The Advantage of Flexibility in Logistics

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Read Executive Vice President – Integrated Services & Logistics Joel Pastorek‘s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing why flexibility is so important in the logistics industry.

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It’s easy to overlook logistics when everything is working the way that it should. 

Most people don’t realize how much of daily life depends on it. Goods don’t simply show up where they’re needed. They are moved, stored, coordinated and delivered by people doing work that is often out of sight, but always required. 

But when it’s not working, you notice it quickly. Businesses, communities, families and individuals feel it when something they rely on doesn’t show up when it should.  

Efficiency has always been the focus in logistics, and for good reason. But at some point, efficiency alone isn’t enough. Systems have to be able to adjust when conditions change. That’s where flexibility starts to matter, and where it has to work alongside efficiency. 

And when it comes to customers, their needs shift. Markets move. Disruptions happen, sometimes without much warning. When they do, the questions become straightforward: Can your business still deliver, and can your customers count on you? 

Not in Theory — In Practice 

Flexibility shows up in how the work is built. 

Some companies don’t focus on flexibility until something breaks. A supplier changes, a route is disrupted or demand shifts faster than expected. At that point, flexibility isn’t a strategy, it determines whether you are viable and have another way forward. 

For logistics providers, that often comes down to how diversified and connected the network really is — not on paper, but in practice. 

For Ergon, that shows up in how our companies operate together. Storage, transportation and coordination aren’t separate efforts. They are tied to each other. 

Across terminals and through assets like trucks, rail, pipelines, barges and marine vessels, the focus stays the same: move product safely, on time and on spec. The equipment is only part of the equation. 

Behind the equipment is a whole operation of people managing the details — planning routes, making adjustments, coordinating across teams and making sure each step lines up with the next. It’s not always easy, but it’s what keeps things moving when conditions aren’t ideal. 

That structure creates options. When conditions change, you need them. 

More Than One Way to Deliver 

The same idea applies outside of logistics. 

Some businesses have a core focus, and that matters. But relying on a single path or way of operating can create risk. Diversification gives you more than one way to meet customer needs when conditions change. Diversification can come from various modes of transportation services, but it can also come from scale. Scale can allow you to pull resources from numerous locations on short notice in emergency situations. This became critical for our Ergon team in March as the Iran conflict caused panic buying and constrained rail availability. We were able to pull from our diverse locations to meet the needs of our customers in the regions most impacted by this market volatility.   

It was good to have those options, but having options isn’t enough on its own. 

Managing them well is what makes the difference. Clarity, coordination and accountability determine whether a network actually performs the way it should. Without that, added capability can turn into unnecessary complexity. 

When it’s working, customers don’t see the moving parts. What they see is consistency. They know what to expect, even when conditions aren’t steady. 

In those environments, consistency matters. 

What Holds 

Flexibility isn’t something you create in the moment. It’s built strategically ahead of time — in how systems are designed, how teams operate and how decisions are made. 

It’s also about the people like drivers, operators, dispatchers, planners and others who keep things moving every day. 

Their work is often behind the scenes, but the impact isn’t. 

If you have the opportunity, take a moment to thank someone in logistics. There’s a good chance their work played a role in something you relied on today. 

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love

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At Ergon, we are a family company. Through impactful service, community outreach and even casual conversations in the halls, we foster a culture that reflects what family means — support, connection and care. For many of us, those values are deeply personal and often shaped by real-life experiences, including adoption.

In this episode of Ergon Talks, The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love, we explore how adoption reflects the many ways families are formed and strengthened. In Part 1, host Stephanie Poole sits down with Dwayne Johnson and Hunter Ainsworth to share how adoption has impacted their lives and families in meaningful ways. In Part 2, the conversation continues with Lee Lampton, who reflects on our Founder, Leslie Lampton Sr., and the role family played in shaping the culture that defines Ergon today. This series highlights the realities many individuals and families face, offering a space to connect, learn and better understand the experiences that shape our people, our culture and our commitment to one another. Click HERE to listen.

