Total Quality Logistics will open its newest 8,125-square-foot facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. A third-party freight brokerage firm, Total Quality Logistics will create 97 new direct jobs at the facility over the next 10 years.

“Our new office on Gravier Street puts us in the heart of the Big Easy. Not only will the location help attract prospective employees but it gives Total Quality Logistics a chance to contribute to the prosperity of this historic city,” Total Quality Logistics President Kerry Byrne said. “TQL’s culture is very similar to the culture, diversity and energy that is associated with the city of New Orleans. Our employees are also highly engaged in giving back to their communities, and look forward to making many positive contributions as our workforce there continues to grow.”

For the launch of New Orleans operations, TQL will relocate a founding team of approximately five associates from other locations to establish the new office and begin hiring immediately. The new office is set to begin commercial operations at the site in June 2017.

As a third-party freight brokerage firm, the company connects freight shipment requests from customers to a network of independent carriers with available capacity. As a brokerage firm, TQL does not handle tangible properties at any point during the coordination or shipping process, and 75 percent of the company’s workforce serves as sales brokers making inbound and outbound calls, connecting customers and their respective freights to available carriers. In total, the company generated sales exceeding $2.3 billion in 2016.

“We proudly welcome Total Quality Logistics to Louisiana, and we are thrilled they have identified New Orleans as a strategic addition to their list of office locations,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “With its bustling ports and unrivaled shipping logistics, New Orleans is an ideal location for TQL’s freight brokerage office. Additionally, TQL’s generous spirit of community involvement will find itself at home in this legendary city and the unique culture of Louisiana. On behalf of our people, I extend best wishes for TQL’s success as the company begins this new chapter.”

To secure the company’s new investment in New Orleans, the state offered TQL a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart, the top-ranked state workforce development program. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs program.