NEWARK, NJ – February 17, 2023 - Food Logistics has named Don Durm, Vice President, Customer Solutions of PLM Fleet, a 2023 Rock Star of the Supply Chain. This award recognizes influential individuals whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped the global cold food supply chain. 

A 28-year veteran of PLM Fleet, Don is an internationally recognized industry expert, writer and keynote speaker on cold chain handoff applications, regulatory compliance, and supply chain technology. He was one of the experts on the FDA’s workshop on the development of the “New Era of a Smarter Food Safety” that is the benchmark of the Agency’s strategy to protect the nation’s food supply.

Don recently provided written commentary on the root causes and potential solutions of food supply chain disruptions during the pandemic to the USDA, as requested by the White House Executive Order 14017 for America’s Supply Chains to Improve and Reimagine Food Supply Chains. Those comments were well received, resulting in his invitation to provide in-person testimony in Washington DC to the Joint House/Senate Agriculture Committee on the application of technology to build a more resilient food supply chain. 

A frequent advocate in Washington DC on food distribution initiatives that impact the nations’ food supply chain, Don is currently working to educate the industry on the new FSMA 204 Enhanced Traceability Rules. He works on technology solutions to mitigate the added regulatory expense on businesses, in addition to working with the industry on how to create a more efficient food supply chain to save time and money. 

Don currently manages PLM TrustLink™, PLM’s track and trace product that delivers on Transparency, Traceability and Trust, the 3Ts of the cold supply chain. Its software solution enables customers to track and trace food products in real time with temperature monitoring throughout the supply chain.

“We are proud that Food Logistics has recognized Don again as an expert in the cold supply chain,” said Keith Shipp, PLM Fleet President and CEO. “Don works tirelessly to support our customers on how to deliver safe foods to the consumer. With new regulations under FSMA 204, Don offers invaluable guidance to the industry on how to navigate and comply in this new era of smarter food safety.”

“Not all rock stars are famous musicians,” said Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “There are several rock stars right here in the cold chain, promoting workforce development, solving supply chain disruptions, mitigating risks, and helping to heal the supply chain.”

Food Logistics’ Rock Stars of the Supply Chain recognizes influential individuals who have shaped and attained milestones in safety, efficiency, productivity, and innovation through the global food supply chain. From early pioneers and entrepreneurs to non-conformist thinkers and executive standouts, this award aims to honor these leaders and their contributions to our industry.

More information and the list of all recipients of the 2023 Food Logistics’ Rock Stars can be viewed here.

About PLM Fleet

PLM Fleet is the largest nationwide, technology-driven company dedicated to refrigerated trailer leasing and cold supply chain solutions. Located in the state-of-the-art fleet solutions center in Newark, NJ, PLM is recognized as the only nationwide company dedicated to exclusively leasing, renting, and maintaining comprehensive fleet management of over 13,000 refrigerated trailers. PLM’s services include new trailer leasing, new trailer design and OEM ordering, short term leasing of existing trailers, flexible rental options, onsite maintenance, emergency breakdown service, GPS, temperature management, and customer lifecycle cost savings.