You can also listen to Ergon Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love Part 1

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

 

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love Part 2

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Meet Ergon’s First Female Marine Pilot – Beverly Ahner

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From grocery hand to the helm of the boat, Beverly Ahner’s journey as part of Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply Inc. (EMIS) is a story of hard work, determination and the opportunities that can arise when someone is willing to step up and take on new challenges. Since joining Ergon in June 2022, Ahner has shown an incredible ability to grow and learn, making her a source of inspiration for her coworkers and community.

Ahner began her maritime career in an entry-level position at the EMIS grocery store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She spent her days pulling orders, stocking shelves and filling pallets. Her willingness to learn and contribute led her to apply for a role in the dispatch office, where her dedication and adaptability stood out to her supervisors. “She was really quick with the training, took off with it — real fast learner with a really hard work ethic,” said Chris Maxwell, Vice President of Marine Operations.

While working in dispatch, she interacted with EMIS pilots regularly and became fascinated with their work, so much so that she expressed interest to her manager, who guided her on a new career path. “I never dreamed I would be doing something like this,” said Ahner, who spent time, even on her off days, learning the towboat business. When the opportunity to work as a deckhand on a crew boat came up, Ahner eagerly applied and quickly adapted to the role, gaining hands-on experience and eventually learning how to operate the boat. Even as she took on new responsibilities, Ahner continued to support her team in dispatch, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and teamwork.

Her hard work eventually led to her earning a 100-ton master license, allowing her to pilot vessels weighing a minimum of 100 tons. The license required one year of service on the water, a 10-day training program covering navigation, mechanics and safety, and passing multiple challenging exams. Passing all the tests on the first attempt — a rare accomplishment — was a testament to Ahner’s perseverance and focus.

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Now, she’s earned the distinction of becoming Ergon’s first female marine pilot. She captains the M/V Big Valley, the boat where she learned the trade. “She’s earned this, and her coworkers are all big, big fans of her success,” Maxwell said. Not only is Ahner’s Ergon family proud, but her family is as well. “Many of my family members are in this business,” said Ahner. “They supported me every step of the way when I told them this was something I wanted to pursue.” Ahner also noted the feeling of accomplishment that’s validated by her children who sing her praises while in school: “My kids go to school and tell all their teachers, ‘My mama’s the first female pilot.’ Just to see them so happy about it is truly amazing.”

By celebrating Ahner’s achievement, Ergon hopes to highlight the many opportunities available in the marine industry and inspire others in the community to consider careers on the river. “We hope her story shows that the river is for everyone and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to create a career out here,” Maxwell said.

Ahner’s story is one of persistence and growth, supported by a workplace that values hard work and determination. “She’s a really good example of what Mr. Lampton would’ve called an Ergonaut,” Maxwell added. “She’s still young in her tenure, but she’s well on her way. She’s a success story that we’re all proud to see.”

Ergon is grateful to play a part in Ahner’s journey, and we look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead.

How Three Agencies Set the Standard for Pavement Preservation

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As agencies across the country work to do more with limited budgets, pavement preservation has become a critical strategy for extending roadway life and maintaining performance. The right treatment applied to the right road at the right time can deliver measurable savings, improve safety and minimize disruption to the traveling public.  

Nominated by Ergon in late 2025, three agencies — the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the City of Starkville, Mississippi — earned national recognition for their work in advancing pavement preservation. Though their challenges and approaches differ, each demonstrates how thoughtful planning and execution can produce lasting results. 

NMDOT: A Long-Term Commitment to Delivering Results  

NMDOT received the 2026 ISSA Pavement Preservation & Sustainability Award for their sustained use of preservation technologies as part of a broader network strategy. Guided by their mission, “Mobility for Everyone,” the agency has built a program focused on efficiency, consistency and statewide impact.  

A cornerstone of that effort is NMDOT’s in-house chip sealing program, which prioritizes secondary and rural roads. These roadways often see the greatest benefit from cost-effective treatments, and NMDOT’s approach reflects that reality. Treating roughly 1,000 miles each year, the agency estimates savings of approximately $18,000 per lane mile due to the in-house nature of its chip seal program.  

