and constructive dialogue.

Stop making decisions based on emotion and start making them based on strategy, compromise, and long-term success.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Don’t underestimate your counterpart, whether it’s your friend, trade partner or an enemy on the other side of the planet. Canadians had the choice to change the path their government would take, instead the people have spoken and chose to support the current governing party in three separate elections. That’s democracy. We cannot indemnify ourselves from the consequences of the current government because we didn’t vote for them. A government of one country (USA) took action against another country (Canada) based on the policies and behavior of its government. That’s how it works, whether we like it or not. Canada still has a way out of this, it would require the government to change its approach, instead of continuing to do what they are doing now. Pick your battles, weigh your options and act appropriately. Negotiate your way out of this, because the current trajectory is not sustainable.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

The tariff situation between Canada and the United States is unfolding exactly as expected. The political rhetoric is loud, the blame game is in full swing, and businesses are caught in the middle.

But let’s cut through the noise and face reality: this was inevitable.

As a Canadian entrepreneur living in the U.S. and directly involved in trade as a customs broker and logistics service provider, I see the real impact of these policies every single day. While many are busy pointing fingers, real business leaders are already finding solutions.

Let’s be clear: President Trump campaigned on an America-first trade policy. This wasn’t a secret. He got elected with a mandate to prioritize U.S. manufacturing, U.S. jobs, and U.S. businesses.

You might not like it, but you can’t pretend to be shocked. If you’re angry that Canada is now at a disadvantage, ask yourself: What did our own government do over the past decade to ensure Canadian businesses were prepared?

The answer? Not much.

Now, reality is setting in. Businesses will either adapt, relocate, or get crushed under the weight of uncompetitive policies. Some companies will shift operations to the U.S., others won’t make it, but one thing is for sure—complaining won’t change a thing.

If you’re a business owner, your job isn’t to whine about which products to boycott or where to vacation. Your job is to navigate the landscape and make things work no matter what. The world doesn’t stop moving because politicians fail to act. If tariffs are your biggest obstacle, you better start strategizing now instead of waiting for the government to bail you out.

Trade barriers, tariffs, and economic shifts have always existed. This isn’t the first time Canada has faced challenges in international trade, and it won’t be the last. But history tells us one thing: business leaders rise above the politics, find solutions, and keep moving forward.

So here’s your wake-up call:

🔹 If your industry is affected, find a way to stay competitive.
🔹 If your supply chain is vulnerable, diversify your sourcing.
🔹 If your market is shifting, adjust your strategy before it’s too late.

The ones who succeed aren’t the ones crying foul over policy shifts—they’re the ones who pivot, adapt, and outmaneuver the competition. That’s the difference between those who thrive and those who become casualties of change.

The time for political bickering is over. The time for real leadership is now.

Step up, find solutions, and move forward.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

As an entrepreneur, I’ve always believed that true success is not measured by the size of your clients or the profits you generate but by the impact you make in the world around you. For me, it’s about how you use your resources, expertise, and opportunities to create meaningful change.

For the past two years, Bridge Logistics Group has had the privilege of partnering with Homeless Pets Canada to help rescue dogs from Chile and bring them to loving homes in Canada. It’s not just about moving goods; it’s about moving lives. These dogs, once abandoned and without hope, now have the chance to start anew, and being part of their journey is a responsibility I take to heart.

There’s something profoundly fulfilling about knowing the work we do directly changes lives—not just for the dogs, but for the families who welcome them home. It reminds me why I started this journey: to build a business that isn’t just about transactions but about making a difference.

Every deal I take on must reflect my values: professionalism, kindness, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. Whether it’s ensuring a seamless logistics process for clients or helping those in need, I believe in showing up fully for the work that matters most.

Yes, financial success is one way to measure progress, but I firmly believe that what truly counts is how much good you can do along the way. Whether it’s rescuing dogs, supporting a cause, or lending a hand to someone who needs it, I’ve learned that the moments that matter most aren’t found in spreadsheets—they’re found in the lives we touch.

So, to anyone reading this, I encourage you to seize every opportunity to give back. Use your skills, your voice, and your resources to make the world a little better. The ripple effects of even the smallest act of kindness are immeasurable.

At Bridge Logistics Group, we’ll continue to do our part—not because it’s required, but because it’s the right thing to do.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Every Door Leads Somewhere

This isn’t just a story about me; it’s a statement of fact. When you identify inefficiencies, gaps, and missed opportunities, you have two choices: complain or act. I chose to act—and the results speak for themselves.

