About Dedicated Logistics Partner (DLP)
Founded in 2017
Powered by Our People, Driven by Commitment
At Dedicated Logistics Partner (DLP), we’re in the business of building trust — mile after mile. Founded in 2017, DLP was built on decades of hands-on experience in transportation leadership. Today, we operate a company-owned fleet of 80+ power units across New England and upstate New York, specializing in dedicated contract logistics for some of the most respected names in the automotive industry.
We’re not a broker or a middleman. We are the carrier. With a team-first mindset and disciplined execution, DLP delivers exceptional service through consistency, safety, and deep respect for every role in the supply chain.
Values
Mission & Vision
Our Mission is to deliver consistent, high-quality logistics solutions through disciplined operations, respectful partnerships, and a relentless focus on safety and service. Our Vision is to be the most trusted dedicated carrier in the Northeast — a company known for its reliability, integrity, and being a great place to work.
Safety First: We protect people, freight, and reputation through proactive training, inspections, and compliance.
Customer Commitment: Every shipment is a promise. We deliver with purpose and accountability.
Operational Discipline: We believe in preparation, process, and performance — not shortcuts.
Integrity in Action: We do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Trusted by Many
Industries Served
Automotive Parts
Industrial and Light Manufacturing Freight
Our Team
Meet Your Dedicated Logistics Partners
Chris Barnard
Chief Executive Officer -
Farmington, CT
Chris is the Founder and CEO of DLP. He launched the company in 2017 with a single operation in Allentown, PA and has since expanded it into a multi-region logistics platform operating across the Northeast and Southeast. With over 30 years in transportation, Chris began his career at Airborne Express in Ft. Lauderdale and went on to lead regional operations for DHL Supply Chain. His leadership style is hands-on, disciplined, and rooted in execution. Chris now focuses on strategic growth, acquisitions, and building long-term contract partnerships.
Samra Smajic
President - Farmington, CT
Samra leads DLP’s day-to-day operations across finance, fleet, HR, and service performance. She joined the company in 2020 as Finance Manager and quickly advanced through leadership roles due to her operational precision and strong team oversight. Samra brings deep financial and operational experience from the private sector and is known for her ability to scale systems, lead with accountability, and support high-performance teams. Samra serves as President, making DLP a woman-run company.
Rebecca Lowe Choa Lee
Finance & Operations Analyst - Farmington, CT
Rebecca plays a key role supporting DLP’s finance department and back-office operations. She manages day-to-day accounting, assists with financial reporting, and contributes to onboarding and compliance initiatives. Rebecca brings a strong background in business analysis and operational support, helping ensure the company stays on track as it grows.
Mirza Smajic
Director of Operations - Farmington, CT
Mirza oversees all DLP operations across regions, bringing a leadership style that’s driven by performance, process, and accountability. A Six Sigma practitioner with a deep understanding of lean methodology, Mirza focuses on safety, image, and measurable results. He is a strong communicator who builds bridges between teams and ensures our operations remain aligned and efficient. Mirza is deeply respected for his ability to lead with clarity, build relationships, and maintain a high-performance culture rooted in KPI accountability and safety-first execution.
Ferdinand Bent
Transportation Manager – Windsor Locks, CT
Ferdinand leads DLP’s largest operation out of Windsor Locks, bringing over 20 years of experience in transportation leadership. He’s known for building strong, reliable teams and training drivers who deliver at a high level. Ferdinand is a natural communicator who earns trust from both customers and frontline staff, creating a work environment built on respect and results. He always brings a positive attitude to the operation.
Eric Mills
Transportation Manager – Lewiston, ME
Eric manages operations in Maine and New Hampshire, leading one of the top-performing regions in our network. A former police officer, Eric brings discipline, integrity, and focus to everything he does. His operation consistently ranks at the top of our customer’s network for safety and service metrics. A Maine native, Eric knows the north country territory inside and out and maintains close relationships with customers and their end users.
Lino Nieto
Transportation Manager – Albany, NY
Lino worked his way up from driver to lead driver and now leads the Albany operation as Transportation Manager. He knows every route in his region inside and out, and he’s earned his reputation as someone who stays reliable under pressure. Lino’s background behind the wheel makes him relatable to his team, and his ability to lead with empathy and consistency has helped him build a strong, unified group.
Sheldon Campbell
Fleet & Safety Manager – Windsor Locks, CT
Sheldon oversees all aspects of fleet and safety across DLP’s multi-region operations. From DOT compliance to preventative maintenance and driver safety training, Sheldon plays a critical role in keeping our equipment road-ready and our teams protected. Based in Windsor Locks, he sets the standard for vehicle condition, regulatory readiness, and safe daily execution across every location we serve. Calm under pressure and highly respected, Sheldon is a key part of DLP’s operational backbone.
Chris Gray
Senior Operations Manager – Delray Beach, FL
Chris oversees DLP’s residential final mile operation in South Florida, bringing a sharp business mindset and strong customer insight to one of our most demanding markets. He’s earned the trust of our clients by staying hands-on, responsive, and consistently focused on safety, image, and cost control. Whether he’s tackling a logistics issue or a customer escalation, Chris brings clarity, confidence, and a calm command that keeps the operation moving.
Melissa Hassenplug
Operations Manager – Fort Myers, FL
Melissa runs the Fort Myers operation with a steady hand and a can-do mindset. She rose through the ranks from driver to supervisor to manager, and her team reflects the same commitment and work ethic she brings every day. Melissa is respected by her peers, trusted by her customer, and admired by her drivers — and she continues to lead one of the strongest-performing teams in our network.
Michael Long
Transportation Supervisor – Windsor Locks, CT
Michael is the kind of leader who shows up where he’s needed — and gets it done. As a Transportation Supervisor, he brings versatility, reliability, and a strong team-first mindset. Michael builds trust through action, stepping in to fill gaps and support his drivers whenever the job demands it. With deep experience across multiple types of equipment and a genuine ability to connect, Michael has earned the respect of both his team and our customer.
Yajaira Osborn
Administrative Services – Farmington, CT
Biography coming soon!