Moving products across the country—or around the world—requires more than just logistics. It demands trust, precision, and a deep understanding of how businesses grow. Today’s companies need partners who not only navigate the complexities of global supply chains but also anticipate challenges, provide flexible solutions, and offer unwavering support. The right logistics partner becomes more than a service provider—they become a trusted extension of the team, ensuring that what matters most arrives safely and on time, every time.

That’s the promise of Xebec International Logistics (XIL). With more than a decade of experience, Xebec pioneers innovative transportation and logistics solutions that are secure, adaptable, and tailored to businesses of all sizes. Whether shipping within the U.S. or expanding into global markets, Xebec delivers end-to-end logistics services, allowing clients to focus on innovation and growth while Xebec handles the rest.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including import and export management, customs brokerage, consulting, and supply chain warehousing, all supported by 24/7 monitoring and real-time guidance from industry experts. As a leading fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider, Xebec goes beyond coordination—it acts as a strategic partner. Its experts oversee every detail, streamline operations, integrate cutting-edge technology, and manage vendors with transparency and accuracy.

At CIO Bulletin, we had the privilege of interviewing Crystal Cleveland, CEO of Xebec International Logistics. She shared profound insights into how her company, driven by a client-first mindset and a commitment to operational excellence, manages logistics with precision and reliability.

Interview Highlights

Can you take us back to the inception of Xebec International Logistics? What sparked the vision, and how has that original mission evolved to position you as a leader in global logistics today?

In 2022, Xebec International Logistics was created and established to provide reasonable and efficient logistics solutions to clients with trouble locating affordable and dependable logistics solutions for import and export shipments and warehousing space to accommodate the ever-changing market.

Xebec offers an impressive suite of services, from 4PL solutions to customs brokerage and warehousing. What do you consider the cornerstone of your offerings, and how do these services set you apart in a crowded logistics market?

XIL provides high-quality freight forwarding and 4PL services to clients across various industries. These industries include food, healthcare, industrial, aerospace, and automotive manufacturers. XIL specializes in providing efficient and cost-effective services with short transit times. The company’s unique transit system allows for greater visibility into the entire freight forwarding process, whether the client requires air, sea, road, or rail transportation. XIL’s expertise in providing freight forwarding and 4PL services to companies in multiple sectors of the global trade industry helps all company divisions successfully attract and retain clients in the United States and continuously provide high-quality logistics support to all clients.

Your clients span both domestic and international markets. What unique challenges and opportunities come with balancing this dual focus?

Balancing both domestic and international markets presents a mix of unique challenges and opportunities. We encounter regulatory complexity both domestically and internationally, as well as operational and logistical differences in infrastructure and coordination. However, we overcome this by managing a dual focus with strategic adaptability—customizing approaches for both markets while maintaining efficiency and cohesion across operations. This drives our growth and also strengthens resilience and fosters innovation across the entire business.

How does Xebec measure its success on a global scale, beyond just efficiency and cost? What tangible difference has your work made for clients and communities worldwide?

While operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness are fundamental to any freight forwarder, we measure our global success through broader, more impactful metrics:

Customer Satisfaction & Retention: Success is reflected in long-term client relationships, high service ratings, and repeat business across regions. We actively track Net Promoter Scores (NPS), customer feedback, and issue resolution times worldwide.

Supply Chain Resilience & Responsiveness: We gauge our effectiveness by how quickly and flexibly we respond to disruptions—whether geopolitical, environmental, or economic—ensuring minimal impact on our clients’ operations.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact: We measure carbon emissions across our shipping routes and invest in greener logistics solutions (e.g., consolidated shipments, intermodal transport, carbon offset programs). Sustainability KPIs are built into our performance goals.

Compliance and Ethical Standards: Success includes maintaining consistent regulatory compliance across borders, upholding trade laws, and ensuring ethical practices in sourcing, labor, and safety.

Innovation and Digital Integration: We track how effectively we implement technologies like real-time tracking, AI route optimization, and paperless documentation—enhancing transparency and customer empowerment globally.