NMDOT’s continued success is the result of nearly four decades of commitment to pavement preservation. The agency continues to share best practices at industry conferences and reinforces quality through internal initiatives such as their annual Chip Seal Quality Awards.  

“Their passion for their program is inspiring. NMDOT’s commitment to going the extra mile has set the standard for how an agency can serve local communities in cost-efficient, unobtrusive ways.” – Mo Rahman, P.E., Technical Marketing Manager – Pacific West for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions (Ergon A&E) 

ALDOT: Extending Service Life Through Innovation  

ALDOT earned the 2026 ISSA Preservation Performance Award for their use of highly modified micro surfacing to extend pavement life on the heavily trafficked Interstate 59.  

The agency first explored this approach in 2017 with a demonstration project — the first application of highly modified micro surfacing on an interstate in Alabama. After confirming its effectiveness, ALDOT expanded the treatment to additional roadways, including 18 miles of oxidized and raveled pavement along Interstate 59 in 2024.  

Across these applications, the results have been consistent, with ALDOT maintaining good surface friction while increasing the expected service life of treated roadways by 7 to 9 years at minimum. These extended lifecycles translate directly into cost savings and allow the agency to reinvest in additional preservation efforts across their network.  

“The ALDOT team is always looking to innovate, keep roads in good condition and keep drivers safe. They look ahead, and there’s a real commitment to pavement preservation in everything they do.” – Matt Jeffers, Technical Marketing Manager – Ergon A&E 

Starkville: Building a Citywide Program From the Ground Up  

The City of Starkville has shown that even new programs can deliver significant results when backed by data-driven plans. In 2026, Starkville earned both the AEMA Past Presidents’ Award for Emulsion Excellence and the ISSA Excellence in Pavement Preservation Award.  

Before launching their program, Starkville took a deliberate, research-centered approach to the early stages of planning. City leaders visited other Mississippi communities with established preservation programs and partnered with a consulting firm to assess their entire roadway network. That upfront investment shaped a strategy designed for long-term success.  

In 2024, Starkville treated 31.3 lane miles using treatments such as highly modified micro surfacing, rejuvenating scrub seals, crack seals and fog seals. The city expanded those efforts in 2025, continuing to utilize pavement preservation techniques to add an estimated 379 lane-mile-years to their network.  

“We’re excited, not only for the results we’ve already seen, but about the future, too. Our teams see a lot of potential when it comes to the pavement preservation program. It’s going to set us up for a lot of success when it comes to cutting costs while still maintaining quality.” – Cody Burnett, P.E., City of Starkville City Engineer.  

Starkville also placed a strong emphasis on communication within the community. Residents were kept informed through a dedicated webpage, letters, social media updates, press releases, yard signs with QR codes to the webpage, door hangers and a mass notification system. This level of transparency helped set expectations and build public support for ongoing work.  

“Starkville has set the standard for a pavement preservation program. They recognized they had a need and understood the benefits of looking at the network as a whole. What makes Starkville unique is their extensive communication to the community on why road work is being done and what they should expect during the project — they’re the perfect example of a pavement preservation program done right.” – Amy Walker, Ergon A&E Area Sales Manager.

A Shared Approach to Lasting Success  

While each agency’s strategy is tailored to their specific needs, a common pattern emerges — successful pavement preservation programs are proactive, communicative, data-driven and systematically implemented.  

NMDOT continually demonstrates the value of long-term commitment and statewide coordination, while ALDOT highlights how innovation can extend service life and maximize investment. In Starkville, diligent planning and community engagement show how even a newer program can accelerate success.   

Together, these examples illustrate what’s possible when agencies take a strategic approach to preservation. Agencies can get more life out of their roads, improve safety and deliver real value to the communities they serve. For teams facing the challenging combination of aging infrastructure, increased public expectations and effectively shrinking budgets, these award-winning agencies show what can be accomplished when you trade reactive repairs for proactive planning.   

