NEW ORLEANS — QCS Logistics Founder Ronald “Ronnie” V. Burns, Sr., received his industry’s highest award from the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) – Induction into the CLDA Hall of Fame. The award was presented at the association’s annual meeting in New Orleans in recognition of his 34 years of service to the industry.
Burns founded New Orleans courier and logistics company QCS Logistics, formerly Quick Courier Services, in 1984. He was a founding member of the Messenger and Courier Association, today the CLDA, and in 1992 became its first African American board member. He is chairman and chief executive officer of QCS Logistics, having named his son Jason G. Burns, Sr., QCS president in 2017.
“This award is presented annually to a CLDA member who is known and respected by his peers and who has made noteworthy contributions to advancing the customized logistics and delivery industry,” says CLDA Executive Director Shawn Swearingen. “Ronnie has been a leader both in his own community and in our industry, and he has guided many of our members in the ever-changing field of customized logistics.”
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, which recently celebrated its 31st year, is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves 3,500 members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers and third-party logistics companies (3PLs).
“Being recognized by my peers in the industry is a privilege, and it is especially meaningful to receive this honor in the city where I live and work,” Burns said. “This award wouldn’t be possible without my incredibly dedicated family and staff, and I am grateful for their support and hard work over the last 34 years. I want to thank the CLDA Board of Directors for selecting me, and I’m deeply honored to be in such good company among the other Hall of Fame members.”
Burns has been an advocate for his industry and an active member of the CLDA for much of the association’s 31-year history. Burns has mentored countless individuals seeking advice on the transportation industry, and he and QCS are known nationally in the courier and logistics industry. He has spearheaded several initiatives to promote positive independent contractor legislation at the local and federal levels and has been a consistent contributor to the CLDA Advocacy Fund since its inception. Additionally, Burns was instrumental in bringing the annual conference to his hometown of New Orleans in 1994 where then Mayor Marc Morial honored the CLDA with a “key to the city.” The company’s current president, Jason Burns, is now a board member and 2nd vice president of the CLDA.
Ronnie and Sheila Burns started QCS Logistics in New Orleans in 1984 with just three employees. Today, QCS uses the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide parcel delivery, medical courier services and customized logistics management services throughout the Gulf South, making more than 1,000 deliveries per day.
Under Burns’ leadership, QCS has grown into one of the largest courier companies as well as the largest minority-owned and -operated company in Louisiana, ranking as an Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Private Company" for four consecutive years.
In addition, Burns is president of Global Parking Systems, a national airport parking management company, and president of BMG Enterprises, a consulting firm that specializes in business development and government relationships.
An active member of the New Orleans community, Burns serves on numerous civic and charitable boards, including as treasurer and a member of the Board of Trustees at Dillard University, member of the Board of Directors of Liberty Bank, and chairman of the New Orleans East Hospital Service District A Board of Commissioners. He was honored in 2017 by Mayor Mitch Landrieu with the “Legend of New Orleans” award for his leadership as chairman of the Hospital Service District Board in building a new hospital to serve the residents of New Orleans East, an area that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He also was named a 2017 American Diabetes Association Father of the Year, which recognizes New Orleans area professionals who are chosen based on their ability to balance personal and professional lives, and serve as a role model for their children while making a positive difference in their communities.
