• Bulkmatic leadership transition drives a data‑centric strategy as former CIO Ryan Strauss takes the helm—discover how technology and safety merge to cut risky‑driving events by 87 %.
• US $250 million Pesquería intermodal terminal strengthens Bulkmatic’s cross‑border edge with dual CPKC / Ferromex rail links—see what that means for nearshoring logistics.
• From winning the ATA President’s Trophy to launching Bulkmatic Solutions brokerage, learn the decisive moves reshaping North America’s dry bulk landscape.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Overview 2025

Bulkmatic puts a technologist at the helm to steer its next growth phase. (Ryan Strauss, President, Bulkmatic Transport Company)

The Bulkmatic leadership transition reached its defining moment on March 26 2025, when Chief Information Officer Ryan Strauss succeeded Chris Kravas as president of Bulkmatic Transport. Founded in 1965, Bulkmatic is a family‑owned bulk transport company headquartered in Griffith, Indiana. Over the years, the firm has expanded into one of North America’s largest providers of dry‑bulk logistics services, operating approximately 500 tractors and 1,500 pneumatic dry‑bulk trailers across 57 trucking and rail terminals.

For more on Bulkmatic’s recent milestones, browse our latest Bulkmatic news & insights.

“Ryan has been the driving force behind Bulkmatic’s technology evolution… His focus on safety, technology, and business growth will continue to drive the company forward.” — Chris Kravas, outgoing President

Kravas’s retirement marks the culmination of a 37‑year career that included prior executive roles at BNSF Railway and Hub Group. Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Kravas led Bulkmatic to notable year‑over‑year earnings growth, strategic expansions, and significant investments in technology and safety. Strauss, who joined Bulkmatic in 2018, steps in as president following a successful tenure as CIO in which he pioneered the use of telematics, on‑board safety systems, and other innovations that elevated the company’s operational performance.

Safety isn’t a slogan here—an 87 % drop in risky driving proves it.

Enjoying our insights?

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest industry trends and developments.

Stay Informed

By promoting a CIO to president, Bulkmatic underscores how data‑driven insights and digital transformation are now cornerstones of strategic direction. Safety remains equally vital, reflecting a leadership tradition that values rigorous operational standards and driver well‑being. Together, these factors shape the Bulkmatic leadership transition as a pivotal move to sustain the company’s growth trajectory and competitive advantage in the dynamic landscape of bulk trucking.

Industry observers tracking executive shake‑ups may also value our roundup of recent leadership‑change coverage in trucking.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Why It Matters Now

The Bulkmatic leadership transition occurs at a time when North America’s trucking and logistics industry is in flux. Supply chains face capacity pressures, cross‑border regulations, nearshoring opportunities, and an escalating demand for transparent, real‑time freight visibility. By elevating Strauss—an executive deeply versed in both operations and technology—Bulkmatic signals its commitment to addressing modern challenges with innovation.

Shortly before taking the presidency, Strauss guided the firm’s implementation of next‑generation telematics across much of the fleet. Results included:

• 87 % reduction in risky‑driving events due to proactive driver coaching.
• 3 % fuel‑economy gains during pilot programs, showcasing cost‑efficiency potential.
• Streamlined compliance with federal hours‑of‑service regulations using electronic logging and geofencing.

These achievements highlight how technology can boost profitability, safety, and customer satisfaction. The Bulkmatic leadership transition thus positions Strauss to embed technology at the core of decision‑making and operational strategy. Since customers increasingly expect near‑instant status updates, reliable transit times, and predictable costs, Bulkmatic’s data‑centric approach places the company in a strong competitive position.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Strategic Vision for Growth

Customers gain end‑to‑end visibility from silo to silo with one provider.

With Ryan Strauss at the helm, Bulkmatic is poised to integrate advanced digital tools and reinforce a culture focused on driver safety and retention. The strategic vision rests on three core pillars:

1. Technology‑Driven Logistics
   Bulkmatic aims to enhance its enterprise resource planning (ERP) and transportation management system (TMS) integrations, ensuring seamless data flow between terminals, drivers, and customers. Initiatives include rolling out expanded telematics to capture real‑time data on load status, driver performance, and fleet health. Leveraging analytics and machine learning, Bulkmatic intends to reduce dwell time, optimize routes, and improve asset utilization.
2. Safety Culture Expansion
   Building on recent success—culminating in the company’s ATA President’s Trophy—Bulkmatic emphasizes a proactive safety culture. Strauss plans to accelerate adoption of video‑based driver coaching tools across the entire fleet, offering real‑time driver feedback and post‑trip analysis. By reinforcing safe‑driving habits, Bulkmatic not only lowers accident risk but also improves efficiency and driver satisfaction.
3. Cross‑Border & Service Expansion
   Nearshoring trends in Mexico and the firm’s established presence south of the border position Bulkmatic to tap into growing manufacturing and rail‑logistics demands. The recent groundbreaking for the Pesquería intermodal terminal near Monterrey, Nuevo León, underscores Bulkmatic’s commitment to expanding capacity in Mexico, especially for commodities like grains, steel, paper, and plastics. By capitalizing on cross‑border networks—particularly with CPKC and Ferromex—Bulkmatic enhances speed and reduces shipping complexity for clients operating across the U.S.–Mexico corridor.

