Richmond, VA—Estes Chief Information Officer Todd Florence was recently named CIO of the Year by the Richmond Technology Council at its annual rvatech/Gala. The award recognizes technology leaders whose vision and innovation create competitive advantages, optimize business processes, drive growth, and strengthen customer relations.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from the Richmond Technology Council,” said Florence. “This award reflects the incredible work of my entire team at Estes, who continually rise to the challenge of using technology to make our operations more effective and efficient for our employees and customers.”
Under Florence’s leadership, Estes has built a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by adopting artificial intelligence (AI), AI-driven tools, and Agile software delivery practices. For example, Estes leverages the AI and machine learning capabilities of Optym’s LiveHaul, RouteMax, and DockAI solutions to improve planning, coordinate operations in real time, and enhance customer service—all while using its equipment, facilities, and resources efficiently.
Estes also offers an industry-leading suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that give customers greater visibility and connectivity across platforms. And Estes’ Citizen Development program empowers its technical teams and tech-savvy business users to automate workflows, streamline processes, and improve employee user experience—freeing teams to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
“Technology plays a vital role in every part of our business, and Todd’s leadership has helped position Estes at the forefront of innovation in our industry,” said President and COO Webb Estes. “We’re proud of Todd’s accomplishments and grateful for his dedication to advancing both our technology and our customer experience.”
The Richmond Technology Council’s annual rvatech/Gala is the premier event celebrating central Virginia’s technology community, honoring individuals and organizations that are driving innovation and growth across the region. All award winners can be viewed here.
About Estes
Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America's freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees, Estes always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional experiences that keep its customers coming back. The carrier’s comprehensive freight shipping solutions include Less Than Truckload (LTL), Volume LTL and Truckload, Time Critical Guaranteed, Custom Shipping and Logistics, and Final Mile. From short-haul to global freight forwarding—Estes does it all.
About Richmond Technology Council
The Richmond Technology Council (RVATECH) is a member-driven association of businesses and organizations working together to ensure the continued growth of Greater Richmond’s dynamic technology-based economy.