I got into logistics because I saw not just potential in the industry but potential in myself. I recognized inefficiencies that others ignored and knew I could do better. My family and I went all in, full-time, to make a real difference.

Air freight? I saw the challenges and got involved to solve them. Legacy customs brokerages? Outdated and inefficient. I became a licensed Canadian customs broker to bring those processes into the modern era. Talking to drivers and carriers, I saw how better communication from insurance agents could save them real money. So I studied, passed the exam, and became a licensed Commercial Insurance Producer.

Ocean freight? I dove into one of the most complex areas of logistics and completed the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, gaining the expertise needed to handle global shipping with confidence and precision.

Some might look at what I’ve done and think it’s nothing special. But at 27, I know I’ve already achieved what many can only talk about. And here’s the thing—I’m just getting started. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m determined to go even further.

This isn’t arrogance��it’s confidence. I’ve put in the work, built the skills, and proven myself time and time again.

If you’re not working with me, you’re missing out. That’s not a boast; it’s the truth. I bring value, insight, and results to every table I sit at. My experience and expertise aren’t just credentials—they’re tools that deliver outcomes others can’t.

When times get tough—and they always do—I don’t back down. When freight volumes drop, when quote requests slow, when clients delay payments, I don’t give up. I lean in. I remember where I started, how far I’ve come, and how much further I can go.

This isn’t just a message to potential clients or partners; it’s a reminder to anyone struggling in their own journey. Don’t settle. Don’t undervalue yourself. Tough times are temporary, but the impact you make by staying the course lasts forever.

The opportunities you want are on the other side of that door. Keep knocking. Keep showing up. Trust me—they’re there. And when you break through, you’ll see that every challenge, rejection, and setback was preparing you for that moment.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

@Yer_DutchUncle Yup, exactly. Keep telling people to do their homework and due diligence but instead of doing it, they are laughing it all off. He who laughs last, laughs best.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

18 HOURS.

That’s how long our driver waited at the border, only to find out that the customs broker just now realized the importer of record doesn’t even have an active customs bond. Oh, and their account? Cancelled.

How does it take nearly 24 hours to identify an issue that should have been flagged within the first 5–10 minutes of receiving documents? This isn’t just frustrating; it’s gross incompetence.

The entire shipment—and by extension, the driver, the carrier, and the importer—is now stuck in limbo.

Who’s paying for the waiting time?
For the rescheduling of delivery?
For the customs clearance that still needs to happen?

Nobody. That’s who. Everyone just points fingers or hides behind "not my responsibility."

To make matters worse, there’s no good way to communicate with the customs broker.

Phone calls go unanswered—taking multiple tries just to get through to someone who can give even a vague update.

Emails? Forget it.

And their tracker portal? Useless unless you already have the cargo control number inputted, which, surprise, you often don’t because they haven’t processed the damn documents yet!

This is why we’ve taken matters into our own hands. We’ve set up our own customs bond to act as an importer of record on behalf of clients because these situations happen far too often—and when they do, they need to be rectified immediately.

As the only expedited carrier with an in-house customs brokerage, we know the importance of double-checking everything before a truck even starts rolling. This isn’t just about moving goods quickly—it’s about ensuring every possible roadblock is cleared in advance so that freight flows seamlessly across the border.

Here’s the truth: Customs is not a reactionary process. It’s a game of preparation, attention to detail, and decisiveness.

But that message continues to fall on deaf ears until the proverbial shit hits the fan. Suddenly, everyone’s scrambling, blaming, and panicking—but where was the accountability before things went sideways?

This industry deserves better. Importers deserve brokers who flag problems upfront and tackle them head-on. Drivers deserve respect for their time. And carriers like us—who plan ahead, provide real solutions, and act with urgency—deserve not to be cleaning up everyone else’s mess.

If you’re tired of delays, excuses, and dropped balls at the border, work with people who actually understand what proactive customs management looks like. We’ll get your clearance set up right the first time. Every time.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Let’s talk about accountability—or the glaring lack of it—with certain big-name customs brokerages. How in the world is it acceptable to sit on a single-line-item shipment for 13+ hours without processing it? Worse, they don’t even have the courtesy to answer phone calls or reply to emails during these critical delays.

This isn’t just a lapse in service—it’s a systemic failure that creates unnecessary bottlenecks in an industry already under pressure to deliver on time.

Let’s not forget who pays the real price here: drivers and carriers, stuck at the border with their trucks held up through no fault of their own. Yet freight brokers have no problem deducting money from carriers due to delays but refuse to compensate them for the exact same delays caused at the border by sluggish customs processes.