“We will evolve and grow on the strong foundation Chris built, leveraging technology to deliver unmatched value for our customers.” — Ryan Strauss, President

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Emphasis on Safety and Technology

The Bulkmatic leadership transition reflects a broader push within the trucking industry to incorporate high‑level technological expertise into top executive roles. Historically, trucking firms were led by individuals with deep operational experience or financial backgrounds. Today, with the surge of e‑commerce, just‑in‑time production, and real‑time shipment visibility, companies like Bulkmatic see technology leadership as essential to their growth strategy.

If fleet safety is your priority, check out our library of industry stories on fleet safety best practices.

How Does Technology Strengthen Bulkmatic’s Competitive Edge?

Under Strauss’s guidance, Bulkmatic has introduced:

• Advanced Telematics & Video Systems: dual‑facing cameras record both the road and driver activity, enabling quick incident investigation and ongoing coaching.
• Real‑Time Analytics Dashboards: operations managers gain instant insight into route progress, load status, and KPI metrics such as on‑time performance.
• Predictive Maintenance: by analyzing telematics data, Bulkmatic can conduct preventive repairs before failures occur, reducing unplanned downtime.

To see how other carriers deploy smart telematics, visit our feature on how fleets leverage telematics technology.

Telematics and data analytics now guide every load and lane.

These initiatives reflect a deep integration of technology that resonates throughout Bulkmatic’s trucking operations, rail logistics, warehousing, and brokerage services. Shippers increasingly demand timely updates on freight location, and Bulkmatic’s systems enable proactive notifications, minimizing surprises in the supply chain.

Safety Achievements Powering Bulkmatic’s Reputation

Bulkmatic’s unwavering focus on safety has yielded significant recognition. In 2025, the company claimed the ATA President’s Trophy, the American Trucking Associations’ top honor for fleets demonstrating operational excellence in safety and driver care. Key metrics that led to this recognition:

1. Low Accident Frequency: Bulkmatic’s accident rate remains significantly below industry averages, aided by rigorous driver training, technology‑based coaching, and continuous performance tracking.
2. Investments in Equipment Upgrades: the company maintains modern fleets, routinely cycling out older tractors and replacing them with newer models that feature safer designs, improved fuel efficiency, and cutting‑edge safety sensors.
3. Driver‑Centric Culture: with technology providing transparency and fair assessments, drivers report a heightened sense of trust and pride in working for a carrier known for safety. This boosts retention amid a nationwide driver shortage.

Focused attention on safety does more than just reduce accidents and costs; it enhances Bulkmatic’s credibility with large manufacturing and food companies that value consistent, damage‑free, and on‑time deliveries.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Bulkmatic… This honor is the result of our employees’ dedication, especially our drivers and safety teams, who work every day to protect people, freight, and reputation.”

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Bridging Operational Excellence

While Kravas spent eight years ensuring disciplined growth and strategic investments, Strauss’s promotion signals the next stage of Bulkmatic’s evolution: tight integration of big-data analytics, telematics, and digital workflows that promise sharper visibility and efficiency across the operation. On a day‑to‑day basis, Bulkmatic’s site managers, dispatch teams, and drivers will align under a more cohesive digital framework. Expected outcomes include:

• Optimized Scheduling: automated load‑matching platforms that minimize empty miles and better align driver schedules with highest‑demand routes.
• Data‑Driven Maintenance: smart sensors monitoring tire pressure, brake wear, and fluid levels to prevent breakdowns or roadside incidents.
• Expedited Cross‑Border Processes: enhanced communication with customs authorities and rail partners so that bulk shipments face fewer bottlenecks, driving faster throughput.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Mexican Intermodal Projects

A $250 million terminal in Nuevo León signals bold bets on near‑shoring. Bulkmatic de Mexico is building a new terminal in Pesquería, Nuevo León, Mexico. | Credit: ©GOVERNMENT OF NUEVO LEON

The firm’s aggressive expansion in Mexico centers on the new Pesquería intermodal terminal in Nuevo León, near Monterrey. With an initial investment of US $250 million, Bulkmatic expects to create 2,300 direct and indirect jobs. This 100‑hectare facility aims to handle approximately 1,300 railcars at a time, offering advanced storage solutions for various commodities.