The tangible differences we have made for our clients include tailored localized expertise—meaning we provide region-specific guidance, navigating customs, local regulations, and cultural nuances—ensuring goods move smoothly with minimal delays. We also provide real-time visibility and proactive risk management through global monitoring systems and contingency planning, which help our clients avoid costly disruptions and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

For our communities, we support local economies by working with small businesses looking for growth opportunities. Xebec also partners with local and regional logistics providers, investing in workforce development, training programs with local colleges and universities, as well as participating in upliftment projects.

For us, global success isn't just about moving freight from point A to B—it’s about building trust, empowering businesses, and contributing to a more connected, sustainable world. We see our role not just as logistics providers, but as global partners for progress.

As a 4PL provider, your team often acts as an extension of your client’s business. How do you instill ownership and excellence in your team to live up to this responsibility?

As a 4PL provider, acting as an extension of our clients’ operations means we’re not just managing logistics—we’re embodying their brand, values, and performance expectations. To instill a deep sense of ownership and excellence in our team, we focus on four core pillars:

• Embedded Client-Centric Culture, by aligning with client objectives and cross-functional collaboration
• Empowerment through training and autonomy, through continuous learning and decision-making on the front lines
• Performance Accountability and Recognition, via shared KPIs and reward programs
• Value-Driven Leadership and Communication

At its core, our approach is about trust, alignment, and accountability. We don’t just serve our clients—we become an extension of their business, driven by a shared purpose. Through culture, training, and structure, we empower our teams to act like owners and deliver with excellence every step of the way.

As a leader in 2025, how is Xebec addressing sustainability in logistics—an issue critical to the future of global trade—and what innovations are you most proud of in this space?

As a leader in 2025, Xebec recognizes that sustainability in logistics is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental responsibility and a core driver of future-ready global trade. We’re addressing this critical issue through a multi-tiered strategy that blends innovation, partnership, and accountability, delivering tangible results across our operations.

We are addressing sustainability in logistics by focusing on the utilization of greener transportation networks. Currently, we are developing a carbon intelligence dashboard for clients, offering end-to-end visibility on emissions per shipment—by mode, region, and vendor. This helps clients meet ESG goals and make informed decisions regarding route and carrier selection.

Our warehouses are actively utilizing smart warehousing initiatives and engaging in circular supply chain consulting.

Our vision is to lead the transition from traditional freight to climate-smart logistics. Sustainability is embedded not only in how we move goods, but in how we make decisions, design solutions, and support our partners.

In short, we don’t see sustainability as a cost—but as a competitive advantage, a source of innovation, and a shared obligation to the future of trade and the planet.

Looking ahead, what are Xebec’s key priorities for the next five years? Any upcoming markets or innovations you’re particularly excited about?

Over the next five years, Xebec is zeroing in on scaling operations in RNG and hydrogen, expanding into CCUS at scale, enhancing its global service network, and pushing technological boundaries through hybrid membrane-PSA systems and ongoing R&D. These strategic pillars jointly support their ambitious financial and market share goals.

Forging a Global Legacy in Logistics: Crystal Cleveland’s Leadership at Xebec International Logistics

In just three years, Crystal Cleveland, with the support of her dedicated team, built Xebec International Logistics into a global powerhouse, successfully moving thousands of metric tons of goods across the globe. Starting with only $400 from her home, she secured industry-leading clients, including Global Organics, one of the nation’s largest organic sugar importers, and Sumitomo, a Fortune 500 global trading company serving Toyota and solar energy solutions providers. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Xebec is poised for continued expansion across the U.S. and internationally.

While many business leaders might revel in their achievements, Crystal remains grounded, consistently crediting her team of highly skilled professionals. She deeply values their contributions, recognizing that many left thriving careers to join her vision and transform Xebec into a world-renowned logistics company. Beyond business success, Crystal is committed to social responsibility, dedicating time and resources to support local youth and organizations in need. She also champions education on economic resources to empower others, fostering industry growth and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

“For us, global success isn't just about moving freight from point A to B—it’s about building trust, empowering businesses, and contributing to a more connected, sustainable world.”