Why? Because they claim it’s "not their responsibility." Well, if it’s not the freight broker's responsibility, and the customs brokerage can't seem to handle basic tasks promptly, who the hell is responsible?

We are. As a licensed Canadian customs broker, we take our clients' needs seriously because we understand that time is money. We tell every single one of them to send us their documentation as soon as their truck is loaded—or better yet, well in advance—so that when the driver reaches the border, there is zero delay.

This isn’t rocket science. It’s called planning, technology, and staffing up adequately to meet the demands of the industry.

But when you see this level of negligence from some brokers, it makes you wonder: is it a staffing issue? Or is it the absence of the right technology to expedite clearances? Either way, it's unacceptable.

Good service means doing everything possible to make your clients’ supply chain seamless, not clogging it up with bureaucratic incompetence while ignoring the consequences.

If you can’t handle the volume or prioritize client needs with urgency and efficiency, you’re in the wrong business.

Because in logistics, time is everything. And we won’t stand for service providers who waste it.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

How can you Maximize Freight Efficiency with Floor-Loaded Shipments

When it comes to shipping lightweight, space-consuming products, efficiency is key.

At Bridge Logistics Group, we’ve mastered a simple but powerful solution: floor loading.

By floor loading a Sprinter van or box truck, shippers can significantly increase the volume of freight that fits into a single shipment. Instead of relying on pallets that take up unnecessary space, products are loaded by hand, maximizing every inch of available capacity.

Here’s why this matters:

✅ Increased Freight Volume: Floor loading allows you to ship more units per load, reducing the cost per unit.

✅ Exclusive Use for Your Freight: With dedicated, point-to-point delivery, your shipment isn’t commingled with other clients’ freight—no risk of damage or mix-ups.

✅ Cost-Effective Shipping: While compensating drivers for their efforts in safely loading and unloading your product at both ends is essential, it’s still far more cost-efficient than sending two or three trucks to move the same amount of freight.

This concept mirrors the benefits of floor-loaded container shipments, where maximizing space efficiency translates into reduced costs and optimized logistics. At Bridge Logistics Group, we apply this principle to smaller-scale, expedited freight solutions every day.

Whether it’s a regional shipment or cross-border delivery into Canada, our dedicated Sprinter vans and box trucks are designed to handle time-critical shipments with care and efficiency.

Let us help you rethink how you ship your freight. When you partner with Bridge Logistics Group, you’re getting more than logistics—you’re getting tailored solutions that save you time and money.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

🚨 South Carolina Business Owners! 🚨

Whether you run a courier business, operate a food truck, manage a construction crew, or work as an independent contractor, we’ve got you covered. At Bridge Business Solutions, we specialize exclusively in commercial insurance products tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.

Our offerings include:

✅ General Liability Insurance – Protect your business from lawsuits and third-party claims.
✅ Commercial Auto Insurance – Coverage for vehicles essential to your operations.
✅ Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Keep your team protected and your business compliant.
✅ Property Insurance – Safeguard your tools, equipment, and workspace.
✅ Professional Liability Insurance (E&O) – Protect against claims of negligence or mistakes.
✅ Inland Marine Insurance – Coverage for equipment and goods in transit.
✅ Umbrella Insurance – Extra protection above and beyond your standard policy.

But that’s not all—we also provide surety bonds for a variety of businesses, ensuring you can meet regulatory requirements and secure new opportunities.

We know your business is your livelihood, and we’re here to protect it. As a South Carolina-based agency, we understand the unique needs of local businesses and are committed to delivering personalized service.

📩 Ready to protect what you’ve built? Message me today for a free consultation and quote!

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Shippers, Is Your Provider Costing You Thousands Without You Realizing It?

Shippers! COMPLACENCY is costing YOU. When was the last time you truly vetted your logistics providers? If you aren’t asking tough questions and demanding transparency, you could be falling victim to scenarios like this—and it’s likely costing your business thousands.

Here’s what I uncovered today when I decided to play the shipper quoting game:

* Posted load: NC to TX, 1000 loaded miles. Sprinter van, exclusive use, no partials. Just like expedited shipments should be.

* Rate offered to carriers: $950.00 USD. When I pushed back, I was told they were getting offers as low as $800–$900.

Naturally, I wasn’t going to leave it there. I reached out to the same company for a similar lane, same requirements, and same dimensions—but this time as a shipper.

The Logistics Manager quoted me $1965.00 USD. Yes, you read that right: $1965.00 USD for the same load they’re trying to cover at $950.00 USD.

I also contacted a few carriers directly. Quotes ranged from $995.00 to $1350.00 USD. That’s $1.00 to $1.35 per mile—reasonable rates for this lane given the requirements.