Lastly, keep current on rail‑to‑truck innovations via our dedicated intermodal transport coverage.

“The Pesquería terminal will become one of the largest bulk logistics terminals in Mexico, with capacity for up to two unit trains, advanced grain silos, petrochemical tanks, and direct links to CPKC and Ferromex rail networks—reshaping regional supply chains for a new era of nearshoring.”

• Strategic Rail Connections: direct links to CPKC and Ferromex bolster cross‑border efficiency.
• Storage Infrastructure: grain silos, petrochemical tanks, hazardous‑materials warehouses, and a large yard for steel and automotive storage.
• Planned Completion: the terminal is set to begin operations by Q2 2026, laying groundwork for Bulkmatic to capture growing volumes from nearshoring efforts in the region.

Because many manufacturers increasingly shift production to Mexico, Bulkmatic stands to solidify its role as a critical conduit for raw materials and finished goods flowing between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Analysts see the Bulkmatic leadership transition and this sizeable infrastructure commitment as tightly linked steps in elevating Bulkmatic’s profile among top‑tier bulk‑logistics providers.

For developments specific to cross‑border freight and near‑shoring, see our updates on logistics developments in Mexico.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Service Portfolio Evolution

Beyond trucking and rail transloading, Bulkmatic has diversified its capabilities to include Bulkmatic Solutions, an in‑house brokerage for dry bulk. This service allows Bulkmatic to provide coverage for shippers even when its own fleet capacity is fully tapped, functioning as a one‑stop solution. The brokerage gives customers:

• Nationwide Reach: shippers can outsource dry‑bulk loads to vetted partner carriers across all regions of North America.
• Flexible Capacity: customers tap either contract or spot‑market options, depending on scheduling and pricing needs.
• Integrated Visibility: Bulkmatic Solutions incorporates the same telematics backbone, offering unified load tracking and central points of contact.

We maintain an ongoing series of reports on market dynamics in the dry‑bulk logistics sector.

This move expands the Bulkmatic ecosystem, ensuring shippers’ high‑capacity or emergency requirements do not outpace the company’s internal assets. As president, Strauss will likely prioritize continuous enhancements to the brokerage platform, strengthening Bulkmatic’s position as a comprehensive supply‑chain partner.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Industry Outlook and Market Impact

The Bulkmatic leadership transition happens at a time when the trucking sector is grappling with rising insurance rates, driver shortages, and ongoing regulatory changes. Yet Bulkmatic’s strong safety record and methodical adoption of telematics help curb insurance premiums and reduce turnover—affording greater financial flexibility for expansions like the Pesquería terminal.

Why Bulkmatic’s Safety Strategy Delivers Competitive Advantages

Safety in trucking is not just a moral responsibility; it is a business differentiator. Carriers with strong safety cultures often enjoy:

1. Lower Insurance Costs: proven telematics data can demonstrate lower risk, reducing premiums.
2. Higher Driver Retention: safe carriers attract seasoned drivers more likely to stay long‑term.
3. Customer Trust: shippers dealing with sensitive cargoes (food, chemicals) gravitate toward carriers that ensure product integrity and minimal downtime.

Internal succession keeps family ownership steady while strategies evolve.

By incorporating advanced analytics to predict and prevent accidents, Bulkmatic aligns its day‑to‑day operations with broader corporate goals. The ATA President’s Trophy further cements Bulkmatic’s credibility in a world where major brand manufacturers prize safety records and consistent reliability.

The Role of Digital Transformation Post‑Transition

Bulkmatic’s “digital transformation” is no mere buzzword. With Strauss—whose background includes software‑development oversight at Hub Group—digitization efforts are set to intensify. Possible developments include:

• Customizable Shipper Portals: automated quoting, scheduling, and invoice reconciliation.
• IoT‑Integrated Trailers: smart sensors for temperature, humidity, and load levels in real time.
• Driver Engagement Platforms: gamified applications that incentivize safe driving and timely reporting of equipment issues.

Each innovation aims to reduce friction—whether in day‑to‑day dispatch or long‑haul strategic planning. By weaving technology into every layer, from dispatch to maintenance to billing, Bulkmatic seeks to outmaneuver competition still reliant on dated legacy systems.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Cross‑Border Synergy

Cross‑border freight movements remain a significant growth arena under the USMCA framework. Bulkmatic’s deepening foothold in Mexico via 14 terminals—along with the upcoming Pesquería megaterminal—facilitates convenient transloading from rail to truck, crucial for hauling grains, plastics, and other bulk commodities. As manufacturing activity continues to shift from Asia toward North America, logistics providers with robust cross‑border infrastructure will likely gain market share.