Learn more about how award-winning agencies use Ergon’s solutions here.   

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, April 10, 2026.

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrene Process Oils will increase by $0.55 per gallon

We are closely monitoring developments within the Middle East and will provide pricing updates as needed in a timely manner.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon México Joins Unidos for a Community Rally Day

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Doing Right, the Ergon Way 
By: José Leal, Vice President of Sales – Latin America

Imagine spending a Rally Day with your family and friends. Picture crossing the “Amazon River” together, navigating obstacles using only your suitcases — holding tightly to prevent the strong current from sweeping them away. Then envision solving a complex maze as a team in complete silence, communicating only through signs. Now imagine becoming a “Ninja,” jumping, crawling and running against the clock to secure valuable prizes.

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The only rule: Every single team member must participate — and have fun. This is certainly not a typical day at the office, but an unforgettable one for Ergon México.

Unidos is a nonprofit association in Mexico dedicated to promoting the full integration of people with special needs into the community through meaningful activities. Their mission is to foster a culture of empathy, respect and participation.

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From the moment the Rally Day event began, our Ergon México Community Reach Team was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. Participants were eager to take on every activity we had prepared. No challenge seemed impossible. As we developed strategies and completed each stage, we were deeply moved by the reflections and words of wisdom shared by the participants about what they had learned.

Their joy was genuine and heartfelt. The gratitude expressed toward the Ergon México Team and our families resonated profoundly with all of us. It was an experience that touched our hearts and reminded us why community engagement matters.

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Unidos hosted a Sensitivity Workshop for our team to better understand how to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals with special needs. This experience encouraged honest reflection, strengthened our awareness and reinforced our commitment to inclusion.

Giving back to our community — offering our time, the most valuable gift we can share — had a lasting impact on us and our families. Looking back on that day brings us right back to those moments when we lived out Ergon’s Core Values of Empowered Service and Respectful Relationships at their very best.

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Special thanks to the Ergon México Community Reach Team — Eva De Garay, Perla Peloche and Jazmin Bernardino — for their enthusiasm and dedication in organizing this meaningful initiative. We are already looking forward to the next one.

Mississippi Students Visit Ergon Asia Facility

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In December 2025, 11 University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students and faculty boarded a plane for an unforgettable opportunity to tour Ergon Asia — gaining insights into the oil and gas industry and learning why engineering and supply chain professions are vital.

“It’s impactful to see how Ergon has successfully expanded its reach overseas. Observing its international presence gave me a new perspective on how interconnected global markets operate,” said Tyneah Buckley, a junior electrical engineering major at Ole Miss. She hails from the Magnolia State Capital — Jackson, Mississippi.

As part of Ergon’s commitment to invest in future leaders, our company partners with an international program, Global Academic Ventures, which coordinates educational industry tours around the world.

“We welcome opportunities to engage with schools and universities whenever there’s a strong educational purpose,” said Henry Chua, Operations Manager for Ergon Asia. “Our goal is to provide students with firsthand exposure into how international companies operate and to inspire them to consider the many career paths available in industries like ours.”

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Touring Ergon Asia
Amid the excitement of the curious group of students arriving at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, Phyllicia Ong, Marketing Specialist for Ergon Asia, reflected on their enthusiasm from the moment she and Henry picked them up to head to the facility.

“I distinctly remember a student speaking up and sharing what she knew of Ergon’s history and operations,” she said. “That set the tone for the tour. From the start, it was clear the students were eager to understand how a global business like Ergon operates, even thousands of miles from our Mississippi headquarters.”

After arriving at Ergon Asia, the students met the terminal team, viewed a mandatory safety video and attended presentations offering a comprehensive overview of operations, logistics and the supply chain processes that connect to our global network.

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“Seeing the students deeply engaged in the presentations and some furiously scribbling notes showed their genuine interest in what goes on behind the scenes,” Phyllicia said.

The tour then continued on foot.