Here’s the real issue:

If the shipper blindly trusted the broker’s rate as “market price” and the carrier was desperate enough to take the load at $800–$900, the broker could pocket the difference—knowing full well the true market conditions.

This isn’t just a hypothetical. It’s a situation where both sides are being taken advantage of by a broker who has the market data, understands the rates, but chooses to think only about their own profits.

This isn’t about margins—it’s about trust, value, and relationships.

Complacency leads to exactly this kind of exploitation: brokers taking advantage of both carriers and shippers, all while providing little to no value.

Everyone is in this to make money. That’s understandable. BUT:

* How is this approach sustainable?

* How does this build a relationship with the carrier?

* How does this help the shipper grow their business?

* What value or efficiency is this broker adding to a client who might already be struggling with costly logistics that hinder their ability to pursue new opportunities?

The answer? They aren’t adding anything. They’re exploiting the trust placed in them to maximize their own profits.

And here’s the hard truth: you need to constantly vet your providers.

Yes, they may be friendly. They might send you holiday cards, mugs, or nice swag to keep you “comfortable.” But comfort comes at a cost, and that cost is thousands of dollars your business is losing.

Don’t be afraid to fire providers who aren’t delivering value just because you’re comfortable with them. Friendly gestures don’t move freight efficiently. Pretty cards don’t build partnerships. And familiarity doesn’t grow your bottom line.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Shippers and Logistics Managers: Are You Paying Premiums for Broker Incompetence?

Many clients have no idea how badly they’re being serviced because brokers treat you like just another number on a spreadsheet. It’s all about squeezing margins, not helping you grow your business.

Want to see the cracks? Quote your own freight as a pretend carrier. Call them at 2 a.m. like they claim you can. Watch how many fail.

These brokers promise “24/7 availability” but ignore your calls. They talk about “quality-vetted carriers” but book $0.80/mile bids, ignoring compliance to pocket a bigger margin—leaving you with the liability.

Take today’s snowstorm. Brokers offer carriers pennies on the dollar to “help them get out of the storm” but send them into it, then hit you with a weather surcharge. Or they claim a 1,600-mile cross-border trip can be done in 16 hours with a “team” that doesn’t exist.

Or worse: Posting a load at 10 a.m., located four hours away, requiring another six hours after loading, then demanding delivery by 2 p.m. Make the math make sense.

They fail because they don’t understand lanes, geography, weather, or even your commodity. Many don’t even ask the value of your goods to ensure proper coverage.

And yet, these brokers sell you “compliance” tools like CarrierAssure and Highway while turning a blind eye when the cheapest carrier bids.

Ask yourself:

* What are you really saving?

* Are you comfortable with the risks they’re taking on your behalf?

* Do you even know who’s moving your freight?

Expedited freight is a premium service, not glorified LTL. If your broker isn’t delivering proactive solutions, honest communication, and competence, they’re exposing you to risks.

Slick pitches don’t move freight. Competence does.

Choose a broker who treats your freight like their own, or risk your reputation.

[Michael Gessen @MichaelGessen]

Brokers, Do Better. Period.

As someone who operates on both sides of this industry—running sprinter vans across the U.S. and Canada and working as a freight broker—I know exactly how this works. That’s why it’s a personal pet peeve to see brokers failing to include basic details in their load postings.

When I post freight, I make sure to include the essentials: pickup and delivery times, load weight, dimensions—everything a carrier needs to know to determine if they can handle the shipment.

Why? Because it prevents unnecessary back-and-forth and ensures carriers don’t waste time asking for information that should have been there in the first place.

And if a legitimate carrier still reaches out, I make it a point to respond—unless they’re obviously a scammer (and let’s face it, we all know how to spot those).

Nothing is more frustrating for a carrier than seeing a broker post a load with "email only" instructions, sending in the details, and then getting completely ignored—especially when their driver is ready to roll.

What’s worse? Watching that same broker repost the load multiple times as if the problem magically lies with the carriers, not their lack of communication.

Sure, timing might not work, the truck might be too far out, or the carrier might not be set up. That’s fine. But how hard is it to reply to an email? It’s basic professionalism. Ignoring legitimate carriers is not just lazy—it’s unprofessional and disrespectful.

If this is how you treat the people moving your freight, I have to ask: is this also how you treat your clients? If so, you’re doing a disservice to everyone in the supply chain.

This industry runs on trust, communication, and respect. If you can’t handle those basics, you don’t belong in the game.

Do better, or step aside for those of us who take this business seriously.