You can follow large‑scale build‑outs shaping the supply chain through our section on logistics infrastructure projects.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Sustainability and Future Perspectives

Environmental sustainability is emerging as another factor shaping trucking’s competitive and regulatory landscape. Bulkmatic has begun exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint:

• Low‑Emission Engines: piloting cleaner diesel engines with improved exhaust‑treatment systems.
• Fuel‑Efficiency Incentives: driver scorecards that reward fuel‑saving maneuvers, speed management, and idle reduction.
• Modal Shifts: collaborations with railroads to shift long‑haul portions of bulk cargo, reducing overall carbon intensity.

Strauss’s technology‑first approach may accelerate Bulkmatic’s push to adopt and scale these initiatives—especially as certain shippers request greener supply‑chain partners.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Q&A

• “Who is Ryan Strauss at Bulkmatic?”
  Ryan Strauss is the newly appointed President of Bulkmatic Transport, promoted from CIO in March 2025.
• “What changes come with the Bulkmatic leadership transition?”
  A stronger emphasis on digital transformation, safety technology, and cross‑border expansion under Ryan Strauss.
• “Why is Bulkmatic investing in Pesquería?”
  Pesquería, Nuevo León, offers strategic rail access (CPKC/Ferromex) and proximity to industrial hubs, supporting Bulkmatic’s nearshoring strategy.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition: Final Outlook

The Bulkmatic leadership transition elevates a technology‑centric executive at a juncture when safety, digital innovation, and cross‑border expansion are critical to success in dry‑bulk logistics. Building upon Chris Kravas’s foundational leadership, Ryan Strauss inherits a robust legacy of disciplined growth, strong safety metrics, and a reputation for reliability. With ambitious plans to invest over $600 million in Mexican infrastructure, Bulkmatic appears poised to sustain momentum, capturing new markets and fortifying existing customer relationships.

By weaving telematics and predictive analytics into everyday operations, the company aims to enhance both driver experiences and shipper satisfaction. These concerted efforts could bolster Bulkmatic’s resilience against industry headwinds, from regulatory shifts to labor constraints. In an increasingly competitive logistics market, a cohesive focus on technology, safety, and nearshoring infrastructure ensures that Bulkmatic continues to evolve as a trusted partner for bulk‑freight movement across North America.

Ultimately, the Bulkmatic leadership transition positions the carrier for long‑term success. The rising prominence of regional supply chains—coupled with an unrelenting push for safety, efficiency, and sustainability—underscores Bulkmatic’s strategic direction. For customers seeking a dependable bulk‑trucking and rail‑transloading partner, Bulkmatic’s new leadership affirms the company’s commitment to delivering industry‑leading service grounded in innovation, operational excellence, and a well‑established safety culture.

Bulkmatic Solutions extends capacity beyond its 1,500‑trailer fleet.

Bulkmatic Leadership Transition – Key Developments

• Ryan Strauss promoted from CIO to President on March 26, 2025, ensuring continuity and accelerating digital transformation.
• Fleet‑wide telematics and video coaching cut risky‑driving incidents by 87 % and boost fuel economy by 3 %.
• Bulkmatic wins the ATA President’s Trophy, becoming the first dry‑bulk carrier to earn trucking’s highest safety honor.
• US $250 million Pesquería, Nuevo León, terminal breaks ground—100 hectares, 1 300‑car capacity, operational Q2 2026.
• Bulkmatic Solutions brokerage expands nationwide dry‑bulk capacity with unified tracking for partner carriers.
• Ten‑year plan allocates US $600 million in Mexican infrastructure, reinforcing Bulkmatic’s cross‑border logistics network.

Resources for Deeper Insight

• Leadership overview: read Bulkmatic’s official announcement, “Strauss Named President as Kravas Retires,” on PR Newswire / PRWeb.
• National safety recognition: see the ATA release detailing 2025 President’s Trophy winners on trucking.org.
• Mexican expansion details: explore the MEXICONOW report on Bulkmatic’s US $250 million Pesquería terminal.
• Grain‑sector perspective: review coverage of the new Nuevo León terminal at World‑Grain.com.
• North American rail context: consult the CPKC overview of its intermodal network spanning Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
• Video‑based safety program: examine the SmartDrive press release on Bulkmatic’s fleet‑wide safety analytics.
• Regulatory framework: access FMCSA’s official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations portal for current safety rules.
• Near‑shoring trends: read the CSIS analysis, “Insights on the Mexican Near‑Shoring Landscape,” at csis.org.