“They saw where we blend and store the oil, and they met the terminal team. We also explained how we manage customer relationships, navigate international regulations and adapt to shifting market demands,” Henry added.

The experience was designed not only to highlight the technical side of our operations, but also how we strive to meet needs and serve customers with strategic decision-making every day.

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“The students were completely absorbed — taking in towering storage tanks, some with heating elements; the massive loading and unloading area for ships; and a sprawling, highly sophisticated network of pipes feeding products into storage,” Phyllicia added.

The Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship partners with Ergon through its family business initiatives. Tong Meng, Director of Programs at the center and study abroad faculty member, shared her excitement about students touring a third-generation Mississippi-based company.

“It was an eye-opening and transformative experience for many of them,” Tong said. “It showed that it’s not just companies from big cities on the coast that can have a global presence. This demonstrated that Mississippi-based companies like Ergon can compete, adapt and lead globally.”

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Building a Generation of Industry Leaders
Investing in youth education and our future talent pipeline doesn’t begin when someone joins the Ergon family — it starts much earlier.

“Our industry is dynamic, innovative and full of opportunities,” said Lance Puckett, Executive Vice President – Energy & Specialty Solutions. “I hope these students see how our work touches communities everywhere — fueled by collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. Those qualities will serve them well no matter where their careers take them. By engaging with future leaders, we’re investing in the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of energy and specialty solutions.”

“Real-world operations involve logistical, financial and operational challenges that add complexity beyond what textbooks can capture. Learning about this has kindled my interest in pursuing international career opportunities,” Tyneah said.

By providing hands-on experiences, we help students connect the dots between classroom learning and real-world application — providing them with an understanding that goes far beyond the textbook.

Magnolia Marine Transport Company Expands Fleet of Towboats and Barges

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Magnolia Marine Transport Company Expands Fleet of Towboats and Barges

March 10, 2026

Vicksburg, Miss. — Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT) has expanded our fleet with the addition of three towboats and nine barges.

Established in 1968, MMT operates one of the largest heated petroleum transportation fleets in the United States. This fleet expansion increases our capacity to meet customer needs on the waterways.

“The addition of assets to our fleet speaks to our commitment and strengthens our ability to serve our customers at the highest level,” said Jacob Dykes, President of MMT.

MMT’s new vessels will create additional jobs, as crews are established to staff the fleet’s new assets. MMT supports the Purposeful Growth of employees and offers a rewarding career path from green deckhand to captain, as well as competitive benefits.

“By investing in the ongoing growth of our fleet, we can continue to provide the level of dependable and flexible service our customers expect from us,” said Dykes. “Every new vessel and crew member plays a part in that.”

As a member of the Ergon family of companies, MMT is committed to Ergon’s mission of meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers.

About Ergon
Founded in 1954, Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics, of which MMT is a part.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
Kathy.Potts@ergon.com
ergon.com

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2026

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, March 13, 2026.

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrene Process Oils will increase by $0.45 per gallon

We are closely monitoring developments within the Middle East and will provide pricing updates as needed in a timely manner.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon Sales and Supply Chain Advisory Amid Middle East Disruptions

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As security developments in the Middle East continue to affect key transportation corridors, Ergon is actively managing our global supply chain to maintain reliable service for customers worldwide.

Recent airspace restrictions and evolving maritime conditions, including uncertainty surrounding vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted certain freight routes. At this time, there is limited visibility regarding the duration of these conditions or how vessel operators may respond once routes reopen. As a result, customers may experience schedule adjustments, extended transit times or selective rerouting of shipments in portions of the region.

Ergon’s global network remains fully operational, with shipments continuing from facilities across the Americas, Europe and Asia. All primary supply lines remain active and are supported by regional logistics teams working closely with shipping partners. We are closely monitoring developments, coordinating contingency plans with carriers and working directly with customers to review forecasts and prioritize deliveries where needed.

The safety of our employees, partners and their families remains our top priority. While conditions in parts of the region remain fluid, Ergon is taking proactive steps to protect supply continuity and minimize disruption to our customers.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.