Established
2007
Franchise Units
57
Minimum Investment
$39,500
Franchise Fee
$22,000
Total Investment Range
$181,250
Home Based
No
Description
BlueGrace Logistics stands as a prominent third-party logistics (3PL) provider in the United States, offering innovative freight and supply chain solutions to businesses nationwide. Established in 2007 by Bobby Harris, the company has revolutionized logistics through its proprietary technology, BlueShip®, and a client-centric approach. Initially launched as a franchise in 2011, BlueGrace expanded rapidly, boasting nearly 57 locations across the country by 2016 .
However, as of February 2024, BlueGrace Logistics has ceased offering new franchise opportunities . Despite this, the company's legacy and impact on the logistics industry remain significant, making it a noteworthy case study for prospective investors interested in the logistics and supply chain sector.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in BlueGrace Logistics offered several compelling advantages:
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Proven Business Model: Leveraging the BlueShip® platform, franchisees could streamline operations and enhance customer service.
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Comprehensive Support: From initial training to ongoing operational assistance, BlueGrace provided robust support to its franchisees.
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Established Brand: With a strong national presence, franchisees benefited from brand recognition and a loyal customer base.
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Technological Edge: The company's investment in technology ensured that franchisees remained competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Background
Founded: 2007
Franchising Since: 2011
Headquarters: Riverview (Tampa Bay area), Florida
Founder: Bobby Harris
Current Ownership: Private (Significant investment from Warburg Pincus in 2016)
Industry Category: 3PL / Freight Brokerage / Transportation Management
Market Presence: National (USA-wide coverage)
Active Units: 57
The Brand Journey: Bobby Harris founded BlueGrace with a vision to bring transparency to the fragmented trucking industry. The company skyrocketed in its early years, ranking as the #1 fastest-growing transportation company on the Inc. 500 list in 2012. Over the years, BlueGrace has evolved through massive capital infusions and strategic acquisitions, ensuring the brand stays at the cutting edge of AI-driven logistics and supply chain analytics.
Support Training
BlueGrace is famous for its "Blue" culture, which extends deeply into how they support their franchise partners. They provide a comprehensive ecosystem rather than just a manual.
Pre-Launch & Academic Training
Classroom Training: Typically involves an intensive 5-day session at the corporate headquarters in Florida, covering the "Logistics 101" basics, sales strategies, and software mastery.
BlueShip Certification: Deep-dive training on the proprietary TMS so you can demonstrate value to clients immediately.
Operational & Marketing Support
Carrier Relations: You don't have to vet carriers yourself. You leverage BlueGrace’s pre-vetted network of over 23,000+ carriers.
Marketing Toolkit: Access to professionally designed collateral, digital marketing assets, and lead generation strategies.
Back-Office Integration: Corporate handles much of the "heavy lifting" regarding billing, credit checks for shippers, and carrier payments, allowing you to focus on sales.
Ongoing Support
Dedicated Franchise Advisor: Regular check-ins to review KPIs and growth strategies.
Annual Conferences & Webinars: Stay updated on industry trends, new software features, and peer-to-peer networking.
Ideal Candidate
BlueGrace is a sales and consultation business. The most successful franchisees aren't necessarily "truck people"—they are business people.
The Sales Hunter: You should have a background in B2B sales or a high degree of comfort in business development and networking.
The Analytical Thinker: A passion for data-driven results is key, as you will be showing clients how to save money through logistics audits.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: You need the drive to build a team. While you can start small, the goal is to grow into a professional office setup.
Financial Capability: A net worth of at least $100,000 with liquid assets to cover the initial ramp-up period.
Location Preference: While work-from-home is possible initially, a professional office in a commercial hub is preferred as you scale.
Financial Detail
- Initial Franchise Fee: $22,000 – $82,500
- Initial Investment: $39,500 – $181,250
- Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
- Cash Requirement: $100,000
- Veteran Incentives: 15% off franchise fee
- Royalty Fee: 15–19%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 2%
- Term of Agreement: 5 years
- Is Franchise Term Renewable?: Yes